Date: 6/29/25 12:06 pm From: <dpsiminski...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Sunday Sierra Vista EOP Birding Walk
This morning, seven local birders and one birder from Phoenix attended the
birding walk at the Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park (EOP). We
walked the dikes, and we saw 55 species of birds.
The goose is gone. For the first time in fourteen consecutive Sunday EOP
Birding Walks, the Greater White-fronted Goose was nowhere to be found. It
seems late to be headed to the Arctic, but who knows where this anomalously
lingering rarity went.
The highlight of the day was a single Purple Martin. It appeared to be a
first-year male or a juvenile flying in amongst the much smaller Barn, Cliff
and Rough-winged swallows. The Purple Martin is a rare spring and fall
transient at this location. It seems more likely to be a late spring migrant
than an early fall transient.
The blindingly brilliant birds of the day were several male Yellow-headed
Blackbirds glowing yellow and black in the bright sun. A few seem to hang
around at the EOP every summer.
Other notables were a single Snowy Egret and a continuing Lark Sparrow. A few
weeks ago, we observed a pair of Lark Sparrows mating and carrying nest
material. Maybe they have a nest at the EOP. The Mexican Duck numbers continue
to increase. It appears that the EOP’s water-filled impoundments are an ideal
loafing spot for the post-breeding Mexican Ducks of the Upper San Pedro River
Valley. The pairs of Cinnamon Teal and Blue-winged Teal continue at this
location. We also saw our first stripe-headed fledgling Pied-billed Grebe of
the year, and our first Varied Bunting.
Birding walks behind the locked gates of the Sierra Vista EOP occur every
Sunday morning. For the summer months of June, July and August, the walks
start at 6:00am. 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, 6 July, at 6:00 am.
Date: 6/28/25 1:31 pm From: Katharine Cohen (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] El Rio Preserve Least Grebe (SE AZ)
Thank you. And I do try to check this listserv daily, even when I am not in AZ. I’m very grateful for it.
Katharine Cohen
Tucson and Lincoln, NE
> On Jun 28, 2025, at 2:21 PM, <aznmbirds...> wrote:
>
>
> For the few people who still check this listserv daily(myself included) the Least Grebe at El Rio Preserve(first discovered on 6/18 by Robert Mougin) was still present this morning June 28.. Most previous reports of this rarity have been near south end of the pond but today it was near the NE corner adjacent to the large reed patch
>
> Good Birding
>
> Craig Thayer
> Tucson
Date: 6/28/25 12:21 pm From: \<bncthay...>\ (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] El Rio Preserve Least Grebe (SE AZ)
For the few people who still check this listserv daily(myself included) the Least Grebe at El Rio Preserve(first discovered on 6/18 by Robert Mougin) was still present this morning June 28.. Most previous reports of this rarity have been near south end of the pond but today it was near the NE corner adjacent to the large reed patch
Good Birding
Craig ThayerTucson
Greetings Birders,
I spent the night of 24 June at a Best Western in Sierra Vista, and before the sun rose the next morning was heading south. Close to the corner of Monson and E. Hereford Roads I stopped and listened. Most of the birds were HOUSE and BLACK-THROATED SPARROWS, but before too long I had a BOTTERI'S SPARROW, and then my target, a CASSIN'S SPARROW. Still prior to the sunrise, I drove up the gravel road to the Beatty's, at the mouth of Miller Canyon. I chatted with Tom and his big pack of hound dogs, and when he unlocked the gate, took the shortcut to the main trail. Birds were calling all around, some of which were PLUMBEOUS VIREO, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK, and HEPATIC TANAGER. After a half-mile uphill hike, I reached the ruins of the old sawmill along the creek. SULPHUR-BELLIED and DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHERS called, but nothing new for 10-15 minutes. Then I heard a sweet warble followed by a soft, slow chatter. I soon found the source of the call, a beautiful orange-red FLAME-COLORED TANAGER! A bit later I also got a quick glimpse of the greenish female. After snapping photos and getting a nice recording, I headed back down the mountain. For some reason, this was much easier than my uphill trek...
At Ash Canyon the number and variety of birds had fallen off, as the breeders were tending to their broods, and with spring migration in the rear-view mirror. So I was quite pleased to see a handsome male LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD visit one of nectar feeders. Then I drove over to the Paton's, where at least two VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRDS were feeding. The biggest spectacle, however, was the sheer number of colorful BLUE GROSBEAKS visiting the brush piles and gobbling up spilled seed. I counted 19 birds; one of the volunteers had counted 25 the day before. Box Canyon was almost silent during the toasty mid-day hours. But as usual, the Santa Rita Lodge was hopping. BROAD-BILLED, BLACK-CHINNED, and RIVOLI'S HUMMINGBIRDS were busy feeding, as were a pair of BRONZED COWBIRDS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS, and an ARIZONA WOODPECKER.
The next morning (28 June) I had a WILLET and two WILSON'S PHALAROPES at the Ajo Wastewater Treatment Ponds, and at the community golf course I was tickled to spot and photograph a handsome VARIED BUNTING. At Spot Road Farm were more early shorebirds: a GREATER YELLOWLEGS, two WILLETS, and a WILSON'S PHALAROPE. And at the Aztec Feedlot was my first LEAST SANDPIPER of the season.
With the addition of the singing CASSIN'S SPARROW and the cooperative FLAME-COLORED TANAGERS, I'm now at 370 Arizona species for the year.
eBird reports with some photos:https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/XqqtCzqg1DimxX3JGi4fQh93tee?<domain...>
Good Birding!Henry D. <Detwilerhenry_detwiler...>, AZ
Finding Birds in Southwest Arizonahttps://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/LYprCA8EBzt1nxg7Zt8h2hGn6k3?<domain...> Birds at the Salton Sea and in Imperial County, https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Z0IbCB1GDATlMx1EDSNiXh2aibj?<domain...>
Date: 6/26/25 4:51 pm From: Olga Harbour <oharbour...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ Barfoot Park, Lake Cochise
Hi folks,
Bob and I escaped the heat this morning by heading up to Barfoot Park in the Chiricahuas. We saw a nice variety of birds, but no warblers! The highlights for us: Scott's Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, a nesting hummingbird (possibly Broad-tailed), Mexican Chickadee, Western Tanager, and a pair of Montezuma Quail by the side of the road in Pinery Canyon.
On the way home we swung by Lake Cochise in Willcox. In amidst the American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts, and Wilson's Phalaropes, we saw two Marbled Godwits, two Willets, a single Long-billed Curlew, and a sprinkling of Yellow-headed Blackbirds for good measure.
Date: 6/22/25 10:44 am From: Steven Tracey <straceyflash...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP -- 22 June 2025
Hi Birders,
This is probably the slowest time of the year for the weekly EOP birding
walk. With what is usually the hottest time of the year, with the
sewage-attracted flies at their peak and being in between significant bird
movements, birding enthusiasm usually hits its low point around now. With
that in mind, it was quite the highlight to have 9 locals show for this
morning's walk. Their dedication paid off as the group found a very
respectable 58 species while enjoying a cooler than usual morning with a
steady wind that kept the flies away. Compared to winter, duck populations
are much lower now, but we are starting to see increases in Mexican Ducks
and today we also managed a "teal triple" with Cinnamon, Blue-winged and
lingering Green-winged all present in small numbers. Typically shorebirds
at this point of the year at the EOP are down to the resident Killdeer and
then maybe a odd visitor or two. That was the case this morning as we
found three Black-necked Stilts in addition to the Killdeer. The real
highlight though, was a Willet working in one of the full ponds. It makes
you wonder if this bird was late on the way north or early on the way
south. Other notables today included a few continuing late Yellow-headed
Blackbirds, the continuing Greater White-fronted Goose, and a late Tree
Swallow perched on the ground in between ponds.
Bird walks behind the locked gates of the Sierra Vista EOP occur every
Sunday morning. For the summer months (June-August) walks start promptly at
6:00 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.
Date: 6/20/25 2:13 pm From: John Williams <john...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Arthur Pack Reg. Park, new species (NW Tucson)
This morning I lucked into a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, which almost posed for a photo, but I was too slow… Did get it in a mesquite, partially obscured, but ID points visible. Arthur Pack hotspot #248.
