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.
