Help contribute to the Tucson Birding Map by using AviAtlas!
Tucson Audubon Society and AviAtlas are joining forces to build a detailed catalog of birding locations (like those listed on this page) for the Greater Tucson area. The aim is to work with the local network of birders to assemble both a digital and printed resource for the birding community. The result is going to be site descriptions, photographs, and sighting data for over 50 birding locations in and around Tucson. This information is then going to be compiled and edited into a Tucson Birding Map available through Tucson Audubon. To add your sightings to AviAtlas, just click on the View in AviAtlas link next to the site name!
Urban Tucson—West Side
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - View in AviAtlas
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 - View in AviAtlas
Mission Road and Ajo Way. Lake, some tules, migrating waterfowl.
Saguaro National Park West - View in AviAtlas
Continue past the Desert Museum. Visitor Center, trails, rangers.
Sweetwater Wetland - View in AviAtlas
Artificial wetland associated with the Roger Road Wastewater Treatment Plant.
See map of the site and additional info
Pima County Kino Environmental Restoration Project (KERP) - View in AviAtlas
Flood control basins. Near East Ajo and Kino Parkway.
Additional info
Pima County Wastewater Treatment facilities. Bird Watching Opportunities and Protocols for all Tucson area facilities.
Urban Tucson—Northwest Side
Catalina State Park - View in AviAtlas
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 - View in AviAtlas
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 - View in AviAtlas
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.
Sabino Canyon - View in AviAtlas
Trails, pond, visitor center, guided walks, tram. For information call 749-3223.
Urban Tucson—East Side
Agua Caliente Park - View in AviAtlas
Northeast corner of Soldier Trail and Roger Road. For information call 882-2690 (County Parks Department). Site of Tucson Audubon's second Nature Shop.
Tanque Verde Wash - View in AviAtlas
North of Speedway on Wentworth. Park and walk along the wash.
Saguaro National Park East - View in AviAtlas
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 - View in AviAtlas
Oak-pine woodlands up to conifer forest. Nature programs and bird walks. (520) 625-8746
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve - View in AviAtlas
Tall cottonwoods and willows line a perenial stream. Owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy, 520 394-2400.
East of Tucson
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area - View in AviAtlas
One of America's premier birding areas, it includes 40 miles of the San Pedro River's gallery forest of cottonwoods and willows. 520 439-6428.
Ramsey Canyon Preserve - View in AviAtlas
Lush canyon in the Huachuca mountains is one of America's best sites for hummingbirds with 14 species recorded. Owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy, 520 378-2785.
Cave Creek Canyon/Portal - View in AviAtlas
One of the most scenic and birdy canyons in southeast Arizona. Perenial water and access to coniferous forest in the Chiricahua mountains, 520 364-3468.
North of Tucson
Boyce-Thompson Arboretum - View in AviAtlas
Located 90 minutes north of Tucson. See recent bird sightings at the Arboretum, and directions.
