Riggs and Price Roads Ponds

Fast Flight Facts

Target Species: Wintering Waterfowl

Elevation: 1200'

Habitat: Two medium sized ponds

Overall Birding Rating: 2

Difficulty: 1 (Easy)

Birding Type: Simple Walk

Facilities: Parking

Fees/Ownership: None/Sun Lakes Community

Closest Town or City/How far from Phoenix: Chandler /19 miles southeast of Phoenix

Getting there: Two ponds roadside at the intersection of Riggs and Price Roads

Overview: At the northeast and southeast corners of Riggs and Price Roads are two medium sized ponds at the west side of the Sun Lakes Community. One pond is on the north side of Riggs Road, and the other is on the south. These ponds provide great open water and wintering homes for ducks and other waterbirds. Ducks are often present here in large numbers. The grassy areas surrounding the ponds are permissible to walk on and enjoy the birds, which can usually be observed at close distances. Some of the more enjoyable ducks to observe here may include Hooded Merganser, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, and Canvasback among the more common American Wigeon and American Coots. Other waterbirds besides ducks are worth checking for at these ponds also. This spot has a lot of potential, and is always worth a stop if in the Gilbert area. The ponds here are also a place a photographer would thrive.

Birding Tip: Parking is limited here, where the only parking can be found along the north pond after turning north a short distance on Price Road. This parking area is for the Senior Baseball Club, called the "Field of Dreams", where a baseball field is just north of the pond. After parking, walk the grassy shorelines of the pond. A scope really isn't needed here, the birds can be identified rather easily at all places along the ponds. To get to the south pond, cross Riggs Road, which is often busy. An Indian Reservation is just west of the ponds, be sure not to bird in that area.

Directions: If wanting to access these ponds from freeways, then there are two easier ways to do so from two different freeways. The first is the I-10 (Maricopa Freeway). Take Riggs Road 1.5 miles east from the I-10 to the intersection of Riggs and Price Roads. Head north a short distance on Price (left turn) where a small parking lot is located on the east side of Price Road. This is the Field of Dreams baseball field for seniors. The second option would be to exit off of the Loop-202 (Santan Freeway). Take the Alma School Road exit from the 202 and then head south on Alma School Road for 5 miles until Riggs Road is reached. Head west (right turn) on Riggs road for two miles until it intersects with Price Road. Turn right (north) on Price a short distance to the small parking lot. NOTE: Price Road is signed of by small signs and doesn't stand out as easily as one might expect. Watch for the two ponds when coming close to the spot. If you pass the signs for the Indian Reservation that is west of the ponds, then you've gone too far.

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Riggs and Price Roads Ponds Maps

Scenes and Sights from Riggs and Price Roads Ponds: