Granite Basin Lake, Prescott

Time for some higher altitude birding in the cool mountain air of Prescott! We will travel to Granite Basin lake outside of Prescott to escape the heat of the valley and see what we can find around this little mountain lake. We will plan to arrive around 9am, meeting at the picnic area, and bird the areas surrounding the lake for the next few hours. According to ebird.org checklists for July, we should be able to find woodpeckers, nuthatches, titmice, warblers, tanagers, flycatchers, wrens, swallows, and possibly the Woodhouse Scrub Jay. Although the lake is in the Prescott National Forest, the trees are thin and there are exposed areas along the trails, so bring your sunscreen!
Afterwards, we'll head to the Prescott Brewing Company, 130 W Gurley Street in Prescott, for lunch and beverages. As usual, I am happy to carpool up and back. My plan is to leave Surprise by 7am and travel the back way thru Yarnell and Skull Valley to the lake. Those coming from central Phoenix or points east may want to go up I-17 to Prescott, then travel out Iron Springs Road to the lake.
Don't forget to bring binos, bird guides, cameras, water, and snacks. I haven't been to this lake before, but I expect there will be some shaded forest with hiking paths around the lake; should be an easy day with many opportunities to sit, rest, and enjoy the birds!