Gilbert Riparian Preserve
Another one of my favorite places to go. The Preserve is located in the town of Gilbert. It began as a water reclamation program to take wastewater and pump it into water recharge basins (ponds) where the water then seeps into the aquifer then pumped out for future use. There are seven small basins that collect the water and a larger lake that is stocked with bass and catfish and is part of the Urban Fishing Program.
The Preserve comprises of over 100 acres with approximately 5 miles of walking trails weaving along the banks of the ponds.
This is a birder’s paradise. Because of the lake and ponds of water there are numerous ducks and water birds that inhabit the area, which most desert dwellers would not be able to see. Every winter flocks of Canada Geese fly into the area. It is estimated that around 300 species of birds have been seen in this preserve.
Within the confines of the preserve is a park for kids to play. Across the floating boardwalk is the Southeast Regional Public Library, which often have guided tours on butterflies and bats.
There is also a modern observatory to view the stars on most evenings after dark.
Directions: From Mesa take US-60 East to Greenfield Rd. exit, then go South on Greenfield to Guadalupe Rd, take a left (East) on Guadalupe. The Southeast Regional Library is at the corner of Greenfield and Guadalupe Rd. You can take a right into the library parking lot and walk over the bridge or you can continue to the Riparian Preserve parking lot on your right.
Bird sounds at the Riparian Preserve.
Vireo, various birds, and a quail call.
The video below looks like a Black-necked Stilt.
A very common bird found in the ponds at the Preserve