Another interesting observation: Lucy’s Warblers have gathered in one location to feed by the 7th hole pond. I saw 11 there, only two of which were adults. Saw five more in other locations; 16 is an extraordinary total in my experience.
House Finch numbers have also risen as they are enjoying the large fruit crop on the saguaros.
Mid-day three ravens were in my palm tree with a young one begging an adult for a date… while standing within inches of 40… adult fed the young…. They saw me and took off…. I love those birds!
The Rose-throated Becard nest on Harshaw Creek Road has fallen. It took me awhile but I found the downed nest (from the road) and it appears the whole branch came down as there are sycamore leaves still entwined in it. I did not see or hear a Becard in the hour I spent there yesterday morning, Wednesday, June 18. Qué lástima.
The Rose-throated Becard nest on Harshaw Creek Road has fallen. It took me awhile but I found the downed nest (from the road) and it appears the whole branch came down as there are sycamore leaves still entwined in it. I did not see or hear a Becard in the hour I spent there yesterday morning, Wednesday, June 18. Qué lástima.
Greetings Birders,
Five hours after leaving Yuma in the dark on Sunday (15 June) I was making my way south along the San Pedro River at Hereford. BLUE GROSBEAKS, YELLOW WARBLERS, and VERMILION FLYCATCHERS were just a few of the many beautiful birds there. Once I arrived at the spot where Brian had spotted the vagrant Yellow-crowned Night Heron the day prior, I ran into another couple. “Have you seen the Night Heron?” “Well, we did, but we scared it off, and it flew south.” So south I went. More fine birds like SUMMER TANAGER, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, and a pair of GRAY HAWKS. By 10:30 the heat surpassed all the fun I was having, and I cried Uncle.
Shortly after noon I made it to Harshaw Creek, in search of a nesting ROSE-THROATED BECARD. I succeeded in finding the big hanging nest using Cathy’s coordinates, but didn’t see hide nor hair of the becard. I did see a WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE on a nest, and watched a pair of ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS. Then, in a huge cottonwood along the creek, south of the hanging nest, I heard a ROSE-THROATED BECARD give its chirpy/scrambled call. And after a few minutes, it called again. An hour later, at the river ford just north of the nest, I was really happy to see the female becard on a low branch and snap a few photos!
The next day (16 June), shortly before dawn, I stopped along Monson Road, and was greeted by a fine morning chorus. Both GAMBEL’S and SCALED QUAIL were calling, as were NORTHERN CARDINALS, a GREAT HORNED OWL, doves, finches, and best of all, two BOTTERI’S SPARROWS.
As the sun peeked over the horizon, I started my second quest for the Yellow-crowned Night Heron. Early on, a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO was my first for the year. A surprise was my first opossum for Arizona, which scampered right next to my feet in the moist river channel. A flock of 8 WOOD DUCKS were nice to see, and I got fine pics of the GRAY HAWKS. But after several miles of hiking, I once again accepted defeat at the hands of the night-heron.
A trip over to the Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary yielded many good birds—the SCOTT’S and BULLOCK’S ORIOLES were the most colorful. Box Canyon, the Santa Rita Lodge, Madera Kubo, and the Paton’s Hummingbird Haven all had a wonderful assortment of breeding birds. I was going to drive home during the heat of the day, but my wife Suzanne convinced me to give the heron another chance or two at fame, maybe even trying an evening hunt.
So that’s what I did. As the sun crept lower, and the temperatures abated, I went to the big bend in the San Pedro River where the bird had originally been seen, and within minutes had the beast, the Yellow-crowned Night Heron, in my binoculars! Unfortunately it flew off before I could snap a photo, but thanks to Suzanne, I had my bird, #368 for the year.
eBird reports with some photos:https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/jl0jC7DqomiWzMm63s8fkhoFpv-?<domain...>
Good Birding!Henry D. <Detwilerhenry_detwiler...>, AZ
Finding Birds in Southwest Arizonahttps://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/u90SC8XrpnfwX3jMnF1hOhynLmL?<domain...> Birds at the Salton Sea and in Imperial County, https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/qp5aC93vqouYznmKoF3ivhqyTRB?<domain...>
We’ll be gone for several days but please feel free to come by. Park in shade of large mesquite at end of driveway. There’s a chair set up for watching the feeders. Also note the American Kestrel nest box in the tall pine. They are taking turns incubating. If you hear a raven, watch for both parents to loudly chase it away.
Date: 6/17/25 9:26 am From: John Williams <john...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Arthur Pack-Rosy-faced Lovebirds
This morning along the west edge of the golf course at Arthur Pack Regional Park, ( NW Tucson) I encountered two Rosy-faced Lovebirds, first by sound…. Then by sight after I ruled out Northern Mockingbird. The hues of blue and green were lovely in the 7AM light.
Got a couple of so-so photos obscured by branches, before they flew off to the west toward Camino de Oeste.
Satisfying first sighting.
Yesterday's oddest sighting was an American Robin.
Date: 6/15/25 11:45 am From: Steven Tracey <straceyflash...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP -- 15 June 2025
Hi Birders,
Well, the hot weather and early start had us down to just 4 locals on this
morning's EOP Birding Walk. This time of year we tend to bird a bit
quicker to avoid the heat, but that doesn't mean we don't find a lot of
birds, including some nice highlights. This morning we found a respectable
61 species. This is a rare time of year when wading bird species outnumber
the ducks, as we had Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Great Egret,
Black-crowned Night Heron, and White-faced Ibis against just Mallard,
Mexican Duck, Ruddy Duck and Cinnamon Teal.
One of the benefits of being the first person to the observation deck is
that you get a chance to catch the Lesser Nighthawks in numbers over the
cattail ponds before they disperse for the morning. This morning I made it
to the deck first and found 15 that were gone by the time the last person
arrived (we did find one later on the Moson Road side). We always try our
best to get accurate counts for our eBird checklists and so this morning
when a flock of European Starlings flew into the mesquites by the parking
lot I decided to do an exact count as opposed to just an estimate. My
diligence was rewarded as I noticed while counting that one of the birds
was actually a Bronzed Cowbird, always a nice bird for the walk occuring on
less than 2% of walks. And speaking of nighthawks, just as we were
approaching the parking lot at the end of the first part of the walk, a
Common Nighthawk flew right past us. This is only the fourth time seeing
this bird on the EOP walk and the first time since 2011.
A few other unusual sightings this morning were of birds very familiar to
the EOP walk but just not at this time of year. These included a
continuing Savannah Sparrow from last week and a Brewer's Sparrow on the
weedy edge of one of the ponds.
Bird walks behind the locked gates of the Sierra Vista EOP occur every
Sunday morning. For the summer months (June-August) walks start promptly at
6:00 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.
Date: 6/13/25 11:50 am From: Diane Drobka (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] First Record of Baltimore Oriole in Graham County
Date: 6/13/25 11:44 am From: John Williams <john...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Arthur Pack Regional Park, Tucson.
Just a few odds and ends to report from the park.
This morning at 6:15 there were 5 Northern Pintails on the 9th hole pond. They were gone by 8 AM
Ruddy Ducks have split, with 7 on the 9th pond, and 8 on the 7th hole pond.
The brood of 10 Mallard ducklings I first observed in April, are about 1/2 grown and all present.
Two baby coots emerged a couple days ago.
A pass through drake Green-winged Teal dropped in for a night.
Multiple species are feeding on the saguaro fruit, which have a bountiful crop. Today I watched an Ash-throated Flycatcher feed in one.
Jack Sparrow (One of my poodles) was pulling towards a coyote, when I notice we both nearly stepped on a rattlesnake…. It was rather docile….LUCKILY.
Also noted a Black-tailed Jackrabbit for the second time this week.
The Northern Mockingbirds have mastered the Purple Martin songs. Watched one doing that song as well as a spot-on Brown-crested Flycatcher song.
There are fledgling Vermilion Flycatchers, Verdins, and Lucy’s Warblers all over the area…. Other Warbler and Sparrow species have about vanished.
