Finally got around to checking eBird for heretofore unknown/mysterious birding “hotspots” in the greater Pine Top/Lakeside/Show Low area = a great morning outing to the rather surprising Pintail Lake at Allen Severson Memorial Wildlife Area. (Directions: drive 3.5 miles; 5.6 km north along Route 77 from Show Low towards Snowflake, look for the sign on the right.) Bird of the day: a beautiful White-faced Ibis:
Not the best lighting on the Ibis shots, but still get the idea of the amazing metallic/iridescent colouration of even its non-breeding plumage.
Region north of Show Low is a mix of flat/slight rolling hills w/ volcanic rock, grass/weeds, & old growth Alligator Juniper (Juniperus deppeana), other junipers, and scrub oak. Amidst this rather dry area is the “oasis” of Pintail Lake – a surprisingly large artificial wetland fed w/ Show Low tertiary wastewater.
Two main lake sections divided by a levee/dike, + a third, larger wetland area on the east end that’s mostly cattails.
More White-faced Ibis:
Fantastic shots of the Ibis! Man-made wetlands are a fantastic draw for birds and other wild life.
White-faced Ibis show up regularly in Tucson-area eBird reports, but no luck at typical places like Canoa Ranch or El Rio or Christopher Columbus Park. Great to see one here, outside Show Low.