|
Species list |
List
of species seen
|
Pied-billed Grebe |
3 birds in breeding plumage at Patagonia
Lake |
|
Double-crested Cormorant |
6 birds were perched on posts above the
surface of Patagonia Lake, among slightly more numerous Neotropic Cormorants.
None of these were in breeding plumage |
|
Neotropic Cormorant |
12 on exposed posts on Patagonia Lake.
They are noticeably smaller than Double-crested, and the gular pouch could be
seen to be different. Only one of the birds showed the light coloured ear
feathers |
|
Great Blue Heron |
Regularly seen in the Patagonia area with
3 at Patagonia Lake and 6 the next day around the Roadside rest pull in. The
only other bird was at the San Pedro River Inn |
|
Green Heron |
Three single birds seen at: Sierra Vista
Wastewater Ponds; Rancho del Rio Pond (near San Pedro River Inn); Patagonia
Lake |
|
Cattle Egret |
3 birds over Arizona City |
|
Night Heron |
A pair of birds over the car just before
nightfall in Phoenix on the last night |
|
White-faced ibis |
8 birds flew in and landed on Sierra
Vista Wastewater Ponds, and were seen more closely on the rear scrape, with a
single bird later in the week at the reeded eastern end of Patagonia Lake |
|
Black-bellied Whistling Duck |
After a pair of birds flew up from the
stream of the Roadside rest near Patagonia, 2 sets of 4 birds were seen flying
to the West from the same area |
|
(Mexican) Mallard |
This subspecies of Mallard looks like a
midway version of female Mallard and Black Duck: Sierra Vista (3 on 16th);
Sierra Vista Wastewater Ponds (c50); Green Valley Sewage Ponds (1); Patagonia
Lake (1) |
|
Blue-winged Teal |
Male
and female pair on one of the lagoons at
Sierra Vista Wastewater Ponds |
|
Cinnamon Teal |
About 8 birds (mix of
males and females) on the rear
lagoon at Sierra Vista Wastewater Ponds |
|
Redhead |
One pair at the reeded eastern end of
Patagonia Lake |
|
Ruddy Duck |
Male
and female pair near the reeds on the East
side of Patagonia Lake |
|
American
Black Vulture |
Few and far between (as compared with the
common and regular Turkey Vulture). 4 early morning perched between Fort
Huachuca and Garden Canyon; c6 flying over Sonoita / Patagonia Creek Preserve
among Turkey Vultures |
|
Turkey Vulture |
Common – seen every day with numbers from
c6 on 19th and 20th to many on other days |
|
Cooper’s Hawk |
Garden Canyon Upper picnic site (1); San
Pedro River Inn (1); Mount Lemmon summit (2) |
|
Grey Hawk |
South-east Ariziona is the very Northern
most tip of this species’ breeding range, and a handful of pairs can be seen in
the San Pedro / Patagonia area: drive between Tucson and Sierra Vista on 16th
(3 towards the Sierra Vista area perched on telegraph poles); Kino Springs
(pair at nest opposite golf course club house); Patagonia Lake (1); Sonoita /
Patagonia Creek Preserve (1 pair and a separate single bird) |
|
Swainson’s Hawk |
All but one of the birds seen were light
phase, and are quite easy to distinguish from Red-tailed Hawk. The red tail on
the latter is usually quite easy to see, but, in flight, the two have quite
different underwing patterns, with Swainson’s always showing dark flight
feathers. The light patterning on the scapulars of Red-tailed is not as
helpful, since this seems to vary on both species. The most seen was around 7
on the 18th (San Pedro River valley area), including one close bird
perched at the San Pedro House. None were seen in the Patagonia area |
|
Red-tailed Hawk |
The commoner of the two large Buteo species. A maximum of 6 were seen
on any single day, and the only day without a sighting was 19th,
when we visited the Santa Catalina mountains |
|
American Kestrel |
All birds seen in flight – approach to
Madera Canyon (1); Kino Springs (2); Patagonia roadside rest (1); Tucson (1) |
|
Prairie Falcon |
1 in flight over the Sierra Vista
Wastewater ponds |
|
Scaled Quail |
We thought these would be a lot easier to
see, but only one pair was found, hanging around the cabins at the San Pedro
River Inn. Apparently, they are very easy to see here, often feeding underneath
the bird tables |
|
Gambel’s Quail |
A very common bird, and in fact one of
the first species seen (at Shannon Road). Quite a few of the parties seen
contained young birds. The only day when none were seen was on the 17th,
and daily numbers ranged from 2 (19th, 20th, 22nd),
to around 50 (Tucson desert area) |
|
American Coot |
Only seen on the Kingfisher Lake at San
Pedro House (6) and Patagonia Lake (c30) |
|
Killdeer |
Sierra Vista Wastewater Ponds (7); Santa
Cruz Flats (3) |
|
Long-billed Dowitcher |
The only bird seen was a breeding
plumaged bird on the Sierra Vista Wastewater Ponds. Although we were fairly
sure of its identity in the field, this is the only dowitcher likely in this
area (occurs quite commonly in spring and autumn migration times) |
|
Spotted Sandpiper |
All birds seen were either in full
breeding plumage, or at least in partial breeding plumage for a minority.
