Catalina State Park

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

$7 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

About This Location

Catalina State Park is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Great Horned Owl, and Red-naped Sapsucker 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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

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

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

3/6/2026East Lawn Palms Cemetery1 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

3/6/20265540 E Silver Dust Pl, Tucson US-AZ 32.32334, -110.874151 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

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

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/6/2026Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson US-AZ 32.27971, -111.020411 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/6/2026SaddleBrooke Ranch Pond and surrounding area1 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

3/6/202611467 N. Eagle Peak Drive1 observed

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

3/6/2026El Rio Preserve2 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

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

Black-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata

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

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Danny Lopez Park (formerly Columbus Park)19 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/6/2026CDO Wash--along Tucson National Golf Course2 observed

Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

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

Sage Thrasher

Oreoscoptes montanus

3/6/2026Sabino Dam and downstream riparian1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rufous-winged Sparrow

13/6/2026

Gambel's Quail

23/6/2026

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

13/6/2026

Great Horned Owl

33/6/2026

Gila Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

13/6/2026

Bell's Vireo

13/6/2026

Verdin

33/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/6/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/6/2026

Phainopepla

33/6/2026

House Sparrow

23/6/2026

House Finch

33/6/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

43/6/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

13/6/2026

Lincoln's Sparrow

13/6/2026

Canyon Towhee

23/6/2026

Abert's Towhee

13/6/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  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 Catalina State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Catalina State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Catalina State Park?
Notable species at Catalina State Park include Mourning Dove, Great Horned Owl, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Rufous Hummingbird, American Wigeon, Mallard, Mexican Duck, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Catalina State Park?
Birding at Catalina State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Catalina State Park?
The entrance fee at Catalina State Park is $7 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Catalina State Park?
Catalina State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.