Travel Tip for Phoenix, Arizona - Gilbert Water Ranch

View of part of the Gilbert Water Ranch

      For those of you who might be traveling to the Phoenix, Arizona area I just wanted to share with you a great birding site in Gilbert, AZ. The Gilbert Water Ranch is a waste water treatment plant like no other that I have visited and, I hate to admit, I have visited many. The ranch has several walking trails that surround large pools of treated water. The water, being in the middle of a desert, attracts a very large variety of bird life. 

Long-billed Dowitchers

Abert's Towhee

           The birds found there include many of the typical desert birds but there are also some exotic species to be found there. I have found Rosy-faced Lovebirds and the wierd "Go Away Bird" from Africa.

Gray Go-Away Bird (Photo from Internet)

            The trails are flat and in great shape so its an easy walk and you can easily spend 3 hours there. 

Sharon Tracking down a Green-tailed Towhee

             Here is a link to the Gilbert Water Ranch which would be useful if you ever get out to that area. 

sites.google.com/site/birdsofthegilbertwaterranch