Another couple was there when we got there. Within minutes, we were watching the Pine Flycatcher gathering nesting material and going to and from its nest. If accepted, this bird represents the first U.S. record and my 775th A.B.A. area bird.
The bird was unconcerned with our presence as it worked around the campground.
Also there were Black-throated Gray Warbler, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, and a Canyon Wren.
Other birds seen there included Bridled Titmouse, Bewick's Wren, Blue Grosbeak, and Scott's Oriole. Rufous-crowned Sparrows were seen along the road going in.
After carefully driving back out the rough road, we went a little west to where a Red-headed Woodpecker was hanging around another campground. It took about a half-hour before I spotted it up at the top of a snag.
On the way back out to the main highway, we saw Gray Hawk, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Phainopepla, and Lucy's Warbler.
From there, we headed south of Sierra Vista and up Miller Canyon. After parking the car at the top of the road, Jason noticed a hissing noise. Our right rear tire had something in it and it was losing air. We jumped back in the car and I headed the 2-1/2 miles back down the gravel road as quickly as I could with Jason occasionally sticking his head out the window to check on how low it was getting. We headed towards Sierra Vista and found a "Big O Tires" franchise. I told the guy behind the counter that we were getting a flat and needed it plugged. He asked me if it was a rental and I told him that it was. They took the car in right away. They not only found a piece of metal in the right rear; they also found a screw in the right front. The really amazing thing was that they patched both of them for us and told us that there was no charge! I said, "Are you sure?" He said, "No charge. Just come back and see us when you need tires." I said I would if I could but I was from Pennsylvania, so that probably wasn't going to happen. I shook his hand and thanked him.
Back on the road, we decided to head for Ash Canyon. Present there were Ladder-backed, Acorn, and Gila Woodpecker, the 'red-shafted' form of Northern Flicker, Violet-green Swallow, Bridled Titmouse, Bushtit, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Black-headed Grosbeak, Spotted and Canyon Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Hooded, Bullock's, and Scott's Oriole, and Lesser Goldfinch.
The five species of hummingbirds included Broad-billed, Magnificent, Black-chinned, Anna's, and the more unusual Lucifer Hummingbird.
Lesser Nighthawks and a Great Horned Owl were seen near dusk.
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