Bird Watching at Allen Severson Wildlife Area

Spending time in nature has been linked to many positive benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, and an increase in empathy and cooperation. The Allen Severson Wildlife Area on Pintail Lake Road in Show Low just a few minutes from Torreon is an excellent nature preserve where locals and visitors enjoy an abundance of wild birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects living there.

According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the area was created in 1979 in cooperation with the US Forest Service, City of Show Low and AZGFD. Allen Severson was an Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Manager involved in this area's initial planning phase. He died in a helicopter crash before seeing the project completed. It was designated The Allen Severson Memorial Wildlife Area in his memory.

The area consists of two small artificial marshes, supplied with secondary treated effluent water from the City of Show Low, including Pintail Lake and South Marsh. 

Pintail consists of three ponds with 14 nesting islands, while South Marsh is a resting and feeding area. A paved footpath extends from the parking lot approximately 250 yards to a concrete wildlife viewing blind. Interpretive signs can be found along the path and inside the blind.

During our trip to the area, we saw white-faced ibis, coots and ducks in the water/wildlife ponds. However, many species of waterfowl are attracted to the area, with several hundred visiting during the spring migration. You are likely to see or hear the Virginia rail, the secretive sora bird, and yellow-winged blackbirds. Peregrine falcons often are observed in the spring in pursuit of ducks. 

Common mammals in the area include elk, mule deer and pronghorn.

The wildlife area is located about 4.5 miles north of Show Low, in Navajo County. There isn't a lot of shade, so plan accordingly. But enjoy your trip into nature!

To learn more about the area, visit: https://www.azgfd.com/location/arizona-wildlife-viewing-allen-severson-wildlife-area/

Located just three hours from Phoenix in Show Low, Ariz., Torreon is a luxury golfing community nestled in the White Mountains. It offers convenience, world-class recreation, and amenities for the entire family. Offering everything from a sprawling outdoor pool, expansive fitness center to award-winning food at Torreon Grille as well as a family and game center, fishing pond and endless trails throughout the community, every member or guest is sure to enjoy time at Torreon. Learn more at https://torreon.com/

Contact Linda Cedarblade, designated broker for Torreon Realty at (928) 532-3030 or lrc@torreon.com for more information on gorgeous, high-country lots or move-in-ready Golf Villas nestled in the White Mountains.