San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument

Arizona · Southwest

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Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Common Loon Bald Eagle Double-crested Cormorant Ring-billed Gull Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/13/2026San Carlos Lake--IR 5712 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

4/13/2026San Carlos Lake--IR 5711 observed

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

4/13/2026San Carlos Lake--IR 5714 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

4/13/2026San Carlos Lake--IR 5711 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

4/13/2026San Carlos Lake--IR 3 roadside lookouts2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/13/2026San Carlos Lake--IR 5761 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Steller's Jay

14/13/2026

Cinnamon Teal

44/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

904/13/2026

Gadwall

54/13/2026

American Wigeon

34/13/2026

Mallard

44/13/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

44/13/2026

Mourning Dove

154/13/2026

American Coot

214/13/2026

Black-necked Stilt

24/13/2026

American Avocet

894/13/2026

Killdeer

34/13/2026

Semipalmated Plover

14/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/13/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

44/13/2026

Franklin's Gull

104/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

254/13/2026

Western Grebe

1004/13/2026

Clark's Grebe

64/13/2026

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

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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

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument for birding?▼

The best months to visit San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument?▼

Notable species at San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument?▼

Birding at San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument?▼

San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.