Date: 6/12/25 6:31 pm From: Dan Drislane <ddrislane...> Subject: Re: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ Mt.Lemmon
Thanks, Olga. I have enjoyed your posts for many years. Keep them coming please.
Thanks,
Dan Drislane
Frontier Strategies, Inc.
248-207-9020
________________________________
From: <aznmbirds-request...> <aznmbirds-request...> on behalf of Olga Harbour <oharbour...>
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2025 2:35:05 PM
To: <aznmbirds...> <aznmbirds...>
Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ Mt.Lemmon
Hi folks,
Bob and I spent a couple of hours birding this morning on Mt. Lemmon, stopping at Middle Bear and Incinerator Ridge.
The highlight at Middle Bear was a Scott's Oriole singing almost non-stop atop a dead (or dying?) conifer across the dry creek.
Four different warblers were singing along Incinerator Ridge Rd: Red-faced, Grace's, Black-throated Gray, and Painted Redstart. Red-faced were easy to find and hear the whole time we were up there. We also spotted a single Rock Wren and many Spotted Towhees and Black-headed Grosbeak.
Along the trail at Incinerator Ridge we saw a Yarrow's Spiny Lizard and a Horned Toad I couldn't ID to species.
We saw 30 species of birds in all and enjoyed the nice cool morning as well.
Date: 6/12/25 1:35 pm From: Olga Harbour <oharbour...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SE AZ Mt.Lemmon
Hi folks,
Bob and I spent a couple of hours birding this morning on Mt. Lemmon, stopping at Middle Bear and Incinerator Ridge.
The highlight at Middle Bear was a Scott's Oriole singing almost non-stop atop a dead (or dying?) conifer across the dry creek.
Four different warblers were singing along Incinerator Ridge Rd: Red-faced, Grace's, Black-throated Gray, and Painted Redstart. Red-faced were easy to find and hear the whole time we were up there. We also spotted a single Rock Wren and many Spotted Towhees and Black-headed Grosbeak.
Along the trail at Incinerator Ridge we saw a Yarrow's Spiny Lizard and a Horned Toad I couldn't ID to species.
We saw 30 species of birds in all and enjoyed the nice cool morning as well.
Date: 6/12/25 5:24 am From: Steven Tracey <straceyflash...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: San Pedro House Birding Walk
Hi Birders,
Wednesday morning 10 birders walked the trails around the San Pedro House,
finding 46 species. This was our first walk since we changed the start
time to 6:00AM for the summer and we were rewarded with a cool start to the
walk and some nice birds early around the house. These included
Brown-crested Flycatcher and Northern Beardless Tyrannulet. As the walk
continued and the temperatures began to rise, we were focused on finding
some of the summer specialties. Along Del Valle Road we heard and
eventually got a few glimpses at a male Varied Bunting. Further down Del
Valle Road two birds burst out from the mesquites in chase with the bird
being chased landing on the mesquites on the other side of the road. It
turned out to be a Botteri's Sparrow, a bird which we usually find
initially by song rather than by chase. The chasing bird was a Canyon
Towhee, by the way. We listened and looked for Yellow-billed Cuckoo along
the river, as there have been some reports recently, but we had no luck.
This is just about when they start to arrive and would be a pretty good bet
on the next walk in two weeks.
Walks for the summer months will be on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the
month. The next San Pedro House birding walk will be Wednesday, June 25 at
6:00am. The walk will start from the San Pedro House located south of
Highway 90 just west of the San Pedro River. The walk will last about three
hours. Bring your own binoculars, a hat and water.
Date: 6/9/25 11:49 am From: Betsy Checchia <betsy.checchia...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Tingley Beach/Bosque, Albuquerque, NM this morning -- So Many Chats!