Sierra Vista Wastewater Ponds (4); San Pedro River Inn (3 together on one of
the small ponds adjacent to the cabins); Patagonia Lake (1 on mud near the
eastern reeded end of the lake) |
|
Wilson’s Phalarope |
A rather impressive looking group of 8
birds were feeding together on the Sierra Vista Wastewater Ponds. These
included 1 full and 1 part breeding plumaged birds, and 3-4 juveniles |
|
Band-tailed Pigeon |
We had expected these to be a common and
easily seen bird, but they do seem to stay rigidly in the more mountainous
areas. The only birds we saw were at the Irongate Lodge on Mount Lemmon. 3
birds were initially seen perched on one branch of a tree just below the car
park, and 2 subsequently came to feed on the tarmac under the hummingbird
feeders of the lodge |
|
Mourning Dove |
Common – seen every day |
|
Laughing Dove |
Common – seen every day apart from 17th |
|
Common Ground-dove |
Sierra Vista Wastewater Ponds (1); San
Pedro River Inn (1); Molino Basin campground (1); The Patons garden (2); Kino
Springs (8): Sonoita / Patagonia Creek Preserve (4); Santa Cruz Flats (6) |
|
Inca Dove |
Shannon Road (3); The Patons garden (6) |
|
Greater Roadrunner |
This was the bird that we most wanted to
see, in particular because 2 of the party had missed the Lesser Roadrunner I
had seen briefly in Mexico 3 years earlier. We did expect to see them, but were
a little surprised to only turn up 3 during the week, especially when we were told
of birds in birders back gardens who lived in Arizona. However, events are
strange, and it was fitting that the first Roadrunner that we saw was on
Shannon Road, only about 15 minutes after we had arrived, and it was motoring
its way along the line of household gardens, before making a speedy exit
towards the desert area. The 2 other birds were seen crossing the road on the
journey to the San Pedro River Inn, both of which stopped briefly at the side
of the road before disappearing |
|
Great Horned Owl |
At San Pedro River Inn, a breeding pair
had one chick in a large tree next to the river. The chick looked recently
fledged, and one of the parents was in the same tree. We found the other parent
in a tree about 100 metres away as we returned from the river walk |
|
Burrowing Owl |
The Lane guide had given a site at the
Santa Cruz Flats, but the distances were not all correct. Because of this, we
ended up finding a pair along the central watering channel of the turf fields
on Greene Reservoir Road, just West of the sign for Western Sod. They were
quite approachable, although there was always the feeling that the 800 metre
long watering jet system would start at any time, since the Owls were nesting
along the rut created by the systems’ engine. When we left these birds and
drove another few hundred metres to the West, we came upon the concrete slabs
that were mentioned in the book as the preferred Burrowing Owl area – there
were no birds there. Sometimes mis-directions are not a bad thing. This also
happened to be the last of the new birds we saw only about half an hour before
dusk on the last evenings birding! |
|
Lesser Nighthawk |
Only 2 birds seen, both briefly over the
car at dusk – 1 at Green Valley, the other over Arizona City |
|
White-throated Swift |
These turned out to be a reasonably
regularly seen bird, usually occurring in small flocks, and are a very smart
member of the family - Sierra Vista Wastewater Ponds (7); Rose Canyon Lake
(10); Patagonia Roadside rest (6 on 21st, 25 on 22nd);
Patagonia Lake (5); Kino Springs (3); Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve (10) |
|
Hummingbirds |
This is probably one of the families of
birds that are a target for birders in South-east Arizona. At this time of
year, there are 8 regular breeding species usually possible, with a few extras
as incidentals that are also possible. Many birds will be chanced upon as the
area is covered, and this is certainly an enjoyable way to experience them (we
saw almost all species at some time through the week away from feeders).
