Recent Trip Reports

HAS Field Trip: Miller Canyon, 15 August 2010

Three HAS members and seven out-of-town birders had a great hike up Miller Canyon. Hide article...

Although a final tally of 34 species was low, the quality views made up for the lack of diversity.

A pair of Spotted Owls were most obliging, perched side by side in a big tooth maple just below split rock, and not more than 15 feet away.

Several Red-faced Warblers put on a show, foraging closer and closer, until they, too, were only a few feet away. Working the same area were several Painted Redstarts and a male Townsend's Warbler. Black-throated Gray Warblers were up and down the trail, but an elusive Virginia Warbler was seen only briefly.

We noted Dusky-capped Flycatchers feeding fledglings and heard a Red-breasted Nuthatch tooting. Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers were vocal, but stayed out of sight, while an immature Hermit Thrush was plucking small fruits from a shrub. The remaining 2/3 of the list were the usual suspects, with vireos, tanagers, wrens, and hummingbirds. We had both Blue-throated and Magnificent Hummingbirds along the trail, and Beatty's feeders yielded eight species, including White-eared Hummingbird. Thanks to the Beatty's for the great birds, comfortable seats, and shelter from the sun.

Cheers, Erika Wilson (Sierra Vista, AZ)

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HAS Field Trip: Upper Carr Canyon, 6 June 2010

Seven HAS members spent the morning birding upper Carr Canyon. Hide article...

Seven HAS members spent the morning birding upper Carr Canyon, covering the two campgrounds, the road between them, and the trail down to Comfort Spring and back. It was cooler up high than down in the valley, but it warmed rapidly as the morning progressed. The group tallied 39 species; with the exception of Spotted Towhee and W. Wood-Pewee, individual counts were low.

Highlights were: hearing, and finally seeing, Band-tailed Pigeons; hearing and seeing well both Virginia's and Grace's Warblers; and having a great mix of flycatchers hawking in their various styles for insects.

Most abundant were W. Wood-Pewees at every stop, while several Greater Pewees were found near Comfort Spring. We had a look at a Buff-breasted Flycatcher and heard several more without finding them. One Cordilleran Flycatcher was calling deep in the ravine below the Comfort Spring Trail. We heard two Dusky-capped Flycatchers, but they didn't show themselves. Our last flycatcher was a pair of noisy Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers in lower Carr Canyon, at the perimeter trail parking lot.

Other high elevation birds included: White-throated Swift, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Steller's Jay, Red-faced Warbler, and Yellow-eyed Junco.

Report by Erika Wilson

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HAS Field Trip: Fort Huachuca, 29 April 2010

Ten participants found 40 species on Ft. Huachuca on a windy morning. Hide article...

Eight HAS members and two guests from FL spent a windy morning on Ft. Huachuca looking for birds. We stopped at the gravel pits on the way into Garden Canyon, made several stops in the canyon on the way to the Scheelite Canyon parking area, hiked up Scheelite Canyon to the Y in the trail, and then finished with a stop at the lower fishing ponds on Garden Creek. Our short list was 40 species, with many common birds missed due to the winds.

The highlight of the morning was finding a Spotted Owl in Scheelite Canyon, roosting in an oak on the east side of the canyon, not far above the rocks known at "the jaws". Two Red-faced Warblers were found in the wind-tossed trees, both Plumbeous and Hutton's Vireos were seen, and Dusky-capped Flycatchers were calling. Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren and House Wren were noted in the canyon.

Most of the group saw a small flock of Wild Turkey along the main road into Garden Canyon, and we had Broad-billed, Magnificent, Black-chinned, Anna's, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds during the morning. Most of the hummers were at the feeders just above the upper picnic area in Garden Canyon.

At the gravel pits we watched a female Vermilion Flycatcher building a nest in the fork of a cottonwood. Other birds of interest there were a pair of Phainopela, a singing Am. Robin, half a dozen Wilson's Warblers, and two Great Blue Herons.

Report by Erika Wilson

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HAS Field Trip: Patagonia Lake SP, 14 March 2010

The final tally was 75 species. Hide article...

Five HAS members and two guests had a fine morning at Patagonia Lake State Park, (14 Mar 10), followed by stops at the Patagonia's Roadside Rest Area and Paton's Yard. Our final tally was 75 species.

The abundant water in Sonoita Creek, with many channels flowing in what have been foot paths, limited us somewhat, and we failed to see the Elegant Trogon anywhere along the creek.

Highlights are Patagonia Lake State Park were: a pair of Wood Ducks flying down Sonoita Creek, 16 female Common Mergansers, and over a dozen Double-crested Cormorants. We did not find any Neotropic Cormorants today. An immature Black-crowned Night-Heron, a pair of adult Common Moorhens, and two Wilson's Snipe were also good finds along the lake edge.

Best raptor was an immature Golden Eagle soaring high over the park at lunch, being harassed by a Common Raven. At least 18 White-throated Swifts were darting among the many Tree and Violet-green Swallows. Lingering winter birds included a male Red-naped Sapsucker and eight Am. Robins. Warblers, besides the ubiquitous Yellow-rumped Warblers, were Lucy's Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Painted Redstart.

At the Patagonia Roadside Rest Area a pair of Black-tailed Gnatcatcher were fun to watch. At Paton's Yard we saw Broad-billed, Violet-Crowned, Anna's, and Rufous Hummingbirds. A male Hooded Oriole put in a brief appearance for FOS there.

Report by Erika Wilson

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HAS Field Trip: Whitewater Draw WMA, 13 February 2010

67 species seen Saturday in the Sulphur Springs Valley. Hide article...

Eleven HAS members, and a visiting birder from Moab, UT, had a good morning at Whitewater Draw WMA in the Sulphur Springs Valley. The weather was clear and mild, with no wind, which made for excellent birding conditions. There was water in all the impoundments, although the main area was quite shallow, with large patches of mud flat. Waterfowl and other water birds were the main attraction. Seventeen waterfowl species were noted, with the following highlights:

In the first impoundment the continuing presence of a male Greater Scaup and several Lesser Scaup gave us great views of these similar species. In the bright sunshine the green sheen on the rounded head of the Greater Scaup was quite different from the purple sheen on the peaked head of the Lesser Scaup. Later in the morning, when we were working our way back along the south edge of the first impoundment, a male Redhead Duck was spotted among a handful of female Canvasback. Out in the big impoundment a large flock of Ring-necked Ducks completed the list of diving ducks.

A flock of about 250 Snow Geese, including two blue phase adults and a few immature birds, was a good find. We first noted the geese feeding in the fields to the west of the impoundments. When they flew, they settled in the water on the far side and then kept milling about in the water, making it hard to get a reliable count. Scattered among the Snow Geese were at least 10 Ross' Geese, although a scope was needed to pick them out.

Near the southwest platform a fine male Blue-winged Teal was spotted among a small group of colorful Cinnamon Teal. This species is uncommon here during the winter, although in a few weeks there will be more as migration gets underway. Six other species of dabbling duck-all the usual suspects-were tallied in the various impoundments.

Three Sora were delight to watch at close quarters; we had two adults and one immature working along the reeds and exposed roots of the willows. Two immature Common Moorhens were preening at the edge of the reeds, but no red-beaked adults were seen. Numerous American Coots completed the rail list. Shorebirds were few and far between, but two Wilson's Snipe were well seen through the scopes. A Greater Yellowlegs, nine Least Sandpipers, and a few Killdeer rounded out the shorebird tally.

Loafing Sandhill Cranes were few in number until early afternoon, when skein after skein came in from feeding in fields to the north. Even so, we did have cranes calling and flying overhead most of the morning. Land birds, especially sparrows were hard to find, but a Tree Swallow was a good sighting, as was a single American Robin, well away from its usual mountain haunts. Both Crissal and Curve-billed Thrashers were noted at Whitewater Draw proper, and later we saw a Curve-billed Thrasher in McNeal carrying nesting material in its beak.

The fields north of Davis Road and west of Central Hwy. held only two Ferruginous Hawks for us in the early afternoon. Several small flocks of Horned Larks were seen, but no pipits, longspurs, or plover could be found. Our tally for the day was 67 species.

Report by Erika Wilson

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Bird Walk at Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park, 14 February 2010

48 species seen Sunday at the Sierra Vista EOP. Hide article...

Hi, birders,

The nice weather brought out a cheerful group of 20 birders to walk the Sierra Vista EOP dikes this morning. Our tally for three hours was 48 species.

Waterfowl remain an attraction, with 14 duck species. Highlights were a pair of Wood Ducks seen by all and a female Common Goldeneye seen by only a few as it flew away. All the usual dabbling ducks were about, while diving ducks were represented by Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, and a good count of 13 female Bufflehead.

A Peregrine Falcon put on a fine show, chasing ducks, and finally securing one to feed on, although both N. Harriers and Red-tailed Hawks wanted in on the action.

Four rail species were noted, with brief views of a Common Moorhen, and the callling Soras and Virginia Rail remained out of sight. Shorebirds were a disappointment today, with only a few Killdeer to be seen.

Land bird numbers were very low, but a lone Tree Swallow was a harbinger of warmer weather to com. Cactus and Bewick's Wrens called, and there were still Marsh Wrens in the cattail-filled impoundments. Sparrow numbers continue to be shockingly low--we had Vesper, Savannah, Song, and White-crowned Sparrows, all with less than two dozen individuals.

Report by Erika Wilson

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Bird Walks and Field Trips: November 2009

Reports by Erika Wilson from Huachuca and Miller Canyons, San Pedro Riparian NCA, EOP, and Whitewater Draw WMA. Hide article...

A dozen locals, including some newcomers, had a good walk around the Sierra Vista EOP dikes this morning (22 Nov 09) under sunny skies and no winds. Our final tally was 53 species.
Highlights:
1. Eleven duck species, including one female Lesser Scaup among the Ring-necked Ducks, and twelve Bufflehead (3 males & 9 females), which is twice the number I have ever seen there on one day.
2. A Peregrine Falcon made several passes at the ducks, just missing a Green-winged Teal on one occasion, delighting our newcomers.
3. Eight sparrow and towhee species, with a Swamp Sparrow being the best of the lot.
4. Other land birds of note included Loggerhead Shrike (2), Verdin (3), Rock Wren (1), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (1), Mountain Bluebird (7), and Am. Pipit (15+).

AZ: McNeal & Whitewater Draw WMA--12 Nov 09

Bettie Harriman and I spent the morning in the lower Sulphur Spring Valley, finding 57 species. Working the roads west of Rt 191 and south of Elfrida, we looked for several specialties. We did not find any Mountain Plover in any of the usual fields.

McNeal--12 Nov 09

At the intersection of Central Highway and Davis Road we found a large flock of 200+ Horned Larks, 30+ Lark Buntings, and 3 Chestnut-collared Longspurs. Hunting over the area were 2-3 Ferruginous Hawks. From a cross road between Central Highway and Rt 191, north of Davis Road, we could see two adult Harris' Hawks perched in big trees around a farm house.

Whitewater Draw WMA--12 Nov 09

Excellent views of Crissal and Curve-billed Thrashers in the salt bushes on the north side of the entrance road to Whitewater Draw WMA were rewarding, with both birds vocalizing, making it easy to separate them by voice as well as plumage and bill. Unlike last week's visit, we found half a dozen Greater Roadrunners today(compared to one last time), and both adult Great Horned Owls were in the barn.

We again dipped on the Am. Bittern, but heard both Sora and Virginia Rail, saw the immature Black-crowned Night-Heron, and found a good mix of sparrows, although not the Swamp Sparrow, alas. A few swallows swept by, with Barn Swallow positively identified.

Duck numbers were slightly up and we found a great variety, although nothing unusual. The few Sandhill Cranes and any possible geese stayed well out of scope range, hidden by the distant line of willows on the north side of the impoundments.

Working the dirt cross roads feeding into Coffman Road, we were finally able to relocate the Burrowing Owl reported by Tom Wood, but it quickly ducked down, perhaps due to a N. Harrier quartering the area.


AZ: Miller Canyon--09 Nov 09

A splendid walk up Miller Canyon this morning, with the fall foliage particularly spectacular. Sycamores deep golden yellow, big tooth maple bright scarlet and warm burnt orange, contrasting with white sycamore trunks, set against the deep green of oaks, shiny green of pines, and silvery green of firs.

Oh, yes, and the birds were good, too. Top billing went to a pair of SPOTTED OWLS, with a large female perched in a maple sporting orange leaves, and a small male perched in a scarlet-leaved maple 20 feet away. Both were at eye level for wonderful views; they were between the first creek crossing and the split rock.

A calling RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH was our second prize bird, although it remained discretely out of sight. At fruiting madrones we found Red-naped Sapsuckers, Western Bluebirds (13+), Am. Robins, and Hermit Thrushes. In the mixed flocks we had the usual suspects, including two different Townsend's Warblers and a group of Yellow-eyed Juncos (6+).


San Pedro Riparian NCA--8 Nov 09

A rather quiet loop walk south from San Pedro House this morning yielded 52 species. Highlights were: Great Egret (1), Snowy Egret (1), and female Belted Kingfisher on Kingfisher Pond. We did not see the Green Kingfisher today. Two empids were identified--one Hammond's and one Dusky, both along the San Pedro River. Up Garden Wash, west of del Valle Road, we had Rock Wren (2), Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (2), and Black-throated Sparrow (2). A good find was a Crissal Thrasher along del Valle Road. At San Pedro House the best find was a Pine Siskin among the Lesser Goldfinches. Interesting was an avian racket coming from mesquites along Garden Wash, followed by a short silence, then a group of W. Meadowlarks flushed, followed by two Loggerhead Shrikes

An afternoon of car birding south of Sierra Vista yielded some good birds, to wit, two immature Montezuma Quail in Hunter Canyon and Western Bluebird (6) in Coronado National Memorial.


Huachuca Canyon--07 Nov 09

This morning's Huachuca Aud Soc trip started off with short stroll along Buffalo Soldier Creek while waiting for everyone to arrive. The best bird was a Peregrine Falcon eating a mammal prey item atop a utility pole; other species seen along the dry creek were added to the trip tally, which came to 44 species.

Seven birders hiked up Huachuca Canyon from the last picnic area, admiring the brilliant fall foliage. The best bird by far was a male ELEGANT TROGON that gave us close, wonderful views. This bird called repeatedly and pumped its tail, revealing the copper upper surface, reminding us of its former name.

Other birds of interest included a Townsend's Warbler, at least half a dozen Red-naped Sapsuckers in various plumages/sexes, and two Hammond's Flycatchers. Fruiting madrone trees had plenty of Am. Robins and Hermit Thrushes, but no rare thrushes, to our disappointment.

Reports by Erika Wilson

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HAS Field Trip: Benson, Willcox, and Whitewater Draw, 29 August 2009

Four HAS members had a long, but interesting day in the field. Hide article...

Our first stop was in Benson, at the waste water treatment impoundments. No luck in regard to Least Grebe, although there was indeed an Eared Grebe on the south pond. We tallied 45 species here, with 12 species of shorebirds on the exposed mud in the south pond. Highlights were a Stilt Sandpiper and two Solitary Sandpipers, and close, comparison views of Western, Least, and Baird's Sandpipers.

Our next stop was in Willcox, where we worked Lake Cochise and the small golf course pond, ate lunch, and then went back around Lake Cochise again. We tallied 46 species here, with 13 species of shorebirds. Highlights were one Semipalmated Plover, one Semipalmated Sandpiper, two Stilt Sandpipers, and the largest number of Baird's Sandpipers I have ever seen in AZ. We estimated that we had at least 20 Baird's because every time we stopped there were 2-5 Baird's Sandpipers in view. We did not see any terns or gulls. Brewer's Sparrows were seen--a first for the season.

Our last stop was at Whitewater Draw WMA in the early afternoon heat. We found 27 species here, but no new shorebirds. As Glenn Klingler noted in his posts, there is a lot of water in the main impoundments, so less shorebird habitat. We added Loggerhead Shrike to our day list, and ended the day with an overall tally of 65 species.

Report by Erika Wilson

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HAS Field Trip: Miller Canyon, 25 May 2009

Seven HAS members had a fine morning in Miller Canyon finding 39 species of birds. Hide article...

A female Wild Turkey was one of our first birds, part of the ever-expanding re-introduced population in the Huachuca Mountains. A big surprise was hearing a Common Poorwill call twice from across the creek; daytime calling being unusual. As an aside, I found it interesting that Common Poorwills were noted as abundant in these mountains by H. S. Swarth in his 1904 publication Birds of the Huachuca Mountains, Arizona (Pacific Coast Avifauna, No. 4). As expected, we had a few White-throated Swifts high overhead.

Locating an active Magnificent Hummingbird nest was great fun; we watched the female come in several times to feed her tiny nestlings. Later, at the Beatty's hummingbird viewing area, we also saw more individuals of this colorful species, as well as Broad-billed, White-eared, Blue-throated, Black-chinned, Anna's, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds. Woodpeckers stayed out of sight, but we did hear the distinctive call of both Arizona Woodpecker and Northern Flicker.

Southeast Arizona is famous for its flycatchers, and we were delighted to find five species in Miller Canyon. Our least expected bird was an Olive-sided Flycatcher, a migrant moving through. This species breeds only above the Mogollon Rim in Arizona, so this bird may have been heading for the White Mountains. The remaining flycatchers all breed in the Huachucas, namely Western Wood-Pewee, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, and Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher. We were disappointed to not hear a single Greater Pewee.

We noted numerous Hutton's and Plumbeous Vireos, finding a nest of a Plumbeous Vireo in the outer branches of an oak, overhanging the trail. Canyon, Bewick's, and House Wrens were calling vigorously all morning; we finally saw a few House Wrens moving quickly through the undergrowth along the creek. Also singing were several Hermit Thrushes, Black-throated Gray Warblers, and a single Grace's Warbler, with only the Hermit Thrushes allowing us good looks. More colorful were the Painted Redstarts and the Red-faced Warblers, also singing up and down the canyon. We watched with delight as a female Red-faced Warbler made several trips, her beak full of nesting materials, to a nest site on the bank between the trail and the creek.

Four more songsters were of special interest-Hepatic and Western Tanagers in the upper canyon, and Spotted Towhee and Black-headed Grosbeak throughout the morning. It was hard to choose the best sighting of the day, so we settled on a three-way tie: White-eared Hummingbird, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and Red-faced Warbler, with the calling Common Poorwill garnering an honorable mention.

Report by Erika Wilson

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HAS Field Trip: Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park, 24 May 2009

Seven of us walked the dikes this morning in nearly perfect conditions--sunny, but not hot, with a light breeze. Hide article...

Summer time meant a fairly short list--35 species--and low numbers of individuals as well.

Highlight was a new species for the EOP Sunday walks--great views of a WHITE-THROATED SWIFT sweeping by over the lower impoundments. Checking on Stuart Healy's longer run of data for the EOP area, I note that he has had only two records, both in June, so this was an interesting sighting.

Also present were an immature and a non-breeding adult White-faced Ibis. These allowed a close approach so we had a good discussion about their plumages and face markings (both had red eyes). Several Spotted Sandpipers were seen, but no Killdeer, which was odd. Two pairs of Scaled Quail were seen during the morning, another uncommon species at the EOP. Winner of the singing males contest was a handsome Black-throated Sparrow just inside the entrance gate in the early morning.

Reported by Erika Wilson

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HAS Field Trip: Whitewater Draw WMA, 10 January 2009

25 people joined the field trip led by Dieter and Alicia Kamm. Hide article...

A large group of 25 people joined the HAS Whitewater Draw field trip led by Dieter and Alicia Kamm on Saturday, January 10. The day was sunny, but very windy and cold. On the drive to the Draw, we stopped and observed a pair of Ferruginous Hawks on agricultural land.

Upon arrival at the Draw, we began by birding the lakes. We had a wonderful viewing of a mature Bald Eagle eating on a small island in the middle of the smaller lake. An Eared Grebe was among the interesting birds on or near the lakes. Others included: Cinnamon Teal, N. Shoveler, N. Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Ruddy Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Gadwall, and American Coot. The shore birds were well represented by: Greater Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Killdeer, Dunlin, Long-billed Dowitcher, and Wilson's Snipe. An American Pipit was foraging along the lake edge, with a Vermillion Flycatcher and a Black Phoebe catching flies nearby.

After the first chilly hour, we birded the Willows, and immediately warmed up! We had good looks at a Barn Owl and a Great-horned Owl roosting in the trees. In the trees on one side and in the fields on the other, we spotted: Say's Phoebe, Loggerhead Shrike, Horned Lark, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Brewer's Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Pyrrhuloxia, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern and Western Meadowlark, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.

Hundreds of Sandhill Cranes circled above us at midday, along with 35 Snow and Ross's Geese which shifted in a beautiful variety of configurations in the bright sunshine. They did not land within our sight, and spent a great deal of time in the air above. It was speculated that the presence of the Bald Eagle in a tree across the big lake prevented them from landing.

Northern Harrier, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, and Prairie Falcon rounded out our raptor sightings. Chihuahuan Ravens were about, as well as Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove and Common Ground-Dove. On the road into the Draw, Greater Roadrunner, Lark Bunting and Brewer's Blackbird were spotted.

We ate lunch near the cars, and enjoyed a much warmer walk around the lakes in the afternoon. It was a successful field trip with a list of 59 birds. Thank you Dieter and Alicia!

Reported by Jennifer Larson

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HAS Field Trip: Whitewater Draw WMA, 09 December 2008

Highlights Hide article...

Ten HAS members spent a windy morning looking for birds at Whitewater Draw WMA. The strong winds kept the small land birds down, and made looking at distant birds through telescopes a challenge. Nonetheless, we found 53 species during the morning.

Throughout the trip we had hundreds of Sandhill Cranes soaring overhead, landing, and then taking off in panic as a young Bald Eagle made repeated passes. From this bird’s plumage we estimated that it was a two year old. Also seen aloft several times was a flock of Snow Geese; their crisp black and white pattern against a deep blue sky was beautiful. When these birds were down on the water, we picked out at least five Ross’s Geese among the larger Snow Geese.

