Tucson Birding Trail
Over 350 species of birds have been sighted in the Tucson metropolitan area which makes Tucson a bird-watcher's paradise. Tucson is surrounded by beautiful natural areas which are prime birding sites, but you don't have to leave the city to see a large variety of birds.
Tucson Parks and Recreation and the Tucson Audubon Society has developed a map showing 45 birding sites in the greater Tucson metropolitan area. The printed version of the map is available at Tucson Parks and Recreation locations and Tucson Audubon Nature Shops. You can download a PDF of the map or look at the birding sites online through the links below.
- Tucson Birding Trail (for print)
Tucson Audubon Society
The Tucson Audubon Society's mission is to inspire "people to enjoy and protect birds through recreation, education, conservation, and restoration of the environment upon which we all depend." Tucson Audubon offers field trips, nature shops, monthly programs, publications and information for birding in southeast Arizona. Please visit their website for more information.
Birding Ethics
Approach birding with the health and safety of nesting birds and bird populations as your first priority. For more information on how to protect birds while birding, see the American Birding Association's Principles of Birding Ethics.
Reporting Birds
We strongly encourage birders to track their sightings in eBird. eBird facilitates listing the species you have seen and also makes those data available to scientists and other birders. If you see an unusual species, or one you think may be unusual, report it to Tucson Audubon's Rare Bird Alert by email or phone (520-629-0510, extension 3). For highly unusual sightings, gather enough information for evaluation by the Arizona Bird Committee.
Health and Safety
Remember that you are in a desert. In addition to your binoculars, field guides and camera, always take water and a hat and wear shoes that protect your feet. In this arid climate, dehydration can happen much faster than you'd expect, even when temperatures are mild. Carry and drink more water than you think you need. Long pants and long sleeves are recommended to protect from sunburn, thorny plants, and mosquitoes. Be aware that your surroundings may contain rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, javalinas, coyotes, and scorpions. Watch where you step, reach, and sit. In the summer, be aware that rain can cause flash floods in usually-dry drainages even if it is not raining at your location. Please stay on established roads and trails and always respect private property.