Trip Diary Trip Leader: Chris Charlesworth with Ray Bryant, Alison Everett, Andrew Morton, Lee & Gill Pilkington, Dave & Juline Rickwood and Roger Wellings Arizona's wild southeast is a land of contrasts, where forested uplands rise high above the Sonoran Desert plains. Wild canyons ring the mountain ranges, carrying cool streams to the dry expanses below. This geographic diversity is reflected in the region’s tremendous wealth of plants and animals, especially its birds. Indeed, southeastern Arizona possesses a greater variety of breeding birds than any other area of comparable size in the United States. Many species occur only here, their ranges barely extending north of Mexico. Arriving at Phoenix, we hoped for good chances of seeing most of the specialities... Day 1 – May 14 Limosa’s group of eight tour participants arrived in Phoenix on a slightly delayed flight. Once we all were assembled in the nicely air-conditioned airport, we headed outside and were immediately greeted by the warm Arizona temperatures. The short transfer to the hotel was made under the setting sun. We saw just a couple of bird species on the drive, including Great-tailed Grackles, affectionately known as ‘Mexican Starlings’, and a Gila Woodpecker. After dinner at the Rodehouse Restaurant, we were off to bed. Day 2 – May 15 At 6:30am we gathered at the restaurant at our hotel for breakfast; by 7:30 we were outside loading up our luggage in the van. A few common urban bird species were tallied from here, including the omnipresent Great-tailed Grackles and Northern Mockingbirds, as well as Verdin and a fly-by Say’s Phoebe. Our first stop was the Scottsdale Community College, where I had two days previous found a Burrowing Owl nest. I was happy to see a Burrowing Owl sitting on a lump of earth beside its nest hole; a second owl leapt up and promptly out of sight. A few other birds, such as Brown-crested Flycatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, House Finch, Mourning Dove and a pair of comical Gambel’s Quail were sighted. At the fantastic Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch, we spent a couple of hours exploring various pools and ponds. The waterbirds we saw today could very well have been some of the few we see on this tour. Included were Great Egrets, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Green Heron, Neotropic Cormorant and a selection of fantastic waders like Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet and Killdeer. A single White-faced Ibis was a treat to see, as was a winter plumage Bonaparte’s Gull. A few ducks present included Mallard, American Wigeon, Shoveler and a female Ruddy Duck; American Coots were about in good numbers also. In the trees alongside the ponds were some nice migrant birds such as Yellow and Wilson’s Warblers, White-crowned Sparrows and Warbling Vireo. Our first Abert’s Towhees scratched about on the ground, while an Inca Dove was seen through the ‘scope as it gave its tell-tale ‘no hope’ call. Along the edges of the ponds we noted several Red-eared Sliders, an introduced turtle species of the terrapin family. A few Desert Cottontails hopped about as we strolled the pathways. We drove from Gilbert towards Globe, where we had lunch, spotting several Harris’s Hawks and Red-tailed Hawks along the way. After a delicious lunch at Subway, we carried on south to Aravaipa Canyon, arriving around 2:30pm. It was quite hot at this point in the day, but we forgot about the heat as soon as we entered the beautiful canyon with towering rocky cliffs and hillsides studded with giant Saguaro cacti. Birding in the canyon was sensational this afternoon. We stopped to view a large occupied nest in some tall cottonwoods along the creek, discovering they were Great Blue Herons. About six nests could be seen in this particular heronry. Further along, we stopped along a stretch of somewhat shaded road. The birding was great here and we added our first Bewick’s Wren, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Summer Tanager, and incredible male Vermilion Flycatcher. Roger asked ‘what’s that raptor perched down there by the river?’ It turned out to be an adult Common Black Hawk, which is not ‘common’ at all in the USA, just barely poking across the border from Mexico. Aravaipa Canyon is one of the best places to find this species, but it was still my first ever at that particular location. We carried on slightly farther down the road, picking up Cassin’s Kingbird, Say’s Phoebe and Broad-billed Hummingbird. By about 4.00pm we decided we’d better carry on towards Tucson so off we went. Along the way, I spotted a Greater Roadrunner lurking in the thickets beside the road and so we screeched to a stop; everyone saw the curious bird before it disappeared into the desert scrub. We watched for the tell-tale cartoon Coyote chasing behind, but alas it didn’t appear – “meep meep”. The drive to Tucson was pleasant, except for hitting every red light along the way. We arrived just before 6.00pm, then met for a nice dinner at the Amber Restaurant next door. Day 3 – May 16 Before breakfast we ventured to Agua Caliente Park, a Tucson Audubon property where a small spring feeds a pond surrounded by palm trees and mesquite scrub. Upon entry to the park we were greeted by some very colourful birds, including Hooded Orioles and a pair of Lesser Goldfinches, the male engaged in an elaborate flight song. The female was unimpressed as far as we could tell, but we were impressed. A Bewick’s Wren dangled from the fronds of a palm tree giving us good views, while a couple of White-throated Swifts zipped by overhead. Dave picked out a Phainopepla in flight, and later we saw a grey-coloured female. Perhaps the star bird at Agua Caliente this morning was a boisterous Cactus Wren that popped up in some Cholla cactus near the path. His call is reminiscent of an old car engine trying to turn over. We had our first lizards of the trip including a Sonoran Desert Whiptail and a spiny lizard with a nice blue throat pouch. Our first Queen, a lovely orange and black butterfly similar in appearance to a Monarch was noted in the park also. As we drove back to the hotel for breakfast we paused to view a pair of Purple Martins perched on some telephone wires. After breakfast we picked up lunch at Subway where the girl working behind the counter was extremely efficient. Our first stop as we ascended Mount Lemmon was the Molino Basin Campground. Here amongst the oak trees we saw a few new species including Hutton’s Vireo, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher and Canyon Towhee. As we climbed higher and higher towards the 9000 ft summit of Mt. Lemmon the scenery was spectacular with strange rock formations and plunging canyons all around us. A stop at the Cypress Picnic Area was productive also, and gave us our first views of the common Yellow-eyed Junco as well as inquisitive Mexican Jays and the stunning Painted Redstart. A male Black-throated Grey Warbler was also seen, as was a Northern House Wren that sat still while he sang long enough for us all to watch him through the ‘scope. We moved on to the Chihuahua Pines Picnic Area where we were entertained by Acorn Woodpeckers and Mexican Jays whilst we ate our lunch. Other birds interrupted us as we had our picnic, including a Hepatic Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Northern Flicker and White-breasted Nuthatch. After lunch we climbed higher into the cool pine and fir woodlands of Bear Wallow. We walked up the gravel road spotting several exciting birds as we went along. Perhaps the most stunning of all were the Red-faced Warblers, a bird that certainly has nothing to be embarrassed about. A male Olive Warbler offered up nice views as did our first Orange-crowned Warbler. A Hermit Thrush sat on a fallen log long enough for all to see nicely. Gill found a Tassle-eared Squirrel high up in a pine tree that some of us saw before it disappeared. Other birds more typical of northern forests could be found at this elevation such as Brown Creeper, American Robin and Audubon’s (Yellow-rumped) Warblers. At the Iron Door Restaurant near the Mt Lemmon Ski Area we had a pair of lovely Steller’s Jays, as well as a handsome male Western Tanager. Feeders on the patio of the restaurant had Broad-tailed Hummingbirds as well as a stunning male Magnificent Hummingbird, which is most aptly named. On our descent of the mountain we stopped several times to take in the breathtaking scenery from the various viewpoints. We arrived back in Tucson just after 5.00pm, then had a very enjoyable dinner at the Amber Restaurant.
