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

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

6/2/2026Veterans Oasis Park1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

6/2/2026GRIC--Gilbert Rd Agricultural Ponds (Pinal Co; roadside only)1 observed

Gray Flycatcher

Empidonax wrightii

6/1/2026Marbella1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area8 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

5/31/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area1 observed

Indian Peafowl (Domestic type)

Pavo cristatus

5/31/2026Sahuaro Ranch Park4 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

5/30/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

5/29/2026Vista del Camino Park--McKellips Lake1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

5/29/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

5/29/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

5/29/2026Salt River--Granite Reef Recreation Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

16/2/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

36/2/2026

Snowy Egret

16/2/2026

Great Egret

66/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

36/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Verdin

16/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

16/2/2026

House Finch

26/2/2026

Song Sparrow

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/2/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

56/2/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/2/2026

Mallard

105/31/2026

Mourning Dove

155/31/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/31/2026

Common Gallinule

15/31/2026

American Coot

15/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Gila Woodpecker

25/31/2026

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.