Date: 9/28/25 4:06 pm From: Erika Wilson (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP--28 Sep 2025
Hi, birders,
Seven locals walked the Sierra Vista EOP dikes this morning, finding fall
migration underway, albeit in small numbers of individuals, but in a wide
diversity of species, noting 84 species by the end of the trip.
The best finds were: a flyover Dickcissel, giving its funny, flat "splatt"
call; a Pectoral Sandpiper, a wader we only see in the fall migration; and
brief look at a Least Bittern. The Dickcissel was the 6th record for the
EOP Sunday walks, occurring in the one-month window of late August to late
September when they move through this area. The Pectoral Sandpiper was part
of a small group of waders attracted to the temporary rain pools created by
the heavy rains this past week. The other waders were Baird's, Least, and
Western Sandpipers among the expected Killdeer.
It is almost exactly a year (22 Sep 2024, to be precise) since we had a
Least Bittern at the EOP. Today's bird was seen briefly as it scrambled
clumsily up the cattails and disappeared into the thick vegetation, giving
us side views of its yellow dagger bill, buffy face and neck, and streaked
chest and flank. Early arriving birders to the overlook platform had fine
views of a Merlin, perched and in flight. Small numbers of 8 different
species of sparrow added diversity--perhaps a sign of winter sparrows to
come.
Bird walks behind the locked gates of the Sierra Vista EOP occur every
Sunday morning. For the autumn months (September-November) 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.