However, for more success in variety of species seen, and for close views,
there are some gardens with feeders where birders are welcomed by the owners
for hummer watching (and other species). The most accommodating that we visited
were: |
|
Broad-billed Hummingbird |
This is one of the more outstanding
species, with bottle green tones contrasting with the red bill in the males,
and the females easy to identify by the long bill with (usually but not always)
a red base: Tom Beatty's garden (1 male); Turkey Creek Road (2 males, 1 female); Molino Basin
campground (1 male); Madera picnic site (2); Florida Wash (2); Santa Rita Lodge
(2); Madera Kubo (4); Patagonia Roadside rest (3 on 21st, 2 on
22nd); The Patons garden (10); Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve (2) |
|
Violet-crowned Hummingbird |
The Patons garden is reputedly the best
place in the States to see this species, and there were at least 2 birds which
regularly returned to the same 2 favourite feeders while we were there. They
are very distinctive, since they are relatively large and are the only local
hummingbird to have a brown back. Although there is apparently no difference in
male and female plumage, one of the birds we saw there was definitely paler
than the other. We also found a further single bird returning to a regular spot
at the Patagonia Roadside rest |
|
Blue-throated Hummingbird |
This seems to be more of a Canyon dweller
of slightly higher elevations, and not very commonly seen. Both males and
females are easily identified, due to their largish size, and overall dark
colour with white stripe behind the eye. 1 male was on a favoured perch at the
lower of the 2 feeding areas behind Tom Beatty's garden, and a pair were
returning to the feeders and perches on nearby trees at cabin #3, Madera Kubo |
|
Magnificent Hummingbird |
Another distinctive species, with size,
shape and base colours (apart from the throat) similar to Blue-throated, but it
has only an easily seen white spot behind the eye, rather than the stripe of
Blue-throated. Males show a brilliant green throat when the light catches it.
Shannon Road (1 male); Tom Beatty's garden(1 male, 1 female); Turkey Creek Road (3
males, 1 female);
San Pedro vista on Mount Lemmon (1 male); Irongate Lodge, Mount Lemmon feeders
(2 males); Santa Rita Lodge (1 male) |
|
Black-chinned Hummingbird |
This is superficially similar to
Broad-tailed Hummingbird, since both show black throats until the light
highlights the purple lower edge (compared with red of Broad-tailed), and both
males have a green wash to the sides of the breast. However, this species has a
longer bill, and he most characteristic feature is the constant tail dipping
when it hovers. It also appeared to be the most aggressive bird at the feeders.
Tom Beatty's garden / Turkey Creek Road (common at both sets of feeders) |
|
Anna’s Hummingbird |
When the sun caught the red hood of the
male, they looked quite spectacular. We saw at least 1 male at the Arizona Sonora
Desert Museum, and both males and females were common at Tom Beatty's garden
and Turkey Creek Road. None were seen elsewhere |
|
Costa’s Hummingbird |
This is most commonly found in the
lowlands of the Tucson area, and we saw our closest birds at the Arizona Sonora
Desert Museum (2 males, 2 immature males), where they are allegedly attracted to the
artificially hospitable environment. However, we did see one further male on
the hillside at the entrance to Kino Springs |
|
Calliope Hummingbird |
Since this species is rare on passage in
South-east Arizona in the Spring, we were more than pleased to identify a
female coming back regularly to the upper feeding area at Beatties home. We had
been watching the other species for some hours when this much smaller bird
started to appear on one specific feeder. Plumage matched the book exactly,
even down to the throat streaking |
|
Broad-tailed Hummingbird |
The similarities with Black-chinned
Hummingbird have been mentioned, but in addition to the bright red throat in
certain lights, an additional interesting feature is the loud whistle made by
the wings of the male as it flashes past. This tends to be one of the species
that prefers the higher altitudes, hence its absence from places like The
Patons garden, but good numbers in the Huachuca Mountains: common at the
Beatties home / Turkey Creek Road; Irongate Lodge, Mount Lemmon (10+, mainly at
the feeders); Madera Kubo (2) |
|
Elegant Trogon |
This is another of the speciality birds
of South-east Arizona, and we struck luckily at the Upper picnic site in Garden
Canyon. It is best seen by listening for the call, which sounds strangely like
a small dog barking in a car. Another important point to make with the call is
that bird is a lot closer when calling than it sounds – the first bird we found
seemed to be some way up a hillside, but was in fact only around 30-40 metres
distant. This bird was calling over a stream, about 200m downstream from the
