On July 23rd, Babe Webster and I flew to Tucson for five days of birding in southeast Arizona, mainly to see the variety and sheer numbers of hummingbirds that are there during late summer. Our schedule had to be altered because of a wildfire that closed Madera Canyon until later in the week.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Southeast Arizona Trip ~ July 24, 2005
On the 24th, we drove into the little town of Continental where we found a Rufous-winged Sparrow for Babe.
Rufous-winged Sparrow at Continental, Arizona. Note the split rufous crown, the line behind the eye, the two dark 'whisker' stripes, the plain gray breast, and the light-colored bill. This bird was photographed in the mesquite across the road from the Continental Feed Lot Cafe.
At Patagonia Lake State Park, we spent four hours looking for a Black-capped Gnatcatcher for her. Although we heard a few gnatcatcher calls, we never were able to see one. Some of the birds we did manage to see included Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bridled Titmouse, Verdin, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, a nice male Varied Bunting, and lots of Bell's Vireos.
Our stop at the famous Patagonia Roadside Rest was cut short by a thunderstorm that hit just as I found the male Rose-throated Becard at its nest, so we drove on to Beatty's Guest Ranch, our base for the next two days. We were amazed by the sheer numbers of hummingbirds buzzing around the feeders at the 'Controlled Access Site'. We saw nine species, which included Broad-billed, Blue-throated, Magnificent, Black-chinned, Anna's, Broad-tailed, Rufous, a male Calliope, and several White-eared Hummingbirds, which were 'lifers' for both of us.
At Patagonia Lake State Park, we spent four hours looking for a Black-capped Gnatcatcher for her. Although we heard a few gnatcatcher calls, we never were able to see one. Some of the birds we did manage to see included Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bridled Titmouse, Verdin, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, a nice male Varied Bunting, and lots of Bell's Vireos.
Our stop at the famous Patagonia Roadside Rest was cut short by a thunderstorm that hit just as I found the male Rose-throated Becard at its nest, so we drove on to Beatty's Guest Ranch, our base for the next two days. We were amazed by the sheer numbers of hummingbirds buzzing around the feeders at the 'Controlled Access Site'. We saw nine species, which included Broad-billed, Blue-throated, Magnificent, Black-chinned, Anna's, Broad-tailed, Rufous, a male Calliope, and several White-eared Hummingbirds, which were 'lifers' for both of us.
Southeast Arizona Trip ~ July 25, 2005
On the 25th, we spent the morning and early evening at Mary Jo Ballator's Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast. There, we saw Arizona Woodpecker, Dusky-capped and Brown-crested Flycatchers, Black-headed and Blue Grosbeaks, and Scott's Oriole. Her hummingbird feeders produced five species that included our 'life' Lucifer Hummingbirds, two females and a striking male! We also got to study a Tarantula that walked in front of Babe as we left Mary Jo's yard at dusk.
Broad-billed Hummingbird at the Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. This photo shows the dark blue throat, the metallic green sides, and the orange-red bill with a dark tip. Overall, this is one of the most colorful North American hummingbirds. This adult male was photographed at Mary Jo Ballator's feeding area.
Lucifer Hummingbird at the Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. This photo shows the cinnamon wash on the sides and flanks, the tan eyeline above the dark cheek patch, the green back, and the distinctive long, decurved bill. This female was photographed at Mary Jo Ballator's feeding area.
Lucifer Hummingbird at the Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast, near Sierra Vista, Arizona on July 25, 2005. This mediocre photo shows the splayed gorget feathers, the light eyeline, the cinnamon wash on the sides and flanks, the bronze-green back, and the distinctive long, decurved bill. This adult male was photographed at Mary Jo Ballator's feeding area.
During midday at Beatty's, I got photos of many of the different species at the 'Controlled Access Site'. While there, Violet-crowned was added as the eleventh species! A Black-tailed Rattlesnake was also seen near there.
