Date: 8/11/24 12:14 pm From: <dpsiminski...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Sierra Vista EOP Birding Walk
This morning, twelve birders attended the birding walk at the Sierra Vista
Environmental Operations Park (EOP). Participants came from the UK, Indiana,
South Carolina and Arizona. We walked the dikes, and we saw 68 species of
birds.
It was a spectacular day at the EOP topped off by a couple of passage migrants
that we might see briefly at the EOP once every year or so and only in
migration. A Purple Martin and two Willow Flycatchers were seen well by all
participants. The martin was feeding in flight with a group of the five other
swallow species, Barn, Cliff, Bank, Violet-green and Tree Swallows. The martin
stood out from the others primarily by its large size. The Willow Flycatchers
were feeding in the stunted willows at the edge of the cattail impoundments.
The other delights were all EOP FOSs (First-Of-Season) species. Several flocks
of 20+ Lark Buntings flying across the fields with the males flashing black
and white making their soft whistle calls. Our FOS Sora was heard in one of
the cattail impoundments. The EOP population of Soras will grow to 20 or more
for our winter walks. A FOS Rufous Hummingbird whizzed by us at the Recharge
Pond cypress trees. Three FOS Wilson’s Phalaropes made several passes over
the open-water impoundment before deciding to head further south. We had a
glimpse of a FOS Orange-crowned Warbler too.
We took in a spectacular view of a female Swainson’s Hawk both perched closely
and in flight. By next month she will be on her way to Argentina for the
winter. We saw only one Lucy’s Warbler; many are now on their way to winter in
western Mexico.
Birding walks behind the locked gates of the Sierra Vista EOP occur every
Sunday morning. For the month of August, the walks start at 6:00am. Meet early
at the EOP Bird Viewing Platform to sign in 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) of Sierra Vista on AZ Hwy 90. Look
for the Brua Animal Care Center and the Wildlife Viewing signs on the
northside of Hwy 90. Turn left (north) and proceed to the bird viewing
platform. Note that Google Maps may direct you to the wrong entrance.
