Allen Severson Memorial Wildlife Area / Pintail Lake

Known as the abbreviated "Pintail Lake," this wildlife area is actually a man-made wetland created from treated sewage wastewater, and is recognized nationally as one of the first of its kind in the country. Located on National Forest land, the area is managed by a partnership with the City of Show Low, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Apache/Sitgreaves National Forest, and other parties, including the White Mountain Audubon Society. From the easternmost stoplight in Show Low, which is the junction of Highways 60 and 77 and Penrod Road, go north on Highway 77 for nearly four miles to the signed turnoff for Pintail Lake. Take the dirt road east from the highway for one-half mile to the cindered parking area. A paved, fully-accessible ¼-mile trail with interpretive signs leads to a covered viewing blind overlooking the northern and westernmost ponds. Before reaching the blind, another paved trail takes off to the south, leading to a viewing deck overlooking the southernmost pond.

The wetlands offer a wonderful array of waterbirds, including waterfowl such as Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Gadwall, Bufflehead, American Wigeon, and, of course, Pintail. Other wetland species include Black-crowned Night Heron, White-faced Ibis, American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt, Long-billed Dowitcher (look during spring migration for groups of these species), Sora, Virginia Rail, Yellow-headed and Red-winged Blackbird, and Great Blue Heron. Keep an eye on the strategically placed snags and in the air for various raptors, which could include Bald Eagle (in winter), Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier, and Prairie Falcon.

Pinyon-juniper grasslands surround the wetland, offering observations of Townsend's Solitaire, Gray Vireo, Juniper Titmouse, and Mountain Chickadee. Big game species such as elk, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope may be seen in the distance, offering a different type of wildlife to enjoy.
Please note that hunting is allowed in this wildlife area. Pintail Lake is popular with waterfowl hunters between November and January.

Allen Severson was a local Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife manager who perished in a light airplane crash while working to conserve wildlife for all to enjoy. The Arizona Game and Fish Department wished to remember him by naming this wildlife area in honor of this dedicated individual.

To learn more about Pintail Lake and it's history click here.

Fool Hollow Lake State Park. One of the most recently developed Arizona State parks, Fool Hollow is on the outskirts of Show Low, managed in partnership with the Apache/Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona State Parks, and Arizona Game and Fish Department. From downtown Show Low at the junction of Deuce of Clubs and Old Linden Road (stoplight), travel north/northwest on Old Linden Road to the signed turnoff. Or, a signed turnoff from Highway 260 on the western side of Show Low leads you to this area. As a State Park, there is a day-use fee, at times waived during the wintertime low-use visitation period. Park roads lead to two main developed areas; the east side of the lake which holds the camping/RV sites (and one fishing access point), and the west side of the lake, which offers more fishing and boating access.

Habitats at Fool Hollow include ponderosa pine and juniper forests, rocky bluffs, open water, man-made waterfowl nesting islands, snags, and grasslands. There is something to offer in all seasons. In winter and during spring and fall migration periods, both sides of the lake are worth checking out. Walk the tent campsite loops and look for Mergansers and other diving ducks along the eastern arm of the lake. Bald Eagles are usually seen perched on snags on both sides of this arm. The west side fishing piers are good places to set up spotting scopes to view both dabbling and diving ducks near the southernmost end of the lake near the nesting islands. At times, Common Loon and Hooded Merganser have been sighted, along with Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, Bufflehead, Ringed-neck Duck, Ruddy Duck, and more. Other waterbirds include Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Green Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, and Long-billed Dowitcher.

The uplands offer Rock Wren, Dark-eyed Junco, Pygmy Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, and several woodpecker species, including Red-naped Sapsucker and Northern Flicker. Climb down the bluffs (access at the amphitheater near the tent sites) to walk the shoreline, and you may spot Canyon Wren, Belted Kingfisher, and Black Phoebe. During spring migration, check clumps of trees for migrating warblers, including Virginia's and Red-faced, as well as Warbling Vireo. Keep your eyes up as well for Northern Harrier, Osprey, Turkey Vulture, and Amerivan Kestrel; you may even see a flock of Band-tailed Pigeons. And, as mentioned earlier, a winter visit will almost definitely include Bald Eagle.

Jacques Marsh. (Photo at right: “Eared Grebe” by Barbara L. Davis)
From the intersection with Highways 60 and 77 in Show Low take Penrod Road 6.4 miles (pass the turn to Porter Mountain) to a right on Juniper Drive. From Highway 260 in Lakeside, turn on Porter Mountain Road and Juniper Drive will be 1.5 miles down on the left. Continue straight on this dirt road through the residential area and over a cattle grate. Follow the road as it curves around to the right and over a second cattle grate to the parking lot and information station, which is about half a mile in from the main road.