Other waterfowl included two Canada Geese, Gadwall, Am. Wigeon, Mallard, Cinnamon Teal, N. Shoveler, N. Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, a female Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, and Ruddy Duck. A lone Great Blue Heron loitered on the shore. No grebes were seen, to our surprise, but Am. Coots were there in force. Killdeer, a Spotted Sandpiper, and two Least Sandpiper’s rounded out the water birds.

Raptors seen, in addition to the Bald Eagle, during the morning included the expected N. Harriers, Red-tailed Hawks, and Am. Kestrels. At the end of the trip we stopped along Davis Road to look into the hay fields—we were rewarded with at least five different Ferruginous Hawks.

Eurasian Collared-Dove, Greater Roadrunner, and Western Meadowlark were noted on the approach to Whitewater Draw WMA, while the usual pair of Great Horned Owls were roosting in the pole barn. A few Mourning Doves were flushed from bushes into the wind and two Common Ground-Doves were in the willow copse. On the lee side of the willow copse we had our greatest variety of birds. Five different Barn Owls were hunkered down out of the wind, and a male Ladder-backed Woodpecker worked nearby. Black Phoebe, Say’s Phoebe, and Vermilion Flycatcher were all noted hunting in the shelter of the willows.

In the sheltered nook we also had Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Song Sparrow, and White-crowned Sparrow. Best of all were a female Blue Grosbeak and three Lazuli Buntings. We spent some time talking about the difference between these species in winter and female plumages. A walk along a bushy area produced Loggerhead Shrike, Chihuahuan Raven overhead, Brewer’s, Vesper, and Savannah Sparrows, a single Lark Bunting, and Pyrrhuloxia. A quick run along the dikes yielded Am. Pipit, Red-winged Blackbird, and Yellow-headed Blackbirds.

Submitted by Erika Wilson

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HAS Trip Report: 18 October 2008 at Brown Canyon

Six HAS members met at the Brown Canyon parking area on 18 October 2008 under clear skies.

Highlights Hide article...

Consolidating into two vehicles, we drove to Brown Canyon Ranch (spotting Scaled Quail on the way), where we were joined by the site host, making our party seven. Our first good bird was an immature Cooper's Hawk perched on a snag in the pond next to the ranch house. On a tip from our site hosts, we located a pair of roosting Great Horned Owls in the cottonwoods. Moving down slope to the farther pond, we had Cassin's Kingbird, Black and Say's Phoebes, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and sparrows. Then a male Lazuli Bunting was spotted, followed by up to five Pyrrhuloxia, and a pair of Phainopepla. Moving back around the ranch, we started up into Brown Canyon, seeing Am. Kestrel atop a pole, a N. Harrier quartering over, and hearing various Anna's Hummingbirds squeaking away.

The canyon yielded five woodpeckers, including Acorn and Arizona, a Hammond's Flycatcher, a distant Loggerhead Shrike, a Sharp-shinned Hawk, four wrens (Cactus, Rock, Bewick's, and House), Bridled Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Both Canyon and Spotted Towhees got on the list, as did Rufous-crowned, Chipping, Vesper, Lincoln's, and White-crowned Sparrows. We had particularly good looks at several Rufous-crowned Sparrows and an adult Verdin. Back at the ranch pond we found two Sora (immature and adult), which we watched for quite some time. Our final tally was forty-four species.

Report by Erika Wilson

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HAS Trip Report: 15 October 2008 at Garden Canyon

Five HAS members had a lovely morning looking for birds on 15 October 2008 in lower Garden Canyon, tallying a total of 38 species.

Highlights Hide article...

Traveling in just one car, we stopped several times in the grasslands, spotting two Phainopepla in mesquites with mistletoe, an Am. Kestrel atop a pole, and noting Eastern Meadowlark on the wing.

We spent some time at Middle Garden Pond which had considerable water in it for a change. This small riparian area yielded Great Horned Owl, Red-tailed Hawk, and a good mix of smaller birds like Black Phoebe, Cassin's and Western Kingbirds, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, and Lazuli Bunting.

Next we stopped at the Lower Picnic Area where we added Say's Phoebe, Chipping Sparrow, and N. Harrier. We walked up the creek to the Middle Picnic Area where we found a small mixed flock in the oaks, including Mexican Jay, Hutton's and Cassin's Vireos, Bridled Titmouse, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Townsend’s Warbler, and Painted Redstart. The arrival of a crew with weed-wackers sent us rapidly back to the car.

At the Upper Picnic Area things were rather quiet, but we had a Cooper's Hawk, N. Flicker, Hammond's Flycatcher, and great views of a male and then a female Hepatic Tanager. Moving back downhill, we stopped at the fishing/gravel ponds where we had our best bird of the day. The lower of the two ponds had a Mallard, several Am. Coots, and then, to our delight, a Sora preening as it perched low in a willow over the water.

Report by Erika Wilson

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HAS Trip Report: 24 September 2008 at Scheelite Canyon

 

 

 

Walk participants

Seven HAS members and a visiting birder from Wyoming had a good hike up Scheelite Canyon on the afternoon of 24 September 2008. We were delighted to find plenty of water running in the creek, a most unusual occurrence. We also remarked on the lushness of the vegetation.

Highlights Hide article...

We noted seven fern species (usually we see one species here), again a reflection of the heavy monsoon rains in the Huachuas this summer. The ferns were: Maidenhair Spleenwort, Lady Fern, Southwest False Cloak-Fern, Lindheimer's Lip-Fern (the fern we see regularly), Fragile Fern, Male Fern and Spiny Cliff-Brake.

The bird list, alas, was very short. About fifty White-throated Swift were soaring over the ridge on our way down, a Western Scrub-Jay was heard calling, and Mexican Jays were calling from the opposite hillside. A Canyon Wren was seen by most of the group and we heard several more as we moved up the trail. Last, but not least, we had fine views of a Painted Redstart foraging at the upper pools.

Report by Erika Wilson

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HAS Trip Report: 25 August 2008 San Pedro Grasslands

Two HAS members enjoyed walking the San Pedro grasslands trail south of San Pedro House on 25 August 2008; they regretted that no one else joined them in noting 40 species.

Highlights Hide article...

We started at 6 a.m. and walked 1.5 miles south and then returned the same way, getting back at 9 a.m., just as it started to get hot. We could hear a Gray Hawk calling along the river, and we saw an American Kestrel hunting over the grasslands. Also working the grasslands from the yuccas and mesquites were two Loggerhead Shrikes. A Bell's Vireo sang repeatedly from the mesquite thicket, but we never saw it.

The usual woodpeckers and flycatchers were out, and Barn Swallows swooped overhead. Warblers included Lucy's, Yellow, MacGillivray's, Common Yellowthroat, and Yellow-breasted Chat. Singing Cassin's and Botteri's Sparrows were a treat; they were joined by Canyon and Abert's Towhees, as well as Chipping and Lark Sparrows. We had Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak (many males singing), and Lazuli Buntings. Icterids included Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds, singing Eastern Meadowlark, and three Bullock's Orioles.

Back at San Pedro House we had a Broad-billed Hummingbird and a Rufous Hummingbird among the expected Black-chinned Hummingbirds. We hope more HAS members will join us on this walk later this year, as this is a great area for sparrows.

Report by Erika Wilson

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HAS Trip Report: 14 July 2008 at Ash Canyon B&B

Seven HAS members and one guest from the Northern Virginia Audubon Society met at Mary Jo Ballator’s garden in Ash Canyon on 14 July 2008 to watch hummingbirds. Our tally was 27 species, with five species of hummers.

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Mary Jo’s native plantings were in full boom, so the hummers were easily seen at both flowers and feeders. The showy Broad-billed Hummingbirds were ever present, their tails shivering briefly each time they landed. The smaller Black-chinned Hummingbirds dashed in and out, tails pumping, trying to avoid the larger Anna’s Hummingbirds. One male of this latter species had a full helmet and gorget of intense rose, burnished with gold. After waiting patiently for over two hours, we were rewarded with a female Lucifer Hummingbird, with her down-curved bill and facial stripes. The last to arrive was a brilliant male Rufous Hummingbird. Much to our surprise, no Magnificent Hummingbirds came to the garden during the morning.

Other birds of interest during the morning included a family of Gambel’s Quail, with the chicks mere balls of fluff, and a male Eastern Bluebird that came into the water drip at close quarters. A pair of Black-headed Grosbeaks were equally close and confiding among the other expected species at seed and suet feeders. Finally, a female Bronzed Cowbird, an uncommon bird, made a brief appearance.

Report by Erika Wilson

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HAS Field Trip: Patagonia, 29 May 08

Seven HAS members had a rewarding day in Santa Cruz Co. on 29 May 08, tallying 64 species.

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Our first destination was the TNC’s Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, where we walked the loop trail. Highlights here were: a) Great Blue Herons at their nests containing large youngsters, indicating a successful breeding season; b) wonderful views of soaring Gray Hawks, including both adults and immature birds; and c) close, multiple views of Phainopepla, Blue Grosbeak, and Yellow-breasted Chat. We were also treated to a great variety of flycatchers, to wit, Western Wood-Pewee, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Vermilion Flycatcher, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, and Brown-crested Flycatcher. We spent some time sorting out the last three species by call, having the luxury of Brown-crested being the most abundant of the three Myiarchus species. A Bronzed Cowbird was seen briefly, while Brown-headed Cowbirds were all too common.

Our next stop was at Paton’s garden, with its stocked feeders that attract a wonderful variety of hummingbirds, fruit eaters, and seed eaters. Good birds spotted here included Violet-crowned, Broad-billed, and Black-chinned Hummingbirds, N. Beardless-Tyrannulet, Thick-billed Kingbird, and a late White-crowned Sparrow. Lunch time found us eating in the central park, where we were entertained by noisy Great-tailed Grackles.

On the spur of the moment, we drove west to Kino Springs, hoping to find whistling-ducks on the ponds there. Instead we found a handsome male Blue-winged Teal, the sole duck, and a shy one at that. Other birds of interest here were a) Great Egret at a nest with young; b) a Gray Hawk at its nest; c) several Common Ground-Doves; d) and three species of swallow. Heading back, we stopped at the Patagonia Roadside Rest, where we had our best views of Gray Hawk for the day, an immaculate adult perched just over the road. It was pretty hot and still by this time, so a brief view of White-throated Swifts was our last good bird of the trip.

Report by Erika Wilson

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Carr Canyon and Comfort Spring, 8 June 2008

 

Northern Pygmy-Owl near Comfort Spring

Seventeen HAS members and visitors enjoyed fine canyon and montane birding on a warm, late spring day. For the first two hours, we split into two groups to try out a bird monitoring protocol proposed by Glenn Frederick, a wildlife biologist with the Forest Service, for a study to begin next year on the effect of fuel treatments in the Huachucas on wildlife, including cavity nesting birds. We then drove up the reef seeking cooler weather for the remainder of the field trip. Highlights included a red-morph Northern Pygmy-Owl and Buff-breasted Flycatcher.

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With Glenn Frederick of the Forest Service joining us for the first part of this field trip, he began with a brief introduction to the objectives of a prospective study to be lead by the Forest Service to determine the effects of fuels reduction (thinning the forest, prescribed burns, etc) on cavity-nesting birds (especially Whiskered Screech-Owl and Lucy's Warbler), as well as a host of other neotropical migrants, game birds, and other wildlife. He then went on to describe the proposed survey protocol and methods for monitoring wildlife. Thereafter, we broke into two groups to try out the protocol as we birded the riparian corridor and adjacent meadow up to Carr House.

