Birdingonthe.NetRecent Postings from
> Home > Mail |
Hooded Wheatear,©BirdQuest |
|
18 Mar Rufous HB in Hidden Valley yard 18 March [Nancy Lange ] 18 Mar Re: Tucson & Surrounding Area Birding [Mark Stevenson ] 18 Mar Tucson: Fort Lowell Park lift off [Mark Stevenson ] 18 Mar Tucson & Surrounding Area Birding [Cathy Murphy ] 18 Mar AZ: FOS Safford Turkey Vultures, March 17, 2010 [Glenn Klingler ] 18 Mar AZ:03/18/10:Sweetwater Wetlands Tucson ["Clifford A. Cathers" ] 18 Mar Winter & Summer Migrants in Tempe 3-17-10 [Ernie Nickels ] 18 Mar Help with identifying two birds (Green Valley) [Northe Osbrink ] 18 Mar SEAZ: Huachuca Mnts, Upper Miller Canyon News [ ] 18 Mar NM RBA for 3/18/10 [] 18 Mar Bird photos, no sightings [Pat ] 17 Mar FW: Tundra Swans still in Pinetop-Lakeside [Eric Hough ] 17 Mar AZ:03/17/10:San Pedro & Mary Jo's ["Clifford A. Cathers" ] 17 Mar Re: SE AZ: Florida Canyon Rufous-capped Warbler 3-17-10 ["Charles W. Melton" ] 17 Mar Re: AZ-San Raphael Grasslands near Patagonia [Stuart Healy ] 17 Mar Re: RFI: Bushtit behavior [Stuart Healy ] 17 Mar SE AZ: Florida Canyon Rufous-capped Warbler 3-17-10 ["Charles W. Melton" ] 17 Mar SE AZ: Chiricahua Mtns. (3/13-16) [Eric Hough ] 17 Mar NM: Grant, Hidalgo, Catron Counties (3/13, 3/16) [Eric Hough ] 17 Mar AZ: White Mtns. lakes (3/13) [Eric Hough ] 17 Mar AZ: Oak Creek Canyon, Holbrook (3/12) [Eric Hough ] 17 Mar Birding in Chandler and ASU Research Park [Pat McMullan ] 17 Mar SE AZ: Ash Canyon, Huachucas [Mary Jo Ballator ] 17 Mar Listowner message retraction [Will Russell ] 17 Mar Listowner Message [Will Russell ] 17 Mar correction [Bill Barker ] 17 Mar gray hawk in Tucson 3/13 [Randy Grohman ] 17 Mar SE AZ: the Paton House, Patagonia - 17 March 10 [Michael Marsden ] 17 Mar AZ-San Raphael Grasslands near Patagonia [] 17 Mar Tubac birding [Bill Barker ] 17 Mar SEAZ 3/17/2010 Tucson FOS Bullock's Oriole [Farrish Sharon ] 17 Mar More on birding at Tohono Chul Park [Kathryn Lance ] 17 Mar birding Sedona, Flagstaff area [Suzanne Smith ] 16 Mar EMAIL SCAM ALERT - I have not been mugged in London! [Randel Rogers ] 16 Mar EMAIL SCAM ALERT - I have not been mugged in London! [Randel Rogers ] 16 Mar Tohono Chul Park, March 15, 2010 [Pat ] 16 Mar Apologies!!! for recent post De Anza Trail SOUTH of Tubac bridge [Paul Roisen ] 16 Mar De Anza Trail SOUTH of Tubac bridge [Paul Roisen ] 16 Mar se AZ: Neotropic Cormorants at Sweetwater [Andrew Core ] 16 Mar RFI: I would like to do flash photography of hummingbirds, at your feeder maybe. [Greg Scott ] 16 Mar RFI: Bushtit behavior [Stuart Healy ] 16 Mar AZ:03/16/10:Tucson Audubon Tubac Adventure ["Clifford A. Cathers" ] 16 Mar Belated Sweetwater report, Tucson, Az 3/15/10 [Jerry Bock ] 16 Mar AZ-Florida-Madera-Tubac [Vic/Donna Fondy ] 16 Mar 03.16.10, Tempe Gambel's Quail [Brian Enos ] 16 Mar Robins & White-winged Doves in Tempe 3-16-10 [Ernie Nickels ] 16 Mar Junco with white cheeks at Boyce Thompson (AZ) 3/15 [Randy Forrest ] 16 Mar AZ SE Palominas [Gordon Lewis ] 15 Mar Personal announcement (no bird news) [Richard Fray ] 15 Mar Tucson: Birds and Beers, Thursday 18th March (no bird news) [Richard Fray ] 15 Mar Elf Owl - Bisbee [Michael Turisk ] 16 Mar AZ: Tempe: Peregrine ["Myron L. Scott" ] 15 Mar No sighting: correction to Sunday Rio Salado posting ["Myron L. Scott" ] 15 Mar FW: Hassayampa: Green Kingfisher [Mark Stevenson ] 15 Mar Re: AZ:03/15/10:Tubac Hawks Today [Mark Stevenson ] 15 Mar AZ: La Paz & Mohave Counties, 12-14 Mar 2010 [Henry Detwiler ] 15 Mar 03.13.10 FOS Tempe Black-chinned Hummingbird [Brian Enos ] 15 Mar AZ:03/15/10:Tubac Hawks Today ["Clifford A. Cathers" ] 15 Mar AZ: Sweetwater Wetlands, March 14 [C kirscher ] 15 Mar correction in my post from yesterday at Goldfield Rec. Site (3-14-10) [Tommy DeBardeleben ] 15 Mar NM: The Past Week at Pritzlaff Ranch [Robert Hunt ] 15 Mar NM RBA for 3/15/10 [] 15 Mar Visiting from the UK - anyone fancy meeting up. [MATTHEW WILSON ] 15 Mar AZ: Rufous-capped Warbler and Ruby-crowned Kinglet Saga ["Miller, Leo" ] 14 Mar Gilbert area, Salt River area [Tommy DeBardeleben ] 15 Mar AZ: Kearny Lake Common Goldeneye [Doug Jenness ] 14 Mar SEAZ: Santa Cruz Flats, 03/14/10 [Melody Kehl ] 14 Mar NM: FOS Black-necked Stilt - Belen Marsh [Judith E Liddell ] 14 Mar AZ: HAS Trip--Patagonia Lake SP, 14 Mar 2010 [Erika Wilson ] 15 Mar Re: Tubac Black Hawks [CLIFF CATHERS ] 14 Mar Tubac Black Hawks [Richard Carlson ] 14 Mar Whiskered Screech Owl, Portal Area? [Jim Church ] 14 Mar AZ: Phoenix Rio Salado: Blue-Winged Teal, etc. ["Myron L. Scott" ] 14 Mar Sweetwater Wetlands March 13, 2010 [Paul Roisen ] 14 Mar AZ SE Palominas [Gordon Lewis ] 14 Mar Bullock's Oriole, Lawrence's Goldfinches, etc. Hereford, 14 MAR 10 [] Subject: Rufous HB in Hidden Valley yard 18 March From: Nancy Lange <grdnwmn AT MSN.COM> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:11:44 -0700 Greetings, Had the first Rufous HB of the year at the feeder this morning, a male that chased off the resident male Anna's. Also, today is day 61 for the Am Robin. Happy birding! Nancy LangeSubject: Re: Tucson & Surrounding Area Birding From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT ATT.NET> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:02:45 -0700 Re: birding on the Tohono O'odham Nation, check out the information on the Tucson Audubon Society's page: http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/what-we-do/publications/133.html Basically, the only areas now open to casual visitation are Kitt Peak and the main highway thru the area. Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZSubject: Tucson: Fort Lowell Park lift off From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT ATT.NET> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:59:29 -0700 Hi Birders, This morning Molly and I visited Fort Lowell Park to watch the lift off of the large soaring birds from their roosts across Pantano Wash. Three Turkey Vultures were waiting on a high power pole. By about 0850 more vultures were up and heading for thermals to ride up so they could pass over the Catalina Mts. The only Common Black-Hawk that we saw launched around 0853. By 0910, the show was mostly over. The maximum count of vultures was 51 at once. The place to go to watch them is near the white-roofed picnic tables east of the east-most parking lot. Elsewhere in the park, the only warblers we found were 2 Yellow-rumped and 2 Lucy's. 32 species total. I heard from Carla Danforth that 5 Common Black-Hawks were seen soaring over the Himmel Park area in Tucson this AM. Good birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZSubject: Tucson & Surrounding Area Birding From: Cathy Murphy <bagheeras_mom AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:28:31 -0700 Hello, My name is Cathy Murphy and I will be visiting SE Arizona for 9 days starting April 20th. I will be staying in Hereford, but am interested in a couple sites outside of Tucson. Can you one give me any information such as distance/birding Catalina State Park or Tohono O'odham Nation. Also, I would like to bird in the Tucson area (parks maybe). Also, does anyone have in information on the Buenos Aires NWR? How far it may be from Hereford and if the birding is good. I don't mind driving a couple hours to bird. This is our 4th spring in SE Arizona and we just want to try some new places. Any assistance anyone could provide would be great. Please reply off list at bagheeras_mom AT earthlink.net Happy Birding Cathy Murphy Jacksonville, FLSubject: AZ: FOS Safford Turkey Vultures, March 17, 2010 From: Glenn Klingler <alala70 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:12:36 +0000 Yesterday afternoon, I observed at least 8 Turkey Vultures flying over downtown Safford, AZ. Glenn Klingler Wildlife Biologist Elfrida,AZ _________________________________________________________________ The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_3Subject: AZ:03/18/10:Sweetwater Wetlands Tucson From: "Clifford A. Cathers" <azcliffy AT Q.COM> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:54:43 -0700 Today I was out with client Marilyn Pitts from Portland, Oregon, who wanted to photograph "large birds" and "not very far away". We used her half day to go to Sweetwater Wetlands where the birds are large, close and near town. The weather just keeps getting better and today the wind was held at bay. Too bad Marilyn had such a nasty cold from traveling. Highlights from our few hour stroll around the ponds included a cooperative CURVE-BILLED THRASHER who sang and posed atop a budding willow over the path, dapper BLUE-WINGED and CINNAMON TEAL cruising in and out of the shadows and an extremely cooperative SORA that walked out to the edge of the cattails and proceeded to feed, strut, swim and eat gooey things for more than a half hour, all in full sunlight. Over at the settling basins, there were several RING-BILLED GULLs, an AMERICAN AVOCET and lots of ducks, of course. Several HARRIS'S HAWK flyovers were a treat and later a circling COMMON BLACK-HAWK rode a thermal until it was but a speck before heading north. My favorite moment of the trip was a male CINNAMON TEAL next to a male BLUE-WINGED TEAL in front of the SORA, all in a splendid group pose. Other birds at Sweetwater included DOUBLE-CRESTED and NEOTROPIC CORMORANTs, GADWALL and other ducks, COMMON MOORHENs, EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVEs, paired up BLACK PHOEBEs, MARSH WRENs (including one with a dragonfly as big as it was!), CEDAR WAXWINGs, singing YELLOW WARBLERs, ABERT'S TOWHEEs, amorous BUFFLEHEADs in full display (and much more) and YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDs, of course. Clifford A. Cathers Economy Birding Services, Inc. "Quality Birding With Your Budget in Mind" http://www.economybirding.com Budget Bird Guiding for the Desert Southwest AZCliffy AT Q.com - 520.762.3201Subject: Winter & Summer Migrants in Tempe 3-17-10 From: Ernie Nickels <nickelseldesigns AT QWESTOFFICE.NET> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:08:48 -0700 What a crazy, mixed-up season!
