Hike results: 2.0 miles.

We met at 8:30 AM for sign in and a quick talk about a few specific birds and the proper use of binoculars. A map and bird list were also provided to everyone in our group.

Veterans Oasis Park is comprised of 113 acres, 78 of which are designed for groundwater recharge and wetlands and serve as habitat for diverse Sonoran Desert plants and wildlife and has numerous walking trails. There is also a 5 acre fishing lake. Veterans Oasis Park is considered one of the premier birding spots in the valley with recharge basins, riparian environments and an abundance of native vegetation and draws a variety of migratory and local birds to the park.

We set out on our nature hike on a beautiful morning and immediately spotted the Abert’s Towhee, which some say should be the true state bird over the Cactus Wren as the Abert’s Towhee is loosely endemic to Arizona.

We continued on, winding our way through the various recharged pond trails. We first passed recharge basin #5. At recharge basin #4 we were treated with a great find of the female Belted Kingfisher which is a winter visitor and uncommon, seen irregularly during the winter months.

We also spotted cottontail rabbits on jackrabbits. After rounding recharge basin #3, we climbed one of the two gently sloping hills at this park.

We then arrive atop of the second hill and take in some excellent 360° views of the East Valley.

We next walk around the community fishing lake and have several excellent sightings.

We arrive back at our starting point at 10:45 to complete our 2 mile nature hike and a visit to the Environmental Education Center, where you can obtain a bird list, maps and enjoy the nature center and gift store for field guides, etc.

We have spotted almost 30 species of birds today, another great day of birding in Arizona.