Erika Wilson shared her knowledge of bird vocalizations and behavior as we identified birds and evidence of potential breeding. We saw and heard Acorn and Arizona Woodpecker, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, White-winged Dove, Bewick's Wren, Scott's Oriole, and Mexican Jay's, among other birds. The highlight for our group was when Erika found a Hutton's Vireo nest in an Emory oak at the edge of the meadow.

After our two groups completed a trial of the bird monitoring protocol, we reassembled at the Perimeter Trail parking lot to divide into groups to carpool up to Reef Townsite Campground. The campground itself had many American Robins, Western Wood-Pewees, and Black-headed Grosbeaks. Along the dirt road traversing the slope to Ramsey Vista Campground, we added singing Greater Pewee, Yellow-eyed Juncos, and Plumbeous Vireos, plus a target bird, namely Buff-breasted Flycatcher, which proved to give only a fleeting glimpse as it moved through the forest.

As we descended the Comfort Spring trail, we met up with Erika Wilson and Alan Blixt who went ahead of us onto the reef. They shared their excitement of seeing a red-morph Northern Pygmy-Owl. They told us where to find the location marked by a cairn they built. Sure enough, we found this lovely owl, a treat to see one so well during the day. At the lush setting of the rushing creek, we found a pair of Painted Redstarts attempting to feed young. The size of our group seemed to keep them from visiting their nestlings, so we backed off to give them some space. We heard Broad-tailed Hummingbirds whizzing by through the trees. Western Tanager joined the chorus of Steller's Jays, grosbeaks, and other birds. Erika reported that they had heard Elegant Trogon in the steep canyon below too.

We plan to have a future program describing the study and offering next spring subsequent field trips oriented to training interested birders in carrying out the protocol. If you are interested in being added to a list of volunteers who might wish to participate, please send e-mail to weissler@aves.org.

Report by Robert Weissler.

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San Pedro Riparian NCA, 21 April 2008

Eighteen HAS members and guests, including some British birders, had a fine walk on 21 April 2008 along the San Pedro River, with 69 species tallied during our five hour loop to the south from San Pedro House.

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There was a Great Blue Heron and a Green Heron at Kingfisher Pond, plus another Green Heron at Black Phoebe Pond. "Mexican" Ducks, N. Shoveler, and Am. Coots were also seen at the bigger pond. Early arrivals for the walk had a Gambel's Quail at San Pedro House. An adult Gray Hawk soaring over the cottonwoods was a favorite, but we also saw Turkey Vulture, Swainson's Hawks, and a fly-by Am. Kestrel. The usual White-winged and Mourning Doves were seen, while a perched Great Horned Owl was another highlight of our trip.

Black-chinned Hummingbirds were common around the feeders, but a Broad-tailed Hummingbird was only heard as its ringing sound passed overhead. Both Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers were seen. More challenging were the Empidonax flycatchers, with several eluding identification, but we did see at least two each of Hammond's and Gray Flycatchers. Vermilion Flycatchers were plentiful; other flycatchers included Say's Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Cassin's and Western Kingbird. A single Loggerhead Shrike was spotted in the yucca grasslands.

Poor views of a Bell's Vireo were augmented by its vigorous singing. We had better luck seeing at least five Cassin's Vireos, some of which were also singing. Swallows included N. Rough-winged, Cliff, and Barn. All the wrens were true to their skulking nature, but we found Bewick's, House, and Marsh Wren. We heard, but did not see, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a sign that these common winter visitor have moved north. We did see several Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, but only those at the front of the line saw a single Hermit Thrush. Both Curve-billed Thrashers and European Starlings were around San Pedro House.

Nine species of warblers were tallied, with a female MacGillivray's Warbler being the most elusive. The other warblers were Orange-crowned, Lucy's, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Gray, Townsend's, Wilson's, and Com. Yellowthroat. Summer Tanagers put on a colorful show, and we saw Green-tailed, Canyon, and Abert's Towhees. Sparrow numbers were low, although we had a good variety-Chipping, Brewer's, Lark, Fox, Song, Lincoln's, White-crowned, and Dark-eyed Junco.

Pyrrhuloxias were at the house feeders, while a Black-headed Grosbeak was along the river. Four male Bullock's Orioles were quite colorful; we also had Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, and Brown-headed Cowbirds. Finally, the three usual finches-House, Pine Siskin, and Lesser Goldfinch-were found at the feeders.

Report by Erika Wilson.

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Garden & Scheelite Canyons, 28 April 2008

Thirteen HAS members and guests had a splendid morning looking for birds in Fort Huachuca's ponds, grasslands, and oak-pine woodlands on 28 April 2008, with 70 species tallied during our six hour trip by car and on foot. We found our three target birds-Spotted Owl, Elegant Trogon, and Red-faced Warbler-all in the late morning during our hike up Scheelite Canyon.

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But we began our trip with a stop at the gravel pit ponds, where we had an unexpected Wilson's Phalarope. Other birds of note there were a Great Blue Heron, a pair of Red-tailed Hawks building a nest, Killdeer, White-throated Swift, a male Anna's Hummingbird, and a flock of Lark Sparrows. A dozen swallows there were mostly Barn, but we spotted several Violet-green Swallows and a single Cliff Swallow among them. A pair of Vermilion Flycatchers were hawking for insects, as was a Western Kingbird, while a female Belted Kingfisher sat quietly.

Strong winds made the grassland birding difficult, but we did pick up a singing Botteri's Sparrow, a Pyrrhuloxia, and N. Mockingbird at one stop. Next we worked along the two ponds below Garden Canyon, between the main road and the aerostat site. A gobbling Wild Turkey was strutting his stuff, and the cottonwoods here yielded a great variety, including a male Gambel's Quail, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, a hidden, but vocal Brown-crested Flycatcher, a pair of Summer Tanagers, Yellow-rumped and Wilson's Warblers, a pair of Bullock's Orioles, and two female Cassin's Finches.

The upper picnic area was relatively quiet; we did not hear a trogon there, but we did have good views of singing Plumbeous Vireos and a pair of Hepatic Tanagers. The usual Acorn Woodpeckers, Bridled Titmice, and Mexican Jays were about. Crossing the creek, we found the first Western Wood-Pewee of the season. In a nearby clearing we watched Broad-billed, Magnificent, and Black-chinned Hummingbirds at four feeders put up by the banding group. Also at this spot was an Arizona Woodpecker.

Next we drove up to the Scheelite Canyon parking area, got out our walking sticks, and started up the trail to look for owls, trogons, and warblers. The score was 0 for 0 by the time we reached the split in the trail 3/4 mile up, but then a Red-faced Warbler was heard calling a bit further up. This bird was finally spotted by a few of us, but not very well. Heading down, we were delighted when a Red-faced Warbler came in right over our heads, just below the trail split. Much heartened, we checked all the oaks in the main grove carefully, again, and finally located a Spotted Owl in deep shadow, roosting quietly. With two target birds found, we were happy to finally hear an Elegant Trogon about half way back down the canyon. Everyone got to see this handsome male as he called and swooped through the trees-a great ending to our field trip.

Report by Erika Wilson.

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HAS Field Trip: Hummingbirds, 25 March 2008

Just under two dozen Huachuca Audubon Society members and guests meet at Mary Jo Ballator's Ash Canyon B&B garden to work on hummingbird identification and watch other birds coming to the feeders.

Highlights Hide article...

We had five hummer species: Broad-billed, Magnificent, Blacked-chinned, Anna's, and Rufous. The cold weather up until this week meant there weren't any flowers in bloom yet, which helped us because every hummer came to a feeder. In the bright sunlight the Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds were particularly iridescent.

Other highlights among the two dozen species recorded were: Cassin's Finches with the regular House Finches, Pine Siskins, and Lesser Goldfinches. A vocal pair of Scott's Orioles appeared in the garden several times during the morning. All five woodpeckers were noted: Acorn, Gila, Ladder-backed, Arizona, and N. Flicker. A Cooper's Hawk spread panic and then perched quietly in a nearby oak.

Report by Erika Wilson.

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Oaxaca Highlights

January 12 - 22, 2008

My wife Liza and I joined a trip with Mark Pretti Nature Tours to the Mexican state of Oaxaca. The trip began in the Oaxaca Valley, an area with some familar species that we know locally in the San Pedro Valley of southern Arizona. For example, on the lower slopes of the Sierra Madre Oriental we saw Bridled Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Scrub Jay. We started the trip in Oaxaca City with a visit to Teotitlan del Valle, Cerro San Felipe, and Monte Alban. One of the prized birds near Teotitlan del Valle was Bridled Sparrow, a stunning bird! The areas we visited high in the Sierra Madre Oriental above Teotitlan del Valle and at Cerro San Felipe were pretty well preserved as were the areas in the Sierra Madre del Sur (e.g. at the crest near San Jose del Pacifico where logging is small scale, while the shade-grown coffee plantations have a tall canopy and varied understory). The tropical deciduous forest (TDF or thorn forest) along the Pacific Coast produced a prodigious number of Citreoline Trogons, buntings, and orioles, among other interesting birds. We stayed at a charming, rustic beach resort called Rancho Cerro Largo before finishing the trip at Puerto Escondido.

We got some good birds that are often tough to get like Mangrove Cuckoo at Laguna de Manialtepec, Long-tailed Wood Partridge at Cerro San Felipe, Fan-tailed Warbler (many!) at Finca el Pacifico, Emerald Toucanet and Golden Vireo nearby at another coffee plantation, and Sparkling-tailed Hummingbird (Woodstar) where we were hoping for Blue-capped Hummingbird a little higher in the Sierra Miahuatlan. More to come later.... -Robert Weissler

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Recent Winter 2008 Bird Walks, Hikes, and Bird Banding

Here are the latest contributions from Alan Blixt.

Highlights Hide article...

An intrepid group of 5 left the San Pedro House a little after 9 AM on January 26th. We were out for about 3 hours and recorded 41 species of birds. There were lots of waterfowl on Green Kingfisher Pond. South of Garden Wash, along the river, we visited two beaver dams and saw lots of raptors and woodpeckers. Every Saturday the Friends of the San Pedro lead an interpretive walk from San Pedro House. Our walk are free and open to the public. Go to sanpedroriver.org for complete schedules on walks, hikes, bird banding, etc.

On 1/12/2008 18 intrepid souls walked several miles south of Hereford Bridge on the first FSPR hike of the new year. What a great day! We had beautiful weather, a great group of folks, lots of birds and beaver dams, and great fun and exercise. That part of the San Pedro River if filled with woodpeckers and raptors. We have hikes scheduled on the conservation area each month except December. Schedules are available at sanpedroriver.org for hikes, walks, birdbanding, etc.

On 1/9/2008 we recorded 44 species of birds on our first 2nd Wednesday of the month bird walk for 2008. We saw Mexican White-tailed deer, 2 Red-tailed Hawks soaring (one a dark morph), a Great Horned Owl, lots of woodpeckers, and lots of waterfowl on Green Kingfisher Pond and the river (Mexican Mallards, Gadwall, Northern Shovelers, Canvasbacks, and American Coots). The eight of us visited a beaver dam near Kingfisher Pond and one man asked to see the beaver dams north of Highway 90 so we walked up there and visited two large, well constructed beaver dams. The bird walks the second week of the month will continue in the new year. Come take a walk with us.

The EOP walks in January have been fantastic. On one walk we watched a Peregrine Falcon do battle with a Red-tailed Hawk. We've also seen Prairie Falcon, Merlin, Cooper's Hawk, and Northern Harriers. On another walk we recorded 13 species of ducks- the Buffleheads have been great fun. We usually see 40 to 45 species and regularly have great groups of folks to bird with. Come on out some Sunday morning.

Reports by Alan Blixt

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Final 2nd Sunday Bird Walk

San Pedro River Inn, November 11, 2007

After five years or so, the 2nd Sunday Bird Walk from the San Pedro River Inn will be discontinued as a regular monthly event. Undoubtedly the fine birding in the area will bring occasional field trips, but the regular walk had run its course and, for a variety of reasons, it is time for a change.

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The walk originally started from the old Hereford Bridge parking lot on the east side of the river (a lot which has been replaced by a new lot on the west side). When the old bridge there collapsed after a cement truck rumbled over it by mistake, the walk was redirected to the San Pedro River Inn, whose grounds offer terrific birding, never mind the rich habitat along the river itself and in the intervening fields. Starting from the inn, the walk counted among its participants many out-of-town birders who stayed at the inn or nearby at the Casa de San Pedro B&B Inn. Their enthusiasm for discovering the birds of the area stimulated those of us who have birded along the river for years.

The final 2nd Sunday Bird Walk departed from the San Pedro River Inn at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 11, 2007. At the ponds, three Ring-necked Ducks, including a colorful, adult male, were enjoying the peaceful surroundings. In the weedy growth between the ponds, Northern Cardinal and Pyrrhuloxia were busy feeding. A Great Blue Heron was seen at the far end of the larger pond doing its best immitation of a bittern. Both javalina and coyote were seen in the immediate vicinity.

As we walked to the river, the seep produced a vocal, but otherwise stealthy Marsh Wren, and nearby several Lark Buntings. Along the trail, winter sparrows were numerous, including White-crowned, Vesper, Lincoln's, and Song, accompanied by Abert's and Canyon Towhees. Meanwhile, down by the river a young Great Horned Owl watched us from a limb over the river about twenty feet away. We almost did not notice the owl since it was silent and stationary. Nearby, a Gilded Flicker was seen well, in addition to the many Red-Shafted, not to mention Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpecker. Gadwalls and Mexican Mallards were spied as they swam along the river. As if to demonstrate that they are year-round breeders, a couple Barn Owls peered out of the nest box in a cottonwood tree on the grounds of the inn. An overwintering Vermilion Flycatcher rounded out the birds encountered on the walk, a fine conclusion indeed!

Report by Trip Leader: Robert Weissler

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HAS Field Trip: Hummingbirds, August 2007

Five HAS members and an out-of-state guest had a fine morning looking at hummingbirds, led by Rick Romea and Erika Wilson, on 14 August 2007. The final tally was 30 species, with nine species of hummingbird. Considering the generally low numbers of hummingbirds this year, we were pleased that the diversity was still high. Our guest was particularly pleased with the trip, as she garnered several life hummingbirds.

Highlights Hide article...

Our first “parking lot” bird was a rare dark morph Swainson’s Hawk, perched on a nearby utility pole. After admiring this elegant raptor, our group carpooled in three vehicles, with our first stop at Mary Jo Ballator’s Ash Canyon B&B. As always, Mary Jo’s lovely native plantings and numerous feeders attracted a wide variety of birds. Seated in comfortable chairs, we enjoyed the fine weather, the many flowers in bloom, and the hummers (Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Anna’s, and Rufous) zipping in and out of the mesquites and oaks, disputing the rights to the various feeders. Other birds of interest seen here were a Virginia’s Warbler, a female Ladder-backed Woodpecker, and close views of Black-headed Grosbeak.

Our next stop was at Beatty’s in Miller Canyon. The upper “controlled access site” had a mere dozen feeders, but also plenty of flowers in bloom to attract the hummingbirds. Comfortably shaded under the awning, we had really close views of Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Anna’s, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds. The differences in both shape and shade of red in the Anna’s and Broad-tailed gorgets were noted, with golden glints coming off the male Anna’s and pink flashes from the male Broad-taileds. A little shyer, but seen several times each, were Magnificent, White-eared, and Violet-crowned Hummingbirds. One White-eared male exhibited a particularly well marked plumage. A single glimpse of a female Blue-throated Hummingbird rounded out our tally at Beatty’s feeders.

Our final stop was in Ramsey Canyon, where the feeders at the Inn were observed from the public road. We had more satisfying looks at several Blue-throated Hummingbirds, although the Berylline Hummingbird failed to show. Also present were the usual trio of Broad-billed, Black-chinned, and Anna’s Hummingbirds. A female Western Tanager was spotted, and we heard, but never saw, Painted Redstart.

Report by Erika Wilson.

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Recent Summer 2007 Bird Walks, Hikes, and Bird Banding

Here are the latest contributions from Alan Blixt.

Highlights Hide article...

I went down to San Pedro House at 6 AM 8/29/2007 for birdbanding but that had been cancelled. I hooked up with Dave Beaudette and two ladies from Bisbee and, in the next 4 1/2 hours we recorded 61 species of birds! We walked Del Valle Rd, down Garden wash to Black Phoebe Pond, across to Green Kingfisher Pond, and back across the grasslands. We found many summer breeding birds that have not yet left including Bullock's Oriole, Summer and Western Tanagers, Yellow Warbler, Vermilion Flycatchers, Tropical and Cassin's Kingbirds, and Gray Hawk. We also recorded many newly arriving species such as Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Brewer's and Lark Sparrows, Lark Buntings, Belted Kingfisher, and Crissal Thrasher. We found Wison's Warblers in migration along with flocks of Black-headed Grosbeaks, Western Kingbirds, and Lazuli Buntings. We enjoyed the songs of the monsoon breeding birds: Blue Grosbeak, Cassin's Sparrow, and Botteri's Sparrow. Green Heron, a pair of Great Blue Herons, a flock of Red-winged Blackbirds, White-breasted Nuthatches, and Bewick's Wrens were also seen. We found a Regal Horned Lizard as well! Great birding on the San Pedro River!!

On August 26th Bryan Prescott and Alan Blixt led a bird walk at the Environmental Operations Park at 7 AM. What a day! We saw five raptor species including a Cooper's Hawk, a couple of Swainson's Hawks, a pair of Red-tailed Hawks, an American Kestrel, and watched a Peregrine Falcon take a Green-winged Teal out of mid-air. There were lots of shore birds in evidence as well. We saw Baird's, Western, Spotted and Least Sadpipers. Amongst a flock of about 20 Wilson's Phalaropes we spotted a Red-necked Phalarope. Also seen were a Lesser Yellowlegs, many Killdeer and a large flock of White-faced Ibis. Every Sunday we walk the wetlands, join us!

On August 25th Mike Guest led a bird walk from San Pedro House at 7 AM. We walked the grassland along Del Valle Rd and enjoyed some grassland songbirds such as Blue Grosbeak, Cassin's Sparrow, and Botteri's Sparrow. At 7:30 Alan Blixt reversed course and returned to San Pedro House to join Sandy Kunzer for an 8 AM interpretive walk. We were joined by several local folks from Bisbee and Sierra Vista. We enjoyed seeing lots of birds, flowers, caterpillars, lizards, and really enjoyed watching a grassland Box Turtle. It was a beautiful morning for a walk on the San Pedro Riparian National Consevation Area. Come take a walk with us.

On August 18th at 8 AM a group of twelve, led by Chris Long, took off on a three hour hike to Millville and to visit a couple of pertoglyf sites. We were serenaded by a beautiful Blue Grosbeak male as we began the hike. We talked about native and non-native invasive grasses, found some interesting caterpillars, and enjoyed the lovely Desert Marigolds in full bloom. Chris shared her knowlege of the Gird family, the Gird Mill, and the history of Millville and Charleston, the ghost town across the river. We saw blooming Wild Zinnia and the Jatropa ready to bloom. We talked about the rock art of the "archaic" people or the "ancient ones." We also walked to the San Pedro River and enjoyed hearing the calls of a pair of Yellow Warblers. What a great day!

On Wednesday the 15th of August Heidi Schubert and Alan Blixt led an evening interpretive walk from San Pedro House at 5:30 PM. What a beautiful evening. As we left San Pedro House to walk the grasslands the sun was in the west and the blue sky was filled with puffy white clouds. The atmosphere on the evening walks is very different from the morning walks. We found large numbers of Western Kingbirds so it appers their migration has begun. We were treated to several good looks at Vermilion Flycatchers. We also enjoyed hearing the beautiful song of many Blue Grosbeaks and watched them displaying from a variety of perches. The group of thirteen people from Canada and many places in the U.S. remarked on the lush and green scenery. We certainly live in a beautiful and changing place. The third Wednesday of each month May through October there is an evening interpretive walk from San Pedro House at 5:30 PM.

On Sunday August 12th Pat and Verna Berry and Alan Blixt led a bird walk at the Environmental Operations Park and found 39 species of birds. We really enjoyed seeing a male Ruddy Duck in breeding plumage, a Sora, and a Virginia Rail. The Peregrin Falcon was found roosting on a telephone pole and we saw White-faced Ibis and Swainson's Hawk. Every Sunday all year there are guided walks at the EOP. Come take a walk with us.

On Wednesday August 8th Dave Beaudette and Alan Blixt walked the grassland with three others and found 49 species of birds. We left San Pedro House at 7 AM and walked Del Valle Rd through the calling and singing Cassin's Sparrows, Botteri's Sparrows, Black-throated Sparrows, and Blue Grosbeaks. We saw Red-tailed and Swainson's Hawks and heard a couple of Gray Hawks calling. We also saw Lucy's Warblers, Verdin, Lark and Chipping Sparrows, and three species of Kingbirds - Cassin's, Western, and Tropical. It was too muddy to get to the river but we had a great time on the grasslands. Guided bird walks leave the San Pedro House the second Wednesday of each month at 7 AM in the summer and 8 AM in the winter. Go to sanpedroriver.org to find information on walks, hikes, and other activities.

On July 29th Pat and Verna Berry and Alan Blixt led a walk at 7 AM at the Environmental Operations Park. We were treated to 41 species including lots of Bank Swallows and several species of shorebirds. We saw several Baird's Sandpipers, a pair of Long-billed Dowitchers, a Least Sandpiper, a Western Sandpiper, a Wilson's Phalarope, and many Killdeer. Seeing a Peregren Falcon pair and a Swainson's Hawk was exciting too. EOP walks are every Sunday, you nevr know what will be there!

On July 28th Mike Guest led a bird walk from San Pedro House at 7 AM. 10 people had a great time as we recorded 44 species in about 3 hours. Particularly wnderful were the breeding grassland birds singing. We saw and heard the Cassin's and the Black-throated Sparrows and heard the Botteri's Sparrow. We heard the Yellow-billed Cuckoo but could not get a look at it. We also saw lots of Tanagers and Flycatchers. Every 2nd Sunday, 2nd Wednesday and 4th Saturday we conduct bird walks on the Conservation Area. Put us on your calendar and help us find some cool birds!

