Glendale Recharge Ponds

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily

About This Location

Glendale Recharge Ponds is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 299 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, and Mallard among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/5/2026Base and Meridian WA1 observed

Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope)

Empidonax difficilis

3/5/2026Base and Meridian WA1 observed

Common Black Hawk

Buteogallus anthracinus

3/5/202618912 North 68th Avenue, Glendale, Arizona, US (33.656, -112.206)1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/5/2026Tres Rios Overbank Wetlands (permit required)2 observed

Steller's Jay (Southwest Interior)

Cyanocitta stelleri

3/5/2026Tres Rios Overbank Wetlands (permit required)2 observed

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

3/5/2026Encanto Park1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

3/4/2026Rio Vista Community Park/Riparian Area1 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

3/3/2026Base and Meridian WA1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

3/3/2026Base and Meridian WA1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/3/2026Base and Meridian WA1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

3/3/2026Base and Meridian WA2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

253/5/2026

American Wigeon

303/5/2026

Mallard

123/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

13/5/2026

Redhead

103/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

273/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

53/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

103/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

American Coot

73/5/2026

Black-necked Stilt

23/5/2026

Killdeer

33/5/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

503/5/2026

Osprey

13/5/2026

Verdin

13/5/2026

Cliff Swallow

83/5/2026

European Starling

53/5/2026

House Sparrow

43/5/2026

House Finch

13/5/2026

Western Meadowlark

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Glendale Recharge Ponds for birding?
The best months to visit Glendale Recharge Ponds for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Glendale Recharge Ponds?
Notable species at Glendale Recharge Ponds include Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Redhead, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Inca Dove, White-winged Dove, American Kestrel, European Starling, Northern Mockingbird. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Glendale Recharge Ponds?
Birding at Glendale Recharge Ponds is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Glendale Recharge Ponds?
There is no entrance fee at Glendale Recharge Ponds. Hours: Open daily.
What amenities are available at Glendale Recharge Ponds?
Glendale Recharge Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.