Date: 9/21/25 1:11 pm From: dpsiminski (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Sierra Vista EOP Sunday Birding Walk
This morning, ten local birders attended the birding walk at the Sierra Vista
Environmental Operations Park (EOP). We walked the dikes, and we saw 76
species of birds.
Today, the day before astronomical fall (autumn equinox), provided us with a
few firsts for the new meteorological fall season (September through
November). The most spectacular was a Merlin that put on a show for us by
passing fast and low just above the cattails. It was presumably hoping to
panic a small bird into doomed flight in front of this speedy little bird
predator. It took several swipes with no luck and then flew to the north. With
the sun low on our backs, all the attendees had great views.
We also had our first Virginia Rail of the season. The Soras had arrived
several weeks ago and were calling loudly from the cattail impoundments,
eleven in all. We had a spectacular view of the Virginia Rail within a meter
of a Sora. We also saw our first Northern Harrier of the season, an apparent
female. Four Swainson’s Hawks soaring together indicated to us that Swainson’s
Hawks are now on their long migration to the pampas of Argentina and will soon
be gone from the EOP. Que lastima.
The breeding behavior highlight of the day was an adult Pied-billed Grebe
feeding a stripe-headed juvenile with a mosquito fish or maybe it was a
tadpole. In year’s past, we have also seen late season breeding of grebes at
the EOP.
Two other standouts for the day were an immature Ring-billed Gull and a Lesser
Yellowlegs.
Birding walks behind the locked gates of the Sierra Vista EOP occur every
Sunday morning. For the months of September, October and November, the walks
start at 7:00am. Meet early at the EOP Bird Viewing Platform to sign up with
the guide. Late arrivals will not have access behind the locked gates. Scopes
are useful. A hat and water are highly recommended.
The EOP is located just east (~ 3 miles) from Sierra Vista on AZ Hwy 90. Look
for the Brua Animal Care Center and the Wildlife Viewing signs on the
northside of AZ Hwy 90. Turn left (north) and proceed to the bird viewing
platform. Note that Google Maps may direct you to the wrong entrance.
The next EOP Birding Walk is on Sunday, 28 September, at 7:00 am.
