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

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/6/2026Loews Ventana Canyon Resort1 observed

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

3/6/2026Pantano River Park--Glenn St/Sahuara Ave (opened 2018)1 observed

Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

3/6/2026University of Arizona3 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/6/2026Arthur Pack Regional Park3 observed

Sage Thrasher

Oreoscoptes montanus

3/6/2026Sabino Canyon Rec Area--Sabino Canyon Rd, non-IBA section1 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

3/6/2026Canada del Oro Riverfront Park2 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/6/2026Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash1 observed

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

3/6/2026Isabella Lee Natural Preserve1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/6/2026Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Wigeon

453/6/2026

Mallard

13/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

23/6/2026

Mourning Dove

13/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/6/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

13/6/2026

Gila Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

13/6/2026

Common Raven

13/6/2026

Verdin

23/6/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

23/6/2026

European Starling

13/6/2026

Phainopepla

13/6/2026

House Finch

13/6/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

23/6/2026

Abert's Towhee

13/6/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

23/6/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/6/2026

Redhead

13/6/2026

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.