Upper picnic site. We were told of the second bird by a friendly American based
Lancashire birder. He eventually took us to below the exact tree from which it
was calling, yet we looked up and couldn’t find it. The reason for this was
that it was calling from a hole in the tree for some time (presumably a nest
hole), until it appeared on a branch only inches from the hole. It remained
there for some time despite our presence. Both birds that we saw were the
brightly coloured males, and were typical in their preference for locations
above streams |
|
Acorn Woodpecker |
This is a characteristic and stunning
woodpecker, and also very easy to see throughout the region. They are also very
easy to approach, seemingly more intent on their perching posts than watching
birders. Upper picnic site (3); Turkey Creek Road (2 on feeders and close tree
branches); Rose Canyon Lake (2); Madera Canyon (the most populous area, with
50+ seen throughout the day); The Patons garden (2 on feeders); Sonoita
Patagonia Creek Preserve (1 only at the start if the woodland trails, on the
same tree as a Gila Woodpecker) |
|
Gila Woodpecker |
The most common, and noisy, woodpecker
seen. In addition to it being very common in the Tucson desert area on the
first day: San Pedro river valley (10+); Kino Springs (4); The Patons garden (2
on feeders in front of viewing area); Patagonia Roadside rest (2); Sonoita
Patagonia Creek Preserve (10+) |
|
Ladder-backed Woodpecker |
San Pedro River Inn (1 in wood near
stream); Kino Springs (1); Patagonia Lake (1); Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve
(1 at end of Creek Trail) |
|
Arizona Woodpecker |
Only 2 seen, but they are a striking
woodpecker due to their predominantly brown markings: Miller Canyon (1); Madera
picnic site (1) |
|
Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker |
San Pedro River Inn (1 on ground
alongside cabins); Bear Canyon (1) |
|
Gilded Flicker |
The differences in head colour between
this and the Northern Flicker are evident if the bird is seen well, but it is
only when they fly and the yellow (or red in the latter) underwings are seen
that ID is positive: Shannon Road (2); Kino Springs (1) |
|
Northern Beardless-tyrannulet |
This is a remarkably long name for a
small and understated flycatcher. The 4 birds we saw were all either in or
alongside the dry river bed of the Florida Wash. Their feeding action is
noticeably different from other flycatchers – more akin to the foraging of
wood-warblers. Although they do not have a great deal going for them in the
looks department, these birds are nevertheless quite characteristic when seen |
|
Greater Pewee |
These are a flycatcher of the higher
altitudes, and look noticeably larger than the other pewees, with an obvious
crest at the back of the head when seen well. Sawmill Canyon (2); Irongate Lodge, Mount Lemmon (1 at
the top of a tall, bare tree below the car park) |
|
Western Wood-pewee |
A very common flycatcher, seen every day
in small numbers apart from on the first day in the Tucson desert area. Easy to
tell from other flycatchers in this part of the States due to lack of eye ring
and size. |
|
Dusky Flycatcher |
Mid May onwards is probably a little late for many of the Empidonax genus, since many leave their wintering grounds here earlier than this. This is likely to be the reason why we only saw singles in Sawmill Canyon and Madera picnic area |
|
Cordilleran Flycatcher |
Usually only found at higher altitudes
(our only one was singing in Sawmill Canyon), it is fortunate that
Pacific-slope Flycatcher is very rare at this height, and that this bird was singing (latter tends to be found lower down in valleys on migration) |
|
Buff-breasted Flycatcher |
Due to its altitude, Sawmill Canyon is a
prime spot for this bird. We saw c6 along the track, most singing. Although the
books show a bright buff breast, and some birds do exhibit this, others can be
noticeably paler |
|
Black Phoebe |
Surprisingly, only one bird was found in
a characteristic place (next to a stream, perching low down) opposite the
Madera Kubo |
|
Say’s Phoebe |
A parent and juvenile were the first
birds seen as we entered Kino Springs, and were present for some time. The only
other birds were a second adult at Kino Springs and a single bird feeding in
the open grassland around the visitor centre of Sonoita Patagonia Creek
Preserve |
|
Vermilion Flycatcher |
The males of this species are literally
stunning, with the most vivid red face and breasts. They also prefer lowland
open areas, and usually perch out in the open, and when found are often in good
numbers. Some of the pairs of birds found had well grown young in tow, and a
nest was found at Kino Springs. We actually only saw them on 3 days, in the San
Pedro valley, and Kino Springs to Patagonia areas: San Pedro House (8); San
Pedro River Inn (4); Kino Springs (10); The Patons garden (1); Patagonia Lake
(10); Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve (1) |
|
Dusky-capped Flycatcher |
The Myiarchus
