Lake birding habitat

McCormick Ranch - Camelback Lake (Chart House)

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

McCormick Ranch - Camelback Lake (Chart House) is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Zone-tailed Hawk, Canada Goose, and Cinnamon Teal 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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/20/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area9 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/20/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

7/20/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Indian Peafowl (Domestic type)

Pavo cristatus

7/19/2026Sahuaro Ranch Park1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

7/19/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

7/19/2026Roundhouse at The Boulders1 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

7/19/2026Joe and Molly's Yard1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

7/18/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

7/18/2026Friendship Village1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

7/16/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch3 observed

American Coot (White-shielded)

Fulica americana

7/15/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/21/2026

White-winged Dove

47/21/2026

Mourning Dove

227/21/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/21/2026

Rosy-faced Lovebird

47/21/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

47/21/2026

Common Raven

17/21/2026

Verdin

57/21/2026

European Starling

27/21/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

17/21/2026

House Finch

27/21/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

17/21/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

37/21/2026

Canada Goose

37/21/2026

Mallard

27/21/2026

Rock Pigeon

37/21/2026

Snowy Egret

17/21/2026

Gila Woodpecker

17/21/2026

Black Phoebe

27/21/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

17/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit McCormick Ranch - Camelback Lake (Chart House) for birding?
The best months to visit McCormick Ranch - Camelback Lake (Chart House) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at McCormick Ranch - Camelback Lake (Chart House)?
Notable species at McCormick Ranch - Camelback Lake (Chart House) include Zone-tailed Hawk, Canada Goose, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at McCormick Ranch - Camelback Lake (Chart House)?
Birding at McCormick Ranch - Camelback Lake (Chart House) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at McCormick Ranch - Camelback Lake (Chart House)?
McCormick Ranch - Camelback Lake (Chart House) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.