We wouldn’t know a Gila woodpecker from a Gilded Flicker, but we can tell you the East Valley is a bit of a hotspot for birders, who enjoying racking up wild bird sightings. Now, they can turn to more than a dog-eared old field guide when stalking avian life.
Gilbert’s Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch and Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler are two local sites featured in Guide to 101 Birding Sites — Phoenix, a new mobile app to be unveiled Sept. 22 by the East Valley’s Desert Rivers Audubon and Mesa store Wild Birds Unlimited.
The app is an updated version of author Mike Rupp’s book, “The Birds-Eye Guide to 101 Birding Sites: Phoenix.” It lists urban sites and rugged, remote locations beyond city limits. Driving directions, current aerial photos, descriptions of habitat and birds you’re likely to see, and seasonal bird lists are among its features.
The app is developed by Spark Design of Tempe. It will cost $9.99 and be available for iPhone and Android smartphones.
A launch party is 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 22 at Wild Birds Unlimited, 2110 E. Baseline Road, Suite 1, Mesa. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.
