Tucson Audubon Society
Metro Tucson Area BirdingWe would like to expand these descriptions of Tucson area birding sites (feel free to email webmaster@tucsonaudubon.org, submit digital photos and/or descriptions of these locations or others near Tucson. However, for full southeast Arizona birding information, we recommend:
Finding Birds in Southeastern Arizona, 2004 (6th Edition), Tucson Audubon's complete reference for birding in southeast Arizona. Available for $24.95 from Tucson Audubon's Nature Shop, (520) 629-0510. Visit our online store.
Area Birding Locations
Urban Tucson-West Side
- The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Take Speedway west from I-10 or Kinney Road from Ajo Way. This is a must-see! All exhibits are live, and there are aviaries for desert birds and hummingbirds.
- Kennedy Park. Mission Road and Ajo Way. Lake, some tules, migrating waterfowl.
- Saguaro National Park West. Continue past the Desert Museum. Visitor Center, trails, rangers.
- Sweetwater Wetland: Artificial wetland associated with the Roger Road Wastewater Treatment Plant. (See an article on Tucsonaudubon.org (mosquito abatement at Sweetwater Wetland.)
Urban Tucson-Northwest Side
- Catalina State Park. Oracle Road, six miles north of Ina Road. Picnic and camping sites, trails, ranger on duty. Fee charged. Lush desert habitat. Birding trail.
- Tohono Chul Park. Near the northwest corner of intersection of Ina and Oracle Roades. Accessible by Suntran Bus. Desert park with nature trail. Fee.
- Silverbell Pond (County Park). West on Camino del Cerro (Ruthrauff Road) from I-10; south on Silverbell Road to park.
Urban Tucson-Northeast Side
- Mount Lemmon. Take Catalina Highway northeast from Tanque Verde Road. For desert and mountain species, stop at picnic and campgrounds (Molina Basin, Bear Canyon, Rose Canyon Lake and others) as you drive the narrow, winding road to high elevations. Note: There are currently traffic delays (mostly on weekdays) due to road construction. SeeMount Lemmon Highway Construction for details.
- Sabino Canyon. Trails, pond, visitor center, guided walks, tram. For information call 749-3223.
Urban Tucson-East Side
- Agua Caliente Park. Northeast corner of Soldier Trail and Roger Road. For information call 882-2690 (County Parks Department).
- Tanque Verde Wash. North of Speedway on Wentworth. Park and walk along the wash.
- Saguaro National Park East. 22nd Street east of Old Spanish Trail, which runs southeast to Monument. Scenic Drive, visitor center, trails, picnic grounds. Fee.
- Tucson Botanical Gardens offers bird and gardening tours Tues. 9-9:45 a.m. (free with cost of admission). 326-9686
South of Tucson
- Madera Canyon. Nature programs and bird walks. (520) 625-8746
North of Tucson
- Boyce-Thompson Arboretum, located 90 minutes north of Tucson. See recentbird sightings at the Arboretum, anddirections.
Birding Links
Alta Vista Bed and Breakfast
Innkeepers: Peter and Gaila Smith
11300 E. Broadway Blvd.
Tucson, Arizona 85748
Local# 520-647-3037
Toll free# 1-800-947-3037
