Ruby (ghost town - closed June 2024)

Arizona · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

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

Cactus Wren Greater Roadrunner Gambel's Quail Curve-billed Thrasher Phainopepla

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

American Coot (White-shielded)

Fulica americana

5/26/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Triangle Pond1 observed

Rufous-capped Warbler

Basileuterus rufifrons

5/26/2026Sycamore Canyon (Pajarito Mountains)1 observed

Northern Cardinal (Common)

Cardinalis cardinalis

5/26/2026Santa Gertrudis Lane (foot access only)6 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

5/26/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Creek Trailhead1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

5/25/2026374 Gull Ct Rio Rico Az.3 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

5/25/2026Market House1 observed

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

Ramosomyia violiceps

5/24/2026Market House1 observed

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

5/24/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Hutton's Vireo (Interior)

Vireo huttoni

5/23/2026Santa Gertrudis Lane (foot access only)1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

5/22/2026Buenos Aires NWR--Arivaca Creek Trailhead1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mexican Duck

25/27/2026

Ruddy Duck

15/27/2026

Common Ground Dove

55/27/2026

White-winged Dove

85/27/2026

Mourning Dove

65/27/2026

Lesser Nighthawk

25/27/2026

Common Poorwill

15/27/2026

White-throated Swift

25/27/2026

American Coot

55/27/2026

Killdeer

45/27/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

35/27/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

155/27/2026

Black Vulture

25/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

75/27/2026

Gray Hawk

15/27/2026

Zone-tailed Hawk

15/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/27/2026

Elf Owl

15/27/2026

Black Phoebe

25/27/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

95/27/2026

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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Arizona Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Arizona →

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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.