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
Day 4 – May 17 This morning we arrived at Sabino Canyon by 8:45am, in time to catch the first tram of the day up into one of Arizona’s most scenic and most fabled canyons. We were driven up to the turnaround by Sunny, an informative and friendly girl who gave us a narration on some of the plants, animals and birds of the canyon. Once we reached the top at stop 9, we got off for a few minutes, then re-boarded the tram and rode down to stop 6 where we began our ascent on foot. As we walked through the mixed sycamore, oak, willow and cottonwood riparian forest we saw several interesting birds, the best of which were tied for number 1. Several female and one lovely little male Costa’s Hummingbird put on a nice show, as did a pair of Canyon Wrens tending to a nest in a little crack in a rock wall. Common species such as Lucy’s Warbler, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher & Lesser Goldfinches were noted at several points in the canyon. Reptiles such as Elegant Earless Lizard and Sonoran Desert Whiptail scurried about, and Rock Squirrels and Round-tailed Ground-Squirrels were nice additions. Back at the visitors center we had a close encounter with a male Pyrrhuloxia that almost landed on Andrew’s hat. A pair of curious Cactus Wrens poked about beneath us as well. Butterflies seen in Sabino Canyon included Empress Leila, Pipevine Swallowtail, California Sister and Common Buckeye. After a scrumptious lunch we made our way to the Sonoran Desert Museum in west Tucson. It was pretty warm here, but we still enjoyed the afternoon wandering around the various exhibits of this museum. Wild birds seen included many Cactus Wrens and Gila Woodpeckers, some Black-tailed Gnatcatchers and Curve-billed Thrashers and the comical Gambel’s Quail. Some people were lucky enough to be shown a Townsend’s Warbler by a park employee, while the others were looking at a Gilded Flicker. We met back at the museum cafe for a much needed coffee or ice-cream, then headed out for one more hour of exploration. The drive to Rio Rico took about an hour, where we got nestled away into our rooms, then met for dinner at 7:30pm in the dining room. We seemed to have the whole place to ourselves, except for John Coons and his Field Guides tour group. As we left the restaurant after dark, at least four Lesser Nighthawks could be seen sailing overhead, illuminated in the lights near the swimming pool. Day 5 – May 18 At 6.00am we met for breakfast and enjoyed the lovely view over the desert from the resort dining room. The air had a little chill in it this morning, which was a welcome reprieve from the heat. After breakfast a few people had quick looks at a young male Bullock’s Oriole near the parking area. Ray and Andrew pointed out a Bronzed Cowbird atop one of the buildings of the resort. We drove to Green Valley, having no problem with the rather friendly border patrol at a checkpoint. Lunch was picked up at Safeway, then we made ‘tracks’ towards the Santa Rita Mountains and Madera Canyon. Our first stop was at Florida Wash, where highlights included Botteri’s and Rufous-winged sparrows, as well as our first Ash-throated Flycatchers. We spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon exploring the lower reaches of Madera Canyon where many birds were cooperative. Included were Hutton’s and Plumbeous Vireos, Summer, Western and Hepatic Tanagers, Bridled Titmouse, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Painted Redstarts and more. At the feeders at the Kubo Cabins we sat and watched the throngs of Black-headed Grosbeaks and House Finches. Mixed in were a few other goodies like Pine Siskin, Hooded Oriole and Mexican Jays. The hummingbird feeders were literally buzzing with Broad-billed, Magnificent and Black-chinned hummingbirds, some of which buzzed right over our heads and startled some members of the group. A little farther up the road we had nice looks at a Greater Pewee. A picnic lunch was taken at the amphitheatre, which was interrupted by the appearance of three Blue Grosbeaks. We walked down along the trail in search of Arizona Woodpecker after lunch but couldn’t find one. Our last bit of excitement before returning to Rio Rico came as we spotted a Zone-tailed Hawk being harassed by a Swainson’s Hawk - the Zone-tailed had some prey in its talons which the Swainson’s obviously wanted. Also new for the raptor tally today was Grey Hawk. We returned to Rio Rico in the mid-afternoon for a little siesta, then met again for dinner just before 6.00pm. At dusk we made our way back to Madera Canyon for a little nocturnal birding. Immediately
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
upon arrival to the canyon, the Common Poorwills were calling incessantly. We tried to see them but had to be satisfied with hearing their soft calls. A Whiskered Screech Owl, however cooperated nicely, and sat in the open for us to admire in the beam of a spotlight. Several Elf Owls could also be heard, and one was seen in a mesquite tree for a moment before it disappeared into the night. By all accounts, it was a successful evening of ‘owling’. Day 6 – May 19 After breakfast we left the motel and drove the short distance down to the Rio Rico Ponds. It was very ‘birdy’ here this morning, as we took advantage of the cooler temperatures of the early morning hours. On the pond were several comical Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, as well as a Mexican Duck and some American Coots. Three Black-necked Stilts waded in the shallows along the edge of the pond, and Ray saw our first Spotted Sandpiper of the tour. Our first good looks at male Red-winged Blackbirds in all their glory were enjoyed here, as were lovely views of the stunning Bullock’s Oriole and a nesting Lark Sparrow. Our target species here, Tropical Kingbird, was seen easily, as were its relatives Western and Cassin’s Kingbirds. We took a short detour through a nearby neighbourhood where Lee pointed out a Greater Roadrunner atop the tile roof of a house. We drove to Patagonia Lake State Park, catching a glimpse of the Mexican border near Nogales; an adult Grey Hawk perched on a telephone pole was a welcome sight in Nogales as well. A wildfire burned in the hills above the park, but didn’t seem to be causing any of the locals any stress. The birding was sensational at Patagonia today, and we enjoyed nice views of colourful gems such as Vermilion Flycatchers, Cassin’s Kingbirds, Summer and Western Tanagers, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Northern Cardinals. A male Common Yellowthroat was a nice surprise in a patch of reeds, while sparrows - including Lark, Rufous-winged and Song - foraged on grassy areas near the marsh. We wandered about amongst a group of cattle, some with calves, and made our way to the edge of Patagonia Lake. Not much was to be seen on the water, other than American Coots and a group of Neotropic Cormorants. Lunch at the Gathering Grounds Cafe in the tiny town of Patagonia was a great hit amongst the group, especially with Roger! We then sat beneath the shady tarp at the Paton’s property and watched some feeders. I even noted a few of the participants heads nodding off in the afternoon, post lunch comfort. I had to disrupt their snoozing when the claim to fame of the Paton’s place, a Violet-crowned Hummingbird appeared at the feeders, alongside Black-chinned and Broad-billed Hummingbirds. The feeders also attracted Curve-billed Thrasher, a lovely male Northern Cardinal, several Pine Siskins, House Finches and Lesser Goldfinches. The oranges put out for feed attracted Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager and Black-headed Grosbeak, while suet brought in White-breasted Nuthatch and both Gila and Ladder-backed woodpeckers. A Hispid Cotton Rat was an addition to the mammal list as it fed underneath the seed feeders. On our way back towards Rio Rico we stopped at the Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop. A pair of Thick-billed Kingbirds, very rare north of the Mexican border, delighted us as they sallied out for bugs from the tall trees lining the roadway. Lee and Gill pointed out a Black Vulture perched atop a cliff nearby, while Andrew noted a bunch of White-throated Swifts sailing overhead. A Rufous-crowned Sparrow hopped about amongst the rocky outcroppings near the road as well. The drive back to Rio Rico was interrupted by the sighting of a Zone-tailed Hawk seen by myself and Lee as it sailed overhead. Day 7 – May 20 At 6.00am we left the motel under the usual blue sky and cool morning temperatures. We made our way to Pena Blanca Lake, where the birding was sensational. The short trail that runs alongside the lake provided us with great views of a Least Grebe. This is the only location in Arizona where this species can be found. Alongside the grebe, was a male Cinnamon Teal, as well as a Pied-billed Grebe. It seemed there were nice birds around each corner, with Rock Wren, Scott’s Oriole and Black Phoebe all added to our trip list. Dave found a female Vermilion Flycatcher resting on its nest here also.
