Pena Blanca Lake

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Pena Blanca Lake is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 285 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Mallard, Mexican Duck, and American Coot 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

3/6/2026374 Gull Ct Rio Rico Az.1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/6/2026374 Gull Ct Rio Rico Az.1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

3/6/2026Anza Trail--Tubac1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026The Ice House2 observed

Bell's Vireo (Arizona)

Vireo bellii

3/6/2026Patagonia Lake SP--Birding Trail1 observed

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

3/6/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay (Woodhouse's)

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

3/6/2026Rock Corral Canyon2 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/5/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/5/2026Arivaca Lake1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

3/5/2026Anza Trail--Tubac1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruddy Duck

83/6/2026

American Coot

73/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

33/6/2026

Bushtit

63/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

33/6/2026

Bewick's Wren

23/6/2026

Chipping Sparrow

23/6/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

73/6/2026

Mallard

72/25/2026

Mexican Duck

32/25/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

22/25/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/25/2026

Belted Kingfisher

12/25/2026

Red-naped Sapsucker

12/25/2026

Black Phoebe

22/25/2026

Common Raven

22/25/2026

Mallard x Mexican Duck (hybrid)

12/24/2026

White-winged Dove

22/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

12/24/2026

Cooper's Hawk

12/24/2026

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 Pena Blanca Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Pena Blanca Lake for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Pena Blanca Lake?
Notable species at Pena Blanca Lake include Mallard, Mexican Duck, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Neotropic Cormorant. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pena Blanca Lake?
Birding at Pena Blanca Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Pena Blanca Lake?
Pena Blanca Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.