Saguaro cacti and desert landscape under a clear sky

Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mallard, and Redhead 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

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

7/21/2026Old Vail Road- Granit Construction Pit4 observed

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

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

7/20/2026Gibbons Yard3 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

Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris

7/19/2026TBC 549_046 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

7/20/2026

Rock Pigeon

157/20/2026

White-winged Dove

37/20/2026

Mourning Dove

117/20/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/20/2026

Gila Woodpecker

37/20/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

77/20/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

17/20/2026

Verdin

27/20/2026

House Sparrow

57/20/2026

House Finch

97/20/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

47/20/2026

Lark Sparrow

87/20/2026

Abert's Towhee

17/20/2026

Western Tanager

17/20/2026

Black-headed Grosbeak

17/20/2026

Mexican Duck

17/15/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

27/15/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

17/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  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 Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash for birding?
The best months to visit Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash?
Notable species at Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash include American Wigeon, Mallard, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Rock Pigeon, Rufous Hummingbird, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash?
Birding at Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash?
There is no entrance fee at Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash?
Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.