Since it's shorebird season, an update on access to the Prescott WTP, aka the recharge ponds, near the airport is in order.? Although the City had promised to allow pedestrian access through a pedestrian gate (just to the left of the main gate) from dawn to dusk, 7 days a week, that is NOT what's happening.? The pedestrian gate is locked for?now.??
Birders can park just outside the new main gate in a designated dirt parking strip on the right. When the vehicle gate is open, pedestrian?access is allowed.? That is usually during working hours, from early?morning to mid/early afternoon, M-F only.? As always, stay on the berms and respect the maintenance vehicles and staff.?
If you wish, I encourage you to contact the City --the City Parks Dept, the Public Works Dept, and perhaps your City council folks to respectfully request that they unlock the pedestrian gate to allow birders access in the late afternoon and on weekends, as promised.?
Today the water is drying up in Pond 3 (SE pond), with several Least Sands, a Solitary Sandpiper, a Wilson's Phalarope, and a Greater Yellowlegs, along with Killdeer & a couple?of Ibis.? The water is drying up, though, and the water is still too deep in the other?ponds. But it's always changing!?
Susan Drown
Prescott, AZ
"Live ...like someone left the gate open." --the Dog
