Birding is strictly from the side of the road as the basin is fenced and posted. Find a safe place to pull completely off the road. When the water level is high, much of the surface is readily seen. When the water level is low, forming shorebird habitat, a good portion is hidden from view. A scope is helpful. For those with good balance, more can be seen by (carefully) standing on a vehicle. 

The trees and brush along the road are worth checking. Bendire's Thrashers are resident in small numbers. Check power poles for raptors. 

This often dry basin is used for recharging water from the Central Arizona Project canal into the ground for later use. When there is water, it attracts birds amidst the desert landscape.

As construction of the CAP began in 1973, the United States Bureau of Reclamation anticipated the development of a multi-use recreational trail along the entire length of the canal. Wherever possible, Reclamation acquired sufficient land and inset the fence 10 ft. to 20 ft from the property boundary to allow for a trail to be developed. Emphasis is focused on urban areas, particularly in those areas where the trail could be developed in conjunction with adjacent development.