Locals know it's here. Birders, anyhow. It's called the Sweetwater Wetlands, and it's just west of the interstate (I-10) off the west frontage road.
The Sweetwater Wetlands ecosystem has 11 ponds lined with cottonwood trees, and surrounded by cattails, stands of saltbush and bullrushes.
Sweetwater's trails (both paved and unpaved) are level, and provide easy wheelchair access to some of Tucson's best birding.
Tucson's Audubon Society has created a detailed website to introduce you to the Sweetwater Wetlands, home to some relatively rare (for Tucson) birds, including the secretive little Sora Rail. I saw one making his way through the edge of the rushes, little yellow beak foraging for food.
This particular day, we saw two Harris hawks sitting high in a stand of eucalyptus trees. They are regulars, according to the Audubon website, and I'm sure they make a good living off the thousands of ducks that frequent the ponds and recharge basins.
The wetlands site has been created to give privacy to the visitors, so that while you see the particular pond in front of you, you see almost nothing else. Nothing, that is, until you round the corner and see the next pond. It's January as I write this, and the shore birds that winter here are the main attraction.
This coot was one of several we saw just steps from the parking lot. Ducks were everywhere--shovelers, a pair of mallards, and two pair of pin-tails.
A satellite view on the right shows the extent of the wetland ecosystem, all of which is man made. It's created by using recycled water from Tucson's Roger Road Wastewater Treatment Plant.
That's the parking lot at the top right hand side of this Google Earth photo.
The little blue dot at the center right is a gazebo built on the edge of a pond. At the bottom left, you'll see another structure built out into the pond. It's a railed walkway that provides you with a shoveler duck's perspective of the pond. Be sure to bring binoculars when you come visit. Don't forget your camera. If you have a spotting scope, that will bring the Harris hawks close.
Known for it's pristine desert and the giant saguaro cactus, Tucson is a city of unexpected delights. For birders, this wetlands oasis on the banks of the Santa Cruz river is certainly one of them. Make it a point to visit the Sweetwater Wetlands the next time you're in town.
If you're relocating to Tucson, give me a call. People know me as "Mike in Tucson." Think of me as your local expert. You'll find me at www.MikeInTucson.com.
Joan,
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