Date: 10/5/25 5:14 pm From: Erika Wilson (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP--05 Oct 2025
Hi, birders,
A very quiet morning for the 9 folks who walked the Sierra Vista EOP dikes,
finding a mere 53 species. This is quite a drop compared to the 84 species
noted last week. All were disappointed that no Least Bittern was found,
although it was a good morning for the rail family. Five Virginia Rails
were calling, outnumbered by 18 calling Soras, one of which ventured far
enough out of the cattails for us to see its bright yellow beak. One Com.
Gallinule put in a brief appearance, again outnumbered by its cousins, 32
Am. Coots.
In the raptor line there were the expected Turkey Vultures and Red-tailed
Hawks, enhanced by one each of Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, and N.
Harrier, plus several Am. Kestrels. Indicative of the dearth of passerines
was the low count of 15 Barn Swallows, with no other swallows at all.
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.
Cheers, Erika Wilson
--
Erika Wilson, Sierra Vista, AZ
