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…
Is your garden ready for fall? Here`s some garden chores you can getting started on:
🌱Plant trees, shrubs & perennials. 🌱Start your vegetable garden. 🌱Clean up after monsoon season.
In need of more plants? Mark your calendars for our Fall Plant Sale! Starting October 17th (with a member`s preview on the 16th), you can shop for plants from around the world perfectly adapted to our climate.
With the Green Gala almost a month away, we wanted to take some time to appreciate all our sponsors! Your generosity makes this celebration possible and advances our mission to inspire, educate, and conserve.
Interested in attending? It`s not too late! See the link in our bio for more information.
Seeing an Easter Lily Cactus bloom is a very special experience. The flowers are large and showy, a beautiful thing to observe, but are only open for a single night. They demonstrate that even if something is temporary, it doesn`t make it any less meaningful.
Our hours are changing! From October to April we will be open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Last admission at 4:00 pm.
The cooler weather also means there`s more fun to be had at the Arboretum! Join us for: 🍃Family Workshops 🍃 Weekly walks and tours 🍃Outdoor Yoga and Forest Bathing 🍃 Watercolor and Photography classes 🍃And more!
Check out our events calendar to see all we have planned. See the link in our bio!
Want to see the coatis? They`ve been spotted every day this week, so now`s a great time to stop by!
While a coati sighting is never guaranteed, the best place to look for them is in the Canyon Region in the early mornings. They love climbing trees in search of a good snack, or snuffling on the ground for dropped fruit. Keep an eye out as you explore our trails, and maybe you`ll see one exploring right along with you.
If you get any good photos, tag us in your post! We can never get enough cute coati pics.
📅October 2026 – April 2027 🕤 Every Thursday | 9:30 – 10:30 am
Explore the Arboretum with our Docents on a hour long golf cart tour! Our knowledgeable Docents will give you insights into our collections and take you to the best photo ops the gardens have to offer.
Cart tours are limited to 5 guests per tour. Due to limited space pre-registration is highly recommended. Purchase your tickets at our Welcome Center Gift Shop or online at btarboretum.org/event
This is a juvenile Northern Cardinal, and you can see their adult plumage hasn`t quite come in yet. As they get older, their beaks will turn from dark gray to an orange-red. The female`s feathers stay brown, with hints of red in the wings, tails, and crests, but the males turn into the vibrant red we all know so well!
The cardinals love exploring the gardens. When you visit us next, keep an eye out for our feathery friends! And don`t forget to tag us in any photos you post.
Have you started your fall garden yet? While the weather is still hot, you can start by growing these seeds indoors:
🪴Napa Cabbage 🪴Texas Grano Onion 🪴Kale 🪴Broccoli
Once they`ve grown big enough, and the weather gets cooler, you can transport them to your outdoor garden.
In need of new plants? Stop by our plant sale happening October 17 - November 1st! Members get 20% off AND early access on October 16. Sign up to become a member today to save time in line! Link in bio.
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