Sweetwater Wetlands

The Sweetwater Wetlands is a water treatment facility and a urban wildlife habitat located off of Sweetwater Drive,  just north of Prince Road, and just west  of I-10, easily accessible from the east or west sides of Tucson. It is open to the public 7 days a week for self guided tours.  The Tucson Audubon Society sponsors walking tours on Wednesday mornings, and I joined the group yesterday at 8 am.  It was an easy walk around the site, and a beautiful morning. Note that dogs and bicycles are not allowed on the walkways.  

Here are four photos from the morning. My thanks as always to my wife DJ for her help in identifying the birds. Disclaimer:  I am first a photographer, and second a birder.  No guarantees that I have correctly identified all birds on this website, but gosh, I (we) try hard!

---

Great Egret which swooped down on the marsh about 8:30 am. As always, tough to capture on the fly and get in focus, but this one was the best of the lot. Canon 6D with Sigma 150-600 mm C series, ISO 125, 600 mm, f 8.0, 1/640. 

---

Little Blue Heron, shortly after 8 am.  The vegetation in the wetlands is outstanding, and makes for great backgrounds. 

---

A Green Heron walking along the edge of the reeds. Appears to be a juvenile. Looks like he belongs in a Disney/Pixar feature. 

---

"Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler, shot shortly before 9 am at considerable distance. Lots to see in the wetlands, but much of it is not really close. Bring  your binoculars and long lenses.