Patagonia Lake State Park

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

$15-$20 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to 10 PM

About This Location

Patagonia Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 337 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Common Merganser, American Coot, and Pied-billed Grebe 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

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/5/2026Anza Trail--Tubac15 observed

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

3/5/2026Madera Canyon--Santa Rita Lodge2 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

3/5/2026Market Circle, Tubac, Arizona, US (31.605, -111.045)1 observed

Scott's Oriole

Icterus parisorum

3/5/2026Madera Canyon--Santa Rita Lodge1 observed

Gila Woodpecker

Melanerpes uropygialis

3/5/2026Madera Canyon--Santa Rita Lodge1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

3/5/2026Anza Trail--Tubac1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mexican Duck

13/5/2026

Common Merganser

53/5/2026

White-winged Dove

23/5/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

23/5/2026

American Coot

103/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/5/2026

Black Vulture

23/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/5/2026

House Finch

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

203/5/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

103/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/5/2026

Eared Grebe

33/5/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

43/5/2026

Marsh Wren

13/5/2026

Verdin

23/4/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

43/4/2026

Cinnamon Teal

23/4/2026

Mallard

33/4/2026

Bufflehead

83/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Bird activity peaks at dawn in desert habitats; arrive at first light for the best sightings.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Patagonia Lake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Patagonia Lake State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Patagonia Lake State Park?
Notable species at Patagonia Lake State Park include Common Merganser, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Eared Grebe, Neotropic Cormorant, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Acorn Woodpecker, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, House Sparrow, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Patagonia Lake State Park?
Birding at Patagonia Lake 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 Patagonia Lake State Park?
The entrance fee at Patagonia Lake State Park is $15-$20 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to 10 PM.
What amenities are available at Patagonia Lake State Park?
Patagonia Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.