Date: 1/12/25 5:44 pm From: Steven Tracey <straceyflash...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sunday EOP Birding Walk -- 12 Jan 2025
Hi Birders,
This morning 9 birders from AZ, CO, NY and British Columbia birded the EOP
facility in Sierra Vista finding 69 species. It was pretty cold to start
the morning, in the 20's F around the observation platform, but the birding
heated up quickly with a group of 14 Lark Buntings working the nearby fence
line. Almost immediately upon starting the walk a Peregrine Falcon made a
fly-by appearance and continued in the area for most of the morning. At
one point the Peregrine was chased off by the continuing melanistic
Northern Harrier. The EOP's star harrier is very aggressive towards other
raptors and seems to take every opportunity to chase off any other raptor
it finds over the cattail ponds.
Other highlights today included the continuing over-wintering White-faced
Ibis that we seem to see about every other Sunday these days, as well as a
single Pine Siskin. Pine Siskins certainly are not regional rarities but
it has been a while since we have had one at the EOP.
Bird walks behind the locked gates of the Sierra Vista EOP occur every
Sunday morning. For the winter months (December - February) walks start
promptly at 8:00 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.
