Walnut Canyon Lakes

Arizona · Southwest

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Canyon
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Walnut Canyon Lakes is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This canyon habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and American Wigeon 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

Mallard x Mexican Duck (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x diazi

3/4/2026Walnut Canyon Lakes1 observed

Red-breasted Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus ruber

3/4/2026NAU Campus1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

83/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

83/4/2026

American Wigeon

123/4/2026

Mallard

703/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

183/4/2026

Bufflehead

23/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

23/4/2026

Common Merganser

143/4/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

13/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

363/4/2026

American Coot

33/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/4/2026

Northern Flicker

33/4/2026

Black Phoebe

13/4/2026

Steller's Jay

33/4/2026

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

13/4/2026

American Crow

43/4/2026

Common Raven

193/4/2026

Mountain Chickadee

23/4/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

23/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Walnut Canyon Lakes for birding?
The best months to visit Walnut Canyon Lakes for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Walnut Canyon Lakes?
Notable species at Walnut Canyon Lakes include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck. The area supports canyon habitats.
How difficult is birding at Walnut Canyon Lakes?
Birding at Walnut Canyon Lakes is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Walnut Canyon Lakes?
Walnut Canyon Lakes offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.