Gila Bend Wastewater Treatment Ponds
There are two large ponds at the west side of the Treatment Plant that are good for shorebird viewing. There is no public access into the treatment plant, so birding is done by looking through the fence to the ponds.
A good diversity of both waterfowl and shorebirds are seen here including winter residents and migraters like Eared Grebes, Spotted Sandpipers and Wilson’s Phalaropes. The surrounding fields are great for Lark Sparrows as well as Western Kingbirds that sit on the telephone wires that line the road.
Site Information
Region: Phoenix and Central
County: Maricopa
Directions: There is a turnoff on the east side of Stout Road and a closed gate preventing any access to the wastewater plant. Park here and get out. Immediately south of the parking spot/turnoff, is an elevated bank that goes up and allows the birder to get views above the pond level. Here it is necessary to set a scope up and scan the pond.
Latitude: 32.97
Longitude: -112.75
Operational Hours:
Admission or Fees: None
Best time to visit: Best in winter and during migration
Habitats: Desert, Marsh or Wetland, Lake or Pond
Know Before You Go
Bring a scope and/or binoculars, which are a must due to limit access to get to the water.
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: Abert’s Towhee, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Mexican Duck
Charismatic: Gambel’s Quail, Verdin, Western Kingbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird
Contact Information
Public Works Department
City of Gila Bend
644 W. Pima St
Gila Bend, AZ 85337
Phone: 928-683-2255
Website: https://www.gilabendaz.org/97/Public-Works
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L280702
Additional Resources:
Birding Gila Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant
