Travel & Bird with the Bruders: January 2016

In August of 2015 we went to Gilbert to prepare for the birth of our Granddaughter. While we were there enjoying all the excitement of a new baby and seeing our son and daughter-in-law, we took some time to see the birds. And one of the best places to see all of the local birds is at the Gilbert Water Ranch and Riparian Preserve. From their web site you have the following description.

"The "Gilbert Water Ranch" or officially known as the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is overall the best birding location in Maricopa County. Amazing rarities have made birding at this location famous, and any day here in spring and fall migrations and during the winter months will be productive. Seven large recharge basins are located within the ranch and have water levels that constantly change, usually by the day. Water levels in the ponds will effect what birds are more likely on the water. Land wise, the trails and paths around the water ranch are made to represent different riparian habitats that are found throughout Arizona, from low to high elevations. A complete hike through the ranch in an outing would come close to about four miles. The ranch has good viewing blinds and lookouts for birders as well. It is also a popular place for walkers, joggers, family outings, and scout troops."

You can see from the map that there are several ponds which may or may not have water in them. While we were there a couple of them were dry and a great place to see doves, quail, rabbits and other local inhabitants. Even though it was August and the temperatures were well over 80 degrees at 6 AM, the birding was great and there was no end of species in the area and flying through. We especially enjoyed all of the quail perched in the trees that "sang" to us as we walked through the park.
During our stay we visited the park on several mornings and a few afternoons and an evenings to view the different birds and wildlife. It was a great area with easy trails and many birds, and if you got too hot you could always walk into the library next door to cool off since it was right on the edge of the park. We saw 63 species in the five days we were there birding just that spot.
Below are some of the birds we saw regularly while we were there. Abert's Towhee, American Avocet, Anna's Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Black-crowned Night Heron, Black-necked Stilt, Black Phoebe, Bullock's Oriole, Cinnamon Teal, Common Nighthawk, Coopers Hawk, Curved-billed Thrasher, Gambel's Quail, Gila Woodpeckers, Greater Yellowlegs, Green Heron, Green-winged Teal, Harris's Hawk, Inca Dove, Killdeer, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Lazuli Bunting, Lucy's Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Orange-crowned warbler, Say's Phoebe, Sora, Verdin, and Yellow Warbler.
If you are ever in the Gilbert area, visiting it is a great place to spend a couple hours enjoying nature. Happy Birding! J&R