Best Birdwatching Near Tucson

Tucson is known as one of the best birdwatching spots in the entire country. People with a passion for birdwatching flock from all over to catch a glimpse of some of the most beautiful and rare birds in the nation.

The Rare Spotted Owl Can Be Seen in Madera Canyon Starting in May

Here are some of the best birdwatching spots in and around Tucson, Arizona.

Sabino Canyon

The Tucson Audubon Society organizes free birdwatching trips to Sabino Canyon with a focus on respecting the birds in their habitat. There is a shuttle tram that takes people to the top of the canyon, which is a great option for those who can’t walk for long periods of time. In addition to beautiful birds, visitors can enjoy breathtaking waterfalls and wild flowers. The canyon can get a little crowded during the weekends, so if that’s not your thing, you may want to try visiting during a weekday.

Madera Canyon

Madera Canyon is one of the most famous birding areas in the United States and is home to over 250 species of birds, including 15 hummingbird species. Some of the rarest birds people come to the area to see include the Elegant Trogon, Elf Owl, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, and Painted Redstart.

In May, visitors can enjoy special-edition night birding at Madera Canyon, where you can hear:

• Western and Whiskered Screech-Owls
• Elf Owls
• Flammulated Owls
• Spotted Owls

You can download or print a comprehensive checklist of Madera Canyon Birds on the Friends of Madera Canyon website. The site also has additional details about what to expect on your visit to Madera Canyon.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve 

This lush canyon in the Huachuca Mountains is one of America’s best sites for hummingbirds with 14 species recorded. Located southeast of the city of Tucson, visitors can enjoy guided walks starting in March through November. These walks start at 9 am and last approximately 2 hours; no reservations are required. The best months for birding are April through September.

Beyond birds, Ramsey Canyon is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including black bears, ridge-nosed rattlesnake, and unique pines such as the Apache and Chihuahua pines. For more information on birdwatching in Ramsey Canyon Preserve, visit The Nature Conservancy website.

Mount Lemmon

Mount Lemmon is the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains and offers visitors vast opportunity for birding. If you want to see Arizona’s specialty warblers, including Grace’s, Red-faced, and Olive, then Mount Lemmon is the place to be.

Stop at Molino Basin campground for your chance to spot Hooded and Scott’s Orioles. Head over to Bear Canyon to look for Arizona and Acorn Woodpeckers and Dusky-capped Flycatchers. For more information, visit BirdWatching Daily.

These are just a handful of the best birdwatching spots near Tucson, Arizona. For additional literature on ALL of the best birding spots in Southeast Arizona, check out Tucson Audubon’s Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona 8th Edition.

The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is an exclusive community featuring some of the most exquisite luxury homes in Tucson, Arizona. This luxury Dove Mountain real estate community includes expansive custom homesites as well as eight superb floor plans, giving you the opportunity to design your dream home. Management by The Ritz-Carlton provides the added touch of world-class service, with valets and concierges, and the option of cooks and housekeepers. Your Tucson custom home will be a relaxing haven where you can unwind while we handle the details of housekeeping, yard work and exterior maintenance. For more information visit www.theresidencesdovemountain.com.