flycatchers were at first separated very technically, with this species tracked
down by characters such as rufous edges to secondaries and lack of rufous in
the undertail. After some experience, the smaller size and
bill quickly became much better features, the former being used purely as
backup. Sawmill Canyon (1); Molino Basin campground (2); Bear Canyon (4);
Madera picnic site (8); Madera Kubo (4); Kino Springs (2); Patagonia Roadside
rest (2); Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve (12) |
|
Ash-throated Flycatcher |
These birds are much larger than the
Dusky-capped, but have smaller bills and are paler than Brown-crested. All were
seen in the first 2-3 days, which generally covered the more low lying, open
desert areas. Shannon Road (2); Sawmill Canyon (4); San Pedro House (10);
Sierra Vista Wastewater Ponds (2); San Pedro River Inn (6) |
|
Brown-crested Flycatcher |
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum (1 + 1
juvenile); San Pedro River Inn (2); Kino Springs (12); Sonoita Patagonia Creek
Preserve (4) |
|
Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher |
These birds were quite a lot larger and
bulkier than expected, and had been on the shopping list since we failed to see
them in Mexico (February, 2000). Only seen around the Upper picnic site, where
there were at least 3 birds |
|
Cassin’s Kingbird |
The darker head and mantle as compared
with Western Kingbird was usually sufficient to separate the two, but there was
some variation in this, and lighter coloured Cassin’s would sometimes need the
unmarked tail to be seen to confirm identity. They are a common and regular
Kingbird, usually seen in more open countryside. Garden Canyon grassland (2);
Upper picnic site (4); San Pedro House (6); Molino Basin campground (6);
Florida Wash (2); Kino Springs (12); Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve (8) |
|
Thick-billed Kingbird |
This is an uncommon bird in South-east
Arizona, although we discovered that one area that it can be seen comparatively
easily is in the Patagonia area. We even found a pair building a nest directly
above the Patagonia Roadside rest. Other single birds were in Patagonia (in a
bare tree off California Drive), and Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve (2
separate birds) |
|
Western Kingbird |
The white edges to the tail were often
used as confirmation to ID from Cassin’s Kingbird, although most birds were
light enough on the head and mantle to avoid confusion. Saguaro National Park
(West) to Arizona Sonora Desert Museum (2); Garden Canyon (2); Miller Canyon
(2); San Pedro House (6); Madera Canyon (1); Kino Springs (2); Santa Cruz Flats
(6) |
|
Shorelark |
A single bird was adjacent to the hide at
Sierra Vista Wastewater Ponds, and the final 10 or so were in singles and small
groups at Santa Cruz Flats |
|
Purple Martin |
Only 3 of this local subspecies were seen
– 1 on wires and 2 flying overhead at Shannon Road |
|
Violet-green Swallow |
These birds seem to prefer the higher
altitudes, and when seen from above, as we did towards the top of Mount Lemmon,
the reason for their name can be clearly seen by the iridescent green colour of
their backs. Rose Canyon Lake (6); Irongate Lodge, Mount Lemmon (10+) |
|
Northern Rough-winged Swallow |
Turkey Creek Road (1); Patagonia Lake (1) |
|
Sand Martin |
The only birds seen were 10+ presumably
on migration through Sierra Vista Wastewater Ponds |
|
Cliff Swallow |
Most birds were seen at a little distance
on the wing, until we had a dip in the swimming pool of the Motel 6 in Nogales,
where the birds not only joined us for a drink, but also landed in the eaves of
the hotel next to the pool (presumably to roost). Sierra Vista Wastewater Ponds
(1 with other hirundines); Kino Springs (4); Motel 6 in Nogales (3+ on 21st
and 22nd) |
|
Swallow |
Very common, and seen on all days apart
from the 19th |
|
Phainopepla |
We only saw one of these smart looking
birds (Shannon Road) in the first 3 days, and thought they may be quite difficult
to find. However, after the 20+ deluge around Molino Basin campground, and only
1 from the swimming pool in Nogales, they were very common in the Patagonia
area (Kino Springs 20+; Patagonia Lake 30+; Patagonia Roadside rest 12; Sonoita
Patagonia Creek Preserve 10) |
|
Cedar Waxwing |
8 birds at the Patagonia Roadside rest on
the evening of the 21st |
|
Cactus Wren |
This bird was very common on the first
day at all sites visited in the Tucson desert area, with many birds both seen
and heard. However, only 2 further birds were seen during the trip (Molino
Basin campground) |
|
Rock Wren |
We were just about to leave the Patagonia
Roadside rest on the evening of the 21st, when we spotted our only
Rock Wren about 30 metres away feeding around the base of the cliffs |
|
Canyon Wren |
The location of this species came as
something of a surprise. We had been listening for them all the way up Madera
Canyon, and straining our eyes to see them on the distant rocky outcrops.
