Lake Pleasant Loonacy!

Things are heating up at Lake Pleasant! A common loon or two (but not in the breeding plumage shown above) have been seen this week, along with red-breasted and common mergansers. common and Barrows goldeneyes, and a surf scoter! We may get lucky and see western or eared grebes as well, along with other ducks, gulls, and perhaps an osprey or bald eagle.

All these sightings have been reported on the west side of the lake between Scorpion Bay Marina and the 10 Lane Boat Ramp. We will plan on meeting on top of Two Cow Cove, which gives us an elevated view of the whole area. Depending on where we see the birds, we may move to the 10-Lane Boat Ramp area, Sunset Ridge, or the marina to track them down. There are facilities at most these areas, and little or no walking will be involved. Bring binos, snacks, and spotting scopes if you have them!

To get to Two Cow Cove, drive to the main entrance on the west side of the lake. (There is a $7 or $8 admission fee per car, if you don't have a Maricopa County Parks pass.) After the entrance, turn right on S. Park Road; follow it to Desert Tortoise Rd, which is the first left turn. Follow Desert Tortoise past the campground areas; you will come to a gravel road just past the road to Wild Burro Day Use area. Take a left onto the gravel road and follow it past the porta-potties to the top of the hill.

To wrap up our day, we can head to the Peoria Artisan Brewery, if there is any interest. PAB is located at 10144 W. Lake Pleasant Parkway, near the Walmart at Deer Valley Rd and Lake Pleasant Pkwy. We'll celebrate a great day of birding (or commiserate about our bad luck) over snacks and beverages.