American Robin yesterday (3-17-10) at my bird bath
White-winged Dove calling all afternoon in my yard
FOS Brown-headed(?) Cowbird at the George Ditch (College to Mill, 14th-15th
Streets)
White-crowned Sparrows on the ground at the Ditch
Red-winged Blackbirds also heard at the Ditch
Inca Doves seem much more prevalent around town
Lesser Goldfinches every day at my house (Broadway/College)
Also FOS Giant Swallowtail butterfly in my yard & FOS Cranefly on window at
night
Jeanette Nickels
Tempe AZ
Subject: Help with identifying two birds (Green Valley)From: Northe Osbrink <nosbrink AT COX.NET> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:38:08 -0700 (1) We've had a small hawk -- it appears to be about the size of a mourning dove, perhaps even smaller -- appear in our yard from time to time. The last time was yesterday afternoon. Seems quite shy -- it's always gone before I can get my camera. Any thought as to what would be a logical species here in Green Valley? (2) Several times I've seen a bird which looks very much like a cactus wren, but it appears to be about two-thirds the size. Any thoughts on what I should look up in Sibley? Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Northe Green Valley, AZSubject: SEAZ: Huachuca Mnts, Upper Miller Canyon News From: "Tom Beatty Sr AT Beatty's Guest Ranch" <beattysguestranch@WILDBLUE.NET> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:00:50 -0700 Birders at the Gazebo out numbered the Hummingbirds yesterday, WED-17 March, however they did see at least 3 species: lots of Anna's, Male Mag and a FOS male Broad-billed during the short time I spent with them. Yesterday another www.crecweb.com crew of 10 started working on the upper trail to Clark's Spring. They will be here in Miller until next Wednesday. Doing a great job. Two other crews are elsewhere in the Huachucas. I walked to Clark's Spring where there was a male Mountain Lion up a tree. Don't look for the Carr Canyon Road to open soon, since it is my understanding that lots of work needs to be done removing fallen Rocks/Trees. Also heard that the road over the Mountains in the Chiricahuas was still closed, because of one and a half feet of snow. Because of this, I would think Carr Canyon Road has even more. The only grader crew that the USFS has, in past years, worked the Chiricahuas first. The following is from our website and applies to non guest birders too: We only want happy GUESTS. If a Rural setting reached by driving off the pavement is not your cup of tea, then don't read any further. I'm just getting tired of people that complain or want more. An example of this is a Photographer that I bent the rules for last year and he still was not happy. Also if you are unhappy with our close to the earth lifestyle of Hunting etc. don't come either. Now for the good news: Because of the nicer viewing conditions at the Controlled Access Site (CAS), I'm sure people will stay longer, the camping toilet (just downhill from the CAS) will now be open to CAS birders. They will no longer need to walk back to the store area. I plan to have at least a cooler with water/drinks at the CAS . If tours etc could stop at the USFS toilet at the bottom before coming here that would be great, since the toilets here are composting ones and do have limits. The CAS can now hold around 40 people, because of the bleachers, so large tours can take the whole group in at once. Most of the feeders will be at the CAS, but a few will be at the Gazebo for the Handicapped which are allowed to drive in. All other birders please use Trailhead parking. All in all, I'm looking for happy birders and to a great viewing season. CHEERS to all you happy birders, from Tom Beatty Sr. Miller Canyon of Southeast Arizona's Huachuca Mountains "America's Premier Hummingbird Viewing Spot" holds the US one day sighting for Hummingbirds species, 14 (set on 30 June 2002 and 18/19 July 2006) Click http://www.nearfamous.com/Pages/HummingbirdVideo.html to see video of Miller Canyon Hummingbirds. "The Hummingbird Place" with 1 Public and 3 Private Hummingbird Viewing Sites: For info on these 4 sites visit www.SEAZHUMMINGBIRDS.com For birders coming to Southern Arizona, I recommend www.BIRDINGSEAZ.comSubject: NM RBA for 3/18/10 From: Pinyonjay AT AOL.COM Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:20:48 EDT -RBA New Mexico Bird Report March 18, 2010 NMEX1003.18 -Transcript