Birds of many feathers descend upon Pima County riparian project
by Pima County News on Oct. 23, 2012, under Environmental Quality, Health, Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation, Pima County, Regional Flood Control District, Southern Arizona, Sustainability and Conservation, Tourism, Tucson, Uncategorized, Water
Birders: Now’s a good time to do some urban birding at one of Pima County’s environmental restoration projects.
Fall migration hasn’t yet wound down and it’s a common sight to see great egrets and great blue herons at the Kino Environmental Restoration Project, north ofAjo Wayand part of the Kino Sports Complex.
The 141-acre project allows for valuable wildlife viewing opportunities year-round. It entails 28 acres of riparian vegetation and open water, 21 acres of native grassland, flood control features and a recreational path that surrounds the basin.
The project is an important resting stop for migratory birds during their long journeys in the spring and fall. Containing many trees and plants, the riparian area also supports resident birds and otherArizonawildlife species year-round.
Water fowl, such as ducks and grebes, visit in the winter. The spring is great for songbirds and the summer for nesting species, saidPimaCountyenvironmental planning manager Carla Danforth.
In past winters, small groups of flashy diving ducks such as Hooded Mergansers, Common Mergansers, and Buffelheads have been spotted in the wetland.
Birding is often best just after sunrise through mid-morning, Danforth suggested, and then again in the afternoon before the sun sets.
Bird watchers are welcome around the perimeter trail, which is a multiuse, paved path that is available to the community for walking, bicycling, jogging, and wildlife viewing.
Recorded bird calls are not permitted.
Tucson Audubon Society birding field trips sometimes visit KERP. For more information about birds and local birding field trips visit the society’s website at www.tucsonaudubon.org or contact Tucson Audubon Society at 520-629-0510 or info@tucsonaudubon.org.