On July 21 Morris from Sonoita led a hike along Walnut Gulch at 8 AM. We met at Fairbank parking lot and walked up Walnut Gulch, just south of Fairbank. Lots of Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies were nectaring in the wash. We enjoyed the beautiful song of the "tinkling" Black-throated Sparrows. We also saw both Tropical and Cassin's Kingbirds. We tried to walk the river back but the San Pedro River was in flood. Check the web site at sanpedroriver.org or huachuca-audubon.org to findinformation about hikes, walks, outings, and bird banding.

On July 18th and July 25th I helped with bird banding at the banding station just south of Green Kingfisher Pond. On the 18th we banded about 50 birds with lots of youngsters and recaptures. It is wonderful to watch and learn about these birds and their lives. On the 25th we had rain so we did not catch as many birds. It seems someone is stealing bases for the poles that hold the nets so Heather has contacted BLM. They have contacted law enforcement to try to stop this. Even if you are not in favor of bird banding, please leave the equiptment alone so we can do our jobs.

On July 18th at 5:30 PM Teresa Miranda and Alan Blixt led an interpretive walk from San Pedro House. We were lucky to see three species of Kingbirds- Cassin's, Wesrern, and Tropical. We also enjoyed the beautiful Vermilion Flycatchers. We saw a interesting sight when we watched a Turkey Vulture hunting Green Kingfisher Pond. The Spadefoot toads were out and we saw a Box Turtle as well. We had to cut the walk short as a huge thunderstorm came in but we had lots of fun. Every 3rd Wednesday of each month from May to October we lead guided walks from San Pedro House at 5:30 PM in the evening. Try an evening walk for a change!

On Saturday July 14th Ginny Bealer and Alan Blixt led an interpretive walk from San Pedro House at 8 AM. We recorded 45 species of birds on our walk but also enjoyed seeing the Silverleaf Nightshade, the Globemallow, the Buffalo and Coyote Gourds, and the Soaptree Yuccas seeding out. Ginny and I watched the harvester ants and looked for the Yellow-billed Cuckoos which we heard but did not see. The Vermilion Flycatchers were spectacular as usual. Great fun!

On Wednesday July 11th Teresa Miranda and Alan Blixt led a bird walk at 7 AM from San Pedro House. We have guided walks at San Pedro House the second wednesday of each month all year. Nine folks accompanied us across the grasslands to Green Kingfisher Pond. From there we visited the banding site, Black Phoebe Pond and back along the river. What a wonderful walk! We recorded 47 species of birds and enjoyed watching the banders band a male Common Yellowthroat, a Yellow-breasted Chat, and a Lucy's Warbler. We also watched a Gray Hawk and a Red-tailed Hawk fight over Garden Wash. What a great day on the San Pedro River!

On Saturday July 7 Ted Mouras and Alan Blixt led the Saturday interprtive walk fron San Pedro House at 8 AM. A couple from Tucson walked with us and we enjoyed birding on the grasslands, at Green Kingfisher Pond, and back along the river. We got to see a Mexican Hognose snake, a pair of Yellow-billed Cuckoos feeding at a tent caterpillar nest, and a total of 42 bird species. Every Saturday we host a walk from San Pedro House all year. Come take a walk with us.

Reports by Alan Blixt

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2nd Sunday Bird Walk From San Pedro River Inn, July 8, 2007

With the summer monsoon season getting underway, bird activity along the San Pedro River was particularly high. A Peregrine Falcon chasing potential competitors as well as prey provided one of the highlights of this outing. A pair of Yellow-billed Cuckoos provided yet another. Meanwhile, a nest box full of young Barn Owls is a treat in almost any season. While we did not hear or see Gray Hawk, unusual in that they have been present reliably in this area for months, we did enjoy Swainson's Hawk soaring overhead.

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The usual assortment of colorful breeding birds were conspicuous along the river, including numerous Vermilion Flycatchers, Summer Tanagers, Blue Grosbeaks, Yellow-breasted Chats, and Yellow Warblers. A pair of Brown-crested Flycatchers were both heard and seen well among the cottonwoods of the gallery forest, while Ash-throated Flycatchers were seen more toward the forest edge. Cassin's and Western Kingbirds were active throughout. The haunting call of Common Ground-Doves penetrated the riparian forest, while the drumming of Red-shafted Flickers, as well as that of Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers provided the percussion section for this pastoral symphony. Loggerhead Shrike, Song Sparrows, Abert's Towhees, and Black Phoebes were also present in good numbers. The precocial young of Gambel's Quail and of Mexican Mallards dutifully trailed behind the parents.

During the walk, some of the participants recounted their sighting of Lawrence's Goldfinches, an unusual bird for this area in Summer. As it is, this species is virtually at its eastern limit here -- but normally in winter! Yet, as if to confirm their record of this bird, I found a couple at the thistle feeder in my backyard during the week following.

The next 2nd Sunday Bird Walk is scheduled to depart from the San Pedro River Inn at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 12, 2007. Once again, birders of all levels of experience are welcome to join us!

Report by Trip Leader: Robert Weissler

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Carr Canyon, June 7, 2007

Despite strong winds most of the morning, twelve HAS members and an out-of-state guest had a fine morning exploring Carr Canyon, led by Mick Guest, on 07 June 2007. The final tally was 36 species, which we all felt was remarkable considering the winds. Our guest was particularly pleased with the trip, as he garnered two life birds—Greater Pewee and Buff-breasted Flycatcher at the Reef Townsite campground in the late morning.

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Our group carpooled in three high-clearance vehicles, which made the bumpy, twisty climb up the Reef Road relatively easy for the riders, thanks to our three intrepid drivers (Mel Amieh, Teresa Miranda, and Joe Woodley). Our first stop at the Reef Townsite campground was brief due to howling winds, so we moved on to Ramsey Vista campround. Our way was blocked by a newly downed pine tree Lying athwart the road. In a fine group effort, the tree trunk was broken in two and the upper half pulled off the road, allowing us to reach our goal. It was just a windy at Ramsey Vista, but hiking down toward Comfort Spring we were sheltered from the full force of the wind.

The birding throughout the morning was fairly slow, with long gaps between birds, but we found a Red-faced Warbler foraging close to the trail; saw a couple of distant, flying Band-tailed Pigeons; watched two Steller’s Jays near the dry spring, and listened to a calling Cordilleran Flycatcher during our hike to and from Comfort Spring. Back at the vehicles it was decided that each group would pursue birds independently on the way back down. Additions to the list from these separate groups included Arizona Woodpecker, Greater Pewee, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, and Hermit Thrush. The warbler count rose to four species with the addition of Black-throated Gray, Grace’s, and Painted Redstart. Both Hepatic and Western Tanagers were seen, and a Yellow-eyed Junco was in full song in a pine. Most tantalizing was a female bunting seen briefly, but thought to be an Indigo Bunting.

Report by: Erika Wilson

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Miller Canyon, May 5, 2007

Seven HAS members spent a windy morning hiking up Miller Canyon on 05 May 2007, followed by a spell watching hummingbirds at Beatty’s feeders. Our thanks to the Beatty’s for permission to bird their orchard and CAS site, and use of the back gate, making our field trip much more enjoyable.

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Due to the wind, the first mile or so of hiking yielded few birds, but things started to pick up after the first stream crossing. In this area we had good looks at several Red-faced Warblers, including one carrying nesting material in its beak. Other warblers seen during the morning were Black-throated Gray, Townsend’s, Grace’s, Wilson’s, and Painted Redstart.

The highlight of our walk, however, was having Dieter Kamm find a Spotted Owl just off the path, perched in recently leafed out Bigtooth Maples, at eye level. We quickly realized there were two birds, and we watched them with delight for some little time.

At the CAS hummingbird feeders we saw Broad-billed, Magnificent, Black-chinned, Anna’s, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds at close quarters. This site is always worth visiting, even if we were just a bit too early for the White-eared Hummingbirds, which were first reported a few days later.

Report by: Erika Wilson

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Hereford Bridge, May 13, 2007

With a new Hereford Bridge parking lot and trailhead established by the BLM on the west side of the river, I was curious to see what opportunities there are for exploring the birds and wildlife from that side.

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While there is only a quarter mile stretch of the river south of the bridge before you reach private property, that stretch was rich with migrant and breeding birds. Many Bullock's Orioles, Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Abert's Towhees, Vermilion Flycatchers, Gambel's Quail, Yellow-breasted Chats, and a Verdin were low and close in the riparian shrubs. Warblers were conspicuous too with Yellow, Wilson's, and Lucy's seen at close range. A female Lazuli Bunting, a Warbling Vireo, Ash-throated and Brown-crested Flycatchers, Cassin's Kingbird, and a Pacific-slope Flycatcher were also conspicuous. Black-lored "oriantha" White-crowned Sparrows were quite numerous as they stopped on their journey to the Rocky Mountains.

Meanwhile, north from the bridge on the west side of the river, the terrain is uneven but open, owing to a fire several years ago. Nevertheless, I saw some terrific birds close to the bridge. Bell's Vireo was singing incessantly from a bushy willow, so I stopped to try to get a decent look at it. With a little squeaking, I managed to see the small, but hooked bill, the light lores, and overall drab, pale gray, diminutive vireo. Its vocalizations are quite unlike that of Gray Vireo or Hutton's Vireo, while the habitat is different as well. Adjacent to the bridge, a pair of Summer Tanagers were cavorting. A commotion drew my attention to a pair of Western Kingbirds attempting to drive off an adult Gray Hawk flying among the cottonwoods nearby.

To round out a very pleasant morning of birding, I stopped by the San Pedro River Inn where a Tropical Kingbird has returned once again.

Report by: Robert Weissler

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Hummingbird Workshop, Ash Canyon, April 2007

Over a dozen HAS members had a splendid morning in Mary Jo Ballator’s garden on 11 April 2007, learning about hummingbird identification under the tutelage of Rick Romea, David Beaudette, and Mary Jo Ballator.

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Focusing on females, the leaders emphasized bill shape, body posture, and tail movements, in combination with flank color, as a means of sorting out the different species. Female Black-chinned, Anna’s, and Lucifer Hummingbirds were worked thoroughly, but we did not ignore the male Broad-billed, Magnificent, and Rufous Hummingbirds also present.

Nor did we neglect the other wonderful birds in the garden, with a Whiskered Screech-Owl peering out of a nest box, Lazuli Buntings at a seed feeder, and both Scott’s and Hooded Orioles coming to the jelly pots being favorites. Close, admiring looks at Acorn, Ladder-backed, and Arizona Woodpeckers were made, and a Bridled Titmouse made a cameo appearance. Our morning total was 37 species, with the last folks out seeing an adult Gray Hawk float over the yard and parking area.

Report by: Erika Wilson

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Sierra Vista EOP, March 2007

Leaders Mike Guest and Erika Wilson had the maximum turn-out of twenty HAS members and guests for a weekday walk around the Sierra Vista EOP on 08 March 2007. With such a large group, we split into two parties, working in opposite directions around the ponds.