However, when we heard one calling from cabin #3 at Madera Kubo, we were
deciding on whether to follow the calls of a much closer bird when one appeared
right in front of us on a truck. 4 birds in 2 pairs were subsequently seen in
this yard, and they seemed to be nesting in the houses and sheds |
|
Bewick’s Wren |
The most common and vocal of the wrens
that we saw. Upper picnic site (2); San Pedro House (2 around Kingfisher Pond);
San Pedro River Inn (1); Molino Basin campground (1); Madera picnic site (2);
Patagonia Lake (1); Kino Springs (2 at the first pond); Sonoita Patagonia Creek
Preserve (4) |
|
Northern Mockingbird |
Common in the Tucson desert areas on the
first day; Upper picnic site (1); San Pedro river valley area (6); Molino Basin
campground (2); Kino Springs (6) |
|
[Bendire’s Thrasher] |
A single bird at Shannon Road seemed
unlikely, since it is apparently usually a skulking bird. However, the bill
(looked at again closely on video) shows the straight lower edge of this
species, and the bird did not look like a juvenile, where young Curve-billed
would show a similar shape in some cases |
|
Curve-billed Thrasher |
In some lowland and open areas, the sight
and sound of this confiding bird were common. Tucson desert areas on first day
(30+); San Pedro House (2); San Pedro River Inn (2); Kino Springs (6);
Patagonia Lake (2) |
|
Western Bluebird |
A single male
was at the very top of a dead
tree on the opposite bank of Rose Canyon Lake. Thankfully, the telescope was
available to clinch the specific ID |
|
Swainson’s Thrush |
Upper picnic site (4); Beatties home (2);
Madera Kubo (12) |
|
Hermit Thrush |
Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve (3) |
|
American Robin |
Uncommon - Upper picnic site (1); Madera
picnic site (1); Madera Kubo (1) |
|
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher |
Only 2 groups were found, both on the
first day - Saguaro National Park (West) (6); Arizona Sonora Desert Museum (2
adults & 2 juveniles) |
|
Bushtit |
Shannon Road (2); Sawmill Canyon (6);
Madera picnic site (family party of c10) |
|
Mountain Chickadee |
The only chickadees seen were a nesting
pair at Bear Canyon, and while the habitat pointed to Mountain, it was some
time before the characteristic head pattern could be seen to confirm this |
|
Bridled Titmouse |
Upper picnic site (12+); Beatties home
(1); Bear Canyon (1); Madera picnic site (4); Santa Rita Lodge (2); Madera Kubo
(6); Patagonia Roadside rest (1 on 21st, 4 on 22nd) |
|
Pygmy Nuthatch |
Singles seen at Rose Canyon Lake and
Mount Lemmon summit |
|
White-breasted Nuthatch |
Beatties home (1); San Pedro River Inn
(1); Bear Canyon (nesting pair); Rose Canyon Lake (2); Mount Lemmon summit (1);
Madera picnic site (2); Santa Rita Lodge (1); Madera Kubo (8); Patagonia Lake
(1); Patagonia Roadside rest (1); Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve (2) |
|
Verdin |
Regularly seen in lowland areas, this is
a stunning little bird. 2 nesting pairs were found. Tucson desert areas (12);
Florida Wash (4, including a pair nest building); Patagonia Lake (1 seen nest
building); Kino Springs (2 behind the first pool); Patagonia Roadside rest (1) |
|
Loggerhead Shrike |
Garden Canyon grasslands (2 singles); San
Pedro River Inn (1); Molino Basin campground (1) |
|
Steller’s Jay |
This is a bird of the higher altitudes.
After taking some time to see a single bird crossing the slopes below Irongate
Lodge, Mount Lemmon, at least 10 birds were subsequently seen coming for food
under the feeders. 1 further bird was seen on the Mount Lemmon summit |
|
Western Scrub Jay |
Only 1 seen amongst the more numerous
Mexican Jays at Molino Basin campground |
|
Mexican Jay |
Small parties totalling around 25+ birds
were seen from Upper picnic site to Sawmill Canyon, about 6 were in a group at
Molino Basin campground; Madera picnic site (c20); Santa Rita Lodge (6); Madera
Kubo (20+) |
|
Chichuahan Raven |
A common bird of the more open lowlands,
with most seen in the Tucson desert and San Pedro River valley areas, with a
few on the approaches to Madera Canyon, and only one noticed at Sonoita
Patagonia Creek Preserve |
|
Raven |
Saguaro National Park (West) (1); Mount
Lemmon (4); Madera picnic site (2); Kino Springs (a pair with a nest in the
trees of the first pool); Patagonia Roadside rest (2 on both days); Sonoita
Patagonia Creek Preserve (2) |
|
Starling |
Common |
|
House Sparrow |
Common |
|
Bell’s Vireo |
1
at Florida Wash, and 3 of these rather drab vireos were at
Madera Kubo |
|
Plumbeous Vireo |
As opposed to the Bell’s Vireo, these
slatey grey coloured vireos are a rather smart bird, as is their bubbling warble
of a song. Upper picnic site (6); Sawmill Canyon (4); Bear Canyon (2); Madera
Kubo (8, including one pair on a nest directly above the road) |
|
Hutton’s Vireo |
Only one of these was seen in Sawmill
Canyon |
|
Warbling Vireo |
The scratchy rattling song of these birds,
reminiscent of European Sylvia
warblers, was often quite commonly heard in dense bushy areas. Upper picnic
site (1); Bear Canyon (4); Madera picnic site (2); Madera Kubo (2); Patagonia
Roadside rest (1); Patagonia Lake (c10) |
|
Red-eyed Vireo |
This species is a rare migrant in the
Spring and Autumn, and, according to Lane, does not occur at all some years.
