On the way there, a pair of Golden Eagles took off from a roadside tree. Down in the canyon, we scoped the steep, surrounding hillsides and found a Rufous-crowned Sparrow. After more searching, we finally found one of the canyon's specialties, a Five-striped Sparrow, that was seen singing from a branch of ocotillo near the top of the hill. Farther down the so-called 'road' was a Rock Wren going to and from its nest located in a crevice in the rocks. Above where we parked was a singing male Varied Bunting. Other birds in the gulch were Gray-breasted Jay, Canyon and Bewick's Wren, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, and Hooded Oriole.
On the way back to I-19, we stopped at Pena Blanca Lake. We searched in vain for Montezuma Quail, one of the few birds we would not be able to find. We did see Ring-necked and Ruddy Ducks, Black Vulture, American Kestrel, Vermilion and Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bridled Titmouse, and Loggerhead Shrike. Once back on I-19, we stopped off and birded Santa Gertrudis Lane near Tumacacori where we saw Northern Cardinal and my first Pyrrhuloxia.
We drove on to Florida Wash (pronounced Flah-REED-ah, NOT like the state), at the base of Madera Canyon, and found Verdin, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Pyrrhuloxia, Varied Bunting, and Rufous-crowned and Black-throated Sparrow.
We continued on up to the Santa Rita Lodge where Broad-billed, Blue-throated, Black-chinned, and Magnificent Hummingbirds buzzed around the feeders.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher and Scott's Oriole were also present. We spent more time looking for Montezuma Quail with no luck. As dusk approached, we stationed ourselves under the telephone pole where the Elf Owl was nesting. Along with about 15 other birders, we waited until he popped his head out of the hole and eventually flew off into the woods. Then, we quickly moved across the road to where the Whiskered Screech-Owls had their nest in another pole. With the male calling from the woods, the female stuck her head out of the hole and looked around. We also heard a Whip-poor-will calling in the distance.
We left Santa Rita Lodge and headed back down the mountain to the arroyo above Florida Wash. This is where the Buff-collared Nightjars were being heard and seen. We carefully worked our way around and through the cactus, rocks, and fences to the edge of the arroyo. As we approached the arroyo, we could hear the strange call of the nightjar. Unfortunately, it stopped calling just as we got there. Poorwills were also calling, but again, we weren't able to see them. After standing in the dark for about a half-hour, we gave up and returned to the road. We drove into Tucson and spent the night there.
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