Desert birding habitat

Ruby (ghost town - closed June 2024)

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Ruby (ghost town - closed June 2024) is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

4/14/2026Rock Corral Canyon2 observed

Scaled Quail

Callipepla squamata

4/14/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Cienega1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/14/2026Santa Gertrudis Lane (foot access only)1 observed

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

4/13/2026Ron Morriss Park1 observed

Brown-crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus tyrannulus

4/13/2026Santa Gertrudis Lane (foot access only)1 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

4/12/2026Chavez Siding Rd1 observed

Rufous-capped Warbler

Basileuterus rufifrons

4/12/2026Sycamore Canyon (Pajarito Mountains)2 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

4/12/2026Ron Morriss Park1 observed

Northern Pygmy-Owl (Mountain)

Glaucidium gnoma

4/12/2026Pena Blanca Canyon1 observed

Buff-collared Nightjar

Antrostomus ridgwayi

4/12/2026California Gulch/Warsaw Canyon confluence1 observed

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

4/12/2026California Gulch/Warsaw Canyon confluence3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

24/8/2026

White-winged Dove

24/8/2026

Mourning Dove

34/8/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

14/8/2026

Killdeer

14/8/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/8/2026

Great Horned Owl

24/8/2026

Elf Owl

14/8/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

14/8/2026

Black Phoebe

14/8/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

14/8/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

24/8/2026

Mexican Jay

34/8/2026

Common Raven

24/8/2026

Bewick's Wren

14/8/2026

House Finch

14/8/2026

Chipping Sparrow

44/8/2026

Lucy's Warbler

14/8/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

24/8/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ruby (ghost town - closed June 2024) for birding?
The best months to visit Ruby (ghost town - closed June 2024) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Ruby (ghost town - closed June 2024)?
Notable species at Ruby (ghost town - closed June 2024) include Cactus Wren, Greater Roadrunner, Gambel's Quail, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ruby (ghost town - closed June 2024)?
Birding at Ruby (ghost town - closed June 2024) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ruby (ghost town - closed June 2024)?
Ruby (ghost town - closed June 2024) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.