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

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/6/2026Loews Ventana Canyon Resort1 observed

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

3/6/2026Pantano River Park--Glenn St/Sahuara Ave (opened 2018)1 observed

Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

3/6/2026University of Arizona3 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/6/2026Arthur Pack Regional Park3 observed

Sage Thrasher

Oreoscoptes montanus

3/6/2026Sabino Canyon Rec Area--Sabino Canyon Rd, non-IBA section1 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

3/6/2026Canada del Oro Riverfront Park2 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/6/2026Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash1 observed

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

3/6/2026Isabella Lee Natural Preserve1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/6/2026Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard x Mexican Duck (hybrid)

13/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

23/5/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

American Coot

63/5/2026

Green Heron

13/5/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Gila Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Common Raven

13/5/2026

European Starling

13/5/2026

Phainopepla

13/5/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

33/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/5/2026

American Wigeon

43/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

43/4/2026

Mallard

13/3/2026

Gambel's Quail

13/3/2026

Rock Pigeon

13/3/2026

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.