It was a great day for birding: slightly overcast, invigoratingly cool, calm, and the birds were waiting for us. Fifteen of us from Sonoran Audubon and Birders’ Anonymous were ready for them. We even picked up a couple strays (birders) as we went along. It was sort of a coming out birding trip for Jan Pipes. She found out that she could keep up with the rest of us. Turned out this was our birthday present to her. One grand lady.

We saw 39 species: lots of ducks and shore birds, four species of hawks, plus most of the year-round residents. Everyone fell in love with the Burrowing Owls – which now own the artificial underground homes built just for them. The best bird by acclimation were the Peach-faced Lovebirds. It was a new bird for some. Pretty hard to come with one for that bunch of pros. Today’s darlings; tomorrow's Starlings?

In case you don’t know, the Water Ranch was created to reclaim sewage water. There are numerous recharge basins surrounded by easy-access trails. The landscaping is native, and easy to look over and/or through. It sure beats dumping all that precious water on golf courses.