Bird and wildlife watching at the water's edge


Published/Last Modified on Friday, September 15, 2006 12:09 PM MDT


Sierra Vista, Ariz. Bird and wildlife watchers have long been aware that Sierra Vista has some of the most unique habitat for viewing feathered and furred friends, evidenced by the thousands of binocular-carrying enthusiasts each year hiking along the San Pedro River and in the surrounding canyons and grasslands.


Another prime spot is the City of Sierra Vista's Environmental Operations Park on Highway 90 East. Enthusiasts have an opportunity to view bird species generally uncommon to Southeastern Arizona during the 'backstagetours' to areas normally off-limits to the public. Docents from three birding organizations: the Friends of the San Pedro River, the Huachuca Audubon Society and the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory conduct the two-hour tours of the wastewater wetlands. The tours start at the viewing platform in the Operations Park on Sunday mornings at 7:00 am from April through September and 8:00 am from October through March. The groups are limited to seven people per docent and reservations are not necessary.

There is no fee for the tour; all three organizations appreciate donations.

The additional bird species counted at this water recharge facility contributed to Cochise County being honored as America's Birdiest Inland County, according to a nationwide American Birding Association competition a couple of years ago. When originally designed, wetland marshes were purposely engineered into the plan. These wetland marshes, 50 acres of hand-planted reeds and native grasses along with man-made canals, have created a protected environment for wildlife; the standing water pools and gently flowing passages encourage water birds to alight and wildlife to drink.

For information on the many events and activities in the Sierra Vista area, call the Sierra Vista Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-288-3861 or 520-417-6960 or visit www.visitsierravista.com.

Copyright © 2012 Douglas Dispatch

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