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Arizona is a birders Dream
Arizona is truly a birders dream. With its mind-boggling diverse landscape and biodiversity there really is a bird for every birder's preference here. But where to find them? Although, I have not been to each of these locations personally, I have collected a list of Arizona's more popular birding spots. And hope to hit them all one day.
My Personal Favorite Birding Spots
Here are some of my own personal East Valley birding spots. It is very likely you find me at one of these places on the occassion I get to go birding. Easy to navigate and wonderfully kid friendly these are the best places in the East Valley for beginner and pro birders alike.
Great Water Ranch- Gilbert, AZ
I am probably a little biased to this place because it is literally down the street from my house. Sharing property with the Gilbert Regional Library I am not ashamed to say that I first started going to GWR to play Pokemon Go and get some exercise in nature. It quickly became my favorite bird spot and convenient duck pond to take my toddler. I cannot recomend this Riparian Preserve enough.
Rare Birds You Might Encounter- Raptors! I have seen Bald Eagles, Osprey, various hawk species. Also an excellent place for rare aquatic birds like geese, pelicans, gulls, weird ducks, and kingfishers.
Address: 2757 E. Guadalupe Rd Gilbert, AZ 85234
Higley Recharge Ponds- Gilbert, AZ
The Recharge Ponds are the newest addition to my birding repertoire and I have fast become a huge fan. The Higley ponds are an overflow area for the Gilbert Riparian areas and boast four large basins which aren't always full but when they are attract a lot of water fowl and raptors to the area. Its easily walkable with well defined trails and nestled in between quiet residential.
Rare Birds You Might Encounter- Water and shore birds, when the water is high you can find many fun and unusual duck species and large flocks of shore birds like dowitchers and plovers. You can often see large raptors prowling the basins like Harrier hawks (also known as Grey Ghosts).
Address: Higley and Ocotillo-ish, the opposite side of Higley to the Gilbert Regional Park (there is public parking).
Freestone Park- Gilbert, AZ
This wouldn't be a place most would expect to be a great birdwatching site but its large duck pond and fishing lake means its can be a favorite stop over for different types of birds. It is also very close to the Riparian so you see a lot of species overlap. If you want to bird but have small kids this can be an excellent option as this park has multiple playgrounds, athletic facilities, and a carnival like area with some kiddie rides, a carousel, and train that travels around the park (rides required paid tickets).
Rare Birds You Might Encounter- This is my favorite place to spot the local Rosie Faced Love Bird population. They aren't always present but are pretty consistent. Also a great place for rarer ducks depending on the season.
Address: 1045 W Juniper Ave Gilbert, AZ 85233
Boyce Thompson Arborertum- Superior, AZ
A little further drive but only about an hour from Gilbert and the East Valley is Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Established in 1924, it is the oldest arboretum in Arizona. This large botanical garden is a stunning place to spend the day and its large plant collection and location attract many beautiful birds.
Rare Birds You Might Encounter- This is my go to for Northern Cardinals. I have also photographed Phainopeplas here.
Address: 37615 E. Arboretum Way Superior, Arizona 85173
Other Popular Birding SPots
Coming Soon.
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