Indian Bend Wash Habitat Project

Fast Flight Facts

Target Species: Migrants and different waterbirds

Elevation: 1170'

Habitat: Riparian habitat area with cottonwoods, willows, and a few ponds

Overall Birding Rating: 2

Difficulty: 1 (Easy)

Birding Type: Simple Walk

Facilities: Parking, restrooms

Fees/Ownership: None/City of Tempe

Closest Town or City/How far from Phoenix: Tempe /9 miles east southeast of Phoenix

Getting there: Easily reached at the southwest corner of Curry and Miller Roads in Tempe

Overview: Just north of Tempe Town Lake, an attractive riparian habitat project has been made in Indian Bend Wash. This area is rather small, but native vegetation has been planted with interpretive and informative information which tells viewers about the habitat they are looking at and what has been planted. The plantings include desert trees such as mesquites and paloverde trees, as well as a few small ponds lined with reed habitat surrounded by willows and several cottonwoods. This area is a good location to see a variety of different waterbirds on the pond. The riparian habitat will also be a good birding spot during migration. Look for a variety of desert and riparian species within the limits of this area. To add to the birding fun here, walk a short distance south to Tempe Town Lake and walk along the north side of the large lake.

Birding Tip: Try visiting this location in winter or during spring and fall migrations. The riparian trees around the ponds will be productive. Try to stick mainly close to the cement path when viewing this location and don't go too far back into the habitat. The path at times is very close to the ponds.

Directions: From the Loop 202, take the Scottsdale Road or McClintock Drive exits 0.3 miles north to Curry Road. If coming from Scottsdale Road, head 0.5 miles east on Curry to the intersection with Miller Road. If coming from McClintock, head west for 0.5 miles on Curry until the Miller Road intersection with Curry Road is met. Once at Curry and Miller, head south on Miller shortly, where the parking area for the Indian Bend Habitat is barely south of Curry Road on the east side of Miler (southeast intersection of Curry and Miller). Park and walk south along the habitat area.

Pages:

Indian Bend Wash Habitat Maps

Scenes and Sights from Indian Bend Wash Habitat Project: