Date: 4/2/25 4:16 pm From: Steven Tracey <straceyflash...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: San Pedro House Birding Walk + upcoming event
Hi Birders,
This morning 10 optimistic birders got their wish as the windy weather held
off for long enough to have a nice walk along the trails surrounding the
San Pedro House, finding 62 species in the process. With the threat of
strong winds in the forecast, we decided to start in the riparian section
along the river before the winds picked up as the cottonwoods there are a
potentially dangerous place in heavy winds. This turned out to be a good
decision as we quickly found some roosting Turkey Vultures that in a few
minutes began to catch the morning breeze and circle above us. The count
of TVs got to nine as the birds seemingly rose out of nowhere and when the
tenth bird rose it was clearly not a vulture. It circled a few times
before shooting off to the north, but allowed us enough of a view to ID it
as a Broad-winged Hawk! This was the icing on the cake of a really nice
raptor day along the river with Gray Hawks and a Zone-tailed Hawk also
making an appearance. We had our first Ash-throated Flycatcher of the year
and a nice 5 species hummingbird morning as well.
A reminder that along with walks every Wednesday this month at 7:00am at
San Pedro House, we will also be hosting the "Big Morning Birding
Challenge" on Saturday April 12 as part of the "Celebrate the San Pedro
River" festival being held at San Pedro House. From 7:00am to 11:00am
docent led teams will bird at five different locations along the San Pedro
River. Here's a little bit about each location:
1. San Pedro House - A great mix of habitats including riparian forest,
chihuahuan desert scrub, old field, along with extensive feeders around the
house. An all-around great birding location and easy access to the rest of
the festivities once your birding is complete.
2. Millville (Charleston Bridge) - Remember to meet in the parking lot on
the north side of Charleston Road, not the one on the south side by the old
bridge. Millville is probably the most unique location of the 5 as it cuts
through the Charleston Hills and is probably the best spot to see Common
Black Hawk and probably the only one of the 5 likely to find a Canyon
Wren. Last year's team even got the treat of seeing a Gila Monster.
3. Escapule Wash - This one is for the adventuresome birders. A walk down
the wash often means getting your feet wet so be prepared with the right
footwear. With so much water around the birding can be great here and
given how dry it's been, it's likely to be a magnet for birds. In past
springs this has been a great spot for rare warblers like Kentucky and
Hooded, so be ready for the chance at the unusual.
4. Waters Road (Casa de San Pedro) - Often when you see an eBird checklist
for Casa de San Pedro, it is referring to this section of SPRNCA property
along with the Casa property itself. During last year's "Big Morning
Birding Challenge" this area was the winner with the most species. If you
are looking for a good chance to be on the winning team, this walk through
Casa's feeders, old field, desert scrub and riparian forest has that
potential.
5. Hereford Bridge - The combination of a narrowing riparian forest section
along with ample riverside willows makes this location the best warbler
section of the SPRNCA in my opinion. Throw in a small bit of wetland, old
field, and desert scrub and this is another location with winning potential.
All you have to do is pick the location you want to bird and show up ready
to bird by 7:00am. No sign up required and the walks are free. All
birding levels are welcomed. You can review a bit more of the details
including directions to the parking for each location on the Friends of the
San Pedro River facebook page or the event details page linked below. Plan
to go to the San Pedro House after the birding to participate in the team
species countdown and crowning of the challenge's winning team.
The Friends of the San Pedro River leads birding walks from the San Pedro
House located south of Highway 90 just west of the San Pedro River. The
walks last about three hours. Bring your own binoculars, a hat and water.
