a large body of water with mountains in the background

Catalina State Park

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/21/2026Sweetwater Wetlands1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

7/21/2026Oro Valley yard (private, not exact location)1 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

7/20/2026Mt. Lemmon--Mt Bigelow Rd1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

7/20/2026Mt. Lemmon--Sunset Trailhead (lower Bear Wallow)1 observed

Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher

Myiodynastes luteiventris

7/20/2026stakeout Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Bear Canyon pullout1 observed

Gray Vireo

Vireo vicinior

7/20/2026Mt. Lemmon--Molino Basin1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

7/20/2026Placita De Suerte area1 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

7/20/2026Arthur Pack Regional Park1 observed

Cassin's Sparrow

Peucaea cassinii

7/20/2026Oracle State Park1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

7/19/2026Mt. Lemmon--Butterfly Trail1 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/19/2026Mt. Lemmon--Sunset Trailhead (lower Bear Wallow)7 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

7/19/2026Mt. Lemmon--Sunset Trailhead (lower Bear Wallow)1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

7/19/2026Mt. Lemmon--Sunset Trailhead (lower Bear Wallow)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/21/2026

White-winged Dove

67/21/2026

Mourning Dove

27/21/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

17/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/21/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/21/2026

Great Horned Owl

17/21/2026

Gila Woodpecker

57/21/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

27/21/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

27/21/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

27/21/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

57/21/2026

Bell's Vireo

47/21/2026

Verdin

27/21/2026

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

17/21/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/21/2026

House Finch

57/21/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

47/21/2026

Rufous-winged Sparrow

57/21/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

47/21/2026

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.

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.