SE Arizona Birding, Day 3 – Huachucas to the Chiricahuas
written by Alex Lamoreaux
This is the third post about a birding trip that Anna, myself, and two of our friends took to SE Arizona last week; here are links for the first day and second day. Our third day of birding in SE AZ, July 30th, started with a quick look around the base of Ramsey Canyon, where we had stayed the night before; Bridled Titmice and Rufous Hummingbird were around the yard of the cabin. We checked the parking area of the Nature Conservancy Preserve, but since the preserve doesn't open till 8am, we couldn't go up into the canyon. Our target was better looks at Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers, but none were around.
One of our main targets for the morning was Buff-breasted Flycatcher, which would be a lifer for all four of us. There had been lots of recent reports of this small, beautiful flycatcher in Fort Huachuca's Sawmill Canyon, so we wanted to get there early, so our chances would be better. We arrived at the Sawmill Canyon parking area, just as three other birders were walking back to their cars, having just birded Sawmill. They told us they had just had a flock of Buff-breasted Flycatchers about 45 minutes prior to talking to us, about 150m down the trail. I had been unsure of our chances of actually seeing one of these little empids, but now I was feeling much better, and figured it was going to be a sure thing. As we made our way up the trail, we could hear lots of Western Wood-Pewees and Plumbeous Vireos. Mark and Chris were able to get great looks at their lifer Yellow-eyed Junco, calling from the limb of a Chihuahuan Pine. We spent quite a bit of time searching in the area where the previous birders had mentioned they saw the flycatchers, but we didn't see or hear anything. A foraging family group of Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers attracted our attention, and we watched them move through the area, collecting food and giving it to the young birds in the flock. Still, no Buff-breasted Flycatchers. We decided we should move on to our next stop. This wouldn't be the last time we missed out on a target bird this day.
Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher - Sawmill Canyon
Our next stop was Scheelite Canyon, to try for the Spotted Owls that have made this canyon famous. Long story short, we missed them too. we spent at least 2 hours, with all four of us, searching each and every tree in the lower part of the canyon, focusing most of our attention in the area between the 'Dragon' rock and the large slab of bedrock. However, we were able to pick up Red-faced Warbler, Canyon Wren, and Band-tailed Pigeon for Mark and Chris's life lists.
After a quick stop for breakfast, we headed over to Ash Canyon B&B. Mary Jo's yard was wonderful, as usual, with loads of hummingbirds as well as a nice assortment of other birds such as Curve-billed Thrasher, Scott's Oriole, Wild Turkey, Bewick's Wren, Blue Grosbeak, and a young male Lazuli Bunting. I had seen reports of a Lucifer X Costa's Hummingbird hybrid as well as a Black-chinned X unknown Hummingbird hybrid visiting the Ash Canyon feeders, so I was excited once we got there to actually see the Lucifer X Costa's, although we never did pick out the Black-chinned X unknown. However, Anna was able to spot another hybrid! This one I posted about already at this link, with more photos and info. It appears this third hybrid is a Black-chinned X Broad-billed Hummingbird; a previously unreported hybrid combination. Mary Jo believes it may be an individual that had come to her feeders last year, but was never determined what hybrid it was.
The four of us got great looks at both the male and female Lucifer Hummingbirds (our 11th hummingbird species of the trip!) visiting the feeders, and then spent a little while talking to Mary Jo about hybrid hummingbird, and then went on our way.
Lucifer Hummingbird (female) - Ash Canyon B&B
Ladder-backed Woodpecker (juvenile) - Ash Canyon B&B
We needed to be in Paradise, Arizona that night, so we began driving towards the Chiricahuas. On the way, we stopped for Chris's lifer Swainson's Hawk (a beautiful adult light type male) and also Chris and Mark's lifer Black-throated Sparrows. We searched Stateline Rd for Bendire's Thrasher with no success. We had dinner in Rodeo, New Mexico and then as it began to get dark, headed up the mountain roads toward Paradise. About 4 miles from Paradise, I flushed a Common Poorwill off the road, so we pulled over and listened to two of them calling for a few minutes. Around 8:30pm, we made it to our cabin for the night, the George Walker House. This cabin was absolutely beautiful, and the four of us were also able to witness an amazing event at the hummingbird feeder; hundreds of bats coming in to drink! I had never see anything like this, and it was so awesome getting to watch as bats flew all over the yard, sometimes two or three would attempt to drink from the feeders at once. There were two species present the Lesser Long-nosed Bat and the Mexican Long-tongued Bat.
Black-throated Sparrow - Stateline Rd
Lesser Long-nosed Bat - George Walker House
Mexican Long-tongued Bat - George Walker House
Williams Road Red-headed Woodpeckers
written by Drew Weber
I have been stopping by Colyer Lake quite a bit recently and have started taking Williams Road on my way back to State College to check on the Red-headed Woodpeckers that can occasionally be seen there. I generally just see a single bird, usually perched on one of the utility poles along the road. Today however, there was a second bird perched on the electric wire when I arrived. After a while they both swooped down and perched on a corn stalk in the middle of the field, allowing me to take a quick photo.
Red-headed Woodpecker pair along Williams Rd
One of the birds then flew back to the wire and gave me more time to photograph it. Unfortunately the lighting was working against me, as well as the fact that I was hand holding the scope while I was digiscoping. One of these days I really need to get a mount for the car window.
Red-headed Woodpecker on a wire
SE Arizona Birding, Day 2 – Madera Canyon and Patagonia
written by Alex Lamoreaux
July 29th, Anna, Chris, Mark, and I all got up early to begin birding Madera Canyon. We were going to have a pretty full day of birding and so we needed to take advantage of the early morning temperatures as well as the great birding activity of Madera Canyon to its fullest. As we walked outside of our Madera Kubo Cabin around 5:45am, the songs of Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers and Western Wood-Pewees filled the air; a few Acorn Woodpeckers flew by and landed in an oak tree, offering good views. Our first stop of the day was going to be the Carrie Nation Trail at the top of Madera Canyon. I wanted us to get there early to beat the heat, beat the crowds, and most importantly see an Elegant Trogon. The minute we stepped out of the car at the parking area for the trail, the unmistakable barking of a trogon could be heard. This was great news; there was at least one trogon present, and I really wanted Chris and Mark to see this iconic bird of southeast Arizona.
The four of us started up the trail, calls and songs of Hepatic Tanagers, Hermit Thrushes, Plumbeous Vireos, Dusky-capped Flycatchers, and Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers filled the air. We spotted a adult Grace's Warbler feeding it's newly-hatched chick a worm high in a pine tree. As we continued farther up the trail it was clear that the trogon we had heard calling was far off the trail and inaccessible. I was starting to feel like we weren't going to see one, but Anna had a feeling that if we kept walking we were sure to run in to one near where her and I had see them last year. In the meantime, Chris and Mark were picking up lifers left and right; Arizona Woodpecker, Magnificent Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Bridled Titmouse, and Painted Redstart to name a few.
As we started to get farther up the trail, near where the trail passes over to the right side of the wash, we could hear another trogon up ahead, and then another could be heard even farther up the canyon. The four of us started frantically searching for the nearest trogon. Last year it surprised me how well these birds can 'throw' their voices; sounding like they are over 100 meters away when really they are right in front of you. This morning, was no different. As we rounded a corner, I spotted a beautiful male trogon perched along the trail picking berries off a bush, even though its raucous call sounded like it was still quiet far away. We all got fantastic looks for a few seconds, before the bird noticed us and few up canyon. We followed it around for another 20 minutes, occasionally getting good looks. I was able to sneak up to it at one point and get a few good photos.
Elegant Trogon - male in Madera Canyon
We all hiked back down Carrie Nation Trail, pretty happy with our morning so far. The next stop was the Chuparosa Inn, which from reports I had read during the days before our trip, was sure to have some excellent hummingbird activity. We we pulled up to the Inn, Broad-billed and Black-chinned Hummingbirds were buzzing all around. Loads of Rufous, Calliope, Magnificent, Anna's, Broad-tailed, and one Allen's were quite a treat and surely nothing Chris and Mark had ever seen in such numbers, coming from Pennsylvania. We spent about an hour there and then headed down to Madera Kubo.
Female Magnificent Hummingbird defending her place at the feeder from a female Black-chinned Hummingbird - Chuparosa Inn; Photo by Anna Fasoli
As soon as we pulled up to the feeders at the Kubo, Chris and I were able to get a great look at a male Hepatic Tanager. Hummingbirds were quite active here, and our target was the Berylline Hummingbird, a rare species that turns up in SE AZ at least once a year. Twice we were able to get brief looks of the Berylline as it dashed in to one of the feeders, only to be escorted away by a male Rufous Hummingbird. Finally, I was able to spot the Berylline perched at eye level in one of the trees right next to the porch, which offered us all stunning views of this wonderful species as it preened at occasionally went to one of the nearby feeders to drink. at one point, the Berylline flew right up to Chris and was only about two feet away from him! Before we left, we also got brief looks at a Violet-crowned Hummingbird, coming in to the feeders on the upper balcony.
Berylline Hummingbird - Madera Kubo
Madera Canyon's Whitehouse Picnic Area was next on our list. As soon as we pulled in, I saw a male and female Indigo Bunting fly past and we could hear the songs of Botteri's Sparrow in the adjoining grassland. A quick walk around the area, picked up many lifers for Chris and Mark, including the beautiful Varied Bunting, Lazuli Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, Northern Beardless-Tryannulet, Phainopepla, and Canyon Towhee. Bell's Vireos were abundant, but never offered a look. From right in the parking area we were offered stunning looks at a Botteri's Sparrow as it sang from the barbed wire fence. Farther down Madera Canyon Rd, we picked up Cassin's and Rufous-winged Sparrows, both lifers for all four of us!
Botteri's Sparrow - Whitehouse Picnic Area
Rufous-winged Sparrow - Madera Canyon Rd
Cassin's Sparrow - Madera Canyon Rd
After a quick lunch, we began our drive south towards Patagonia. Along the highway, as everyone else was starting to doze off, I spotted an adult Gray Hawk fly over the road carrying prey in it's mouth. Our first stop on the way to Patagonia was Kino Springs Golf Course. This was a quick stop, but added quiet a few species to Chris and Mark's lists, including Gray Hawk (photo below), Vermilion Flycatcher, and Cassin's Kingbird.
Gray Hawk - juvenile begging for food and sunning it's wings at Kino Springs
We then made a quick stop at Patagonia Lake State Park, picking up a few trips bird like Double-Crested Cormorant, Black-crowned Night-Heron, and Green Heron, but Neotropical Cormorants and Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks were no were in sight. Next we stopped at the Patagonia Roadside Rest Area. This spot is famous for the Thick-billed Kingbirds that have made their home there, and we were quickly able to spot one. Other highlights of this stop were Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Rock and Canyon Wren, Lucy's Warbler, and Yellow-breasted Chat.
Paton's yard in downtown Patagonia was our next stop. Chris and Mark needed better looks at a Violet-Crowned Hummingbird, and this is surely the place for that species. Within minutes of arriving, we saw two Violet-crowns as well as a few other hummer species. Black Phoebe was also a lifer for Chris and Mark at this stop. We left as soon as we could though, since the mosquitoes were unbearable.
Violet-crowned Hummingbird - Paton's Yard; Photo by Anna Fasoli
We began driving towards Sierra Vista, and made a quick stop along the highway in the large grasslands area just outside of Patagonia and picked up a few more trip birds, including Loggerhead Shrike, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Eastern Meadowlark. We stopped for a late dinner near Huachuca and then got to our cabin in Ramsey Canyon as rain began to fall heavily.
