Glendale Recharge Ponds

eBird Hotspot

Maricopa County

Glendale Recharge Ponds
Coordinates: 33.5242237, -112.286582
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Birding in Arizona

Tips for birding Glendale Recharge Ponds
The Glendale Recharge Ponds that are owned by SRP are one of the best birding locations in Maricopa County. Six very large basins are very dull looking at a glance, but the birds that show up here make this place one of the most exciting hotspots in the county. Only Willcox is a better spot in Arizona to view shorebirds, as the Glendale Recharge Ponds have had incredible numbers and sightings, from abundant birds to extreme rarities. Not only is it a good shorebird spot, but it brings in numerous waterfowl and raptors in the winter months. The ponds are worth checking year round, especially when full, as this place could have something unusual at any time of the year. The six large ponds/basins are lined up in a way that there are three to the north and three on the south. Water levels vary on a regular basis and can be completely full one day to empty the next. To the immediate area west of the ponds is the Agua Fria River, which upstream and northwest of the ponds provides excellent riparian habitat. Besides shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors, passerines can be observed as well at times. This spot started to become better known at the beginning of 2009, when a one day Ruff was discovered.
From Birding in Maricopa County