Date: 11/10/24 2:47 pm From: Steven Tracey <straceyflash...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP -- 10 Nov 2024
Hi birders,
A chilly start this morning didn't dampen the enthusiasm of 9 local AZ
birders and 2 visiting Washington DC birders as they found 76 species
walking the dikes of the EOP. It didn't take long for the air to warm up
and even less time for the birding to do so. As expected, duck numbers
continue to rise and we had all of the species from recent weeks, minus the
Canvasbacks from last week. With one of the ponds having pretty deep
water, hopefully we'll see a few more diving duck species over the coming
weeks.
I would say the theme of the morning's highlights was that of lingering
birds now considered unusual in the area. This includes a late Barn
Swallow, White-faced Ibis, Ash-throated Flycatcher and seven Cassin's
Kingbirds. All of these will likely be gone by mid-winter if not sooner.
We also had a few unusual EOP birds, including Western Bluebirds and even
more notably a Bonaparte's Gull. While Bonaparte's Gulls are regular
yearly visitors to the adjacent Sulphur Springs Valley, they are much less
common in the San Pedro River Valley. In fact the last EOP record was
almost exactly 20 years ago! Today's bird looked to be a first year bird.
I'm afraid I'm guilty of burying the lead in this report, as the best
highlight in my opinion, was the return of the melanistic Northern
Harrier. This amazingly plumaged and extremely rare (only a handful of
documented records) bird graced the EOP walk last winter from November to
March, providing great looks to tons of birders. This is assuming, of
course, that it is the same bird, which seems almost certain given its
rarity. Hopefully this bird finds the EOP and environs as accommodating as
last year and sticks around just as long this winter. The bird kept its
distance today but I was able to get a few distant photos which I posted on
the ebird checklist, link at end of this report.
Bird walks behind the locked gates of the Sierra Vista EOP occur every
Sunday morning. For the fall months (September-November) walks start
promptly at 7:00 a.m. Arrive early at the EOP Bird Viewing Platform to sign
in with the guide--group size is limited to fifteen. Late arrivals will not
have access behind the locked gates. Scopes are useful. Bring a hat and
water--there is no shade nor any amenities on the walk route. There is a
chem toilet in the parking area.
The EOP is located just east (~ 3 miles) of Sierra Vista on AZ Hwy 90. Look
for the Brua Animal Care Center and the Wildlife Viewing signs on the north
side of Hwy 90. Turn left (north) and proceed to the bird viewing platform.
Note that Google Maps may direct you to the wrong entrance.
