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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

6/3/2026Agua Nueva Park (was Roger Road WRF)1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

6/3/2026Mt. Lemmon--Palisades Visitor Center1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

6/3/2026Mt. Lemmon--Incinerator Ridge1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

6/3/2026CDO Wash--along Tucson National Golf Course1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

6/3/2026Mt. Lemmon--Rose Canyon and Lake2 observed

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

6/3/2026Reid Park2 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

6/3/2026Danny Lopez Park (formerly Columbus Park)1 observed

Gray Hawk

Buteo plagiatus

6/3/2026Isabella Lee Natural Preserve1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/3/2026Arthur Pack Regional Park1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

6/3/2026Sweetwater Wetlands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

56/1/2026

Rock Pigeon

46/1/2026

White-winged Dove

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

46/1/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

16/1/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

16/1/2026

Gila Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Say's Phoebe

16/1/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

46/1/2026

European Starling

66/1/2026

House Sparrow

66/1/2026

House Finch

66/1/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

26/1/2026

Abert's Towhee

16/1/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

16/1/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/1/2026

Bell's Vireo

15/29/2026

Verdin

25/29/2026

Hooded Oriole

15/29/2026

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.