White-eared Hummingbird at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. This photo shows the prominent white 'ear' stripe on the dark head, the orange-red bill with a black tip, and the centrally white breast with heavy green speckling on the sides. This adult male was photographed at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
White-eared Hummingbird at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. I included this blurry 'videograb' of a 'head-on' male because it shows the intense blue-violet head and chin and the turquoise-green throat, in addition to the green speckles of metallic green on its sides. This adult male was videotaped at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
Magnificent Hummingbird at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. This 'videograb' shows the brilliant turquoise-green gorget contrasting with the black breast, the violet cap on the head, and the white eyespot on the black face patch. This adult male was photographed at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
Black-chinned Hummingbird at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. This 'videograb' shows the violet band at the bottom of the gorget, which most often appears all black. Also note the white collar separating the dark head and the dark 'vest' on the breast. This adult male was videotaped at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. This photo shows the emerald green back, white breast with gray-green 'vest', and the rufous edges on the tail. As often is the case, here the rose-colored gorget appears dark since it is not reflecting light towards the camcorder. This adult male was photographed at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
Anna's Hummingbird at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. This blurry 'videograb' shows the pinkish-rose irridescence encompassing the entire head and throat on the male on the right and another male feeding on the left. These two males were videotaped at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
Blue-throated Hummingbird at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. I included this blurry 'videograb' because it shows the striking blue throat and prominent white patches in the corners of its large tail. This adult male was videotaped at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
Calliope Hummingbird at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona. This blurry 'videograb' shows the dark red 'rays' on the throat and the dull white breast with a grayish wash on the sides. The very short tail is barely visible behind its plump body. This adult male was videotaped at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
During midday at Beatty's, I got photos of many of the different species at the 'Controlled Access Site'. While there, Violet-crowned was added as the eleventh species! A Black-tailed Rattlesnake was also seen near there.
Southeast Arizona Trip ~ July 26, 2005
We stopped at the Beatty's "Controlled Access" site where an Arizona Woodpecker showed up next to the feeder that the White-eared Hummingbirds preferred.
Arizona Woodpecker at the 'Controlled Access Site' at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona.
We then continued a little farther up the mountain to the "Hawk Watch" site, which has another set of feeders .
There, we saw the previously reported Berylline X Magnificent Hummingbird hybrid.
Berylline X Magnificent Hummingbird at the 'Hawk Watch Site' at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona.
A male Rufous Hummingbird was also present there.
Rufous Hummingbird at the 'Hawk Watch Site' at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona.
We left Miller Canyon and made the long drive over to Portal, located at the base of the Chiricahua Mountains, where we spent the night at the Portal Lodge.
We then continued a little farther up the mountain to the "Hawk Watch" site, which has another set of feeders .
There, we saw the previously reported Berylline X Magnificent Hummingbird hybrid.
A male Rufous Hummingbird was also present there.
We left Miller Canyon and made the long drive over to Portal, located at the base of the Chiricahua Mountains, where we spent the night at the Portal Lodge.
Southeast Arizona Trip ~ July 27, 2005
We drove up through Cave Creek Canyon into the Chiricahua Mountains.
Among the birds seen near Onion Saddle was this Mexican Chickadee.
Mexican Chickadee at Onion Saddle in the Chiricahuas above Portal, Arizona.
Other birds seen in the area included Zone-tailed Hawk, Band-tailed Pigeon, Greater Pewee, Bushtit, Red-breasted, White-breasted, and Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Hepatic Tanager, and Yellow-eyed Junco.
We descended back down to the South Fork of Cave Creek Canyon. There, we found Golden Eagle, Cordilleran, Dusky-capped, and Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Bridled Titmouse, Canyon Wren, Red-faced Warbler, Painted Redstart, Summer Tanager, and Black-headed Grosbeak. Back at the lodge, a Violet-crowned Hummingbird came in and visited one of the feeders outside our room.
Violet-crowned Hummingbird at the Portal Lodge in Portal, Arizona.
A private set of feeders outside of Portal produced Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Curve-billed Thrasher, Canyon Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Pyrrhuloxia, Bronzed Cowbird, and Lesser Goldfinch.
Black-throated Sparrow at a private feeder outside of Portal, Arizona.
Pyrrhuloxia at a private feeder outside of Portal, Arizona.
We left Portal and headed west to Tucson, spending the night at a Motel 6.
Among the birds seen near Onion Saddle was this Mexican Chickadee.
Other birds seen in the area included Zone-tailed Hawk, Band-tailed Pigeon, Greater Pewee, Bushtit, Red-breasted, White-breasted, and Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Hepatic Tanager, and Yellow-eyed Junco.
We descended back down to the South Fork of Cave Creek Canyon. There, we found Golden Eagle, Cordilleran, Dusky-capped, and Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Bridled Titmouse, Canyon Wren, Red-faced Warbler, Painted Redstart, Summer Tanager, and Black-headed Grosbeak. Back at the lodge, a Violet-crowned Hummingbird came in and visited one of the feeders outside our room.
A private set of feeders outside of Portal produced Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Curve-billed Thrasher, Canyon Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Pyrrhuloxia, Bronzed Cowbird, and Lesser Goldfinch.