Like Pintail Lake, this is a wetland that has been created from reclaimed wastewater. This area is managed by a partnership of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and the Pinetop-Lakeside Sanitary District. Hunting is permitted in season. The complex of ponds and marsh areas may be easily walked, although there are no maintained trails. The ponds are bordered by Ponderosa pine and juniper grassland. This is an excellent place to find a variety of waterfowl and wading birds. Migration brings many waders and sandpipers such as White-faced Ibis, American Avocet, Spotted Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Wilson’s Snipe, and Western Sandpiper. A few Black-necked Stilts may remain through the summer. Several species of swallows are also seen in migration such as Bank Swallow and Purple Martin. This is a good place to check for vagrants and uncommon migrants such as Black Tern. In the summer, Sora and Yellow-headed Blackbirds are common in the cattails. Some waterfowl breed in the marshes and ponds such as Pied-billed Grebe, Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck, Gadwall, and Redhead. Wintering ducks include American Wigeon, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Shoveler, Redhead, Canvasback, and Bufflehead. A variety of raptors are seen here, sometimes resting on nearby snags. Osprey can be seen in summer and Bald Eagles in winter. Peregrine Falcons and Golden Eagles are also sometimes seen here. The open areas around the marsh and neighboring grassland provide habitat for Loggerhead Shrike, Western Kingbird, Western and Mountain Bluebirds, Northern Mockingbird, Sage Thrasher, Vesper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, and Western Meadowlark. The woods that surround the ponds are also worth checking for such species as Red-naped Sapsucker, Pygmy Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Townsend’s Solitaire and Grace’s Warbler. In the late afternoon, elk are often seen coming to the ponds. For more information on Jacques Marsh and it’s history, click here.

Scott’s Reservoir. The turnoff to the Reservoir is .1 mile north of Juniper Lane on Porter Mountain Road. To get there from Show Low, take Penrod Road from it’s start at the intersection of Highway 77 and 60 south 6.5 miles and take a left at the sign. From Lakeside, take Porter Mountain road 1.4 miles to the turn. The Forest Service road is named 45C. Follow it in about a half-mile, and take the first right into the campground to the boat launch.

Scott’s Reservoir is accessed through the US Forest Service campground, which has boat launch facilities, bathrooms, and campsites with picnic tables, which are free for day use and camping. Bald Eagles are seen here in the winter, and waterfowl that winter on the lake include Western Grebe, Common Merganser, Northern Pintail, and Bufflehead. During the summer, Osprey and Double-crested Cormorants can be seen at the lake. However, the best birding is probably below the dam in the summertime. Although there is no maintained trail, the adventuresome will find it relatively easy to access. The vegetation along this stream includes cattail, willow, oak, juniper, and ponderosa pine. Some birds which may be found here are Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Purple Martin, Violet-green Swallow, Western Wood Peewee, Mountain Chickadee, Brown Creeper, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Spotted Towhee.

Another way to access the reservoir, is by parking in the small lot at the Blue Ridge Cave Trail No.608 trailhead.  This is on the right hand side of Porter Mountain Road going towards Show Low.  Take the trail that goes down along the creek, and when the water is not too high, you can cross the creek twice and follow the trail up to the banks of the reservoir.  Birding is especially productive walking along the creek.  In the past, Spotted Towhee, Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, Virginia’s & Wilson’s Warblers, Broad-Tailed Hummingbird, Western Tanager, Belted Kingfisher, Black Phoebe, House Wren, and others have been seen.

Rainbow Lake. (Photo at right: “Bald Eagle” by Barbara L. Davis) Located in the town of Lakeside, this is one of the very best places to see migrating and wintering waterfowl in the area. A spotting scope is very helpful. Take Highway 260 to Neils Hansen Lane, just across from Navopache Electric, and take the first right on Rainbow Lake Road. Continue across a small one-way bridge and take the next left. Or, from Show Low, take Hwy. 260 east to Rainbow Lake Drive and follow this road a little over a mile to get to the public parking area and launch dock. This boat launch is maintained by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Domesticated mallard hybrids and barnyard geese usually beg for handouts in the parking lot. Occasionally a Ross’ Goose or a Greater White-fronted goose has been found among them. In the winter, Marsh Wrens and Song Sparrows skulk in the reeds. This is a good place to see Hooded Merganser in the winter, as well as Western Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, American Widgeon, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, and Bald Eagle. Unusual species like Greater Scaup, Red-breasted Merganser, and Red Phalarope have been reported here. Osprey are seen in the summer. Back across the one-way bridge, the US Forest Service campground is a good place to try for Pygmy Nuthatches and Lewis’ Woodpecker.

