Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

3/6/2026East Lawn Palms Cemetery1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/6/2026Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash1 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

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

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/5/2026Sabino Dam and downstream riparian3 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/5/2026Tallercito Tumamoc1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Wigeon

303/6/2026

Mallard

83/6/2026

Redhead

23/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

203/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

23/6/2026

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/6/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

23/6/2026

Great Egret

13/6/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

23/6/2026

Verdin

13/6/2026

Phainopepla

13/6/2026

Mexican Duck

13/6/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/6/2026

Gila Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Bell's Vireo

13/6/2026

Common Raven

43/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/6/2026

House Sparrow

23/6/2026

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.