Spent the morning at the Tingley ponds and in the bosque along the Rio
Grande. Nothing out of the ordinary, but Yellow breasted Chats were
everywhere in the brush along the river; there were also quite a few
Ash-throated Flycatchers, Black-headed and Blue Grosbeaks and, as always,
Spotted Towhees. MANY Canada Geese on the Tingley ponds (at least 100,
with only a few goslings), but nothing else but Mallards, a few Wood
Ducks, 2 Coots, and a few domestic ducks and geese. 37 species total --
link to eBird checklist is here: https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/noJtC93vqouRl1q2NfofvhqAOTE?<domain...>
Date: 6/8/25 2:36 pm From: Steven Tracey <straceyflash...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP -- 08 June 2025
Hi Birders,
This morning seven locals birded the EOP, finding 58 species in the
process. Warm temps, active bugs (I think I swallowed one this morning),
and a general slowdown of bird activity all made this morning really feel
like the summer months settling in even though technically we're still in
spring. That doesn't mean that we didn't have some interesting
highlights. We certainly did, including the continuing Greater
White-fronted Goose. We have been speculating that this bird, which has
been seen for many weeks in a row, is ill or unable to fly. Last week
however we finally saw it fly and did so again today, albeit just from one
pond to another. Maybe it is gaining its strength back or maybe it just
loves our sewage water too much to leave.
Most of our other unusual sightings were primarily of birds lingering a bit
longer than normal. These included a Green-winged Teal, Yellow-headed
Blackbird and Savannah Sparrow. We also had a nice calling Northern
Beardless Tyrannulet that we eventually saw in the mesquites by the
recharge ponds. These birds are more common down by the river but a bit
unusual up at the EOP, so a treat to find one. We also got decent looks at
a pair of Lark Sparrows copulating while the female was carrying nesting
material.
Bird walks behind the locked gates of the Sierra Vista EOP occur every
Sunday morning. For the summer months (June-August) walks start promptly at
6:00 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.
Date: 6/4/25 9:14 am From: John Williams <john...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Arthur Pack BBWhistling Duck this AM, NW Tucson
This morning at 6:30 there was a single Black-bellied Whistling Duck on the 7th hole pond of the golf course.
This pond is in the southwest corner of the course, and is adjacent to the trail system of the park.
Folks, I saw a report that said the male Indigo Bunting has been seen in
the "butterfly garden". I am unable to find out where in Sweetwater
Wetlands this area is located, since there is no official butterfly
garden at Sweetwater. Can someone let me know where in Sweetwater this
is located? Thank you.
Date: 6/3/25 9:11 am From: John Williams <john...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Roadrunners mating, Empids
A brief moment in time… I sat on my car bumper watering the dogs, when I looked up and saw something odd about 200 feet away. Two tails on a large body. Bins up… whoa, mating Roadrunners… Camera up and 30 photos over the next 13 second. The male had a lizard in its beak, oh what females find attractive. Didn’t see if she got it.
Also noted two empids, one clearly a Willow, the other I’m leaning towards Hammond’s. Wilson’s Warblers still around, as are fledgling Lucy’s Warblers chasing parents.
An immature Double-crested Cormorant continues to show several times a week. Ducks are down to Ruddy, Mallard and a drake Mexican. Sunday there was a drake Blue-winged Teal. A brood of 10 Mallard Ducklings is growing quickly as they approach 4 weeks old.
Hesperia SPP Purple Martins are nesting in, and north of the park. I’ve located one occupied nest cavity in a saguaro that has been used at least 4 years in a row. Today I saw 8 birds.
Date: 6/1/25 4:49 pm From: henry detwiler (via aznmbirds Mailing List) <aznmbirds...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Yuma to the White Mountains
Greetings Birders,
On 27 May I left Yuma and had my first good bird at Spot Road Farm, a wandering TROPICAL KINGBIRD. At Lake Cochise in Willcox were the usual assortment of fine birds, and two late shorebirds, a MARBLED GODWIT and a GREATER YELLOWLEGS. Shortly before 3:00 p.m. I arrived at the George Walker House, and not long after had my first target bird in the bag, a handsome WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD!
The next morning I made my way north over the windy Coronado Trail (Hwy 191). At Hanagan Meadow the cool mountain air was awesome, and a drumming AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER was even better. A bit farther north, at Sipe White Mountain WA, I located a pair of PINYON JAYS. That evening, 7 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS feeding over Becker Lake was a treat.
