Gilbert Riparian Preserve is (by the numbers) the best birding spot in the Phoenix Metro area. It has more than 300 species seen over the years; no other location in Arizona can say that.
It’s easily accessible just 2 miles from Highway 60 so that anyone in the Phoenix valley can get here in a reasonable time.
Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?
David Attenborough
For the most part and weather pending, you can visit here every day of the year. There is lots of shade and benches spread throughout the area. I enjoy the winter morning here. It can be chilly, but I have my best luck it seems in the winters here for spotting birds.
The morning after a monsoon storm is also great, as you can usually see many birds out and about after heavy rains. Spring can be fun, too, as some trees and bushes will sprout berries for birds to munch on.
Parking
Parking can get crowded if you go on a typical “nice weather” day. This means thats at 11am with 80 degree temps, the parking can be dicey. You will park off of Guadalupe road in the main lot just after the library.
If you are coming for photos, you are most likely at the Gilbert Riparian Preserve early or late enough not to deal with parking issues. Many mornings, I am the first one in the lot, arriving just before sunrise.
Bird watchers will want to make sure they find parking. However, you can usually find someone leaving as someone is going, so I have never seen parking limited enough to have to leave.
Trails
There are a few miles worth of trails here, and at the end of the day, I have had both bad luck and good luck finding photographic subjects, and bird spotting.
But, that’s the fun of birds! You never know what you are going to get!
Dogs on leashes are allowed on the trails; you might see a horse or two on the trails here.
Birds, Birds and more Birds
There have been over 320 species of birds seen here over the years. Some are extremely rare, and some you can see more days than not.
Without too much effort you can see a few dozen species in one trip. Experienced birders can see 50 or more on a good day.
As for photos, I usually pick a spot near the water and I will hang out with the camera for a while, and just feel the area and see what happens.
Other wildlife
Where there is water, plants, and birds, other wildlife is also bound to be around. But a bit harder to spot in my experience.
It is not only fine feathers
Aesop
that make fine birds.
On every trip, you will see several rabbits. In addition, I have seen a coyote or two, and the same goes for raccoons.
Photos and video
Besides getting out into nature and looking for critters and feathers here, my favorite reason for coming here is to sharpen my skills.
You can give your camera a good workout here, practice many techniques, and get to know your camera. I also enjoy shooting videos here, and there seems to be an opportunity for that left and right! Don’t forget to check out my Birding Gallery.
