Tucson Nature Notes: November

Gambel's Quail Callipepla gambelii

November is a lovely time to enjoy the birds around Tucson. Mornings are cooler, the desert is settling into fall, and backyard feeders can become busy gathering places as birds prepare for the season ahead.

Who You Might See

Winter visitors arriving:

Lesser Goldfinches (population boom), White-crowned Sparrows, Raptors 

Desert regulars:

Gila Woodpeckers
Curve-billed Thrashers
Cactus Wrens
Gambel’s Quail

Even when the weather cools, the desert is full of life.

Backyard Tips

Keep seed fresh. A reliable supply gives visiting birds a dependable place to stop for a meal.
Offer black-oil sunflower. Many backyard birds love it.
Try nyjer. It’s especially popular with finches.
Add fresh water. A clean birdbath can be just as inviting as a full feeder. 

Get Outdoors

Visit Tucson-area birding spots like Sweetwater Wetlands, where you can look for waterfowl arriving for winter, or Agua Caliente Park, where you might catch a raptor passing overhead.

This Month’s To-Do

Look out your window and notice who’s visiting. Project Feeder Watch starts and extends until April. Learn more and sign up at Project Feeder Watch. Keep your feeders full and clean, refresh the water daily, and enjoy the little moments, because sometimes the best nature show is happening right outside your door.

Happy birdwatching, Tucson!