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
We had breakfast at the resort, where I got bathed in maple syrup (accidentally of course) by the server . After cleaning myself up, we made our way to Green Valley where we picked up lunch at Safeway. At Madera Canyon we hiked the Vault Mine Trail and were treated to two spectacular sightings. The first was a stunning male Elegant Trogon, which was heard ‘barking’ just before it appeared in the tall sycamore trees. We chased him around for a few moments before he sat still and all of us had great views of this, the only trogon regular in the USA. As we were watching the trogon another bird began to call on the hillside above, a Mexican Whip-poor-will. This nightjar really shouldn’t have been calling during the day, but we didn’t complain and followed his calls. Lee spotted him sitting on the ground and we had fantastic views through the scope of this secretive nocturnal bird. A third notable sighting was a lovely male Grace’s Warbler singing away in the tops of the oaks, our first for the tour. Lunch was taken around 1.00pm, and after we were finished eating, a nice little party of birds moved through the oaks above our picnic area. Included were Plumbeous Vireo, Hutton’s Vireo, Black-throated Grey Warbler, Painted Redstart, Bridled Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch and Dusky-capped Flycatcher. A short walk through the shady parts of the lower canyon in search of Arizona Woodpecker turned out to be unsuccessful, but enjoyable. On our way back towards Rio Rico, we took a detour into Montosa Canyon in search of the rare Black-capped Gnatcatcher. We didn’t find this bird, but as a consolation prize we enjoyed the great scenery of the Santa Rita Mountains, as well as a few birds like Cactus Wren, Black-throated Sparrow, Broad-billed Hummingbird and Lucy’s Warbler. Once back at the hotel, we had our last supper at the Esplendor Resort. Day 8 – May 21 At 6:30am we met for breakfast at the Esplendor Resort for one last time. Soon we loaded up our luggage and returned towards the Santa Rita Mountains to check out Montosa Canyon again. A ranch had flooded its field near the beginning of the road, and we paused to look at a White-faced Ibis foraging along the edge of the pool. As we drove through the desert towards Montosa, several desert species including three Greater Roadrunners, several Black-throated and Rufous-winged Sparrows, Cactus Wren and Canyon Towhee were tallied. Once in the canyon we looked again for the rare Black-capped Gnatcatcher, with the same luck as yesterday unfortunately. As a consolation prize, we were happy to have fantastic views of a male Varied Bunting. A male Indigo Bunting sang from a hillside above, but only I managed a brief view. Canyon Wren sang its ‘Willow Warbler-like’ song from the cliffs above. It was a beautiful place to spend an hour or so this morning. On the way back to the freeway, the flooded field had attracted a few more birds including a Killdeer and a pair of Mexican Ducks. A dozen White-faced Ibis circled overhead, obviously attracted by the flooding field. At the Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop we took a short stroll through the giant sycamore trees along Sonoita Creek. It was the heat of the day, but a few birds were about including Broad-billed Hummingbird, Hutton’s Vireo, Western Tanager, Swainson’s Thrush and a singing Yellow-breasted Chat. The Gathering Grounds Cafe in Patagonia was again a great hit amongst us. We had a look in the shops of the tiny ‘western town’ before heading east to the rolling golden grasslands near Sierra Vista. In the Las Cienegas area we drove a gravel road through the grass, finding several new species for our list, such as the Lilian’s Meadowlark (formerly treated as a race of Eastern), Horned Lark and Grasshopper Sparrows. A male Lark Bunting, a winter visitor to the area that should have already departed, was a nice surprise here. We were very happy to encounter a pair of Loggerhead Shrikes posing for good viewing, as well as a Scaled Quail spotted by Ray. The quail kept trotting along at a quick pace while we followed in the van - we clocked him at about 10 miles an hour. Not bad for tiny little quail legs! Once we had arrived in Sierra Vista, we got settled in our rooms at the Holiday Inn before heading out for dinner at Applebee’s, where we celebrated Lee’s birthday!
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
Day 9 – May 22 This morning we took breakfast at our hotel and we were on our way by 7.00am, though we were one person short today, as Andrew wasn’t feeling too well. Our first stop was the Subway where we picked up our lunch sandwiches and packed them away in the cool box. Through the suburbs of Sierra Vista we drove, ending up on Carr Canyon Rd, a winding road that ascends to the 7500 ft level in the Huachuca Mountains. Along the way we stopped at a ‘pullout’ to admire the view and were happy to stumble upon a lovely male Arizona Woodpecker! Also here were Spotted Towhee, White-throated Swift, Painted Redstart and Wilson’s Warbler. Once we reached the pine forest, which has been diminished by several wildfires over the years, we walked along the gravel road. Our target species, the tiny Buff-breasted Flycatcher was easy to find. We saw about five of these, the smallest of North America’s Empidonax flycatchers today. They are found regularly in the USA only in the Huachuca Mountains in fact. Also seen well were more Grace’s Warblers, Greater Pewee, Yellow-eyed Junco, Hepatic Tanager and our very first Bushtits, spotted by Alison and Ray. Also new for our trip, were several noisy Western Scrub-Jays. We walked along a trail through the Manzanita scrub where we heard, and Lee saw, a Virginia’s Warbler, along with a Townsend’s Warbler. Our picnic lunch was quite nice in the cool mountain breeze and, as Juline pointed out, we were serenaded by Black-headed Grosbeaks and a Bewick’s Wren. A few raptors were noted over Carr Peak, including Turkey Vulture, Cooper’s Hawk and a flyby Peregrine. On our descent we stopped to look at a pair of Band-tailed Pigeons, a large, yellow-billed relative to the common Rock Pigeon. Once down at the bottom of the road, we headed for Ramsey Canyon, only to find out it wasn’t open on Wednesdays. In compensatiojn, we saw four Gambel’s Quail along the entrance road to the canyon, however. It was off to Ash Canyon B&B, where we sat on chairs and watched busy feeders. Most of the occupants of the feeders were House Finches and Black-headed Grosbeaks, but with a little patience other birds arrived: Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, Lark Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, Mexican Jay, Acorn and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatch and a Scott’s Oriole were all observed from our comfy chairs, while a Hispid Cotton Rat dashed back and forth from his hidden burrow to the seed covered ground beneath the feeders. We returned to our hotel in the mid-afternoon and had a short ‘siesta’ before heading out for dinner at Applebee’s at 6:30pm. At about 8.00pm we headed out once again, this time to Miller Canyon, under a bright moon. We drove up the bumpy gravel road looking for Common Poorwill. On the way up the road, we had no luck with these rather elusive nightjars, however on the way down we spotted a couple of the birds by their red eye shine in the spotlight. We listened to them calling away their plaintive ‘poorwill’ call and watched them fly about on the hillside. It was a nice evening to be out. Day 10 – May 23 Today was a day of excellent birding, never to be forgotten. After breakfast we checked out of our hotel in Sierra Vista and made our way into Miller Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains. We were greeted by Tom Beatty himself, who runs a guesthouse and opens his property up to birders. Tom, a colourful character in his late 70’s, and his wife from Canada have lived in Miller Canyon for 47 years. They’ve seen a lot of changes, the biggest of which was surely a massive wildfire that tore through the canyon a couple of years ago. This fire, since it burned away most of the ground cover, changed the water flow, bringing a wall of water and mud right through the Beatty’s property. ‘Tombstone’ as Tom kept referring to the local council, had come in with their bulldozers and significantly changed the canyon in a bid to alter the diverted water flow. Tom was obviously not too happy about this. He gave us a narrated speech on changes in the canyon as he led us up through the scorched oaks, sycamores and maples along the dry creek bed. “There it is!”, Tom exclaimed, after sighting the rare resident male ‘Mexican’ Spotted Owl roosting in a tree low over the path. We jostled for position, then realized the owl was not bothered by us, permitting our group, led by Tom and accompanied by ‘California Karl’ as he became known, to stand
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
underneath the bird. We enjoyed the best views possible of this bird before moving farther up the canyon. Tom pointed out the nest tree, a large sycamore, and the female Spotted Owl could be seen sitting near the entrance to the nest in the snapped off end of a large branch. A little further up yet, Tom pointed out the nest cavity of a ‘Mexican’ Northern Pygmy Owl! The bird poked its little head out of the hole and inspected us, obligingly. We thanked Tom, who turned around and walked back down the canyon to his home. We carried on a few hundred yards farther in search of a Northern Goshawk, but couldn’t find the bird. We did see a lovely pair of Red-faced Warblers that were particularly obliging. Back at the Beatty’s hummingbird feeders we sat on the ‘bleachers’ and were immersed in a hummingbird frenzy. There were many Black-chinned, Broad-tailed, Broad-billed and Magnificent hummingbirds about; lovely male Costa’s made an appearance, as did a female Blue-throated Hummingbird. The prize hummer here, though, was a gorgeous little male White-eared Hummingbird, very rare north of the Mexican border. In a little pond near the Beatty’s house, we saw an endangered race of Leopard Frog. It had been a very successful morning indeed. After lunch in Sierra Vista, we made our way east to the San Pedro River. It was very hot here, with temperatures nearing 38˚C, but once we made it to the shade of the tall cottonwoods along the river it was comfortable. There were quite a few birds about, including Yellow-breasted Chat, Blue Grosbeak, Gila Woodpecker, Song Sparrow, Grey Hawk and Zone-tailed Hawk and Summer Tanager to name a few species. Feeders around San Pedro House had Common Ground-Dove, Inca Dove, Blue Grosbeak, Gila Woodpecker and Curve-billed Thrashers. We drove about an hour east to the border town of Douglas where we fuelled up with gas before heading to the rather remote hamlet of Portal. On the drive from Douglas to Portal we stopped several times to check out Chihuahuan Ravens. Other birds seen included Black-throated Sparrow and a Swainson’s Hawk on a nest. We had some excitement as we drove along and spotted a large snake crossing the road. We quickly stopped and returned to the area where the snake was, but it had already disappeared into the desert. Once in Portal we checked into our lodge and had dinner. As we were finishing our meal we could see a group of people gathered outside the window staring up into the trees with binoculars. We rushed outside to see what the excitement was about. They had spotted an Elf Owl near its nest hole. We had a look, then ran back inside to finish our dinner. Later on, serenaded by a local blues band, we walked the one street through the town of Portal, searching for owls. We found another Elf Owl and had fantastic views of the little gem as he sat above us in a sycamore tree. A fine ending to a great day of birding. Day 11 – May 24 At 6:30am we emerged from our rooms at the Portal Peak Lodge to do some pre-breakfast birding. We headed for Stateline Road, demarking the border between Arizona and New Mexico. Birds were few, but quality was excellent. We had a good look at up to three Loggerhead Shrikes in a dead tree, as well as several Chihuahuan Ravens. Scaled and Gambel’s Quails were seen this morning. A single Bendire’s Thrashers appeared briefly and was new for our tally, as were at least two lovely scythe-billed Crissal Thrashers in the desert scrub. A Mule Deer quietly crossed the road in front of our van, showing off its large ears and black-tipped tail. We returned to the lodge for breakfast, which was very good, then made our way back out into the field. We climbed up the dusty, winding road through the Chiricahua Mountains to an elevation of around 8000 ft at Rustler Park. On the way up, we spotted a pair of elusive Montezuma Quails quietly sliding into the bush. We all managed to get a good look before this much sought-after species disappeared into the vegetation below a steep embankment. Happy with this surprise sighting, we carried on a little higher into the burned forests where we finally caught up with Hairy Woodpeckers and a Hammond’s Flycatcher. Pygmy Nuthatch came to investigate us as well, offering up nice views as our first Mourning Cloak (Camberwell Beauty) glided past.
