Richard

Birds of Madera Canyon 1

We have had a few magical days of nice weather and wonderful hiking and birding and in a surprise, I’ve added 8 new birds to my life list.

A Scott’s Oriole who showed up a few days ago.

One of the many Acorn Woodpeckers who cavort around, putting on quite a show.

This Rivoli’s Hummingbird was a life bird.

Broad-billed Hummers are common but not many pose in the sun like this.

Last night I saw two Elf Owls, who have just shown up, in an old telephone pole where they have nested for seven years. Lots of waiting, some calls, a quick look, and they were off in the dark to forage. And I had life bird 477.

Elegant Trogon

As we headed out for a morning hike, a birder shouted, “Have you seen the Trogon yet?” Just down the road, a gaggle of people with cameras and binoculars marked where the bird had been seen but it was gone. After a little looking, we crossed down to the trail and sure enough, Sally spotted the male Elegant Trogon just ahead.

The Lodge owner had told me that this bird has returned for three years and last year, found a mate. What a a delightful start to our walk.

Not so wild Wild Turkeys

We are staying at a lodge in Madera Canyon, a wonderful birding site known all over the world. There is a bird feeding station that attracts thousands of people, hundreds of birds, and a flock of Wild Turkeys who act like they own the place. It’s mating season so they are friskier than ever.

Patagonia Lake State Park

With brisk weather but bright skies, we spent a morning enjoying a lot of birds at the State Park.

Several Say’s Phoebes were out and about — this one puffed up do to the chilly morning.

Cinnamon Teals are common here but not always cooperative for photos.,

This hummer, which we think is a Broad-billed, came to another feeder and put on a brief display in the sun. Photographer was not ready.

Just as we were leaving, several Verdin, always a favorite, b bounced around the trees, calling away.

It was nice to get back to Patagonia Lake State Park, a true birding hotspot. I even saw the relatively rare Clark’s Grebe who has been hanging out there. It was also nice to bird in sunshine, with more coming.

Post-frontal Passage Birding

Tuesday turned out as forecast – cold, misty, and windy but we’d brought our cold weather gear and layered up to give it a try.

We headed south toward the border and stopped to check out the local airport for birds with no sightings but an old Beech 99 landing in a stiff breeze.

We saw our first Red-trailed Hawk soaring just above us as we turned into Kino Springs, a local development/golf course. Sally spotted a male Vermilion Flycatcher and I went out and could barely hold the camera in the wind as he moved away from us.

In the same spot, a dozen sparrows moved through (you can see one in the photo above,) and when we got home, we identified them as Lark Sparrows.

The balance of the trip involved a short visit to Nogales, Mexico and some stops for provisions. The forecast is looking better..

A Damp Morning Walk

After a cold front and lots of rain, it’s a little soggy in Southern Arizona. ?This morning, I bundled up and took a walk around the neighborhood and found all sorts of bird activity.

There were a dozen White-crowned Sparrows feeding.

These Inca Doves were snuggled together in a fir tree watching the world go by.

Across the street this noisy young Northern Cardinal was a complete contrast.

We’ve been hearing the song of the Bewick’s Wren but I hadn’t identified it until I saw this guy singing his heart out.

Neither Sally nor I like the way vultures eye us — “Not Dead Yet.”

Thirty to forty Turkey and Black Vultures roost nearby each night.

The last bird of the morning, right beside our little trailer home. was a Hermit Thrush, the state bird of Vermont. Fitting end to a Vermont-like March/April morning.

AZ Birds1

We escaped from frigid Vermont this weekend and after a long travel day, rolled into Patagonia to a funky AirBnb rental and this morning, walked the quarter-mile down the the Paton Center for Hummingbirds Center. Here are a few of the birds we saw:

The Violet-crowned Hummingbird is one of the main reasons birders from all over come here.

There’s a blueish patch behind the eye – more dramatic in the male.

A Rufous-winged sparrow and female Lazuli bunting share a feeder.

A Change In Plans

After a series of annoying problems with the Sprinter van, we decided that we would return home and rethink our travel options. So, after a leisurely trip northward with good weather all the way, we are back dealing with icy driveways and planning our next venture.

The van is resting and awaiting Spring cleaning.

Just before we left Paynes Prairie State Park, I took a walk with just my iPhone.

Hearing a rustle in the leaves, I saw this cute armadillo who scurried off — sort of my last impression of Florida — a good one.

Some Morning Birds

Yesterday morning, it was cold (40) here at Paynes Prairie Preserve when I went out for a walk. I was bundled up and the birds were puffed up. A Red-Shoulder hawk eyed me as I headed out.

I never tire of seeing Anhingas catching the rays.

I think this ie an immature Little Blue Heron.

Weather is finally turning away from parkas toward shorts weather and we, and the mosquitos, can’t wait.

Birding in the City of New Orleans

I’ve had Arlo Guthrie’s song in my head for the last day because yesterday, after a nice trip into the city to visit the Museum of Art, we birded part of City Park (Coutuerie Forest) where we saw some nice birds.