Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
ForestUrban Park
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

3/4/2026Boyce Thompson Arboretum1 observed

Fox Sparrow (Slate-colored)

Passerella iliaca

3/1/2026Oak Flat2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/1/2026Oak Flat2 observed

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

2/27/2026Boyce Thompson Arboretum1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

2/25/2026Boyce Thompson Arboretum1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

2/24/2026Boyce Thompson Arboretum1 observed

Mountain Chickadee

Poecile gambeli

2/24/2026Boyce Thompson Arboretum1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-necked Duck

303/5/2026

Gambel's Quail

43/5/2026

White-winged Dove

43/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

63/5/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

33/5/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

23/5/2026

Sora

13/5/2026

American Coot

53/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/5/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/5/2026

Gila Woodpecker

63/5/2026

Black Phoebe

23/5/2026

Say's Phoebe

13/5/2026

Verdin

113/5/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

13/5/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

63/5/2026

Rock Wren

23/5/2026

Canyon Wren

13/5/2026

Northern House Wren

13/5/2026

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.