Part of Metro Phoenix, Gilbert Water Ranch is a Maricopa County birding hotspot. Lucky for you, we’ve got all the details in this first-timer guide to birdwatching at this unique riparian preserve. Read on!
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Table of Contents
What is Gilbert Water Ranch?
Gilbert Water Ranch is not a traditional “ranch” at all. Instead of raising animals, this ranch creates usable water. It takes effluent water and pumps into seven recharge basins where it filters through and slowly purifies. Water levels change daily – and a result a wide variety of birds move around and through this little desert oasis in Metro Phoenix.
Gilbert Water Ranch, officially known as the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, is also one of the best birding locations in Maricopa County. With a reputation for attracting rare species, this hotspot is particularly rewarding during spring and fall migrations and throughout the winter months.
The preserve’s trail system replicates different riparian habitats found across Arizona, making for a 4-mile (6.4 km) hike filled with diverse birding opportunities. Plus, with viewing blinds, scenic lookouts, and well-placed benches, it’s not just a paradise for birders but also a favorite for walkers, joggers, and families.
History of the Riparian Preserve
In 1986, the Town of Gilbert committed to reusing 100% of its effluent water, leading to the creation of the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in 1999.
Covering 110 acres, the preserve features:
- 70 acres of recharge basins that filter reclaimed water back into the aquifer.
- A distribution stream mimicking ephemeral desert waterways.
- An urban fishing lake, designated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
This innovative combination of water conservation, habitat restoration, and recreation makes the preserve a unique birding destination.
Birds of Gilbert Water Ranch
With diverse habitats, the Gilbert Water Ranch offers fantastic birding year-round. Below are some of the most notable species to look for:
Common birds found year-round
- Waterfowl & Wading Birds: Canada Goose, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Black-crowned Night-Heron
- Raptors: Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon
- Songbirds & Woodpeckers: Verdin, Black and Say’s Phoebe, Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Northern Mockingbird
- Doves & Hummingbirds: White-winged Dove, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Anna’s Hummingbird
Seasonal & migratory birds
- Spring & Fall Migrants: Willet, Stilt and Pectoral Sandpipers, Franklin’s Gull, Wilson’s Phalarope
- Winter Visitors: Tundra Swan, Ross’ Goose, American Wigeon, Pintail, Northern Shoveler
Top birding tips
- Cover the trails twice—birds can be easy to miss on the first pass.
- Arrive early in warmer months; evenings can also be productive.
- Use a spotting scope for waterfowl and shorebirds.
- Move slowly & be patient—the more time you take, the more you’ll see.
👉 Be sure to check out Simple Snowbird Guide to Birding in Arizona!
Our visit and bird sightings at the Water Ranch
During a 2.5 to 3-hour morning visit in mid-March, we wandered along Owl Clover Trail, Whispering Wind, Eastern Canal, Tiger Moth Territory, and Cattail Crawl, spotting:
- Ducks & Waterbirds: Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Ruddy Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Double-crested Cormorant
- Shorebirds: American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, Willet, Dowitcher, Killdeer, Snowy Egret
- Woodpeckers: Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Gila Woodpecker
- Raptors: Merlin (hunting pigeons!)
- Songbirds & Others: Yellow-rumped Warbler, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Verdin, Black Phoebe, Abert’s Towhee
In all we managed to check off 36 birds – and we weren’t even trying hard. We were more curious about the place than hardcore birding. We did have binoculars and a field guide but maybe next time we’ll even follow a couple of the birding tips listed above 😉
Other wildlife sightings: turtles, squirrels, and even a bobcat! According to the park ranger I contacted, bobcats are rare sightings. What a day!
More to explore at Gilbert Water Ranch
Beyond birding, the preserve offers:
- 7 ponds & hiking trails
- 1 floating boardwalk (watch for turtles!)
- 1 urban fishing lake (license required for rainbow trout and channel catfish; largemouth bass and sunfish are catch & release only)
- Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory (open for public viewing Fri & Sat from sunset until 9:30 pm – weather permitting)
- Dino Dig & children’s play area
- Overnight camping & picnic areas
- Ethnobotanical garden, pollinator gardens, & wildlife viewing blinds
- Mental health tips on signs, such as “be present in the moment”
Directions to the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
📍 Located at the southeast corner of Greenfield and Guadalupe Roads in Gilbert, AZ.
From US-60 Highway:
- Take the Greenfield exit south for 1.6 miles (2.5 km)
- Turn left (east) on Guadalupe Road
- Continue 0.2 miles (0.3 km) to reach the parking lot
Plan your birding adventure
We camped at Lost Dutchman State Park and drove a 1/2 hour to visit. You could also camp at Usery Mountain Regional Park. Gilbert Water Ranch is a must-visit for birders, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.
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