Date/Time
Saturday, October 5th, 2024 | 6:45am - 9:30am
Where We Will Meet
Parking lot South of Library off Greenfield Rd.
Where The Walk Will End
Meet back at the parking lot where we started.
About This Walk
Hello, if you are in the Phoenix Metro Area please join me for a morning nature and wildlife photowalk through the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona. I consider myself primarily a “Suburban Wildlife” photographer and this is one of my favorite spots. View my Instagram account “@OliverImagesAZ” to see images captured at this location. Riparian Preserve is a 110-acre wetland, wildlife sanctuary with seven ponds and a recreational urban fishing lake along several hiking trails. Depending on the water levels at the time we will have a chance to photograph a wide variety of water fowl such as egrets, herons, cormorants, Canada geese, stilts, killdeer and occasionally pelicans and spoonbills. Other critters include songbirds, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, flycatchers, quail and lots of rabbits. In addition to wildlife there are flower and cactus gardens that attract several species of insects. As a group we will complete a large circle around the grounds covering several of the ponds and gardens to get the most photo opportunities in the shortest amount of time. Of course you can go off on your own if preferred. Restroom facilities are available.
I would suggest bringing a lens with at least 400mm range, however a 100-500mm or 150-600mm zoom lens would provide the optimal range. If you wanted to bring a second lens either a Marco, for the small stuff, or a 24-70mm lens may come in handy for wildlife environmental shots. I like using a monopod as I can stay mobile, but would not suggest bringing a tripod. While we will be stopping from time-to-time for brief periods to capture any available wildlife, this is a walk, and lugging a tripod around is not my idea of fun. Expect to cover a mile or two by the time we finish. October in Arizona may still be warm, even in the morning, so a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water are suggested, and of course comfortable walking shoes. After the walk, if anyone wants to meet at a nearby restaurant for a late breakfast or brunch we can make that happen as well.
Join Walk