As an Important Bird Area, Boyce Thompson Arboretum and the adjacent Arnett and Queen Creeks are known for spectacular birding opportunities.
Some 275 different species have been sighted. Guided bird walks take place between October and May.
Named the “most enchanting” Audubon Important Bird Area in Arizona, Boyce Thompson Arboretum provides important habitats and resources throughout the year, qualifying the site under the criteria “exceptional seasonal diversity of land-birds,” as well as “outstanding land-bird stopover site.” BTA’s riparian habitat, which provides for riparian-dependent species as well as rare and threatened species, is an exceptional example in a state where these important areas account for only one percent of land area. Of the 275 species recorded in the IBA, 62 are species of Special Conservation Status in Arizona.
This combination of high species richness and occasionally high numbers of migrants is ecologically significant and provides a remarkable opportunity for visitors to observe and learn about birds.
Your support helps us to protect birds and wildlife—and their habitats—and to educate the conservation leaders of tomorrow.
Every visit supports research, and environmental education, and directly benefits the mission and success of Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
Guided bird walks are an ideal way to get into birding or to sharpen your skills! Join birding experts on scheduled walks from October through May. Beginners are welcome. No binoculars? No problem! Ask in our gift shop when you pay admission; loaner binoculars are available.
Beginner Bird Walk
November 1, 2025, 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Are you interested in learning more about birding? Join us on a Beginner Bird Walk where you’ll learn how to use your binoculars and…
If it looks like a duck and it swims like a duck... it may not actually be a duck! Because it lacks webbed feet, the American Coot isn`t a duck at all, but we still think it`s very "coot".
We spotted this mom and chick enjoying a nice swim at the Arboretum. The top of the chick`s head is a yellow-orange color, but this will darken as it gets older. Plan a visit today to see even more birds that call the Arboretum home.
Today marks the start of monsoon season! Typically beginning June 15th, a shift in winds brings increased moisture while pressure builds in the upper atmosphere. This creates the perfect condition for a monsoon. The added moisture from these storms helps sustain plants and wildlife across the desert.
However, monsoons can also bring hazards like flash flooding. Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading outdoors. If you hear or see rushing water, move to higher ground and never attempt to cross.
Have you ever wondered why plants from completely different parts of the world can look so similar?
An arid-adapted plant native to Africa may share many characteristics with a species native to the Sonoran Desert, even though they evolved separately. This phenomenon is called convergent evolution!
Although these plants do not share a recent common ancestor, they have developed similar adaptations that help them survive in dry climates.
Visit our East Greenhouse to explore arid-adapted plants from the Eastern Hemisphere and see for yourself how they compare to Arizona`s native desert plants.
Start your morning off right at Boyce Thompson Arboretum! By taking advantage of our early summer hours, you can ensure a morning surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of nature before the temperature gets too hot.
June Hours: 6:00 am – 12:00 pm Open Wednesday – Monday Closed Tuesdays $16 Admission
Experience Boyce Thompson Arboretum from the comfort of a golf cart! Our expert Docents will take you on a tour of the most beautiful parts of the Arboretum while sharing stories, botanical facts, and other insights. These tours are the perfect way to explore the gardens during the hot summer months.
Summer Golf Cart Tours: 🗓1st, 3rd & 5th Fridays and Saturdays 🕣June-August | 7:30 am – 8:30 am 💲$20 per person, plus admission 5️⃣Up to 5 guests per tour
If you visit us this summer, you will likely see the many Turkey Vultures that call the Arboretum home! Early in the morning before it gets too hot they are often seen perched with wings outstretched toward the sun. As it get warmer, they take flight, utilizing warm air currents called thermals to stay up without ever needing to flap their wings. Their appearance and diet may make them seem frightening, but Turkey Vultures are wonderful birds that work hard to keep the environment clean. Come visit Boyce Thompson Arboretum and see the Turkey Vultures for yourself!
Fruit trees can thrive anywhere, even in the arid Arizona climate! You just have to know the right ones. At Boyce Thompson Arboretum, we grow apples, peaches, figs, almonds, and more. Come explore our gardens and don`t forget to stop by our gift shop on your way out to pick up a plant of your very own.
A coati found near Boyce Thompson Arboretum tested positive for rabies on Monday, June 8. When the coati was initially observed, she exhibited unusual behavior and was safely transported to a wildlife center nearby. Ultimately, she did not survive and after a post mortem necropsy, it was revealed she`d had rabies. We are working closely with Pinal County and Arizona Game and Fish to continue to monitor wildlife in the area for everyone`s safety.
The Arboretum takes visitor and pet safety very seriously. Staff will continue to monitor all coati movements within the Arboretum grounds, ensure they stay away from people and pets, and close areas they are accessing. To keep safe on our trails we urge you to do the following:
- Make sure your pet is fully vaccinated. - Keep your pet on a leash at all times. - Inform Boyce Thompson Arboretum Rangers and staff of any wildlife sightings, especially those that are near the trails. - Keep 50 feet away from all mammalian wildlife. - Inform Boyce Thompson Arboretum staff immediately if a sick or injured animal is observed.
For any questions or concerns, please feel free to send us a message....
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