Date: 11/10/19 6:29 pm From: Erika Wilson <terika88...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP--10 Nov 2019
Hi, birders,
Ten people walked the Sierra Vista EOP dikes this morning. Overall a quiet morning, with a list of 68 species; adding in four pre-dawn birds, the final tally was 72 species.
A full complement of ducks were noted today, with 11 species, including 250+ Am. Wigeon in one flock in the flooded grasses at Moson Road. N. Pintail and Gadwall numbers have doubled, and two Lesser Scaup were noted.
Behavioral highlight was watching an adult Peregrine Falcon hunting ducks. Its stoops were unsuccessful, but it was interesting to watch its speed and maneuvers. Also spotted was a fast-moving Merlin over the weedy fields. Two latish Cassin's Kingbirds were seen, as was a single Barn Swallow.
Ten sparrow and towhee species were found, with Savannah Sparrow the most numerous at 60+. Impressive were the 22 Lincoln's Sparrows, outnumbering Song Sparrows this morning. A big flock of Western Meadowlarks were noted (128) as they passed by the ramada overlook platform in waves at the beginning of the walk.
Walks at the Sierra Vista EOP take place every Sunday, with the group leaving promptly at 8 a.m. during the winter months (Nov-Feb). Arrive early to sign in, securing your place on this walk behind locked gates.
