Prescott - Willow Lake

Arizona · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Prescott - Willow Lake is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 292 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Snow Goose, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Snow Goose Canada Goose Northern Shoveler Gadwall American Wigeon

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Redhead

Aythya americana

7/20/2026Watson Lake Overlook1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/20/2026Prescott--Willow Lake1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/15/2026Willow Lake south shore1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher (hendersoni)

Limnodromus griseus

7/15/2026Willow Lake south shore1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/12/2026Prescott WTP (Restricted Access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1007/20/2026

Wood Duck

17/20/2026

American Wigeon

37/20/2026

Mallard

1507/20/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

57/20/2026

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

American Coot

307/20/2026

Killdeer

17/20/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

17/20/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

27/20/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

207/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

107/20/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

17/20/2026

White-faced Ibis

157/20/2026

Great Egret

17/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

97/20/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/20/2026

Black Phoebe

17/20/2026

Western Kingbird

17/20/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Arizona

Madera Canyon

Santa Rita Mountains canyon famous for Elegant Trogons and diverse hummingbirds.

Cave Creek Canyon

Chiricahua Mountains canyon and top US site for rare Mexican mountain species.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve

The Hummingbird Capital of the US with up to 15 species in the Huachuca Mountains.

Arizona Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Arizona →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Prescott - Willow Lake for birding?▼

The best months to visit Prescott - Willow Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Prescott - Willow Lake?▼

Notable species at Prescott - Willow Lake include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Prescott - Willow Lake?▼

Birding at Prescott - Willow Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Prescott - Willow Lake?▼

Prescott - Willow Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.