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

Gray Vireo

Vireo vicinior

4/21/2026Oak Flat2 observed

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

4/18/2026Oak Flat1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-necked Duck

14/20/2026

White-winged Dove

54/20/2026

Mourning Dove

54/20/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

14/20/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

14/20/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

14/20/2026

American Coot

64/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/20/2026

Gila Woodpecker

24/20/2026

Bell's Vireo

204/20/2026

Verdin

44/20/2026

Phainopepla

14/20/2026

House Finch

14/20/2026

Abert's Towhee

14/20/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

14/20/2026

Hooded Oriole

14/20/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

64/20/2026

Lucy's Warbler

14/20/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

24/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

64/20/2026

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.