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
At Rustler Park we had lunch and were accompanied by some intriguing Steller’s Jays, Yellow-eyed Junco and Northern Flicker. After lunch I heard a tooting sound coming from the hillside above. Recognizing the calls as that of a Northern Saw-whet Owl, we clambered up the hillside to investigate. It didn’t take us long to locate the tiny owl in a fir tree, calling away in broad daylight, which is unusual for this highly nocturnal species. We had great looks at this, our sixth owl species of the tour thus far, before heading back into the van. On our way down I thought we should try one more spot for the rare Mexican Chickadee. Good thing I did, because almost as soon as we started looking we found one amongst the tall pine trees. Very happy with our day, we returned to Portal, where it was quite warm, for a little siesta. We had dinner at 6:30pm at the lodge, then headed out to do a little more nocturnal birding. Day 12 – May 25 Our final morning in Arizona was yet another beautiful one. We emerged from the Portal Peak Lodge at 6.00am and headed up the bumpy dirt road towards Paradise. The first highlight of the morning came as Lee spotted an American Black Bear running up a hillside through the junipers! What a start! The bear disappeared quickly and was never seen again, however. Soon after the bear excitement, a male Scott’s Oriole in his brilliant gold and black plumage caught our attention. A Black-chinned Sparrow, our first and only for the tour made an appearance this morning, as did our only Juniper Titmouse. A pair of the titmice were seen quite well in their namesake junipers at the Paradise Cemetery. Happy with our morning’s haul we returned to Portal and had breakfast at the cafe. After breakfast we loaded up our luggage one last time and made the drive towards the Willcox Sewage Ponds. The drive took us through New Mexico for half an hour or so, where we screeched to a stop as a pair of adult Golden Eagles soared overhead. The eagles were joined by a Chihuahuan Raven and a Swainson’s Hawk. Pleased with this surprise sighting, we carried on to Willcox where we spent an hour or so racking up more birds on the sewage ponds. There were several new species of waterfowl for our trip list here including Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck and Lesser Scaup. New waders included the locally rare White-rumped Sandpiper, Wilson’s and Red-necked Phalarope and a pair of Long-billed Dowitchers. Three new gull species were here also, with a pair of Franklin’s Gulls, several Ring-billed Gulls and a lone California Gull. A group of about 25 White-faced Ibis fed close to shore, allowing excellent photographic opportunities, and the usual American Avocets, Black-necked Stilts, Killdeer and Spotted Sandpipers were also in attendance. Around the edges of the ponds were Horned Larks (Shore Larks), and an Eastern Meadowlark. We had lunch at Subway in Willcox, where we tallied up our final trip list and made it 195 bird species. The drive back to Phoenix was uneventful and the group got to the airport exactly three hours prior to their flight. We said our goodbyes and all hoped we might run into one another on another trip somewhere, sometime!
Chris Charlesworth
SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED (197 bird species)
Scaled Quail Callipepla squamata One seen well, as it ran alongside our van at Las Cienegas, in Sonoita Grasslands. Two more seen in early morning along main road into Portal. Gambel’s Quail Callipepla gambelii Common in desert habitats and seen throughout the tour. Montezuma Quail Cyrtonyx montezumae We saw a pair of these birds near Paradise in the Chiricahua Mountains. Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis Group of 20 seen at Rio Rico Pond.
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
American Wigeon Anas americana Two noted at Gilbert Water Ranch. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Small numbers seen at the Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix, and at Agua Caliente Park in Tucson. Also seen at Patagonia Lake. Mexican Duck Anas diazi Seen easily at Rio Rico Ponds and at Willcox Sewage Ponds. Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera Seen at Pena Blanca Lake, west of Douglas. Also noted at Rio Rico Ponds and at Willcox Sewage Pond. Shoveler Anas clypeata One male at Gilbert Water Ranch, and a pair at Willcox Sewage Ponds. Canvasback Aythya valisineria Two seen at Willcox Sewage Ponds. Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Small numbers seen at Willcox Sewage Pond. Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Small numbers noted at Willcox Sewage Pond. Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Female seen at Gilbert Water Ranch. A few males seen at Pena Blanca Lake and up to 10 present at Willcox. Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus One of these locally very rare birds at Pena Blanca Lk, W. of Douglas. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Just one seen on tour, at Pena Blanca Lake. Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Five present on Willcox Sewage Pond. White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi One lonely bird at Gilbert Water Ranch. Noted at Rio Rico Pond, as well as at Willcox Sewage Pond. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax One seen in flight at Gilbert Water Ranch. Up to three noted at Patagonia Lake State Park. Green Heron Butorides virescens Three Green Herons were tallied at Gilbert Water Ranch. Great Blue Heron Ardea herdodias A few seen wading in pools at Gilbert Water Ranch. Also seen at Rio Rico Ponds and wherever else water is found. Great Egret Ardea alba Up to four seen at Gilbert Water Ranch. Snowy Egret Egretta thula Close to half a dozen of these ‘Little Egret’ look-a-like’s pranced in the waters of Gilbert Water Ranch. One was also at Willcox Sewage Pond. Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Numerous at Gilbert Water Ranch. Also a group of a dozen were seen at Patagonia Lake State Park. Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Common throughout tour. Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Three seen along hwy as we drove through Douglas, on the Mexican border. One seen briefly again, from the van, close to Patagonia. American Kestrel Falco sparverius Pair seen nicely in grassland area near Pena Blanca Lake. Peregrine Falco peregrinus Pair soaring overhead at Sabino Canyon in Tucson.
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
Osprey Pandion haliaetus Only one on tour seen at Gilbert Water Ranch. Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperii Fairly common in canyons and deserts. We saw one very well in Sabino Canyon. Common Black Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus One adult at Aravaipa Canyon. Harris’s Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus Up to half a dozen noted along hwy east of Phoenix. Grey Hawk Buteo plagiatus
Seen almost daily in wooded canyons and riparian areas. Noted at Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop, Madera Canyon, Paton’s yard, and San Pedro River.
Swainson’s Hawk Buteo swainsoni Several seen on tour. First noted along entrance road to Madera Canyon. Later seen well at Rio Rico Ponds as well as around Portal. Zone-tailed Hawk Buteo albonotatus First noted along road to Madera Canyon. Another seen sailing overhead at Rio Rico Ponds, and another seen at San Pedro River. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Common buteo throughout tour. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos We saw two sailing over hwy as we made a short detour through New Mexico. American Coot Fulicla americana
A few at Gilbert Water Ranch near Phoenix and at Rio Rico Ponds and the Willcox Sewage Ponds.
Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Up to ten counted at Gilbert Water Ranch near Phoenix. A few seen also at the Rio Rico Ponds and at Willcox Sewage Ponds.
American Avocet Recurvirostra americana Numerous at both Gilbert Water Ranch and at Willcox Sewage Ponds. Killdeer Charadrius vociferus A couple noted at Gilbert Water Ranch. One seen in flooded field on Montosa Canyon Rd, and several at Willcox Sewage Ponds. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia We saw nicely spotted breeding plumage birds at Rio Rico Pond and at Pena Blanca Lake. White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis One at Willcox Sewage Ponds, a local rarity. Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus A couple of breeding plumage adults at Willcox Sewage Ponds. Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor Group of males and females at Willcox Sewage Ponds. Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus A couple of birds mixed in with Wilson’s Phalaropes at Willcox Sewage Ponds. Bonaparte’s Gull Chroicocephalus philadelphia One immature plumage bird at Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix. Franklin’s Gull Leucophaeus pipixcan Two nice adults at Willcox Sewage Ponds. Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Half a dozen at Willcox Sewage Ponds. California Gull Larus californicus One third year bird at Willcox Sewage Ponds. Feral Rock Pigeon Columba livia Common throughout. Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata Group of four seen high in Carr Canyon in the Huachuca Mtns. A couple also flew by at Portal Lodge.
