Date: 3/16/25 7:26 pm From: Mark Krenitsky <mkrenitsky...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP 16 March 2025
Eleven birders from four states(AZ, NM, PA, VT) had a fine morning at the
Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park, identifying 76 species of
birds. It started off rather cold but warmed up quickly, and there were
plenty of signs of spring.
Having said that, the highlights of the day were probably the continuing
winter birds - the female Greater Scaup and the melanistic Northern
Harrier. The harrier gave us multiple fine looks but the scaup was not
nearly as accommodating - giving some of us(me included) only a brief look.
The best part of the day was showing our eastern visitors a couple SE AZ
specialties - we had good looks at Chihuahuan Meadowlark and Brewer's
Sparrow.
Other highlights:
14 species of ducks - though we didn't have huge numbers, we had great
diversity.
Good looks at three Long-billed Dowitchers.
The Violet-Green swallows were particularly nice...we got multiple close
looks as they circled us on the dikes.
We saw a flock of 36 Cliff Swallows just sitting on the ground! Perhaps
they were resting? They weren't engaged in digging clay for nest
building...it was like they were taking a break.
And three species of warblers - one Lucy's, one Yellow, and three
Yellow-rumped.
Walks at the Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park are every Sunday
and start at 7 AM through March and April. Attendance is limited to 15
birders on a first-come first-served basis.