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The first difference we noted from the regular Sunday walks here was the noise of the cement plant to the northwest of the EOP, which made hearing the birds more difficult than usual. By morning’s end we had tallied 49 species, including ten duck species, and fine views of all four rail species—Virginia Rail, Sora, Common Moorhen, and Am. Coot. The best shorebirds were three Wilson’s Snipe, while other outstanding birds were a male Vermilion Flycatcher, a Tree Swallow, many Marsh Wrens (heard more often than seen), Mountain Bluebirds, Am. Pipits, a Common Yellowthroat, and six sparrow species. The several thousand Yellow-headed Blackbirds were voted the most popular bird of the trip.

Report by: Erika Wilson

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Empire-Cienega RCA, Santa Cruz Co., February 2007

Nine HAS members went by car caravan to the BLM’s Empire-Cienega RCA on 15 February 2007.

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Our first stop was on Upper Elgin Road, overlooking the southeast unit below Route 82. Rick Romea pointed out a singing Vesper Sparrow, a song we don’t hear too often because they don’t breed in our area. There was also a Red-tailed Hawk at a nest on a utility pole, plus Loggerhead Shrike, Chihuahuan Raven, Brewer’s Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, and Savannah Sparrow. Next we turned off the main road onto the dirt track leading to a cattle watering station where larks and longspurs had been reported. There were other birders there already, and there were mixed flocks of Horned Larks and longspurs, but the birds were rather distant. We decided to come back later after birding in the north part of the RCA.

Retracing our steps to Route 82, we drove to Sonoita, then north on Route 83 to the west entrance. Driving into toward the old Empire Ranch, we saw N. Harriers, Red-tailed Hawks, and American Kestrels. Next to the stock pens we found a mix of blackbirds and doves. Parking at Las Cienegas, we walked up the creek, seeing the usual woodland birds. At the far end we found a pair of Great Horned Owls perched in a huge cottonwood. Walking back, we added Green-tailed and Abert’s Towhees to our list, plus a bright male N. Cardinal. Eating lunch under the trees next to the parking lot, we were surprised to find another Great Horned Owl perched overhead!

Next we drove south through the center of the RCA, adding Merlin and Greater Roadrunner. Back at the southeast unit, the wind had picked up quite a bit, which had the desired effect of bringing the grassland birds closer to us. We found both Chestnut-collared and McCown’s Longspurs among the hundreds of Horned Larks. Our final tally was 38 species.

Report by: Erika Wilson

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Patagonia Lake State Park, December 2006

Cool, crisp, still, with reflections in the lake. This was the weather for HAS's 7th annual boating, birding and walking trip to Patagonia Lake State Park.

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Each year this is an opportunity to take advantage of birding from a quiet, slow moving pontoon boat captained by Ron Hummel whose intimate knowledge of the local birds and their preferred lurking places, presents an opportunity to observe species which are uncommon or completely missing from the most visited places in our San Pedro valley. Merganzers, Common moorhens, Night herons, a golden eagle, Peregrine falcons, coots that approached the boat in apparent attempts to mooch handouts, the opportunity to try to visually separate Dusky and Hammond's flycatchers were some of the enjoyments. A total of 41 species were identified within the Park by one of the groups either from the boat or on shore. Since the boat can only carry 9 we split the group and also have the opportunity to bird along the incoming Sonoita Creek riparian area.

Thanks to Ron and the Park staff for their help.

Look for this trip in 2007 or try a visit on your own. I know you will enjoy it.

Report by: Sandy Kunzer

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Whitewater Draw WMA, 29 November 2006

Seventeen HAS members and guests turned up at City Hall to carpool in six cars for the HAS Whitewater Draw field trip, led by HAS President Mike Guest, on 29 November 2006.

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We started our trip tally as soon as we turned onto Coffman Lane, the 2-mile dirt road that defines the eastern boundary of Whitewater Draw. We immediately found plenty of sparrows in winter dress, especially Lark Buntings by the dozen. With six cars spread out along the lane, it was inevitable that different things were spotted by different folks. I was sorry I forgot to stick my short wave radio set into my van, especially when I heard that folks in the first 2 or 3 cars saw a CRESTED CARACARA fly over the road near the former farm house at the entrance to Whitewater Draw. My only consolation was that we saw a Common Ground-Dove from my van. Other birds seen along Coffman Lane included Gambel's Quail, Loggerhead Shrike, Western Meadowlark, Greater Roadrunner, and the usual mix of sparrows (Brewer's, Chipping, Vesper, and White-crowned), both Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and the first few Sandhill Cranes.

Assembling as a whole group at the pole barn parking area, we were acutely aware of the low temperature and the blustery winds, which prevailed throughout the morning. We forgot the wind, however, when male Vermilion Flycatchers were spotted. Also hunting in the wind were both Black and Say's Phoebes, but kingbirds were absent, having moved south. The first American Pipits were seen walking along the muddy shore. Next we turned our attention to waterbirds, ranging from Killdeer and American Coots near at hand to Eared Grebes, Gadwall, and Ruddy Ducks just off shore, bouncing on the choppy water. From the south platform we picked up many more ducks bobbing on the water, including Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Redhead, and three striking male Buffleheads.

As we tramped up to the north platform, a Cooper's Hawk flashed by, two Spotted Sandpipers bobbed along, and more American Pipits edged the dike. A lone BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER was seen from the north platform, as well as a few Least Sandpipers. Then three Greater White-fronted Geese (an adult and two immature birds) were spotted out in the water to the north. New duck species identified included Canvasback and Lesser Scaup. Next, Dave Beaudette called our attention to a distant gull that turned out to be a winter-plumaged Bonaparte's Gull when we got it in the spotting scopes.

Moving south to the willow copse, we started picking up different birds, including Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, and a surprise SAGE SPARROW coming to drink along the willow-edged shore. Most of the willow copse was inaccessible due to high water, but we found Green-winged Teal and American Wigeon in the shallows, more Spotted Sandpipers, and had a brief glimpse of a Great Horned Owl flying to thicker cover. Next we had a pair of Ladder-backed Woodpeckers in view, then a Northern Flicker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Common Yellowthroat, and a surprise male LAZULI BUNTING. Walking around the south end of the willow copse, we added House and Marsh Wrens, House Finch, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-tailed Hawk, and Northern Harrier. Another large raft of ducks west of the willow copse proved to hold our first green-headed male Mallards of the day and a small group of Ring-necked Ducks, bring our duck total to thirteen species. On the far shore there were four Canada Geese, a good find for this location.

Returning to the pole barn area, we found the flock of Snow Geese had moved closer, joining the ever-increasing flock of Sandhill Cranes by the thousands. A careful look through the Snow Geese turned up an adult Ross' Goose, our fourth goose species for the trip. It was now noon and many folks left, but a few hardy souls ate lunch in the sun before heading back home. The last two cars turned out the front gate, one going south and one north. The southbound folks found a Bendire's Thrasher, while the northbound folks found a male American Kestrel, bringing our group tally to 63 species.

Report by: Erika Wilson

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Huachuca Canyon, November 9, 2006

Seven HAS members met in Gateway Park at N. Garden Ave. on a beautiful clear morning. While we waited for the 8 a.m. start time, the early arrivals did some casual birding around the parking lot and the adjacent edge of Buffalo Soldier Creek. We turned up Chipping Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and then a stunning pair of LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES perched in the bare branches of a mesquite along the creek.

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Once through the main gate of Fort Huachuca, we pulled off at one of the crossroads in the open grassland dotted with desert broom and mesquite. Here we had American Kestrels, Red-tailed Hawks soaring, a male Verdin carrying a big pile of desert broom fluff (which made him look as if he had a white beard), and a mix of sparrows. Moving on to the mouth of Huachuca Canyon, we stopped in the first picnic area, but it was quite windy and without birds. Our next stop was the last parking area at the stream, where we started our walk proper.

Once past the section of road that often has water trickling over it, we came upon a little mixed group of birds that included a male Townsend's Warbler, the first of four we saw during the morning. About fifteen minutes up the road, just after the first, dry stream crossing, we heard a trogon calling. It was soon located, a handsome male ELEGANT TROGON that made short flights through the oaks. Then several woodpeckers were spotted, with two quickly identified as Red-naped Sapsuckers. The third, however, was mostly black, without white back markings, and this bird turned out to be a male WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER.

A little further on we found another small flock of birds containing a Gray Flycatcher. It was giving its "whit" call and dipping its tail slowly as it sallied from a sycamore along the dry streambed. Ruby-crowned Kinglets were plentiful throughout the morning. We were disappointed to find very little activity at the small dam with its flowing stream and huge sycamores, although we could see the Cooper's Hawk nest there was still intact.

Pressing onward and upward, we found a large madrone with lots of fruit and lots of birds. We spent the next 20-30 minutes watching birds fly in and out of the madrone and adjacent oaks. The best bird here was a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE among the dozen American Robins and a single Hermit Thrush. The most conspicuous woodpecker was an Acorn Woodpecker, but we soon found several Red-naped Sapsuckers and three more WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKERS, including a female, as well as a Northern Flicker. Calling nearby was a vireo which finally came into view and proved to be a CASSIN'S VIREO, one of two for the morning. Although we walked up higher, we didn't turn up anything new. On the walk back down, we commented on the lack of any Painted Redstarts. Our tally for the day was 34 species.

Report by Trip Leader: Erika Wilson

Editor's Note: Lower Huachuca Canyon is included in the new Appleton-Whittell CBC centered near the Audubon Research Ranch on Saturday, Dec. 23rd.

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2nd Sunday Bird Walk From San Pedro River Inn, November 12, 2006

November is a month of transition as the last of the fall migrants pass through and winter birds establish themselves. The ten participants on 2nd Sunday Bird Walk were treated to a couple eastern vagrants, namely White-throated Sparrow and Eastern Phoebe along the river, while winter visitors supplied the bulk of the bird species seen.

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With the departure of most of the summer breeding birds, the focus of this walk was on winter birds and a few lingering breeders that might spend the winter here. A Merlin was seen hauling its prey from the inn to a more remote perch. A dark-morph Red-tailed Hawk stood out from the numerous light-morph and immature plumaged raptors. Stunning male Northern Harriers were seen in brilliant sunshine along with females and immatures. Accipiters were also conspicuous as both Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks soared in a nearly cloudless sky, while a couple Kestrels were perched out in the fields.

Remaining in the area, an interesting, immature male Vermilion Flycatcher was seen with patches of red including a crown-spot like a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Adding to numerous Say's Phoebes, a Black Phoebe along the river, not to mention the Eastern Phoebe, gave the group something of a Phoebe sweep! While the gallery forest was quiet, it did yield several Common Ground-Doves, a Belted Kingfisher, Red-shafted Flickers, and Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers. Loggerhead Shrike was perched conspicuously in several locations, but towhees were unusually difficult to find.

A bright male Northern Cardinal and a small flock of Cedar Waxwings at the inn got the walk off to a good start, while a Pyrrhuloxia among the Brewer's and White-crowned Sparrows on our return added variety to the mix. Savannah and Vesper Sparrows were numerous too, while Lincoln's and Song Sparrows also made a number of appearances. Bewick's Wren and White-breasted Nuthatch were seen in the gallery forest, while Eastern Meadowlark and Red-winged Blackbird were encountered in fields on the way. A lone Coot paddled on the upper pond at the inn.

