Unwind and Reconnect at Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center

By Erica Freese,

A coyote comes in for a drink, all photos by Erica Freese

As you walk the gravel path from the parking lot to the cluster of low buildings, you are welcomed by the high-pitched whistle of a Costa’s Hummingbird, and a quintessential desert sound, the chatter of a Cactus Wren. Looking up you catch a glimpse of a Turkey Vulture circling high above, or if you’re lucky, a Zoned-tailed Hawk. Moving from the sun’s rays, you welcome the shade of a large mesquite tree as a zebra-tailed lizard darts away before stopping at a safe distance to wag its tail.

Costa's Hummingbird

This is a typical scene of what may greet you at Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center. Located on Hardy Road just off of Thornydale, the 20-acre plot is a richly vegetated parcel of nearly pristine saguaro-ironwood tree habitat. Feeding and water stations, as well as pollinator and habitat gardens surround the facilities to support seasonal and year-round populations of wildlife, especially birds. According to eBird, a community science app for reporting bird sightings, a total of 118 species of birds have been identified at the Mason Center. Gambel’s Quail, Gila Woodpeckers, Broad-billed Hummingbirds, Abert’s Towhees, Curve-billed Thrashers, and Cooper’s Hawks are routinely seen along with many other species. More rare visitors have included Wilson’s Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Bronzed Cowbird—even a Canada Goose was spotted flying over this year!

Whether you consider yourself a birder or not, Mason Center offers many ways to connect with nature. The property allows you to watch the seasons actively change the landscape. For example, signs of spring arrive with the saguaro buds, followed by the first white flowers crowning the tops. Black-tailed Gnatcatchers hop between branches of the blooming ironwoods. Even when temperatures creep above 100°, there is still activity to be found, as puffball quail chicks dart after their parents and spiny lizards do push-ups. As the days begin to shorten, fall and winter become wonderful times to visit and potentially catch a glimpse of a migrating hawk or warbler.

Gambel's Quail family

Feel free to stop by the main building and pick up a recent copy of Tucson Audubon’s Vermilion Flycatcher magazine, a map, and other educational materials. A staff member will likely be there during the week to say hello and answer any questions you may have. As a bonus, you may get a glimpse at various ongoing Tucson Audubon projects such as Desert Purple Martin nest box construction, saguaro planting, or installation of window decals to prevent bird collisions.

If you’re keen to explore a bit, there is a flat and easy .6 mile loop around the property, as well as a .3 mile loop. As the trail meanders through the ironwoods, palo verdes, and towering saguaros, you may find a shift in your mood and a calming of the mind which nature, and specifically bird calls, have been shown to do. Tune into the noises around you such as the call of a Mourning Dove or high-pitched chirp of a ground squirrel. Notice the often overlooked details such as the crisscrossing tracks left by lizards, javelina, and coyotes along the trail, or the rabbit quietly hiding under the protection of a cholla cactus. On warmer days, remember to look down now and then in case a snake is sharing the trail with you. 

Cactus Wren nest with nestlings

If venturing out on the trail doesn’t suit you, there are spots to sit behind the main building to watch birds and other critters visit the water dish and hummingbird and seed feeders. Shaded picnic tables are easily accessible so you can have your own food and beverage. The property also has composting toilets that are open during the week. 

During the week, the property gate is open 8am–5pm. If you are on the property after 5pm, the gate will open by automatic sensor located along the wooden fence line. Open dawn to dusk, if you want to visit on a weekend, please park on Hardy Road and enter via the small gate to the west of the parking lot. For additional trails and wildlife, head across the street to Arthur Pack Regional Park which offers a network of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and runners. 

Come visit Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center with your family and friends, or decide to take a moment to yourself and enjoy the solitude the land offers. The place is a gentle reminder to slow down, quiet your step, and reconnect to the natural world which we are all inherently a part of.

Erica Freese is Tucson Audubon's Director of Development and Communications.