Are you looking to go birdwatching in Arizona? You’re in luck. Arizona is a breeding ground for an amazingly diverse range of bird species. In total, Arizona is home to over 550 species of birds, according to the Arizona Bird Committee. There’s no shortage of birdwatching opportunities. Enjoy hummingbird sightings, incredible canyon wren, quail, and more on these five wonderful birdwatching hikes in Arizona.
There’s no shortage of species at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park near Superior. The arboretum’s 323 sprawling acres are home to hundreds of species of plants, animals, and birds from around the desert. Known as the oldest and largest botanical garden in Arizona, the arboretum is your best chance to see diverse species of birds in one area. It’s home to over 250 bird species including desert dwellers like Gambel’s quail and canyon wren. The best way to take in the arboretum’s beauty is by hiking the Main Trail. Though only 1.5 miles-long, it leads to plenty of offshoot trails where you can pursue additional birdwatching opportunities. You can grab a bird list from the visitor center and spend the day getting lost at one of Arizona’s most beautiful treasures.
Bird lovers know all about the Ramsey Canyon Preserve. It’s located in the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area in southeastern Arizona. The preserve is also part of the San Pedro River Basin, which is known for having wide-ranging diversity of flora and fauna. You can experience the best the Ramsey Canyon Preserve has to offer by taking the Ramsey Canyon Trail. This 2.8-mile trek takes you through steep switchbacks en route to a scenic overlook in the Coronado National Forest. You’ll continue into the Miller Peak Wilderness and eventually reach a waterfall filled riparian area. This gorgeous hike does require a permit through the Ramsey Canyon Preserve, but it’s well worth it to get a glimpse at some of the 15 species of hummingbirds that call this hike home.
The Madera Canyon Trail is a hidden treasure. It’s located about 50 miles south of Tucson deep in the Santa Rita Mountains. This 2.4-mile loop is well worth the find. It’s home to over 240 bird species and at least a dozen types of hummingbirds. The trail continues along a stream and eventually leads to scenic views of Madera Canyon and Santa Cruz Valley. The high elevation and woodlands provide refuge from the Arizona heat, which welcomes birds and birdwatchers alike. You can access this trail from a roadside trailhead along the Madera Canyon scenic drive. Bird checklists are also available at the nearby Santa Rita Lodge.
Catalina State Park has all the elements of a great desert experience. It’s home to thousands of saguaros, sprawling acres of mountainous terrain, and hundreds of species of wildlife. Located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Catalina State Park winds through some of the most amazing natural beauty the desert has to offer. It’s also located only a few minutes removed from Tucson and is easily accessible for southern Arizonans. Birdwatchers can take the one-mile birding trail loop, which showcases many of the 150 species of birds located within the park. The trail is also home to many of the beautiful desert wildflowers that call the Coronado National Forest home.
You don’t have to go to a zoo to see endangered species. Instead, take a trip to Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. This 873-acre nature preserve was the first project of the Nature Conservancy in Arizona. Located in a valley situated between the Santa Rita and Patagonia Mountains, this southeastern preserve is home to one of the only permanent streams in the area. As a result, it’s a lush riparian habitat that features hundreds of species of endangered animals and birds. Though it’s in the southeast, the preserve’s water and high elevation make it a rare spot for lush vegetation in the area. You can take a one-mile trail from the preserve to the Tucson Audubon’s Paton House. It showcases hundreds of species of birds and is best enjoyed in the fall.
