Dazzling white egrets and great blue herons have been swooping through the skies and wading in ponds near a south-side sports complex - adding pizazz to the urban bird-watching scene.
The avian action is taking place at Pima County's Kino Environmental Restoration Project. It's about a block north of East Ajo Way on Forgeus Avenue, adjacent to the Kino Sports Complex.
"It's a great spot to see some types of birds you might not see in other areas of urban Tucson," said Jennifer Becker of the county's Regional Flood Control District. "Birders love to visit there."
As the fall migration season winds down, it has been common to spot egrets and great blue herons at the project's 28-acre riparian and open-water habitat.
Be aware that sighting the big birds depends on when they feel like showing up. The hours just after sunrise and before sunset often offer the best bird-watching.
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If you miss the egrets or herons, check the site for other types of waterfowl as autumn gives way to winter. Species spotted in the wetland have included hooded mergansers, common mergansers and buffelheads.
more bird-watching
Check these spots for winged wildlife outside the urban area.
• Whitewater Draw - Sandhill cranes gather in large numbers at this site south of Willcox. For directions go to www.azgfd. gov and follow links for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing areas.
• Madera Canyon - The canyon south of Tucson is known for its many resident and migratory species. Take Interstate 19 south to Green Valley, get off at the Continental Exit and continue southeast to the canyon.
Contact reporter Doug Kreutz at dkreutz@azstarnet.com or at 573-4192. On Twitter: @DouglasKreutz
