The Lakes at Castle Rock

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

The Lakes at Castle Rock is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 225 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard x Mexican Duck (hybrid), Ruddy Duck, and Eurasian Collared-Dove 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

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

3/6/2026East Lawn Palms Cemetery1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

3/6/2026Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash1 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

3/6/20265540 E Silver Dust Pl, Tucson US-AZ 32.32334, -110.874151 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/6/2026Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/6/2026Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson US-AZ 32.27971, -111.020411 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

3/6/202611467 N. Eagle Peak Drive1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/6/2026Danny Lopez Park (formerly Columbus Park)1 observed

Black-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata

3/6/2026Danny Lopez Park (formerly Columbus Park)1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Danny Lopez Park (formerly Columbus Park)19 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

3/6/2026CDO Wash--along Tucson National Golf Course2 observed

Acorn Woodpecker

Melanerpes formicivorus

3/6/2026CDO Wash--along Tucson National Golf Course1 observed

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

3/6/2026CDO Wash--along Tucson National Golf Course18 observed

Sage Thrasher

Oreoscoptes montanus

3/6/2026Sabino Dam and downstream riparian1 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/5/2026Sabino Dam and downstream riparian3 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/5/2026Tallercito Tumamoc1 observed

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

3/5/2026Fort Lowell Park and Pantano Wash1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard x Mexican Duck (hybrid)

13/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

23/5/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

American Coot

63/5/2026

Green Heron

13/5/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Gila Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Common Raven

13/5/2026

European Starling

13/5/2026

Phainopepla

13/5/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

33/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/5/2026

American Wigeon

43/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

43/4/2026

Mallard

13/3/2026

Gambel's Quail

13/3/2026

Rock Pigeon

13/3/2026

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 The Lakes at Castle Rock for birding?
The best months to visit The Lakes at Castle Rock for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at The Lakes at Castle Rock?
Notable species at The Lakes at Castle Rock include Mallard x Mexican Duck (hybrid), Ruddy Duck, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, American Coot. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at The Lakes at Castle Rock?
Birding at The Lakes at Castle Rock is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at The Lakes at Castle Rock?
The Lakes at Castle Rock offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.