Big Springs Environmental Study Area. Big Springs Environmental Study Area is a piece of National Forest land in the center of the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside managed under a special use permit by the local school district for environmental education. From Highway 260 and the light at Woodland Road in Lakeside, take Woodland Road south about one-half mile to a cindered parking area on the east side.

As you first walk down the path to the bridge crossing Walnut Creek, you'll notice a series of interpretive signs created by the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Heritage Fund for educational purposes. At the bridge, look behind you toward the parking lot at the snags and tall pines for Lewis' Woodpecker and Violet-green Swallow. Scan up and down the creek in the three-leaved sumacs and willows for various migrating Warblers, Vireos, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. When the scarlet gilia's are blooming in July and August, at times this area teems with Rufous Hummingbirds.

After crossing the bridge, the ½-mile loop trail begins. If you go straight (left fork), you'll be walking through the upland pine forest, where you can look for Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Pygmy Nuthatch, Mountain Chickadee, and Acorn Woodpecker. If you head to your right, you'll walk through the open meadow along the creek. Look for Belted Kingfisher, Great Blue and Green Heron, Western Bluebird, Townsend's Solitaire, Vesper and Lark sparrows, and Black Phoebe.

Both halves of the trail end up at the Big Springs pond. The springs provide a constant source of warm water, so the pond is a source of open water year-round. Listen and look for Sora and Virginia Rail, many species of waterfowl, and perching Bald Eagles (winter) and Osprey (summer).

A connector trail system leads from the main trail in the forested portion east to both Walnut Creek and Woodland Lake Park. Take the connector a short distance to a fork. The left fork takes you to Walnut Creek, which offers deciduous riparian habitat and is always worth a look, especially for springtime migrating Warblers. The right fork leads to Woodland Lake Park, and takes you through more second-growth mid-aged ponderosa pine forest, eventually ending at a wet meadow below Woodland Lake dam. Continue past the meadow, and the trail leads up to the fishing pier access at Woodland Lake.


Billy Creek Trail. Take Pinecrest Drive in Pinetop at the corner of Hwy. 260 and the Best Western hotel. Drive .2 miles to the end of the road and park in the dirt by the entrance gate. This is a point of access to the White Mountains trail system. Where the trail splits, stay to the left where the trail leads down to the creek through Ponderosa pine and oak. Along the creek are willows and some deciduous trees. The trail continues along the stream for a while, and this is where birding is the best. This is a great walk on a warm day. Birds typical of ponderosa pine woodlands can be found here including Acorn Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Steller’s Jay, Brown Creeper, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pygmy Nuthatch, Mountain Chickadee, Dark-eyed Junco, and in summer, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Band-tailed Pigeon, Purple Martin, Western Wood Pewee and Grace’s Warbler. Sometimes Red-faced Warblers are seen here in the summer as well.

Woodland Lake Park. Woodland Lake Park is located in the town of Pinetop-Lakeside. It includes 580 acres of mostly Ponderosa Pine interspersed with Gambel Oak, and Juniper. Walnut Creek runs through it and an important feature is Woodland Lake. There are numerous trails in the park, and all are easy and accessible. The trail that goes around the lake is paved and handicapped accessible. It is 1.2 miles and popular with hikers, birders, sightseers, and people walking their dogs.

Because of the riparian areas and the different types of habitat, there is an interesting array of birds to be found in the park. These include:

WINTER & FALL BIRDS - American Coot, Hooded and Common Merganser, Cinnamon Teal, Ruddy Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Mallard, American Widgeon, Northern Shoveler, Redhead, Canvasback, Lesser Scaup, and occasionally Canada Goose, Eared Grebe, Western Grebe. There is also the thrill of seeing Bald Eagles snatch a fish, as well as Lewis's Woodpecker, Acorn Woodpecker, Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon and Gray-headed), and Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

SPRING AND SUMMER BIRDS - Common Yellowthroat, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed), Chipping Sparrow, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Yellow Warbler, Lesser Goldfinch, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Marsh Wren, House Wren, Red-faced Warbler, Lewis's Woodpecker, Purple Martin, Violet-green, Barn, Northern Rough-wing, and Tree Swallows, Western Tanager, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy and White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Turkey Vulture, American Crow, and Common Raven. On occasion one can see a Black Hawk fly overhead, but this is rare. Many of the birds above may be seen year-round, such as the nuthatches, Acorn Woodpecker, and Mountain Chickadee.

As with all birding areas, people are drawn here because there is always the chance of seeing something new or different, and this keeps us coming back time after time. It is a good place to enjoy birding.


Information in this section written by Sue Sitko & Mary Ellen Bittorf

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