Imagine our surprise when we found no fewer than 3 separate birds: Madera Kubo;
Kino Springs (2) |
|
House Finch |
Very common – seen on all days and in
almost all habitats |
|
Lesser Goldfinch |
Upper picnic site (5); Beatties home (1);
San Pedro River Inn (1 on feeders); Madera picnic site (2); Santa Rita Lodge
(c12 on feeders); Kino Springs (1); Patagonia Roadside rest (1); Patagonia Lake
(c10) |
|
Orange-crowned Warbler |
1 at Upper picnic site |
|
Lucy’s Warbler |
These small, grey warblers often show no
distinctive features, and it took some time before we saw some with the
characteristic rufous on crown and rump. It is therefore likely that we saw
some unidentified birds before this. Florida Wash (6); Kino Springs (c20);
Patagonia Roadside rest (1 on both visits); Patagonia Lake (2); Sonoita
Patagonia Creek Preserve (3) |
|
Yellow Warbler |
San Pedro House (c20); San Pedro River
Inn (4); Kino Springs (1); Patagonia Roadside rest (1 on 21st &
2 on 22nd); Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve (2) |
|
Black-throated Grey Warbler |
Upper picnic site (2); Beatties home (1);
Madera picnic site (1) |
|
Townsend’s Warbler |
Upper picnic site (2); Beatties home (1);
Madera picnic site (1) |
|
Grace’s Warbler |
Sawmill Canyon (1); Rose Canyon Lake (1) |
|
MacGillvray’s Warbler |
A stunning male was seen all too briefly
at Florida Wash, and was a little unexpected as it is seen only on migration in
the area |
|
Common Yellowthroat |
Common in wet areas: San Pedro House
(10); Sierra Vista Wastewater Ponds (4); San Pedro River Inn (2); Patagonia
Lake (1); Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve (3) |
|
Wilson’s Warbler |
The most common of the wood-warbler
migrants, seen in good numbers despite the fact that this was likely to be
towards the end of migration. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum (2); Upper picnic
site (2); San Pedro River Inn (1); San Pedro House (2); Florida Wash (2); Kino
Springs (6); Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve (4) |
|
Red-faced Warbler |
This is a stunning little bird, with the
brilliant red of the face contrasting with the grey tones on the rest of the
body. They tend to be found only at higher altitudes, but almost all were
singing and thus fairly easy to locate (preferred perches were towards the
middle to high canopy). Sawmill Canyon (1); Molino Basin campground (1); Rose
Canyon Lake (4); Bear Canyon (4) |
|
Painted Redstart |
Another outrageously stunning bird. 2
were seen – the first at Upper picnic site was feeding along the tops of trees,
the second at Madera Kubo, was much more obliging, spending a prolonged time
feeding opposite the gift shop itself, sometimes landing only a few metres away |
|
Yellow-breasted Chat |
This bird is usually secretive and thus
hard to pin down, despite the easily located harsh and chattery song. When we
tracked down the first bird around Kingfisher Lake, San Pedro House, it fit the
bill perfectly, giving only brief and half obstructed views. However, a portion
of the population at the first pond, Kino Springs, mustn’t have read the books
carefully, since following the first bird we saw, singing happily at the top of
an open bush 20-30 metres away, there were about another 10 or so in the area.
At one time, I was stood amongst a group of 3-5 birds chasing each other
through the bushes at the rear edge of the pond, and more were seen singing in
the thorn bush scrub. Other birds seen were: Patagonia Lake (1); Sonoita
Patagonia Creek Preserve (2); Patagonia Roadside rest (1) |
|
Hepatic Tanager |
Once seen, the dark bill, grey back &
ear coverts of both sexes make this species easy to tell apart from the equally
prominent Summer Tanager. Upper picnic site (4); Beatties home (2); Rose Canyon
Lake (1); Madera picnic site (4) |
|
Summer Tanager |
San Pedro House (8); Molino Basin
campground (1); Madera Kubo (2); Kino Springs (6); Patagonia Lake (1); The
Patons garden (1); Patagonia Roadside rest (2); Sonoita Patagonia Creek
Preserve (6) |
|
Western Tanager |
Shannon Road (1
male); Upper picnic site (6);
Beatties home (1); Irongate Lodge, Mount Lemmon (1); Mount Lemmon summit (1);
Madera Kubo (2), Patagonia Roadside rest (2) |
|
Flame-coloured Tanager |
For American birders, this is one of the
birds to see, since it is a very rare vagrant to South-east Arizona from
Mexico, and so is an American listers’ delight. We had heard of a bird present
further up the canyon from the Beatties home, and Mr Beatty did in fact take
trips up to find this bird. However, a much easier bird was in the Madera Kubo
area. We were told of its presence while birding in the very vicinity, and were
lucky enough to see it 3-4 times between us. It seemed to be doing a circuit,
and was found roughly every ½ to 1 hour |
|
Green-tailed Towhee |
