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The Birding Hub
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Catalina State Park

Arizona · Southwest

EasyOfficial Site View on eBird Directions
Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

$7 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

About This Location

Catalina State Park is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Great Horned Owl, and Red-naped Sapsucker among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Mourning DoveGreat Horned OwlRed-naped SapsuckerLadder-backed WoodpeckerVermilion FlycatcherRufous HummingbirdAmerican WigeonMallardMexican DuckRedheadRing-necked DuckAnna's Hummingbird

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

5/28/2026Mt. Lemmon--Cypress Picnic Area (Bear Canyon)1 observed

Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher

Myiodynastes luteiventris

5/28/2026Mt. Lemmon--Bear Canyon-3rd pullout1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

5/28/2026CDO Wash--along Tucson National Golf Course1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/27/2026Mt. Lemmon--Palisades Visitor Center2 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

5/27/2026Mt. Lemmon--Bear Wallow1 observed

Bullock's Oriole

Icterus bullockii

5/27/2026Mt. Lemmon--upper1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/27/2026Oracle State Park1 observed

Yellow-eyed Junco

Junco phaeonotus

5/27/2026stakeout Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Bear Canyon pullout1 observed

MacGillivray's Warbler

Geothlypis tolmiei

5/27/2026Catalina SP1 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

5/27/2026Mt. Lemmon--Rose Canyon and Lake1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

5/27/2026Mt. Lemmon--Rose Canyon and Lake1 observed

Gray Vireo

Vireo vicinior

5/27/2026Mt. Lemmon--Molino Basin1 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

5/27/2026Rillito River Park Oracle to La Canada1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

115/27/2026

Mourning Dove

65/27/2026

White-throated Swift

85/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/27/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

25/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/27/2026

Cooper's Hawk

25/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/27/2026

Gila Woodpecker

25/27/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

15/27/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

55/27/2026

Western Kingbird

15/27/2026

Bell's Vireo

45/27/2026

Verdin

35/27/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/27/2026

Phainopepla

15/27/2026

House Finch

35/27/2026

Rufous-winged Sparrow

85/27/2026

Canyon Towhee

45/27/2026

Abert's Towhee

25/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Trails
Visitor Center

Nearby Attractions

  • Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
  • Catalina Mountains
  • Tohono Chul Park

More in Arizona

Madera Canyon

Santa Rita Mountains canyon famous for Elegant Trogons and diverse hummingbirds.

Cave Creek Canyon

Chiricahua Mountains canyon and top US site for rare Mexican mountain species.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve

The Hummingbird Capital of the US with up to 15 species in the Huachuca Mountains.

Arizona Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Arizona →

Birding Guides

How to Attract Hummingbirds

10 min read

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Catalina State Park for birding?▼
The best months to visit Catalina State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Catalina State Park?▼
Notable species at Catalina State Park include Mourning Dove, Great Horned Owl, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Rufous Hummingbird, American Wigeon, Mallard, Mexican Duck, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Catalina State Park?▼
Birding at Catalina State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Catalina State Park?▼
The entrance fee at Catalina State Park is $7 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Catalina State Park?▼
Catalina State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.