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Common throughout. Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Common throughout. White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica Common throughout. Inca Dove Columbina inca Small numbers here and there at Gilbert Water Ranch, Paton’s feeders, and at the San Pedro River. Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina Our first seen on day one in Phoenix at Gilbert Water Ranch. Later seen along Montosa Canyon Rd. Greater Roadrunner Geococcyx californianus
Our first Roadrunner was found at Aravaipa Canyon where we watched it for several minutes. We saw another in Rio Rico, and more at Florida Wash, Montosa Canyon, and along Stateline Rd near Portal. We cannot forget Roger’s ‘pet Roadrunner’ at Esplendor Resort in Rio Rico.
Western Screech Owl Megascops kennicottii Pair heard very well at close range near Portal. Whiskered Screech Owl Otus trichopsis Up to two seen very well at Madera Canyon on nocturnal visit. Another heard in Miller Canyon in Huachuca Mountains. Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus We watched a Great Horned Owl carry a rabbit to its nest tree. Great looks. Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis lucida
Led by Tom Beatty Sr., we saw two of these rare gems in Miller Canyon, in the Huachuca Mountains. One was in nest cavity of large sycamore.
Northern Pygmy Owl Glaucidium californicum One in nest cavity at Miller Canyon, in Huachuca Mountains. Elf Owl Micrathene whitneyi Seen well at Madera Canyon near Santa Rita Lodge. Also seen near lodge at Portal. Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus
One calling in the daytime in Chiricahua Mountains was spotted and watched through the scope at length.
Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Two at nest site at Scottsdale Community College, not far from Phoenix. Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Several were seen each night over the pool at Esplendor Resort in Rio Rico, with the aid of the spotlight. A couple were seen flying in the daytime in desert along Montosa Canyon Rd. We saw a couple of them at dusk in Portal as well. Common Poorwill Phalaenoptilus nuttallii Several were heard on nocturnal outing to Madera Canyon. Two seen foraging on a hillside in Miller Canyon near Sierra Vista, with aid of spotlight. Mexican Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus arizonae One seen exceptionally well along Vault Mine Trail at Madera Canyon, as it called in the daytime. White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatilis Fairly common throughout, especially where rocky cliffs nearby such as Patagonia Roadside Rest, and many of the canyons. Broad-billed Hummingbird Cynanthus latirostris Common at feeding stations throughout. Violet-crowned Hummingbird Amazilia violiceps
One of the rarest hummingbirds in the USA, just one seen at Paton’s feeders in Patagonia. Blue-throated Hummingbird Lampornis clemenciae Largest US hummingbird, seen at Beatty’s Guest Ranch in Miller Canyon and at feeders in Portal. White-eared Hummingbird Basilinna leucotis Stunning male visited feeders at Beatty’s Guest Ranch, Miller Canyon.
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
Magnificent Hummingbird Eugenes fulgens Seen many times at feeding stations in canyons such as Madera, Miller and at Portal Peak Lodge in Portal. Our first was a lovely male near top of Mount Lemmon at a feeder.
Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri Common at feeding stations throughout. Anna’s Hummingbird Calypte anna Small numbers seen nicely at Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix. Costa’s Hummingbird Calypte costae Stunning male seen in Sabino Canyon near Tucson. Later seen in Montosa Canyon and at Beatty’s Guest Ranch in Miller Canyon. Broad-tailed Hummingbird Selasphorus platycercus Half a dozen at feeders at restaurant near top of Mount Lemmon in Santa Catalina Mtns. Male at feeders at Beatty’s Guest Ranch in Miller Canyon also. Elegant Trogon Trogon elegans One stunning male watched at length along Vault Mine Trail in Madera Canyon. Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus Common in oak and pine woodlands throughout. Gila Woodpecker Melanerpes uropygialis Common throughout especially in areas with Saguaro Cactus such as Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix and Aravaipa Canyon to the E. Also common in areas of riparian such as Patagonia Sonoita Ck Preserve and at San Pedro House. Ladder-backed Woodpecker Picoides scalaris Seen several times but memorably in Aravaipa Canyon and at Patagonia Lake Park. Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus We had two in the Huachuca Mountains at Carr Canyon, and another couple in the Chiricahua Mountains. Arizona Woodpecker Picoides arizonae Our first, a lovely male, was seen in Carr Canyon. We saw a few more at Beatty’s Guest Ranch in Miller Canyon and another in the Chiricahuas. Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus One seen well through scope at Chiricahua Pines along Catalina Hwy on road to Mt. Lemmon. ‘Red-shafted’ race. Gilded Flicker Colaptes chrysoides
Three of these Saguaro Cactus specialists seen at Sonoran Desert Museum near Tucson. Northern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma imberbe Just one seen, near nest at Agua Caliente Park in Tucson. Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans
Seen at Pena Blanca Lake, W. of Rio Rico. Also at San Pedro River, near Sierra Vista. Say’s Phoebe Sayornis saya Fairly common in open areas, especially near water. We saw our first one at Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix. Seen at the Rio Rico Ponds also. Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi
Our first of this migrant species was noted at Patagonia Lake State Park. Seen also at Pena Blanca Lake and in the Chiricahuas.
Greater Pewee Contopus pertinax One seen very well near Kubo Cabin in Madera Canyon. Several seen in Carr Canyon in
Huachucas also. Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus Seen at Patagonia Lake State Park, and in Carr and Miller canyons, as well as in the Chiricahuas. Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii One at Pena Blanca Lake. Hammond’s Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii One seen near Rustler Park in Chiricahuas.
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
Pacific-slope Flycatcher Empidonax difficilis One found in lower Madera Canyon near the ‘Whitehouse’ trail. Cordilleran Flycatcher Empidonax occidentalis Seen well at Bear Wallow near Mount Lemmon. Seen again in Miller Canyon, as well as near Rustler Park in Chiricahuas. Buff-breasted Flycatcher Empidonax fulvifrons
Smallest American Empidonax. Very local in Huachuca Mountains. Four seen in upper Carr Canyon.
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Common throughout, especially near water. First seen at Aravaipa Canyon. Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus One seen well at Rio Rico Ponds, the best location for this species in Arizona. Cassin’s Kingbird Tyrannus vociferans Fairly common throughout in open areas. Thick-billed Kingbird Tyrannus crassirostris Two of these rare and local kingbirds were seen at the Patagonia Roadside Rest. Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis Common throughout. Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer Smallest of Myiarchus flycatchers found in USA. Fairly common in canyons and in riparian areas throughout. Ash-throated Flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens Medium sized Myiarchus. Fairly common in open desert areas throughout. Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus The biggest Myiarchus in the region, this species was found in most wooded canyons throughout the tour including Madera, Miller, and Carr canyons. Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus Our first views, of a pair at Las Cienegas Grasslands near Sierra Vista, were our best views. We later saw a few around Portal, mostly perched on wires as we drove by. Bell’s Vireo Vireo bellii Common in riparian areas. Heard many times. Seen in Sabino Canyon, and Aravaipa Canyon, plus many other places. Plumbeous Vireo Vireo plumbeus Fairly common in coniferous forests of Madera Canyon, Carr Canyon and the Chiricahuas. Hutton’s Vireo Vireo huttoni Fairly common in oak filled canyons. We saw them at Sabino Canyon, Madera Canyon and Miller Canyon. Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus Fairly common throughout, mostly as migrant. Steller’s Jay Cyanocitta stelleri Two at least at Mount Lemmon. Mexican Jay Aphelocoma wollweberi Common in canyons such as Madera, Carr, Ash and Miller. Usually present wherever feeders are found. Western Scrub-Jay Aphelocoma californica Half a dozen seen in Carr Canyon in the Huachuca Mtns. Common Raven Corvus corax Common throughout. Chihuahuan Raven Corvus cryptoleucus A few seen in open country around Portal. Phainopepla Phainopepla nitens Common throughout. Mountain Chickadee Poecile gambeli Just one seen on tour, along Bear Wallow Rd near Mount Lemmon.
