Date: 10/27/24 6:49 pm From: Mark Krenitsky <mkrenitsky...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP 27 October 2024
Eight birders - six local and two from Great Britain - had a fine morning
of birdwatching at the Sierra Vista EOP. We identified 78 species on the
day and had a great time showing them the local wildlife.
The best bird was a RUDDY GROUND-DOVE at the recharge ponds on Moson Road.
We originally flushed it and saw it fly into a nearby tree...however when
we got to the tree it was gone. We continued our walk and re-discovered it
a few feet further down the path. Very sneaky! It was so proud of itself
that it let us get long looks in the open - I finally got to see the bluish
head.
One was seen at the same spot October 6th, so this is presumably the same
continuing bird. This bird cannot be seen from the main road, so Sunday
walks are the only way to view it - and since we missed it for two weeks
running, that can't be guaranteed!
We had numerous good looks at a Merlin as well - that was probably the
highlight of the day before we found the Ground-Dove. It started the day
flying over us at the parking lot while eating its breakfast and came close
several other times.
Our UK visitors were very interested in seeing sparrows, and while our
numbers were down we still managed to find some for them. We got excellent
looks at Brewer's Sparrow, which elicited comments of "how plain!". We
agreed. We also got them fine looks at Vesper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow,
and Lincoln's Sparrow - our most common sparrow by far.
Other Highlights:
Three Great Egrets - that's a good number for the EOP. We got fine views of
them.
Three White-faced Ibis were very cooperative as well.
Raptors - A fine survey of species: Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine,
Sharp-shinned, Coopers, Harrier, Red-tailed.