Mid to late May represents the very end
of the Spring migration for this species, although numbers do fluctuate each
year. We were thus very pleased to see 4 of these at San Pedro House. They were
mostly to be seen feeding around the visitor centre, alongside both Canyon and
Abert’s Towhees |
|
Canyon Towhee |
Easily the most common of the Towhees
seen, usually preferring a certain amount of cover, feeding under thickets or
trees. San Pedro House (4); Molino Basin campground (6); Florida Wash (2);
Patagonia Lake (2); Kino Springs (2) |
|
Abert’s Towhee |
San Pedro House (1); Rancho del Rio pond
(1); Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve (3) |
|
Botteri’s Sparrow |
A few were heard singing along the
grasslands towards Garden Canyon, but only was seen singing from an exposed
perch. One further bird was sharing a bush with a Black-throated Sparrow on the
approach to Florida Wash |
|
Rufous-crowned Sparrow |
These birds vary in the depth of their
plumage colour, but most are a lot drabber than they appear in the books. They
were often seen singing low down on exposed perches. Molino Basin campground
(1); Florida Wash (1); Madera picnic site (2) |
|
Rufous-winged Sparrow |
1 bird close up briefly on Shannon Road. Another was singing (Garden Canyon), but not seen |
|
Lark Sparrow |
A group of 4 landed at the roadside of
the grasslands approaching Garden Canyon; 2 were in a conifer opposite the Kino
Springs clubhouse; The Patons garden (1 around the closest feeder); Sonoita
Patagonia Creek Preserve (1) |
|
Black-throated Sparrow |
This understated sparrow is very
impressive when seen in the field. San Pedro House (1); Florida Wash (6);
Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve (2) |
|
Song Sparrow |
The birds of South-east Arizona are much
paler and more rufous than their eastern counterparts, although all birds seen
still showed the characteristic breast spot when seen well. San Pedro River Inn
(4); Kino Springs (4, with at least 2 singing birds at the first pond); Patagonia
Lake (2); Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve (15+) |
|
White-crowned Sparrow |
This species is a winter visitor to the
southern States, but good numbers were still present – San Pedro House (6); San
Pedro River Inn (4); Santa Rita Lodge (1); Kino Springs (6); The Patons garden
(10); Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve (1) |
|
Yellow-eyed Junco |
Any Dark-eyed Juncos seemed to have left
the area by the time we arrived, leaving the stage to this species, which has a
foothold in the USA thanks to the birds in South-east Arizona. The two have
similar plumages when found here in the Winter, but the yellow eye stands out
when seen well. They are also specialists of higher altitudes, preferring the
cover of coniferous or mixed forest. Sawmill Canyon (6); Molino Basin campground
(2); Bear Canyon (2); Rose Canyon Lake (2); Mount Lemmon summit (1) |
|
Northern Cardinal |
Shannon Road (2); Arizona Sonora Desert
Museum (6); San Pedro House (1); Kino Springs (4); Patagonia Roadside rest (2
on both visits); The Patons garden (2) |
|
Pyrrhuloxia |
Shannon Road (4); Madera Canyon (1); Kino
Springs (1) |
|
Black-headed Grosbeak |
This species was seen regularly on all
days, with a maximum of almost 30 birds in the Madera Canyon area |
|
Blue Grosbeak |
All 4 birds seen were lone males at
Molino Basin campground, Patagonia Lake, Sonoita Patagonia Creek Preserve, and
along the main track at Santa Cruz Flats |
|
Lazuli Bunting |
A male was seen briefly along the return track at San Pedro House, and single females (possibly the same bird?) at Santa Rita Lodge and Madera Kubo |
|
Varied Bunting |
Male singing on the opposite bank of the
dried river bed at Kino Springs, and 1 overhead a little further down the track |
|
Red-winged Blackbird |
Very common when found, with double
figures at Sierra Vista Wastewater Ponds, San Pedro House area, San Pedro River
Inn, Patagonia Lake, and Santa Cruz Flats. Single figure numbers seen at Kino
Springs (2 at first pond), Patagonia Roadside rest (2), and Sonoita Patagonia
Creek Preserve |
|
Eastern Meadowlark |
Sierra Vista Wastewater Ponds (4); San
Pedro River Inn (2); Santa Cruz Flats (4) |
|
Great-tailed Grackle |
Common, with up to 30 birds or so seen on
all days |
|
Bronzed Cowbird |
A strutting male amongst Brown-headed
Cowbirds at The Patons garden |
|
Brown-headed Cowbird |
Very common, seen every day, in good numbers,
and in almost all habitats |
|
Hooded Oriole |
Shannon Road (1); Garden Canyon (2);
Upper picnic site (1); Molino Basin campground (4♂, 2♀, including one pair
building a nest); Madera picnic site (4); Madera Kubo (3) |
|
Bullock’s Oriole |
Only 3
males seen at Upper picnic site (2) and
San Pedro House |
|
Scott’s Oriole |
A single male around the Upper picnic
site |
|
Species list |