Hotline New Mexico date: March 18, 2010 compiler Patricia R. Snider Phone: 719-846-3174 Cell phone 505-803-1807 e-mail address _pinyonjay AT aol.com_ (mailto:pinyonjay AT aol.com) This is Pinyon Jay with the New Mexico Bird Report for March 18, 2010, sponsored by the New Mexico Ornithological Society. When phone numbers are given for private property, please call before going to ask for permission. In ranch country do not stray off the roads. . Highlights: Red-throated Loon, Lawrence’s Goldfinch. See note in Field Trips about the Sandia Hawkwatch site. Predictions are for a great wildflower show on the desert this spring. ChW reported that GREAT EGRETS have been color banded with red leg bands, from the Great Lakes. Report bands if seen to 416- 739-5846. A star is added for new birds to the RBA today. . . Places mentioned and a checklist of N.M. birds are in the N.M. Bird Finding Guide. Check for earlier reports and database At _http://www.nmbirds.org_ (http://www.nmbirds.org/) or in the archives of the AZ/NM listserve. For photos of rarities and directions to some birding sites check _http://sites.google.com/site/oldenettelspage_ (http://sites.google.com/site/oldenettelspage) . . For the Bird Records Committee and North American Birds and NMOS Field Notes please send reports to Dr. Sartor O. Williams, III, 1819 Meadowview NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87104 or to _sunbittern AT earthlink.net_ (mailto:sunbittern AT earthlink.net) . . . Birds Mentioned and Counties: . Light geese (Chaves) Common Goldeneye (Chaves, Sandoval) Hooded Merganser (Sierra) Common Merganser (Chaves) Red-breasted Merganser (Sierra) Red-throated Loon (Sierra) Neotropic Cormorant (Bernalillo, Sierra) Great Egret (Socorro) Turkey Vulture (Bernalillo, Grant, *Doña Ana) Harris’s Hawk (Lea) Ferruginous Hawk (*Catron, *Grant, *Hidalgo) Merlin (Chaves) Prairie Falcon (*San Migue) Sora (Sierra) Common Moorhen (Sierra) Sandhill Crane (Chaves, Curry, *Grant) Black-necked Stilt (Valencia) American Avocet (*Hidalgo) Dunlin (Socorro) Greater Yellowlegs (Hidalgo) Great Horned Owl (Roosevelt, Eddy, *Catron) Barn Owl (Sierra, Chaves) Burrowing Owl (*Hidalgo) Northern Pygmy-Owl (*Mora) Lewis’s Woodpecker (*Mora) Three-toed Woodpecker (Bernalillo) Black Phoebe (Doña Ana) Hutton’s Vireo (Sierra) Tree Swallow (Luna) Violet-green Swallow (Doña Ana, Luna) Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Sierra) Cliff Swallow (Luna) Black-billed Magpie (*Mora) Bridled Titmouse (Sierra, Luna) Brown Creeper (Sierra, Bernalillo, Doña Ana, *Santa Fe) Carolina Wren (Guadalupe) Mountain Bluebird (Doña Ana) American Robin lewcistic (*Mora) Gray Catbird (Socorro) Sage Thrasher (Sierra) Cedar Waxwing (Socorro) Painted Redstart (Sierra) Brewer’s Sparrow (Sierra) Field Sparrow (Lea) Sage Sparrow (*Santa Fe) Savannah Sparrow (*Hidalgo) Harris’s Sparrow (Sandoval) Slate-colored Dark-eyed Junco (*Mora) Yellow-eyed Junco (Grant) Chestnut-collared Longspur (Lea) Pyrrhuloxia (Bernalillo) Rosy Finches (Bernalillo) Cassin’s Finch (*Mora) Lawrence’s Goldfinch (Luna) . . In Bernalillo County: DH on March 4 had a male PYRRHULOXIA by the 3SE marker, a mile south of Bridge St. BH found it again on March 10 on the east side of the Rio and west side of the levee. At the Alameda Bridge BH and JP on March 5 saw an adult NEOTROPIC CORMORANT south of the bridge near the pump house. CB and NH on March 5 reported two flying TURKEY VULTURES over Cedar Crest, east of the Sandias, for the first of spring. The SNC team is banding ROSY FINCHES on Sundays at the Crest House. On February 28 they banded only two BROWN-CAPPED with 124 recaptures. The road up was clear, but there is ice in walking from the parking lot into the Crest House. RK on March 5 had up to 75 rosy finches of all three species. In hiking south along the Sandia Crest for 1/3 mile they found a BROWN CREEPPER and a THREE-TOED WOODPECKER. . In Catron County: EH on March 13 had a FERRUGINOUS HAWK at Alma. On March 16 he had a GREAT HORNED OWL on 180 north of Pueblo Grande Estates west of Reserve. . In Chaves County: For the March 4 count at the refuge JSa reported 19,000 light geese, 1342 CRANES, six COMMON GOLDENEYES, one COMMON MERGANSER, two BARN OWLS, and two MERLINS, one on Unit 6 and the other on the refuge farm.. . In Curry County: JLo at his home in se. county reported CRANES over his home in small flocks almost