We left Portal and headed west to Tucson, spending the night at a Motel 6.
Southeast Arizona Trip ~ July 28, 2005
We arrived at the Red Rock feedlot at first light on the 28th, hoping to find a Ruddy Ground-Dove for Babe. We heard at least one but never saw it. Birds that did show themselves included Eurasian Collared-Dove, Inca Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Loggerhead Shrike, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, and Common Poorwills that were along the roadside at dawn.
After several hours of the heat and unpleasant odors, we decided to head to Madera Canyon, which was now finally open again. We had hoped to see the Flame-colored Tanagers that had nested there, but they hadn't been seen since the fire and we struck out again. Surprisingly, Babe found a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak there! We had stumbled upon a Rose-breasted in California and now in Arizona. Local birders came to see the grosbeak and add it to their state lists.
Other birds seen in Madera included another Zone-tailed Hawk, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Mexican Jay, Bridled Titmouse, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Painted Redstart, Hepatic Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Hooded Oriole, and a 'black-backed' Lesser Goldfinch.
After several hours of the heat and unpleasant odors, we decided to head to Madera Canyon, which was now finally open again. We had hoped to see the Flame-colored Tanagers that had nested there, but they hadn't been seen since the fire and we struck out again. Surprisingly, Babe found a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak there! We had stumbled upon a Rose-breasted in California and now in Arizona. Local birders came to see the grosbeak and add it to their state lists.
Other birds seen in Madera included another Zone-tailed Hawk, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Mexican Jay, Bridled Titmouse, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Painted Redstart, Hepatic Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Hooded Oriole, and a 'black-backed' Lesser Goldfinch.
Southeast Arizona Trip ~ July 29, 2005
On the 29th, we made one last try for the tanager before we had to leave for the airport, again with no luck. We ended up with a trip total of 107 species plus one hybrid.
For those of you interested in seeing many more photos from this Arizona trip, you can go to my Arizona Photos Album.
Arizona Trip List ---- February 2nd to 9th, 2008
1) Wild Turkey
2) Gambel's Quail
3) Great Blue Heron
4) Turkey Vulture
5) Cooper's Hawk
6) Harris's Hawk
7) Swainson's Hawk
8) Zone-tailed Hawk
9) Red-tailed Hawk
10) Golden Eagle
11) American Coot
12) Killdeer
13) Rock Pigeon
14) Band-tailed Pigeon
15) Eurasian Collared-Dove
16) White-winged Dove
17) Mourning Dove
18) Inca Dove
19) Yellow-billed Cuckoo
20) Greater Roadrunner
21) Great Horned Owl
22) Lesser Nighthawk
23) Common Poorwill
24) Broad-billed Hummingbird
25) White-eared Hummingbird***
26) Violet-crowned Hummingbird
27) Blue-throated Hummingbird
28) Magnificent Hummingbird
29) Lucifer Hummingbird***
30) Black-chinned Hummingbird
31) Anna's Hummingbird
32) Calliope Hummingbird
33) Broad-tailed Hummingbird
34) Rufous Hummingbird
35) Acorn Woodpecker
36) Gila Woodpecker
37) Ladder-backed Woodpecker
38) Arizona Woodpecker
39) Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker
40) Greater Pewee
41) Western Wood-Pewee
42) Cordilleran Flycatcher
43) Black Phoebe
44) Say's Phoebe
45) Vermilion Flycatcher
46) Dusky-capped Flycatcher
47) Ash-throated Flycatcher
48) Brown-crested Flycatcher
49) Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher
50) Cassin's Kingbird
51) Western Kingbird
52) Rose-throated Becard
53) Loggerhead Shrike
54) Bell's Vireo
55) Plumbeous Vireo
56) Steller's Jay
57) Western Scrub-Jay
58) Mexican Jay
59) Chihuahuan Raven
60) Common Raven
61) Northern Rough-winged Swallow
62) Barn Swallow
63) Mexican Chickadee
64) Bridled Titmouse
65) Verdin
66) Bushtit
67) Red-breasted Nuthatch
68) White-breasted Nuthatch
69) Pygmy Nuthatch
70) Brown Creeper
71) Canyon Wren
72) Bewick's Wren
73) House Wren
74) Black-tailed Gnatcatcher
75) Western Bluebird
76) American Robin
77) Northern Mockingbird
78) Curve-billed Thrasher
79) European Starling
80) Phainopepla
81) Lucy's Warbler
82) Black-throated Gray Warbler
83) Common Yellowthroat
84) Red-faced Warbler
85) Painted Redstart
86) Yellow-breasted Chat
87) Hepatic Tanager
88) Summer Tanager
89) Canyon Towhee
90) Rufous-winged Sparrow
91) Black-throated Sparrow
92) Song Sparrow
93) Yellow-eyed Junco
94) Northern Cardinal
95) Pyrrhuloxia
96) Rose-breasted Grosbeak
97) Black-headed Grosbeak
98) Blue Grosbeak
99) Varied Bunting
100) Great-tailed Grackle
101) Bronzed Cowbird
102) Brown-headed Cowbird
103) Hooded Oriole
104) Scott's Oriole
105) House Finch
106) Lesser Goldfinch
107) House Sparrow
Also Berylline x Magnificent Hummingbird.
