A 104-acre riparian preserve along the Santa Cruz River with more than 260 recorded species, a 1.2-mile loop trail, and an accessible observation platform. Waterbirds, warblers, and hummingbirds headline the show, and guided nature strolls run regularly.
A paved mile of trail between Cortaro and Ina Roads, with cottonwoods and willows lining the river. Breeding season brings Yellow Warblers, Lucy's Warblers, and Bell's Vireos, and on summer evenings thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the Ina Road Bridge.
Marana's agricultural northwest is one of Southern Arizona's best places for winter birding and the most reliable spot in the area to see Burrowing Owls.
Walk the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail along the river just north of Trico and Marana Roads. In the winter, find the Great Horned Owl, Mountain Bluebirds, and flocks of Lawrence's Goldfinch, a species birders cross the country to see.
Burrowing Owls live along these field edges year-round. In winter, check utility poles and open ground for Ferruginous Hawk, North America's largest hawk. Bird slowly by car and pull fully off the road.
The drainage area near the cemetery holds water and cover, making it a good spot for Great Horned Owl, Green Heron, and more Lawrence's Goldfinches. This is an active place of remembrance, so bird quietly and respectfully.
Crested Caracara, a striking falcon of open country, ranges through the farmland here in winter. Watch fence lines and utility poles, and check any gathering of ravens or vultures.
Rocky desert terrain on Marana's northeast edge, with healthy saguaro stands and a trail network from the Dove Mountain area. Watch for Gilded Flicker, Gambel's Quail, and Greater Roadrunner.
A 20-acre desert sanctuary at Hardy and Thornydale with a half-mile loop trail, feeding stations, and 139 recorded species. The Alliance also runs bird walks and classes for every experience level.
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Santa Cruz River at the Oit Par Camp Trailhead
Hardin Road
Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery Drainage
Luckett Road
Every season has highlights. Winter (November through February) brings Ferruginous Hawks, Lawrence's Goldfinches, Mountain Bluebirds, and big blackbird flocks to the farm fields. Spring migration peaks mid-April through mid-May at El Rio Preserve and along the Santa Cruz River, and a second migration wave arrives with the August monsoon. Summer mornings are best for desert species and nesting warblers along the river.
Early in the day is best for birding. Desert bird activity peaks in the first few hours after sunrise, then drops off as temperatures climb, especially May through September. Owls along the farm fields route can also be active near dusk.
Hardin Road and the Stingray Drive area host Burrowing Owls year-round. Scan field edges, irrigation ditch banks, and burrow mounds, and view from your vehicle when possible. If an owl stands tall, bobs, or flushes, you're too close. Back off and let it settle.
Water, sun protection, and binoculars cover the basics. A spotting scope helps in the farm fields, where raptors and blackbird flocks are often at a distance. Closed-toe shoes are recommended on desert trails. Cell coverage can thin out in the agricultural northwest, so download maps ahead of time.
Yes. These roads run through working farms on private land. Pull fully off the road before stopping, never block field access, driveways, or farm equipment, and stay on public roads and established trails. At the Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, bird quietly and give any services a wide berth. As always, pack out everything you bring.
El Rio Preserve has paved parking, gravel paths, and an accessible observation platform, and the Santa Cruz River Walk is a paved, level mile. Most of the farm field route can be birded from a vehicle, making it a good option for birders with limited mobility.
Yes. Marana Parks & Recreation and Pima County naturalists lead regular tours and nature strolls at El Rio Preserve. Find upcoming dates on our events calendar.
eBird tracks sightings at Marana's hotspots, including El Rio Preserve and the farm fields locations. Checking recent checklists before you go is the best way to know what's already being spotted this week.
Wing It with the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival
Your guide to the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival, and birding hotspots in and around Marana!
Birding at El Rio Preserve: A Riparian Oasis in Marana
Experience one of the best birding hotspots and unique habitat types in Southern Arizona.
Birding Along The Santa Cruz River
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The Most Unusual Owls in Marana
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Discover Marana, Arizona Through Guided Tours
Exploring Marana on your own is rewarding, but the real story of our town comes alive on a guided tour.
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