Prescott - Goldwater Lakes

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Prescott - Goldwater Lakes is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, and Common Goldeneye 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

Harris's Hawk

Parabuteo unicinctus

3/5/2026Cottonwood Peninsula traveling North from the Dog Park1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/5/2026Cottonwood Peninsula traveling North from the Dog Park1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/1/2026Home--Prescott, Arizona, US (34.558, -112.401)1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

2/21/2026Coyote Run Trail (Private)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

103/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

23/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

13/4/2026

Common Merganser

63/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

303/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

83/4/2026

Common Raven

23/3/2026

Western Bluebird

13/3/2026

House Finch

33/3/2026

American Coot

22/28/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

52/28/2026

Mountain Chickadee

12/28/2026

Bewick's Wren

22/28/2026

Spotted Towhee

22/28/2026

Lesser Scaup

22/25/2026

Hooded Merganser

122/25/2026

Ruddy Duck

162/25/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

12/25/2026

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 Prescott - Goldwater Lakes for birding?
The best months to visit Prescott - Goldwater Lakes for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Prescott - Goldwater Lakes?
Notable species at Prescott - Goldwater Lakes include Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Prescott - Goldwater Lakes?
Birding at Prescott - Goldwater Lakes is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Prescott - Goldwater Lakes?
Prescott - Goldwater Lakes offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.