AZ-Picacho+Reservoir


 * =Birding in Arizona=

Pinal County
=Picacho Reservoir= Coolidge, Arizona 85128

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Picacho Reservoir
Coordinates: 32.8526001, -111.4804001 eBird links: Hotspot map View details Recent visits My eBird links: Location life list Submit data

Tips for birding Picacho Reservoir
Picacho Reservoir is a rarity in central Arizona: a marshy oasis in the midst of an arid cotton-growing region. The lake draws waterfowl and shorebirds, and attracts unusual vagrants. The reservoir is less than 60 miles from both the Phoenix and Tucson areas. Despite its proximity, the reservoir has been a somewhat obscure destination for Phoenix birders; this article is intended to serve as a guide for MAS members and others who may wish to visit the area. From Maricopa Audubon Society

About Picacho Reservoir
The reservoir was built in the 1920's as part of the San Carlos Irrigation Project. The reservoir's original purpose was water storage and flow regulation for the Florence-Casa Grande and Casa Grande Canals. The lake's design capacity was 24,500 acre-feet of water, with a surface area of over 2 square miles.

Over the years, siltation and vegetation have reduced the capacity and surface area, so that much of the reservoir is a shallow marsh with extensive stands of cattails and rushes. Water level is highly variable, and the lake is completely dry in some years.

Turn east onto the Selma Highway (which becomes a dirt road). Continue on the Selma Highway 1 mile east to a T intersection in front of some electrical equipment and an embankment. Turn right (south) and go 0.3 mile to a canal road; turn left and follow the canal about 0.6 mile. The reservoir levee will be in front of you; take the road up the levee. This is the "southwest corner" of the reservoir, with a view over the main body of the lake. From Maricopa Audubon Society

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|| L128869 US US-AZ US-AZ-021 32.8526001 -111.4804001 Picacho Reservoir