Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, administered by Arizona State Parks
(928) 537-3680
Osprey
Walk campsite loops and look for mergansers and other diving ducks on the eastern arm of the lake. In winter, one can often see bald eagles perched on snags. On the west side of the lake, fishing piers are good places to set spotting scopes to view both dabbling and diving ducks. In addition to a wide variety of waterfowl, other water birds here include double-crested cormorant, great blue heron, black-crowned night-heron, spotted sandpiper and long-billed dowitcher.
The upland areas offer rock wren, dark-eyed junco, pygmy and white-breasted nuthatch and several woodpecker species, like red-naped sapsucker and northern flicker. At the bluffs, look for belted kingfisher and black phoebe.
During spring migration, check clumps of trees for migrating warblers, including Virginia’s, red-faced and warbling vireo. Also watch for northern harrier, osprey, turkey vulture and American kestrel.
Free interpretive programs are available during summer months. Inquire at the park entrance for dates, times and topic.
Habitat: Aquatic, wetland riparian, juniper woodland, bluffs
Seasons: All year. Birding is best during migration and winter.
Location: From downtown Show Low at the traffic light junction of Deuce of Clubs and Old Linden Road, travel 2.5 miles northwest on Old Linden Road to the signed state park entrance. An alternative route is to take the signed turnoff from State Highway 260 onto Old Linden Road on the west side of Show Low and travel a half-mile to the park entrance.
Access: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Roads are paved. The day-use fee is waived at times in winter during low use.
Near: Show Low
What You Might See