Located along the migratory path between Canada and Mexico, in an area at the north end of the tropical zone and the south end of the temperate zone, Tucson and Southern Arizona is one of the best bird-watching destinations in the United States.

More than 500 bird species have been observed here at different altitudes throughout the year. Hummingbirds are especially plentiful; more than 150 species have been seen in a single day during the spectacular spring and fall migrations.

Late summer monsoon rains bring the greatest number and diversity of bird species to Tucson and Southern Arizona, one of the premier bird-watching regions in the United States. Visitors can enjoy this seasonal abundance at two upcoming festivals:

Discover the region’s birds and butterflies at the Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival, August 1-4, in Sierra Vista. Take part in 35 field trips throughout southeastern Arizona, including overnight trips to the Chiricahua Mountains and Madera Canyon as well as a children’s program and a writer’s workshop.

Then explore Tucson and the surrounding area at the Tucson Bird and Wildlife Festival, August 15-19. The event includes The Sky Islands Birding Cup (Big Day competition) in addition to a Nature Expo, workshops, a youth birder outing, and field trips to nearby birding hot spots.