The "Fabulous Five" spent an exciting morning exploring the ponds and fields of rural Maricopa county Southwest of Phoenix. Leaders of the field trip, Joan and Dean Luehrs, have investigated the region extensively over the past few years and, by visiting each existing pond often enough, know that each year and each day is different regarding the bird population.

Sighting SEVEN Burrowing Owls in their natural habitat near burrows in banks along the roadways (Cotton Lane and Old Route 80) was a highlight of the trip. They were posing outside in the early morning but had disappeared by a return trip at noon.

Hundreds of feeding shorebirds were busy at one receding pond. The group was able to identify a Pectoral Sandpiper which was so different from the abundant Least and Western Sandpipers. There were many Black-necked Stilts, some Long-billed Dowitcher, discernable Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Ospreys, and Forster's Terns. Ducks in non-breeding plumage challenged the group's expertise.

Mixed flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds and Yellow-headed Blackbirds provided colorful sightings in wet fields shared with White-faced Ibises.

A regal raft of White Pelicans awaited the group at Gillespie Dam along with Double-crested Cormorants, Belted Kingfisher and Black Phoebe. Many Western Kingbirds and Turkey Vultures were still in evidence.

In addition to those mentioned above the species list of 61 included: Pied-billed Grebe, Eared Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Cattle Egret, Green Heron, Canada Goose, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Killdeer, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Loggerhead Shrike, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Rock Wren (heard), Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, American Pipit, Wilson's Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Brewer's Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch and House Sparrow.

Other participants in the adventure were: Eleanor Campbell, Vera Markham and Donna Smith.