Lake birding habitat

Tempe Town Lake

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Tempe Town Lake is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, and Mallard 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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/20/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area9 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/20/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

7/20/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Indian Peafowl (Domestic type)

Pavo cristatus

7/19/2026Sahuaro Ranch Park1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

7/19/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

7/19/2026Joe and Molly's Yard1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

7/18/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

7/18/2026Friendship Village1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

7/16/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch3 observed

American Coot (White-shielded)

Fulica americana

7/15/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snowy Egret

17/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/19/2026

Mallard

37/18/2026

Rock Pigeon

87/18/2026

White-winged Dove

17/18/2026

Mourning Dove

37/18/2026

Verdin

37/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/18/2026

House Finch

27/18/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

47/18/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/18/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

27/18/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

67/17/2026

American Coot

37/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

87/17/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

127/17/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

27/17/2026

Great Egret

17/17/2026

Osprey

17/17/2026

Gila Woodpecker

17/17/2026

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 Tempe Town Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Tempe Town Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Tempe Town Lake?
Notable species at Tempe Town Lake include Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Rock Pigeon. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Tempe Town Lake?
Birding at Tempe Town Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Tempe Town Lake?
Tempe Town Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.