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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

6/1/20265613 S Marine Dr, Tempe US-AZ 33.37220, -111.914451 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area8 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

5/31/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area1 observed

Indian Peafowl (Domestic type)

Pavo cristatus

5/31/2026Sahuaro Ranch Park4 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

5/30/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

5/29/2026Roundhouse at The Boulders1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

5/29/2026Vista del Camino Park--McKellips Lake1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

5/29/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

5/29/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

5/29/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

6/1/2026

Mourning Dove

6/1/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

16/1/2026

Burrowing Owl

116/1/2026

Gila Woodpecker

26/1/2026

Say's Phoebe

16/1/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Western Kingbird

26/1/2026

Verdin

26/1/2026

European Starling

56/1/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

26/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

26/1/2026

House Finch

46/1/2026

Abert's Towhee

16/1/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

6/1/2026

Gambel's Quail

16/1/2026

Greater Roadrunner

16/1/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

36/1/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

16/1/2026

Gilded Flicker

26/1/2026

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.