Chihuahuan Raven, like this one, were plentiful throughout the day. We saw many groups perched together on telephone poles.
SE Arizona Birding, Day 1: Sweetwater Wetlands and Madera Canyon
written by Anna Fasoli
On July 28th after work, Alex and I headed west to pick up our friends Chris and Mark (from Pennsylvania) from the Tucson Airport. A few months ago, Mark joined us on a 4 day birding trip in Idaho, and we were glad Chris was able to make this trip. Chris and Mark hadn't spent much time birding in the south west, so this trip had the possibility of getting them a huge number of lifers. Alex and I were hoping for a few too. We missed a few species on our last trip to Arizona, like Buff-breasted Flycather and Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, to name a few. But more than the possibility of lifers, I was looking forward to visiting the numerous hummingbird "havens" that you can find all around south eastern Arizona.
Before we picked up Chris and Mark, we made a quick stop in Phoenix to pick up Peach-faced Lovebirds. Yes, these are the little lovebirds you can buy in pet stores, but because there are so many that have escaped, they have a well established breeding population at Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix, and are countable (I wasn't really mad that we couldn't find any). The pond here had a few different shorebirds on it, inlcluding Black-necked Stilts and a few American Avocets, in addition to a few small flocks of resting Long-billed Dowitcher. We also picked up a great year bird...Neotropical Cormorant...a species we wouldn't see anywhere on the rest of our trip, unfortunately for Chris and Mark.
Black-necked Stilt
Long-billed Dowitchers
Great Egret with Neotropic Cormorants
After picking up Chris and Mark in Tucson, we quickly added a few urban birds of the desert, like White-winged Doves and Great-tailed Grackles. Our first major stop was Sweetwater Wetlands. This place can be pretty stinky (literally-since it is part of a wastewater treatment system) on a hot day, but luckily there was a breeze. It was mid-afternoon, which is the time of day when birds hate their lives, seeking refuge in the shady mesquite trees. We picked up more common desert birds including Ladder-backed and Gila Woodpeckers, Lesser Goldfinch, Gambel's Quail, and Abert's Towhee. Not much waterfowl was around, but we did manage to pick out a few Cinnamon Teal and Ruddy Ducks amongst the Mexican Mallards. A good species that is reliably found here is Tropical Kingbird. On our way in, I heard a pair calling, and we caught a glimpse of them as we were leaving. They look fairly similar to Western Kingbirds, but have a noticeably thicker bill.
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Ruddy Duck - male
Great-tailed Grackle - females
Gila Woodpecker
Desert Cottontail
Tropical Kingbird
After stopping for dinner in Green Valley, we headed towards Madera Canyon, picking up a few Chihuahuan Ravens on the way. They are extrememly similar to Common Ravens, but can be picked out by their higher pitched crow-like calls.
Chihuahuan Raven
After checking in at Madea-Kubo B&B (a great place to stay for easy/early access in the canyon), we headed over to Chuparosa Inn where Elf Owls were being seen or heard regularly each night between 8:00 and 8:30. A few critters flew by in the darkness, including large beetles, hummingbirds, and bats, but eventually we heard/saw something fly in and land nearby. Alex shined the light on a branch, and amazingly this tiny little Elf Owl was sitting there, staring at us. A few minutes later, another flew in, and both disappeared into the darkness. A lifer for everyone!!!
Elf Owl - Chuparosa Inn, Madera Canyon AZ
Next, we headed up to Carrie Nation Mine Trail to find some Mexican Whip-poor-wills. After fighting bugs off our head lamps for a few minutes, we got responses from at least 2 individuals, and were about 20 feet away from one of them. We couldn't get close enough to see them, but it was great to add another nightjar species to all of our lists, even if we didn't officially "count" it (since we didn't see it). We missed out on a few other owl species, but we went to bed that night with thoughts of seeing Elegant Trogons on the same trail in the morning.
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