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
Mexican Chickadee Poecile sclateri Just one of these very rare and local ‘tits’ near Rustler Park in the Chiricahuas. Bridled Titmouse Baeolophus wollweberi Fairly common in canyons, especially where feeders present. Juniper Titmouse Baeolophus ridgwayi Two seen at Paradise Cemetery near Portal. Verdin Auriparus flaviceps Common in desert areas such as those in Aravaipa Canyon, the Desert Museum near Tucson and the lower reaches of Madera Canyon. Also numerous at the Gilbert Water Ranch. Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina
Small numbers at rocky areas such as along the Catalina Hwy to Mount Lemmon. Some seen at Pena Blanca Lake also.
Purple Martin Progne subis Up to three seen in the Agua Caliente Park area of Tucson. This particular sub- species is heavily dependent on the Saguaro Cactus for nesting. Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis One seen well at the Rio Rico Ponds. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Common throughout, especially where water present. Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Fairly numerous at the Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix and at the Rio Rico Ponds. Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus Small group seen in upper reaches of Carr Canyon in the Huachuca Mtns. Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris Up to five seen at Las Cienegas Grasslands, W. of Sierra Vista. Several also seen around Willcox Sewage Ponds. Cactus Wren Campylorhynchyus brunneicapillus Fairly common in desert. Our first was at Agua Caliente Park in Tucson. Quite numerous in Sabino Canyon also. Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus Seen at Pena Blanca Lake near Rio Rico. Two seen at Beatty’s Guest Ranch in Miller Canyon as well. Canyon Wren Catherpes mexicanus Two seen tending to nest in Sabino Canyon, near Tucson. Seen again later in trip, albeit a brief sighting, at Montosa Canyon in Santa Rita Mtns. Bewick’s Wren Thyromanes bewickii Common in riparian and streamside woodlands, especially at places like the San Pedro River near Sierra Vista and in Aravaipa Canyon. Northern House Wren Troglodytes aedon Observed nicely in Bear Wallow near Mount Lemmon. Also seen at Madera Canyon. Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Just one seen, at Molino Basin Campground on Catalina Hwy. Black-tailed Gnatcatcher Polioptila melanura One seen at Aravaipa Canyon, and several around Tucson at Sonoran Desert Museum and Sabino Canyon. Pygmy Nuthatch Sitta pygmaea Seen nicely in pines at Cypress Picnic Area along Catalina Hwy. Also single bird seen near Rustler Park in Chiricahuas. White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis Common in pine oak woodlands in canyons, often at feeders. Brown Creeper Certhia americana One seen at Bear Wallow near Mount Lemmon. Also seen well in Miller Canyon. Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Numerous around Phoenix, then scattered sightings throughout, mostly along roads.
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
Bendire’s Thrasher Toxostoma bendirei One in scrubby habitat along Gin Rd near Portal. Curve-billed Thrasher Toxostoma curvirostre Common throughout in desert areas. Crissal Thrasher Toxostoma crissale Pair seen on New Mexico side of Stateline Rd near Portal. Starling Sturnus vulgaris Common throughout. Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus Small numbers in Madera Canyon and at Patagonia Roadside Rest. Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus One seen well at Bear Wallow on Mount Lemmon. Two more seen in upper forests in Chiricahua Mountains. American Robin Turdus migratorius Common at high elevations. Seen at Mount Lemmon and in upper Carr Canyon as well as in the Chiricahuas. A single robin was at Madera Canyon. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Common in urban and rural areas throughout. Olive Warbler Peucedramus taeniatus One male seen at Bear Wallow near Mount Lemmon. Female type seen later in Carr Canyon. Pine Siskin Spinus pinus Good numbers at feeders in Madera Canyon. Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria Common throughout, especially at feeders. House Finch Haemorhous mexicanus Common throughout at low elevations and especially where feeders present. Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Two seen high in pines in upper Carr Canyon, in the Huachuca Mountains. Orange-crowned Warbler Leiothlypis celata One seen nicely at Bear Wallow near Mount Lemmon. Lucy’s Warbler Leiothlypis luciae Fairly common in desert ravines and riparian areas. Found in Aravaipa Canyon, Florida Wash, Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop and in Portal to name a few. Virginia’s Warbler Leiothlypis virginiae One male seen at top of Carr Canyon, in the Huachuca Mountains. Fleeting glimpse and only seen by one or two. Heard singing repeatedly. MacGillivray’s Warbler Geothlypis tolmiei One skulky migrant bird at Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix. Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Wetland warbler with black ‘bandit’ mask. Seen first at Rio Rico Pond, and again at Pena Blanca Lake and the San Pedro River. Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia
Fairly common throughout, especially in riparian areas like Sabino Canyon, San Pedro River and Aravaipa Canyon. Also noted at Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix.
Audubon’s Warbler Setophaga auduboni About half a dozen seen at Bear Wallow on Mount Lemmon. Later seen in Madera
Canyon, and at Rustler Park in the Chiricahuas. As part of the ‘yellow-rumped warbler’ group, Audubon’s is now treated as a species, split from the easterly Myrtle Warbler
Grace’s Warbler Setophaga graciae Lovely male along Vault Mine Trail at Madera Canyon was our first. We later saw more in Carr Canyon and in the Chiricahuas. Black-throated Grey Warbler Setophaga nigrescens First seen along Catalina Hwy at Molino Basin Campground. Later seen in Madera Canyon and at the Paradise Cemetery near Portal.
