San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

2/21/2026San Carlos Lake--Coolidge Dam (Pinal Co.)1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

2/21/2026San Carlos Sewage Ponds2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

33/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

15003/6/2026

Gadwall

253/6/2026

American Wigeon

103/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

1503/6/2026

Gambel's Quail

23/6/2026

Mourning Dove

33/6/2026

Greater Roadrunner

23/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/6/2026

Killdeer

203/6/2026

Least Sandpiper

43/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

103/6/2026

Great Egret

133/6/2026

American White Pelican

1503/6/2026

Northern Harrier

13/6/2026

Bald Eagle

33/6/2026

Say's Phoebe

13/6/2026

Common Raven

33/6/2026

Tree Swallow

13/6/2026

Rock Wren

23/6/2026

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 San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument for birding?
The best months to visit San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument?
Notable species at San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument?
Birding at San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument?
San Carlos Lake - Old San Carlos Monument offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.