Date: 8/10/25 11:29 am From: <dpsiminski...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Today's Sunday Sierra Vista EOP Birding Walk
This morning, six local birders and two Texans attended the birding walk at
the Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park (EOP). We walked the dikes,
and we saw 61 species of birds.
As the seasons change, every Sunday there is a new or interesting avian sight
or experience at the EOP: breeding activity, plumage changes, and migratory
movements. We observed several stubby-tailed and flutter-begging Cliff Swallow
fledglings being fed by their parents on top of one of the Maintenance sheds.
We saw an early arriving Green-winged Teal. We saw more than fifty Lazuli
Buntings. Our count of fifty is probably conservative. We saw one spot with
20+ foraging in dry cattails, plus groups of fives or tens at other spots, in
addition to the constant buzz of buntings flying past us as we rounded the
dikes.
The highlight was an irregular occurring Rufous-winged Sparrow at the EOP. At
first, we heard its bouncing-ball song of down slurred notes coming from the
mesquite scrub at the Recharge Impoundments, then it shifted to its alternate
song of two (or three if you have sharp hearing) clear notes followed by a
rattling trill. The alternate song is kind of like an Eastern Towhee song or a
warped Bewickâs Wren song. It perched and sang for us for a couple of minutes
at the top of a mesquite.
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 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, 17 August, at 6:00 am.
