A desert landscape is filled with cacti.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
ForestUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

$15 adults

Hours

Open daily, 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM (summer), 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (winter)

About This Location

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 291 species recorded on eBird. This forest and urban park habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Costa's Hummingbird, and Gila Woodpecker among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Violet-green Swallow

Tachycineta thalassina

6/17/2026Boyce Thompson Arboretum3 observed

Gray Vireo

Vireo vicinior

6/14/2026Oak Flat4 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

6/14/2026Boyce Thompson Arboretum1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

6/10/2026Boyce Thompson Arboretum1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

26/17/2026

Rock Pigeon

16/17/2026

White-winged Dove

16/17/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

26/17/2026

American Coot

16/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

46/17/2026

Gila Woodpecker

16/17/2026

Black Phoebe

16/17/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

16/17/2026

Bell's Vireo

56/17/2026

Verdin

56/17/2026

Violet-green Swallow

36/17/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

16/17/2026

House Finch

26/17/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

26/17/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

76/17/2026

Summer Tanager

16/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

86/17/2026

Mourning Dove

46/15/2026

White-throated Swift

56/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    This urban green space acts as a migrant trap — birds concentrate here during migration, especially after overnight flights.

  5. 5

    Bird activity peaks at dawn in desert habitats; arrive at first light for the best sightings.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Boyce Thompson Arboretum for birding?
The best months to visit Boyce Thompson Arboretum for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Boyce Thompson Arboretum?
Notable species at Boyce Thompson Arboretum include Mourning Dove, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Say's Phoebe, Verdin, House Finch, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Ring-necked Duck, Anna's Hummingbird, Sora, American Coot. The area supports forest, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Boyce Thompson Arboretum?
Birding at Boyce Thompson Arboretum is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Boyce Thompson Arboretum?
The entrance fee at Boyce Thompson Arboretum is $15 adults. Hours: Open daily, 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM (summer), 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (winter).
What amenities are available at Boyce Thompson Arboretum?
Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.