In spite of several feet of snow on the ground and chilly temperatures, we have had a lot of new avian arrivals in the last few days.
The ice in the North Branch of the Winooski out back just is disappearing and we saw Hooded Mergansers for the first time yesterday.
The first two Canada Geese splashed in this morning.
This afternoon, while watching the river, I watched an Eastern Phoebe alight on the deck railing, pump its tail and probably wonder where Spring is — I certainly am..
Patagonia is an interesting mix of small town, art, history, birding, and funkiness. Perhaps the municipal restrooms as you enter town set the tone.
Walking the streets offers some unusual backyards.
Back here in Vermont, as we wait impatiently for the snowpack to melt, it is fun to remember where we were last week and savor that experience.
I spent quite some time, on several days, sorting out Juncos at the Santa Rita Lodge feeders. Most of the birds were the Grey-headed version of the Dark-eyed Junco — like this guy.
I was looking for one of the few Yellow-Eyed Juncos that sometimes frequented the place but they were elusive, even though others had spotted them. (You should have been here ten minutes ago…”} Finally I spotted one and the next day, both Sally and I saw this one. A nice life bird, especially after the search.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With brisk weather but bright skies, we spent a morning enjoying a lot of birds at the State Park.
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.
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..
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.
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.
\