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
Townsend’s Warbler Setophaga townsendi One seen by most of group at the Sonoran Desert Museum in Tucson. Later seen in Carr Canyon and in the Chiricahuas. Wilson’s Warbler Wilsonia pusilla Fairly common migrant, with several seen at Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix and other scattered locations. Red-faced Warbler Cardellina rubifrons Up to four noted in Bear Wallow near Mount Lemmon. Also seen in Carr Canyon, in the Huachuca Mountains. Painted Redstart Myioborus pictus Fairly common in wooded canyons such as Madera, Miller and Carr, but first seen at Cypress Picnic Area on the way to Mount Lemmon. Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens A couple seen at Patagonia Lake State Park, and another seen in the open at feeder at Paton’s in Patagonia. Again seen in riparian habitat at San Pedro River. Hooded Oriole Icterus cucullatus Common in desert areas throughout, especially in Aravaipa Canyon and at Desert Museum near Tucson. Scott’s Oriole Icterus parisorum Singles seen at Madera Canyon, Ash Canyon, and at Paradise near Portal. Bullock’s Oriole Icterus bullockii Seen reliably at Rio Rico Ponds, as well as in large trees around hamlet of Portal. Bronzed Cowbird Molothrus aeneus Fairly common throughout in open country, especially around Rio Rico Ponds. First seen on tour at Agua Caliente Park in Tucson. Seen at Paton’s feeders in Patagonia. Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater Common throughout. Generally not liked by local birders since these birds are highly Parasitic, laying their eggs in other birds nests. Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus A male and female were seen at the Gilbert Water Ranch, and later some lovely males were seen at Rio Rico Ponds. Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Abundant throughout. Lilian’s Meadowlark Sturnella liliana
Several seen at Las Cienegas Grasslands W. of Sierra Vista and encountered again at Willcox Sewage Ponds. Now treated as a separate species from Eastern Meadowlark, based on voice, plumage and genetics.
Lark Bunting Calamospiza melanocorys One molting male at Las Cienegas Grasslands, the first ever on our Arizona tour. This species winters in the area, but should have migrated by this time.
Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia Uncommon in wetland areas. Seen at Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix. Also noted at Rio Rico Ponds and in riparian areas at San Pedro River. White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys We saw a couple of these attractive migrant sparrows at the Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix. Up to four were hopping about on the ground at Patagonia Lake State Park. Yellow-eyed Junco Junco phaeonotus Uncommon in mountain areas. Seen at Cypress Picnic Area in Santa Catalina Mtns, as well as along Bear Wallow Rd. A few were noted in upper Carr Canyon in Huachuca Mtns, and several more were noted at Rustler Park in Chiricahuas. Grasshopper Sparrow Ammodramus savannarum We found 4 in the grasslands of Las Cienegas near Sierra Vista. Black-chinned Sparrow Spizella atrogularis One seen well in juniper / ocotillo desert at Paradise Cemetery near Portal.
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus Our first was a bird on a nest beside the Rio Rico Ponds. We saw them later at Las Cienegas Grasslands and at the feeders at the Paton’s residence. Black-throated Sparrow Amphispiza bilineata
Fairly common in arid desert areas, such as at Florida Wash, and Sabino Canyon to name a couple spots.
Rufous-winged Sparrow Aimophila carpalis Our first one was at Florida Wash near Madera Canyon. Two foraged on the ground with other sparrows at Patagonia Lake State Park. Also seen at Pena Blanca Lake, and at Las Cienegas Grasslands.
Botteri’s Sparrow Aimophila botterii One seen nicely at Florida Wash near entrance to Madera Canyon. Another seen at Las Cienegas Grasslands. Rufous-crowned Sparrow Aimophila ruficeps Our first was at the Patagonia Roadside Rest. We then saw this rock-loving sparrow again at Pena Blanca Lake. Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus
Seen well at several locations along Catalina Hwy as we climbed towards Mount Lemmon. Seen again in Carr Canyon.
Canyon Towhee Pipilo fuscus Common throughout in desert situations, especially near water. Seen at Ash Canyon B & B, at the Molino Basin Campground in Santa Catalina Mtns, as well as at Madera Canyon and in the town of Portal. Abert’s Towhee Pipilo aberti Fairly common in riparian areas such as those at Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix & Sabino Canyon, the Paton’s feeders and at San Pedro River. Hepatic Tanager Piranga flava Male seen nicely as we had lunch at Chiricahua Pines along Catalina Hwy. Seen well in Madera Canyon, as well as in upper reaches of Carr Canyon. Summer Tanager Piranga rubra Fairly common throughout, in lower elevation deciduous woodlands. Seen at Molino Basin on way up Catalina Hwy. Also noted at San Pedro Riparian Preserve and numerous other locations. Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana Common in mountain pine areas. Also a few lingering migrants noted at low elev. Black-headed Grosbeak Pheuticus melanocephalus Common throughout tour, especially at feeders. Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Common in pine / oak forests of canyons. Also common where feeders present. Pyrrhuloxia Cardinalis sinuatus
First seen near visitors center at Sabino Canyon, where a very tame bird almost landed on Andrew! Another seen at Florida Wash near Madera Canyon.
Blue Grosbeak Passerina caerulea Four or more seen in lower reaches of Madera Canyon. Male seen at Pena Blanca Lake, and up to 4 seen along San Pedro River. Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea Male singing at Montosa Canyon. Leader only. Varied Bunting Passerina versicolor Gorgeous male seen in Montosa Canyon in Santa Rita Mountains. MAMMALS (13 species recorded) Rock Squirrel Spermophilus variegatus Common in wooded areas with nearby rocky habitat.
Limosa Trip Report • Arizona: Wild West Birding 14th – 26th May 2013
Round-tailed Ground-Squirrel Spermophilus tereticaudus A few seen around visitors centre at Sabino Canyon. Cliff Chipmunk Neotamias dorsalis A couple seen at various locations in the Santa Catalina Mountains. Tassle-eared Squirrel Sciurus aberti One seen at Bear Wallow near Mount Lemmon. Arizona Grey Squirrel Sciurus arizonensis Seen at Sabino Canyon, Montosa Canyon, Carr Canyon and in the Chiricahuas. Hispid Cotton Vole Sigmodon hispidus One seen at feeders at Paton’s property in Patagonia. Black-tailed Jackrabbit Lepus californicus Seen on a couple occasions in desert surrounding Portal. Desert Cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii Seen several times in desert situations. Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus Just one small Mule Deer on tour, in Chiricahua Mountains. White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Common in canyons. All seen were of tiny ‘Coues’ race. Pronghorn Antilocapra americana Small numbers of this antelope seen on Sonoita Grasslands W. of Sierra Vista. Collared Peccary Pecari tajacu Small group seen by some in hamlet of Portal after dark. American Black Bear Ursus americanus One seen as it disappeared quickly into the bush along Paradise Rd near Portal. REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS Lowland Leopard Frog Rana yavapaiensis Red-eared Slider Trachemys scripta Sonoran Spiny-tailed Iguana Ctentosaura macrolopha Zebra-tailed Lizard Callisaurus draconoides Elegant Earless Lizard Holbrookia elegans Ornate Tree Lizard Urosaurus ornatus Desert Spiny Lizard Sceloporus magister Clark’s Spiny Lizard Sceloporus clarkii Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Aspidoscelis sonorae Coachwhip Masticophis flagellum BUTTERFLIES Two-tailed Swallowtail Papilio multicaudata Pipevine Swallowtail Battus philenor Cabbage White Pieris rapae Mourning Cloak Nymphalis antiopa Common Buckeye Junonia coenia California Sister Adelpha bredowii Empress Leila Asterocampa leilia Queen Danaus gilippus Nabokov’s Satyr Cyllopsis pyracmon Silver-spotted Skipper Epargyreus clarus
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