Date: 4/9/25 3:10 pm From: Steven Tracey <straceyflash...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: San Pedro House Birding Walk and one last plug for this Saturday
Hi Birders,
We had 24 folks show up this morning for the San Pedro House birding walk,
so we split up into two groups, heading off in opposite directions.
Combining the groups' sightings we found 68 species. Raptors were on
display today with numerous Gray Hawks, a Zone-tailed fly over and a
special treat Osprey fly-by as highlights. Lots of flycatchers and
warblers today as well, 8 species of each. Some of which were FOS birds,
Western Flycatcher and Kingbird, to go along with a FOS Summer Tanager.
Each group also got a nice non-bird highlight as well. One with a young
Bobcat. The other with the first Western Diamondback Rattlesnake of the
year.
This is a final reminder that this Saturday April 12 we will also be
hosting the "Big Morning Birding Challenge" 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. Pick your favorite and join the fun. 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 every Wednesday
morning starting at 7:00am in April 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.
