The Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park — also known as the turd farm — consists of 640 acres, and offers 50 acres of constructed wetlands that, along with native grasses provides a bird and wildlife habitat. A convenient 1,800 square foot wildlife-viewing platform, surrounded by native landscaping is located near the wetlands for bird and wildlife enthusiasts. The entrance to the facility is on Hwy 903.1 miles east of Hwy 92. There’s no real sign, but the big above-ground water tank is a dead giveaway. There’s also a vet or animal hospital on the highway. Turn north into the entrance, then follow the signs. Due to vandalism, city officials have instituted restricted hours for the viewing area. The wetlands are currently open 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents and visiting birders alike are invited to participate in Sunday morning birding tours sponsored by SABO, Friends of the San Pedro River, and Huachuca Audubon Society. These walks, guided by volunteers from the sponsoring organizations, cover areas otherwise off limits to the public. For more information, see SABO’s activities page. Our early-October 20-minute visit generated the following bird list: Mallard(Anas platyrhynchos) 18 Lesser Scaup(Aythya affinis) 3 Turkey Vulture(Cathartes aura) 8 Northern Harrier(Circus cyaneus) 1 Killdeer(Charadrius vociferus) 6 Say’s Phoebe(Sayornis saya) 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow(Stelgidopteryx serripennis) 12 Tree Swallow(Tachycineta bicolor) 6 Barn Swallow(Hirundo rustica) 54 Red-winged Blackbird(Agelaius phoeniceus) 28 Yellow-headed Blackbird(Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) 250 Great-tailed Grackle(Quiscalus mexicanus) 1 12 species total
