Desert birding habitat

Prescott - Goldwater Lakes

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Prescott - Goldwater Lakes is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, and Common Goldeneye 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 Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/28/2026Prescott--Willow Lake2 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

5/26/2026Private Residence1 observed

Willow Flycatcher (Southwestern)

Empidonax traillii

5/25/2026Prescott--Willow Lake1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/23/2026Home1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/21/2026Prescott--Willow Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

56/1/2026

American Coot

86/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

76/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

66/1/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

86/1/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Black Phoebe

36/1/2026

Common Raven

16/1/2026

Bridled Titmouse

16/1/2026

Bushtit

26/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

26/1/2026

Spotted Towhee

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/1/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

6/1/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

6/1/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

6/1/2026

Cooper's Hawk

6/1/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Prescott - Goldwater Lakes for birding?
The best months to visit Prescott - Goldwater Lakes for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Prescott - Goldwater Lakes?
Notable species at Prescott - Goldwater Lakes include Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Prescott - Goldwater Lakes?
Birding at Prescott - Goldwater Lakes is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Prescott - Goldwater Lakes?
Prescott - Goldwater Lakes offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.