City's artificial lakes are magnets for birds

A snowy egret skims the waters at The Lakes at Castle Rock on Tucson's east side. Castle Rock is one of many artificial-lake areas of Tucson that have drawn well over 100 bird species, according to the website eBird.

City's artificial lakes are magnets for birds

Deb Vath, left; Linda Greene, in white hat; Sharon Arkin and David Lindo spy various birds at the Sweetwater Wetlands.

City's artificial lakes are magnets for birds

An American wigeon, one of dozens of ducks taking advantage of the water, splashes down at The Lakes at Castle Rock.

City's artificial lakes are magnets for birds

A northern shoveler stays dry for the moment at the Sweetwater Wetlands.

City's artificial lakes are magnets for birds

Unperturbed by passers-by, a great egret stands its ground at The Lakes at Castle Rock. When The development was built 31 years ago, it was controversial because of its use of water.

City's artificial lakes are magnets for birds

On a sunny, cool morning recently on Tucson's far northeast side, a Say's phoebe, complete with a light-orange breast and a gray back, stood atop an orange metal fence.