It’s the season of boat tours and bird walks at Patagonia Lake State Park south of Tucson.
Pontoon boat tours, which last one hour and cost $5 per person in addition to the park entrance fee, are held at several times on Saturdays and Sundays. Free birdwatching walks begin at 9 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays.
BOARD A BOAT
Avian Adventure Boat Tours are held at 9 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and Lake Discovery Tours begin at 11:30 a.m. both days.
Twilight Boat Tours also are available, but times vary.
Reservations are required for the boat tours and can be made by calling 1-520-287-2791. People registered for a boat tour should arrive at the park visitor center 15 minutes prior to departure.
SPOT SOME BIRDS
The Monday and Friday bird walks, which are free with the regular park entrance fee or an Arizona State Parks annual pass, begin at 9 a.m. at the Birding Kiosk at the east end of the park campground. Pre-registration isn’t required.
The walks last two to three hours and follow the birding trail at the east end of the lake. Scenery includes a mesquite grove and a cottonwood-willow area along Sonoita Creek.
The Patagonia Lake area has a wide variety of bird species — from turkey vultures to tanagers. Boat tours and bird walks will be available through the first week of April.
