Date: 11/17/24 4:27 pm From: Mark Krenitsky <mkrenitsky...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP 17 November 2024
Eight birders had a fine, if initially chilly, morning of birdwatching at
the Sierra Vista EOP. We identified 76 species of birds, a fine count for
mid-November.
The bird(s) of the day were 6 Western Cattle-Egrets. We first saw them
standing in a group in the largest impoundment, all with heads tucked in.
We were able to get closer and get good looks before they warmed up and
flew to the other side of the EOP. We saw them flying back and forth a few
times...very exciting!
A close competitor for bird of the day was the continuing melanistic
Northern Harrier. We saw it multiple times as it flushed water birds. It
gave us good looks...quite a striking bird.
And the third best bird was a Northern "Pink-sided" Junco, seen well.
Juncos are not common at the EOP, and not seen every year. So it's a
notable sighting, even if it isn't the rarest.
Other Highlights:
Four species of herons - the aforementioned Cattle-Egrets, 4 Great Blue
Herons, 2 immature Black-crowned Night-Herons, and 1 Great Egret.
Five species of shorebirds - Killdeer, 2 Long-billed Dowitcher, 5 Wilson's
Snipe, Spotted Sandpiper, and Least Sandpiper.
And lots of Lincoln's Sparrows - we estimated a count of 50 overall, with
plenty of decent looks.
EOP walks are on Sundays at 7 AM for November. Attendance is limited to 15
people on a first-come first-served basis.
