Betty's Kitchen/Laguna Dam

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Betty's Kitchen/Laguna Dam is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts American Coot, Double-crested Cormorant, and Snowy Egret 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

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/5/2026661 East 32nd Street, Yuma, Arizona, US (32.669, -114.615)1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

3/5/2026Imperial NWR (Yuma Co.)1 observed

Lesser Nighthawk

Chordeiles acutipennis

3/4/202613212 E 54th Drive, Yuma, Arizona, US (32.63, -114.407)1 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/4/2026Cottonwood gallery restoration site2 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

3/4/2026Yuma East Wetlands1 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

3/4/2026Yuma East Wetlands1 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

3/4/2026Drive by flooded field3 observed

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

3/2/2026Senator Wash Reservoir1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Coot

73/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/3/2026

Snowy Egret

23/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/3/2026

Lesser Scaup

22/27/2026

Gambel's Quail

32/27/2026

White-winged Dove

12/27/2026

Mourning Dove

72/27/2026

Greater Roadrunner

42/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

12/27/2026

Virginia Rail

22/27/2026

Sora

42/27/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

22/27/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

12/27/2026

Great Egret

22/27/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/27/2026

Gila Woodpecker

32/27/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

22/27/2026

Northern Flicker

32/27/2026

Black Phoebe

12/27/2026

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 Betty's Kitchen/Laguna Dam for birding?
The best months to visit Betty's Kitchen/Laguna Dam for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Betty's Kitchen/Laguna Dam?
Notable species at Betty's Kitchen/Laguna Dam include American Coot, Double-crested Cormorant, Snowy Egret, Turkey Vulture, Lesser Scaup. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Betty's Kitchen/Laguna Dam?
Birding at Betty's Kitchen/Laguna Dam is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Betty's Kitchen/Laguna Dam?
Betty's Kitchen/Laguna Dam offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.