Date: 3/30/25 4:58 pm From: Erika Wilson <terika88...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP--30 March 2025
Eleven birders from AZ and OH walked the Sierra Vista EOP dikes this
morning, noting 82 species of birds on a bright spring day. As usual the
waterfowl were plentiful, with 14 species in the main impoundments. The top
bird was a White-fronted Goose, only an occasional visitor to the EOP (last
seen in mid-Feb 2023). A female Greater Scaup and a female Hooded
Merganser continued to linger among the other ducks, indicating that winter
is not quite over.
On the other hand, the flycatcher list expanded, with the first Cassin's
Kingbird and the first Ash-throated Flycatcher of the year joining the list
next to the expected Black Phoebes, Say's Phoebes, and Vermilion
Flycatchers. There were lots of swallows, too, with birds constantly
skimming past on all sides. Tree Swallows were the most abundant, followed
by Barn Swallows. At one point 31 Barn Swallows were sitting in a long row
along the top of the wire fencing at the maintenance buildings, their warm
buff underparts practically glowing in the sun. Violet-green, Cliff, and N.
Rough-winged Swallows added to the diversity.
More waterbirds in and around the impoundments included lots of Killdeer,
10 Long-billed Dowitchers, 4 Wilson's Snipe, and 16 Least Sandpipers.
Long-legged waders were 10 White-faced Ibis, an adult and an immature
Black-crowned Night-Herons, a Great Egret, and 4 Great Blue Herons. The
hundreds of Yellow-headed Blackbirds were quite noisy, with a constant low
murmur of contact notes, augmented by males "singing" their strangled,
snarling vocalizations. A few warblers rounded out the spring list, with
Lucy's Warbler (2), Virginia's Warbler (1), Common Yellowthroat (3), and at
least 25 Yellow-rumped Warblers.
Bird walks behind the locked gates of the Sierra Vista EOP occur every
Sunday morning. For the spring months (March-May) 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.
Cheers, Erika Wilson
--
Erika Wilson, Sierra Vista, AZ
