It was perfect clear, mild weather for birding as the ten birders reached Mingus Mountain northeast of Prescott to begin their search for birds.  Search was the operative verb for this birding quest where the variety of scenery was more satisfying than the number of bird sightings.

Watson Lake, surrounded by the gorgeous rounded pink walls of the Granite Dells, offered up a rare treat.  Six Greater White-fronted Geese were identified resting on a Hummock together with two large white geese.  They had been seen from a distance swimming in a group looking like swans and Canada Geese.  With the Richards' fine scope and persistence, a close approach, and thorough study they were surely identified.  At the same time a Bald Eagle soared above---magnificent against the sky.  Seeing both these bird species made the trip worth the effort although the thousand or more American Coots on Watson Lake were mentionable.

The trek included many stops on the top of Mingus Mountain, along Route 89, and Granite Mountain Recreation Area in the Prescott National Forest.

The 30 bird species found were: Eared Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Greater White-fronted Goose, Mallard, Ruddy Duck, Bald Eagle, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Band-tailed Pigeon, Acorn Woodpecker, immature Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern Swallow, Mountain Chickadee, Sushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Rock Wren, Western Bluebird, Phinopepla, Chipping Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Lesser Goldfinch.

Participants were:  Darlene Gatto, Marilyn McMahon, Pat Kifer, Loretta and Chuck Richards, Andrea Nesbitt, Jeannette and Norman Dickson, Chuck Richard and Eleanor Campbell, leader.