The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch provides a great opportunity for bird watching and exploration. More than 300 species of bird have been sighted in this 110-acre space, since its development in 1999. This avian diversity allowed the Gilbert Riparian Preserve to be recognized as a part of the Arizona Important Bird Area Program through Birdlife International and the National Audubon Society. People come from around the world to see our beautiful and sometimes rare birds.

One visiting group commented, "Maybe a time or two we had seen more species on a three-hour bird trip, but never so many birds in combination with a large variety. We counted 56 species at the Gilbert Riparian Preserve. Some of the ponds were literally covered with ducks and shorebirds. Come see for yourself."

Whether you are brand new to the hobby or a seasoned birder, you will have a great experience exploring the biodiversity of the Riparian Preserve. Interpretive signage throughout the park provides guidance for the identification of birds commonly seen. You may also download this Bird List to prepare for your adventure. For a more guided experience, be sure to join the Desert Rivers Audubon for Family Bird Walk Saturdays. 

Desert River Audubon Society

The Town of Gilbert is proud to partner with the Desert Rivers Audubon Society to monitor, protect, and educate the public about the birds that make their home at the Riparian Preserve. 

Learn more about the Desert Rivers Audubon Society and their upcoming events through their quarterly magazine. 

Family Bird Walks

Desert Rivers Audubon offers free guided Bird Walks for guests of all ages every third Saturday, October through March, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at the Dragonfly Ramada. They will loan binoculars and send small groups out with an expert birder for short walks. This is a nice way to enjoy the beautiful wildlife of the Preserve with your friends and family, and to learn about birdwatching and bird identification. 

 The Early Birds: The Early Birds is a kid’s birding club open to ages 7-13 that meets immediate prior to the Family Bird Walks, at 7:30 AM on the dates below. Parents and grandparents are welcome to come along with this group. 

Download a Bird List. 

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Other Events at the Preserve