Glendale Recharge Ponds
Six very large water recharge basins make this place one of the most exciting hotspots in the county. The ponds work out to the birders advantage as they have different and variable water levels throughout the year. The ponds are one of Maricopa County’s best birding locations throughout the year due to their large size and ability to attract large numbers of waterbirds. It’s the second best location in Arizona for viewing shorebirds, as Willcox is easily the best.
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Maricopa
Directions: From 107th Avenue north of Camelback, a nice dirt road goes to the parking area of the ponds.
Latitude: 33.524224
Longitude: -112.286582
Operational Hours: Open regular business hours
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Shorebird migration here is excellent, especially August through September.
Habitats: Desert, Lake or Pond
Know Before You Go
The ponds are owned by SRP. Birders should be on their very best behavior when visiting these ponds, because SRP has been generous enough to let birders use their work area. If an SRP employee is working, always give them the right of way and be polite to them. Do not enter or go into the basins.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Common Black Hawk, Gilded Flicker, Harris’s Hawk, Mexican Duck
Charismatic: Anna’s Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Burrowing Owl, Gila Woodpecker, Greater Roadrunner, White-winged Dove
Contact Information
Salt River Project (SRP)
1500 N Mill Ave
Tempe, AZ 85288
Phone: 602-236-5900
Website: https://www.srpnet.com/
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L710850
Additional Resources:
Birder from Maricopa