The next 2nd Sunday Bird Walk is scheduled to depart from the San Pedro River Inn at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 10, 2006. Please note that the Hereford Road bridge over the San Pedro River officially has re-opened, so access to the inn from Sierra Vista is much easier. Once again, birders of all levels of experience are welcome to join us!

Report by Trip Leader: Robert Weissler

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Afternoon of Hummers, August 24, 2006

Lead by Erika Wilson, three intrepid birders (two visiting Massachusetts birders and me) constituted the Huachuca Audubon Society's "Afternoon of Hummers" field trip, held 24 August 2006 at Beatty's in Miller Canyon during a steady rain. Despite the rain, we tallied nine species of hummers, with most being lifers for the Massachusetts birders.

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We worked the lower public feeders from the shelter of the shed, sitting at the picnic table. Although we couldn't read the feeder numbers from the that angle, we still found Magnificent, Black-chinned, Anna's, Costa's, Broad-tailed, and Rufous Hummingbirds in good numbers. They didn't seem to mind the rain at all.

Moving up to the CAS, we were sheltered from the rain by the canvas roof and seated comfortably on the benches, and the birds were just as thick as ever. Best birds here were two different male WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRDS, resplendent in their iridescent colors, perhaps made more intense by the 100% humidity. I was quite surprised at the saturated colors showing so well under complete cloud cover.

In addition to the White-eared Hummers at the CAS, we had a female Broad-billed (no males seen, which was odd), one Violet-crowned, four (two male and two female) Magnificent, lots of Black-chinned, Anna's, Broad-tailed, and Rufous (with one brilliant copper male).

We had a fine time, proving that a bit of wet weather need not stop one from birding.

Report by Trip Leader: Erika Wilson

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India and the Palace on Wheels - March, 2006 [Read more...]

Travels in Northern Mexico - Spring, 2006

I was wondering how this year's spring trips to Sonora and Chihuahua would compare to the great experiences we had in 2005, especially considering the contrast of last year's unusually wet conditions in northern Mexico to this year's extreme dryness. As usual, nature came through with abundant surprises and record numbers of bird species on both trips.

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Huachuca Aududon has been making trips to Sonora for many years, and it appears that the Rio Sonora/Highway 16 route is as productive as ever. This year's trip, April 27-May 2, was blessed with great weather and an excellent group of enthusiastic and fun nature lovers. The wonders of spring migration were well illustrated along the Rio Sonora where warblers, vireos, orioles, swallows, sparrows, and many tanagers were seen. Green kingfisher and gray hawks were right where they usually are while Eurasian collared doves, which I saw for the first time in Mexico near Bacoachi in 2005, were seen all the way to Hermosillo this year. Silky oaks, native to Australia, were in full bloom in the small towns, and many were colorfully decorated with western tanagers and Bullock's and hooded orioles while a beautiful ring-necked snake was a surprise outside of Baviacora.

Though the Rio Sonora route is lovely with its Chihuahuan desert to tropical thornscrub transition, it's the dramatic ascent of Highway 16 from the low Sonoran Desert into the Sierra Madre that provides the first big highlight of the trip. Stopping first in the Sonoran Desert, we found a few of its signature species, rufous-winged sparrow and gilded flicker, as well as nesting cactus wrens and curve-billed thrashers, phainopepla, and a few others. An antelope jack rabbit in this spot was a life mammal for most of the group. The Rio Matape was outstanding again with the first of many elegant quail seen as soon as we exited the van. Breeding orchard orioles (yes, there is a small, isolated breeding population of orchard orioles just a few hundred miles south of us), happy wren, great kiskadee, lazuli bunting, tropical kingbird, streak-backed oriole, and many others were found at this desert oasis where we also had a brief and unexpected sighting of a bobcat in the mesquites. Upon arriving at our first good stand of tropical deciduous forest (TDF), we emerged into a starkly leafless habitat except for one huge, green, and, unfortunately fruitless fig. The initial silence was soon broken by the strident wheek! of Nutting's flycatchers which suddenly seemed to be everywhere. A nice pair of black-capped gnatcatchers put on a delightful show, many varied buntings were working the flowers of a Ceiba tree, and three hummer species (berylline, violet-crowned, and broad-billed) were hawking insects around the fig. Further up the highway the forest around the spring at Km 196 was dripping with birds. Yellow grosbeak, tropical parula, five-striped sparrow, varied bunting, black-vented oriole, Sinaloa wren, and white-tipped dove were some of the stand outs within the flurry of activity. As usual, striking blackened bluewing butterflies were seen here as well.

Up around Yecora, the action was equally exciting. Up in the pines and oaks of the Mesa Campanero, several mountain trogons did a masterful job of trying to outshine painted redstarts, crescent-chested warblers, "black-eared" bushtits, Mexican chickadee, olive warbler, Scott's oriole, and many migrating Townsend's and hermit warblers. Though I've been to the well-known barranca just down the road dozens of times, I've never seen it as birdy as it was this year (and that includes all six stops we made there!). You know things are going well when you get to the point of someone saying "What was that?", and the response is "Oh, just another blue mockingbird." In addition to this Mexican endemic, we enjoyed a virtual non-stop parade whose members included flame-colored tanager, white-throated robin, slate-throated redstart, tufted flycatcher, white-eared hummingbird, both russet and orange-billed nightingale thrushes, rusty sparrow, spotted wren, brown-backed solitaire, elegant trogon, rufous-capped warbler, and a rare prize in Sonora, red-headed tanager.

Down in the TDF around Santa Ana and Santa Rosa we had more good luck. The charming town of Santa Ana, with its quiet beauty, is one of my favorite spots in Mexico. There a small stream, lined with sabino and fruiting mulberry trees, served as the bird magnet, with Swainson's thrush, rufous-backed robin, squirrel cuckoo, white-striped woodcreeper, orange-billed nightingale thrush and yet another blue mockingbird putting in appearances. At the little oasis outside of Santa Rosa, black-throated magpie jays seemed to paint graceful blue and white lines across the sky with their many fly-bys, while elegant quail and five-striped sparrows came to the small pond to drink and give us some great views.

With a fantastic group, great food, perfect weather, some neat mammals (in addition to the jack rabbit and the bobcat, we also saw coyote, desert cottontail, rock and Apache fox squirrels, and cliff chipmunk), and a new record of 172 bird species, this was yet another memorable trip.

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Chihuahua Hide article...

In late May, we journeyed southeast to Madera, Chihuahua to enjoy the high, cool, mixed conifer forest and a part of the Sierra Madre that both contrasts and compliments the Sierra Madre near Yecora in Sonora. Entering the range from the high, dry, grass and scrub-dominated east is very different than coming from the more tropical west with its palms, figs, and squirrel cuckoos. In Madera, the pines and oaks seem to go on forever, and one's birding thoughts may conjure images of avian ghosts in the form of the now-extinct imperial woodpecker. Though the woodpecker is gone from these dramatic mountains, several very special range-sharing species persist, namely eared quetzal, striped sparrow, and the local prize, thick-billed parrots. This year we had the great pleasure of spending another unforgettable morning with these marvelous birds. Being around thick-billed parrots is always a moving and energizing experience, and their frequent calling, nest-cavity exploration, mutual preening and courtship feeding were fascinating and beautiful against the gorgeous backdrop of pines, Douglas fir, quaking aspen, and Rocky Mountain maple. The red-faced and crescent-chested warblers, russet nightingale thrush, and mountain trogon were nice bonuses.

West of town are several of my favorite spots in the area. One, a moist sycamore-lined canyon with a surprising number of fruiting trees (chokecherry, coffeeberry, canyon grape, and Texas madrone) feels a little like home as this is where we found elegant trogon, sulphur-bellied flycatcher, eastern bluebird, painted redstart, hepatic tanager, blue-throated hummingbird, Arizona woodpecker, and bridled titmouse. The bird that has yet to cross the border, however, is the white-striped woodcreeper which we found here once again.

Another off-the-beaten-track riparian area, thick with willows and surrounded by great forest, is where we enjoyed an active group of striped sparrows, intent on building a ground nest in the bunchgrasses. An evening outing to this paradise-like area was a good choice this year not only for our great picnic dinner, but also for great views of at least three eared quetzals, a pair of common black hawks, a northern pygmy owl, and a zone-tailed hawk. Buff-breasted flycatchers were working the willows which lined a small and pretty stream in which speckled dace and ranid tadpoles were seen.

The Madera area is also rich in human history, and on our way down we stopped at the excellent Paquime museum while on the return we made a visit to the village of Mata Ortiz where some exquisite pots were purchased.

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Northern Mexico's proximity, the good road conditions, nice lodging, and a wealth of great birds and natural history make these trips two of my favorites. Thanks to all who joined our 2006 outings and helped raise over $500 for HAS. We'll be returning in 2007 - Sonora, April 24-29 and Chihuahua, May 22-25 - for what I'm sure will be more great trips. If you're interested in joining us and would like more information contact me at (520) 803-6889 or mpnaturetours@earthlink.net.

Mark Pretti

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2nd Sunday Bird Walk From San Pedro River Inn, June 11, 2006

During June, many of the summer breeding birds are on their nests, so they tend to be less conspicuous than when they first arrive, singing to attract a mate and stake out their territory. June is also generally the hottest and driest month of the year, apart from the thunderstorm during the prior week that provided a respite and a hint of the monsoon to come. Nevertheless, participants of the June 2nd Sunday Bird Walk enjoyed the shade of the gallery forest and the many colorful breeding birds of the season.

Highlights Hide article...

Among the highlights, Gray and Swainson's Hawks were conspicuous in the bright sunshine as were Summer Tanagers, Yellow-breasted Chats, Vermilion Flycatchers (particularly the males doing their fluttering display flights), Yellow Warblers and Blue Grosbeaks along the river. A Bullock's Oriole visited a feeder at the inn. Two different bright male Northern Cardinals were spied in Mexican Elderberry and Hackberry along with a Pyrrhuloxia. Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers were heard drumming and calling throughout. Ash-throated Flycatchers, Northern (red-shafted) Flicker, Western and Cassin's Kingbirds, White-winged Dove and Common Ground-Dove, Bewick's Wren, White-breasted Nuthatch, Loggerhead Shrike, and Canyon and Abert's Towhees were seen well. White-throated Swifts soared in great arcs above us.

Back at the inn, Gambel's and Scaled Quail were seen together near the entrance. Curve-billed Thrasher could be heard by its distinctive "whit, WHIT!" vocalization. A Barn Owl fledgling was peering down at us, perched low in the Cottonwood above us.

Please note that the Hereford Road bridge over the San Pedro River officially has re-opened, so access to the inn from Sierra Vista is much easier. Once again, birders of all levels of experience are welcome to join us!

Robert Weissler

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Article Submissions

We encourage your contributions! Please send your submissions via e-mail to us at has_admin@huachuca-audubon.org recounting recent bird walks, field trips, and overseas tours. Please send just plain text with graphics files as attachments instead of Word documents, since doing so makes it easier to incorporate into web pages.

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Last updated: 21 August 2010 by REW.