Raptor Run!

Time to get our local winter birding off to a good start with a "Raptor Run" road trip thru the southwest part of the valley! We'll meet in Goodyear at Saddle Mountain Brewing Company (15651 W. Roosevelt St) and carpool through the agricultural fields of Goodyear and Buckeye, stopping frequently to look for raptors and other birdlife on the telephone poles and in the fields. In addition to the raptors, we might find flocks of ibis wading in the irrigated fields, along with great blue heron, great egrets, long-billed curlew, and possibly Sandhill cranes! Large flocks of blackbirds are usually seen swarming around the dairy farms as well. We'll end up at the ponds on Lower River Road, where geese, ducks, meadowlarks, and burrowing owls are often present.

It will be best to get everyone in 3 or 4 cars for the trip so it will be easier to stay together as we cruise the roads looking for birds. Most of the route is on paved roads, but there are some short stretches of dirt road. Temperatures should be cool but nice if the sun is shining on us. As usual, bring binos, bird books, water, cameras, and a scope if you have one (we'll have ours though). Access to restroom facilities is limited on this trip; however, there is a Shell gas station that we will stop at in Buckeye halfway thru our ride. Afterwards, we'll go back to Saddle Mountain Brewery for lunch and beverages. I will try to get a reservation so we can all sit together in the high-top area and discuss our sightings. They have a number of good beverage choices and a good selection of moderately priced food on the menu ($15-20). Should be a good way to wrap up our morning!