As the temperatures climb towards the triple digits here in the Valley, we start seeking out every available pocket of shade no matter how small. How about one surrounded by waterfalls?! And with birds!!! That is what Arizona Falls Park has to offer.
Its certainly no birding hot spot, but how many places do you know of in Phoenix where you can sit in the shade with water falling all around you, look up and see hummingbirds and an occasional duck? Other birds seen here include Abert's Towhees, Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Curve-billed Thrashers, Gila Woodpeckers, Verdin, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and of course House Sparrows, House Finches, and Great-tailed Grackles. At sunset during the summer this might be a great spot to see Lesser Nighthawks, Mexican Free-tail Bats, and many species of sparrows, as they all flit around eating bugs and mosquitoes over the Arizona Canal.
Main attractions:
•Three waterfalls
•Shaded viewing room
•Renewable-energy hydroelectric plant
•Solar-paneled roof
•Pedestrian bridge
•Dance floor
So if you bird along the Arizona Canal or happen to be near the Arcadia neighborhood in Phoenix, stop by Arizona Falls for a cool break from the relentless summer sun.
- Where: G.R. Herberger Park, 56th Street and Indian School Road
in the Arcadia neighborhood
- Hours: Open 24 hours
On-site parking is available from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Wheelchair Accessible!
- http://www.srpnet.com/water/canals/azfalls.aspx
NIce profile Peggy. I teach 4th grade at the Charter School just south (56th and Thomas) of this park. It's a charming area. I've also seen some Black Phoebes around there and, one blissful afternoon, a Kingfisher.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're staying cool this weekend. It hit 104 over on the west side of town today--ick.
Wow! A Kingfisher! That's it, I now declare Arizona Falls an official birding hot spot!
ReplyDelete