Canyon birding habitat

Walnut Canyon Lakes

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Canyon
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Walnut Canyon Lakes is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This canyon habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and American Wigeon 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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/18/2026The Arboretum at Flagstaff1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow (Dark-lored)

Zonotrichia leucophrys

7/17/20263100 W. Shannon Dr.1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

7/16/2026Rio de Flag--Picture Canyon2 observed

Bronzed Cowbird

Molothrus aeneus

7/15/20268840 Loghouse Road, Flagstaff, Arizona, US (35.267, -111.492)1 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

7/15/2026Kachina Wetlands2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

7/11/2026Mormon Lake Rd.--Dairy Spring1 observed

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

7/10/2026San Francisco Wash1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/10/2026Kachina Wetlands2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

267/21/2026

Mallard

1137/21/2026

Ring-necked Duck

27/21/2026

Ruddy Duck

97/21/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

37/21/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

97/21/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/21/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

27/21/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/21/2026

Northern Flicker

17/21/2026

Black Phoebe

37/21/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

27/21/2026

American Crow

37/21/2026

Common Raven

17/21/2026

Mountain Chickadee

47/21/2026

Violet-green Swallow

67/21/2026

Purple Martin

17/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Walnut Canyon Lakes for birding?
The best months to visit Walnut Canyon Lakes for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Walnut Canyon Lakes?
Notable species at Walnut Canyon Lakes include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck. The area supports canyon habitats.
How difficult is birding at Walnut Canyon Lakes?
Birding at Walnut Canyon Lakes is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Walnut Canyon Lakes?
Walnut Canyon Lakes offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.