Ruby (ghost town - closed June 2024)

Arizona · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

FallWinterSpring

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

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026The Ice House2 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/6/2026374 Gull Ct Rio Rico Az.2 observed

Bell's Vireo (Arizona)

Vireo bellii

3/6/2026Anza Trail--Carmen (Clark Crossing Rd)1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

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

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/5/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/5/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

3/5/2026Anza Trail--Tubac1 observed

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium gnoma

3/5/2026Sycamore Canyon (Pajarito Mountains)1 observed

Rufous-capped Warbler

Basileuterus rufifrons

3/5/2026Sycamore Canyon (Pajarito Mountains)2 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/4/2026Anza Trail--Tubac1 observed

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

More in Arizona

Madera Canyon

Santa Rita Mountains canyon famous for Elegant Trogons and diverse hummingbirds.

Cave Creek Canyon

Chiricahua Mountains canyon and top US site for rare Mexican mountain species.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve

The Hummingbird Capital of the US with up to 15 species in the Huachuca Mountains.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

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.