San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument

Arizona · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

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

5/19/2026San Carlos Lake (Pinal Co.)1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

5/19/2026San Carlos Lake (Pinal Co.)2 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/19/2026San Carlos Lake (Pinal Co.)1 observed

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

5/19/2026San Carlos Lake (Pinal Co.)4 observed

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

5/19/2026San Carlos Lake (Pinal Co.)1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/19/2026San Carlos Lake (Pinal Co.)1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

5/19/2026San Carlos Lake (Gila Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Avocet

35/29/2026

Ring-billed Gull

65/29/2026

California Gull

15/29/2026

Western Grebe

75/29/2026

Clark's Grebe

125/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

705/29/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

85/29/2026

Snowy Egret

185/29/2026

Great Egret

65/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

215/29/2026

American White Pelican

1405/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/29/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/19/2026

White-winged Dove

15/19/2026

Zone-tailed Hawk

15/19/2026

Gila Woodpecker

15/19/2026

Gilded Flicker

15/19/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/19/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

25/19/2026

Bell's Vireo

35/19/2026

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

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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.