Chaparral Park
Fast Flight Facts
Target Species: Wintering waterfowl
Elevation: 1250'
Habitat: City park with one lake and several surrounding ponds
Overall Birding Rating: 1
Difficulty: 1 (Easy)
Birding Type: Simple Walk
Facilities: Parking, restrooms
Fees/Ownership: None/City of Scottsdale
Closest Town or City/How far from Phoenix: Scottsdale /10.5 miles northeast of Phoenix
Getting there: Reached easily at the northeast corner of Chaparral and Hayden Roads in Scottsdale
Overview: This city park is located in the middle of Scottsdale, and is quite popular. Chaparral Park is often crowded, but some of the birds don't seem to mind at all. This park had a large pond/lake which is productive for waterfowl and other waterbirds on a regular basis. Walking around this pond will often produce close up views of wintering waterfowl. Besides the immediate Chaparral Park, there are several other ponds close by in walking distance that are worth checking. Chaparral Park and the surrounding ponds have often hosted a Eurasian Wigeon over the years.
Birding Tip: Birding the park is a simple walk around the pond. For additional birding, try birding the ponds west and south of the park (see the maps page under the "Pages" section).
Directions: The Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) is the closest route to take in accessing Chaparral Park. Take the Chaparral Road exit and head west on Chaparral Road for one mile to the turnoff to the park, which will be on the north side of Chaparral Road. Besides the main park, there are a few other ponds very close by that are worth checking. Hayden Road borders Chaparral Park on the west, where Jackrabbit Road borders the park on the north. Go to the southwest intersection of Hayden and Jackrabbit Roads, and walk south down the west side of Hayden Road from here. There will be three small ponds that should be checked, that often have different waterfowl, often large Wigeon numbers. Another pond is immediately south of Chaparral Park, which is at the southeast corner of Chaparral and Hayden Roads.
Pages:
Chaparral Park Maps
Chaparral Park eBird Data
Scenes and Sights from Chaparral Park:
Birdlife of Chaparral Park:
American and Eurasian Wigeons (Eurasian is rare but annual in the Scottsdale area-keep your eye out!)
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