*Denotes 'Life Bird'.
For those of you interested in seeing many more photos from this Arizona trip, you can go to my Arizona Photos Album.
Arizona Trip List ---- February 2nd to 9th, 2008
1) Wild Turkey
2) Gambel's Quail
3) Great Blue Heron
4) Turkey Vulture
5) Cooper's Hawk
6) Harris's Hawk
7) Swainson's Hawk
8) Zone-tailed Hawk
9) Red-tailed Hawk
10) Golden Eagle
11) American Coot
12) Killdeer
13) Rock Pigeon
14) Band-tailed Pigeon
15) Eurasian Collared-Dove
16) White-winged Dove
17) Mourning Dove
18) Inca Dove
19) Yellow-billed Cuckoo
20) Greater Roadrunner
21) Great Horned Owl
22) Lesser Nighthawk
23) Common Poorwill
24) Broad-billed Hummingbird
25) White-eared Hummingbird***
26) Violet-crowned Hummingbird
27) Blue-throated Hummingbird
28) Magnificent Hummingbird
29) Lucifer Hummingbird***
30) Black-chinned Hummingbird
31) Anna's Hummingbird
32) Calliope Hummingbird
33) Broad-tailed Hummingbird
34) Rufous Hummingbird
35) Acorn Woodpecker
36) Gila Woodpecker
37) Ladder-backed Woodpecker
38) Arizona Woodpecker
39) Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker
40) Greater Pewee
41) Western Wood-Pewee
42) Cordilleran Flycatcher
43) Black Phoebe
44) Say's Phoebe
45) Vermilion Flycatcher
46) Dusky-capped Flycatcher
47) Ash-throated Flycatcher
48) Brown-crested Flycatcher
49) Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher
50) Cassin's Kingbird
51) Western Kingbird
52) Rose-throated Becard
53) Loggerhead Shrike
54) Bell's Vireo
55) Plumbeous Vireo
56) Steller's Jay
57) Western Scrub-Jay
58) Mexican Jay
59) Chihuahuan Raven
60) Common Raven
61) Northern Rough-winged Swallow
62) Barn Swallow
63) Mexican Chickadee
64) Bridled Titmouse
65) Verdin
66) Bushtit
67) Red-breasted Nuthatch
68) White-breasted Nuthatch
69) Pygmy Nuthatch
70) Brown Creeper
71) Canyon Wren
72) Bewick's Wren
73) House Wren
74) Black-tailed Gnatcatcher
75) Western Bluebird
76) American Robin
77) Northern Mockingbird
78) Curve-billed Thrasher
79) European Starling
80) Phainopepla
81) Lucy's Warbler
82) Black-throated Gray Warbler
83) Common Yellowthroat
84) Red-faced Warbler
85) Painted Redstart
86) Yellow-breasted Chat
87) Hepatic Tanager
88) Summer Tanager
89) Canyon Towhee
90) Rufous-winged Sparrow
91) Black-throated Sparrow
92) Song Sparrow
93) Yellow-eyed Junco
94) Northern Cardinal
95) Pyrrhuloxia
96) Rose-breasted Grosbeak
97) Black-headed Grosbeak
98) Blue Grosbeak
99) Varied Bunting
100) Great-tailed Grackle
101) Bronzed Cowbird
102) Brown-headed Cowbird
103) Hooded Oriole
104) Scott's Oriole
105) House Finch
106) Lesser Goldfinch
107) House Sparrow
Also Berylline x Magnificent Hummingbird.
*Denotes 'Life Bird'.
Tuesday, July 5, 2005
Glossy Ibis at Green Pond ~ July 4, 2005
Nancy Johnston, who lives across the street from Green Pond, called me to tell me that there was an ibis in the flooded fields. I quickly drove over, found a young Glossy Ibis, and got these photos of it.
Glossy Ibis at Green Pond in Northampton County.
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