Desert birding habitat

The Lakes at Castle Rock

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

The Lakes at Castle Rock is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 225 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard x Mexican Duck (hybrid), Ruddy Duck, and Eurasian Collared-Dove 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

Anna's x Costa's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Calypte anna x costae

7/21/2026Michael Sadat's Yard1 observed

Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher

Myiodynastes luteiventris

7/21/2026stakeout Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Bear Canyon pullout1 observed

Common Black Hawk (Common)

Buteogallus anthracinus

7/21/2026Mt. Lemmon--Rose Canyon and Lake1 observed

Gray Vireo

Vireo vicinior

7/21/2026Arizona National Scenic Trail, Tucson US-AZ 32.33813, -110.689301 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

7/21/2026Old Vail Road- Granit Construction Pit4 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/21/2026Sweetwater Wetlands1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

7/21/2026Oro Valley Yard (private, not exact location)1 observed

Red Crossbill (Ponderosa Pine or type 2)

Loxia curvirostra

7/20/2026Mt. Lemmon--Mt Bigelow Rd20 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

7/20/2026Mt. Lemmon--Mt Bigelow Rd1 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

7/20/2026Mt. Lemmon--Sunset Trailhead (lower Bear Wallow)1 observed

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

7/20/2026Placita De Suerte area1 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

7/20/2026Arthur Pack Regional Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Horned Owl

27/21/2026

Lesser Nighthawk

17/21/2026

Western Screech-Owl

17/21/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

17/21/2026

Gambel's Quail

27/21/2026

White-winged Dove

87/21/2026

Mourning Dove

27/21/2026

Greater Roadrunner

17/21/2026

Common Poorwill

17/21/2026

Gila Woodpecker

37/21/2026

Common Raven

47/21/2026

Verdin

37/21/2026

Purple Martin

17/21/2026

Cactus Wren

37/21/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

27/21/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

37/21/2026

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

17/21/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/21/2026

Pyrrhuloxia

37/21/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

27/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit The Lakes at Castle Rock for birding?
The best months to visit The Lakes at Castle Rock for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at The Lakes at Castle Rock?
Notable species at The Lakes at Castle Rock include Mallard x Mexican Duck (hybrid), Ruddy Duck, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, American Coot. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at The Lakes at Castle Rock?
Birding at The Lakes at Castle Rock is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at The Lakes at Castle Rock?
The Lakes at Castle Rock offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.