On the 29th, I started birding north of Springerville along the Little Colorado River, in search of some introduced gamebirds. It took a while, but then I heard the familiar cries and contact calls of CALIFORNIA QUAIL, even managing a couple of photos. My next stop was at the South Fork of the Little Colorado River, where the recent Greer fire (13-26 May) had burned the southern portion of the area, including the National Forest campground and day use area. A family of GRAY CATBIRDS, and lots of BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS and SPOTTED TOWHEES were some of the many birds there. It was wonderful to hear the whirring of the BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRDS here and at all the stops. I had no luck finding Dusky Grouse on Green's Peak, or anywhere else, but I did see many flashy MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, PINE SISKINS, PYGMY and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, and several GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS. Two of the most common songs in the forest here were that of RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS. At Sheep's Crossing I was happy to connect with AMERICAN DIPPER, and at along the West Fork of the Little Colorado River I spotted yet another one.
On Friday the 30th I revisited several locations, and at Sheep Crossing got my CANADA JAY. A handsome male WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER was at the abandoned Sunrise Campground. My last stop of the day was south of Show Low, at Woodland Lake Park. Here were a pair of LEWIS'S WOODPECKER and an adult BALD EAGLE. A strange song that I thought might be an odd Chipping Sparrow emanated from the pines, but I couldn't find it. As is often the case, the Merlin app was of no help. Finally I spotted the singer, a red-backed DARK-EYED JUNCO. As Sibley says, the song is similar to that of the Yellow-eyed Junco.
On the last day of May I left Payson at 3:20 in the morning to get to Dateland by 6:30 a.m. My target was the Worm-eating Warbler Tommy had found the previous day. But the vagrant had disappeared, and no one found it that day. Still, there were excellent numbers of TOWNSEND'S, YELLOW, and WILSON'S WARBLERS, and a single HERMIT WARBLER to keep us looking. At Spot Road Farm I counted 36 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS and 18 WESTERN WOOD PEWEES. Talk about eco-friendly mosquito control!
It was a fine trip, and over the five days I spotted 161 species. Nine of these were new for the year, so my 2025 total now stands at 360.
eBird reports with some photos:https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/OvGcC5Aomkfg8E3KWUzfQhkWIAq?<domain...> - Green's Peakhttps://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/y714C6YpnlfVkz79Gc6hph5Mv-a?<domain...> - Greerhttps://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/RIfyC7DqomiEMl26WiBikhog0cD?<domain...> - South Fork of the Little Colorado Riverhttps://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/yxVOC8XrpnfO31WMwiMsOhyKFgV?<domain...> - Woodland Lake Parkhttps://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/oI_EC93vqouRnQAKYhPtvhqEjI0?<domain...> - Dateland
Good Birding!Henry D. <Detwilerhenry_detwiler...>, AZ
Finding Birds in Southwest Arizonahttps://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/yK3gC0Aj5NfJvVQWru3uWh92Jgd?<domain...> Birds at the Salton Sea and in Imperial County, https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/fmcjCg7WAOIP69KWYcZCKh4T6iC?<domain...>
Date: 6/1/25 3:21 pm From: Erika Wilson <terika88...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] SEAZ: Sierra Vista EOP--01 June 2025
Hi, birders,
Five locals walked the Sierra Vista EOP dikes, starting at 06:00 (the
summer months start time), locating 60 species of birds. Top bird was a
Neotropic Cormorant, the fifth record for the Sunday EOP walks.
On 30 March 2025 an adult Greater White-fronted Goose was found at the EOP.
It has been seen every week since then, albeit always swimming or walking
through the marshy impoundments or up on the dikes. Today, however, we saw
it in flight, scotching the speculation that it was injured.
Other waterbirds of note included two Am. Avocets, at least 10 White-faced
Ibis, an immature Black-crowned Night Heron, a Green Heron, two W.
Cattle-Egrets, and two Great Blue Herons. The best passerine was a late
female MacGillivray's Warbler feeding in the mesquites near the SV animal
shelter. Top singer(s) were the Blue Grosbeaks.
NOTE: WALKS BEGIN AT 6 A.M. IN JUNE, JULY, & AUGUST.
Bird walks behind the locked gates of the Sierra Vista EOP occur every
Sunday morning. For the summer months (June-August) walks start
promptly at *6:00
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.
