By Diane Drobka
The 33rd annual Wings Over Willcox Birding & Nature Festival on January 15-18 showcased two of Graham County’s top birding spots, Roper Lake and Dankworth Pond, with a short stop at the Graham County Regional Park’s ponds on Sunday. Tours on Friday and Sunday tallied 44 bird species and some great memories. Pima birders Craig Wilcox and Diane Drobka – along with Vail, Arizona, guide Jeff Babson on Friday – led the tours as volunteers for the weekend festival.
The most numerous were Common Merganser, American Coot, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Gambel’s Quail, Redhead, and Western Bluebird. Participants from out of state were especially excited to see a Greater Roadrunner along the road at Roper Lake. One of the most spectacular sightings was a male Red-naped Sapsucker on the island.
An almost-tame Snow Goose joined the domestic Mallards at the Graham County Park “duck pond.” It has been there for more than a week and was a surprise to tour participants, who likely got as close as they’ll ever get to one. The injured Greater White-fronted Goose that has been there for years also provided an opportunity for a close-up view of this uncommon species.
Friday’s tour group walked halfway around Roper Lake, beginning at the floating fishing pier and ending at the island. Sunday’s tour was longer, walking the entire perimeter of the lake. Still full of energy and enthusiasm, that group also walked the loop around Dankworth Pond.
Visitors were thrilled with our beautiful weekend weather, blue skies, and a spectacular backdrop of the snow-covered Pinaleño Mountains, and the many new facilities within Roper Lake State Park. And, yes, the birds were great!