daily by March 5. . In Doña Ana County: At their yard near Radium Springs JZ reported in early March a BROWN CREEPER, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW, and a MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD with a BLACK PHOEBE at the pond eating mosquito fish. JD on March 14 had a TURKEY VULTURE off the Picacho Peak area. . In Eddy County: DZw found a GREAT HORNED OWL at Rattlesnake Springs on March 5 by the stream near the pond. . In Grant County: EH had up to ten SANDHILL CRANES at Mangas on US 180 north of Silver City on March 13. He had a FERRUGINOUS HAWK off 180 and NM 78 to Mule Creek. EL had the first TURKEY VULTURES over his Silver City home on February 26 and 27. KB still had the YELLOW-EYED JUNCO at her home through February 28. It was banded by DG. . In Hidalgo County: EH on March 13 reported a BURROWING OWL along NM 90 north of Lordsburg. On March 16 he had a FERRUGINOUS HAWK near Animas. RS says the pond at the exit of I-10 is full of water. He had three GREATER YELLOWLEGS at the pond on February 27. On March 16 EH at the pond had 40 AVOCETS and 30 SAVANNAH SPARROWS. County Hwy.1 south of Animas crosses the Diamond A (Gray) Ranch. Because of events with thoughtless birders, one must NOT go off the road. . In Lea County: ChB on March 6 at Crossroads had three FIELD SPARROWS, six CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPURS, and a HARRIS’S HAWK. . In Luna County: DH on March 14 at Pancho Villa State Park near Columbus had four LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCHES alont the south fence. In Deming on March 12 LM had a BRIDLED TITMOUSE at the Mountain view Cemetery and at the Pecan Park pond there was TREE, VIOLET- GREEN, and CLIFF SWALLOWS. . In Mora County: RHu on March 15 in the Sapello River Valley on the Pritzlaff Ranch near San Ignacio reported a leucistic ROBIN, a calling PYGMY OWL, LEWIS’S WOODPECKER, MAGPIE, singing CASSIN’S FINCHES, and SLATE-COLORED JUNCOS. . In Otero County: One can walk past the gate to Stinky Lake at the Holloman Lakes, but not drive in and can still bird there, but Lagoon G is still off limits. . In Roosevelt County: DZw on March 7 had a GREAT HORNED OWL at the migrant trap 11 miles west of Melrose. . In San Miguel County: JKo on March 14 had a PRAIRIE FALCON on the west side of the Las Vegas Refuge. . In Sandoval County: DK on March 14 had an immature HARRIS’S SPARROW at the north end Of the Corrales Bosque with White-crowns at the drain at barrel 6.8 close to the north parking lot. JL reported on March 4 there was a male COMMON GOLDENEYE in the Corrales ditch near La Entrada. . In Santa Fe County: LS had a BROWN CREEPER on March 17 at her Santa Fe home. PN at his home at the north edge of Edgewood on March 15 had a SAGE SPARROW at his feeder. . In Sierra County: At the hole in the cliff near the Las Palomas exit two BARN OWLS have been seen. DC saw one owl on the southbound lane a quarter mile from the exit on March 8. DC on March 10 below the dam near the outflow structures seen From above at the NM177 overlook saw six NEOTROPIC CORMORANTS and a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS. Right next to the dam he again saw the winter adult RED-THROATED LOON. There were two male RED- BREASTED MERGANSERS at the Dam Site Marina. At Paseo del Rio Park below the dam JP reported a MOORHEN and two HOODED MERGANSERS on March 6. On March 9 DC had the moorhen, a SAGE THRASHER, and three BREWER’S SPARROWS. At Percha Dam Park SF on March 6 had a SORA at the pond in the campground (photos). JP, LL, and WW on March 6 found a HUTTON’S VIREO, BROWN CREEPER, and BRIDLED TITMICE. DH on March 13 had a PAINTED REDSTART in the north woods of the park. DC on March 9 at Riverside Park below the Caballo Lake Dam saw ten ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS. DC advises that water is being released from Elephant Butte Lake into Caballo Lake. DG reports that Caballo in now quite high. . In Socorro County: AG on March 2 at the Turtle Bay Park on the NMTU campus in Socorro had two CATBIRDS and a CEDAR WAXWING flock. JP, WW, and LL had one CATBIRD on March 6. At Bosque del Apache Refuge south of San Antonio JP reported the first GREAT EGRETS on March 6. DH on March 13 had the two DUNLINS at the pond along Hwy. 1. JSt reports that there is no hiking east of the Rio Grande at the Bosque del Apache refuge at least thru March for a mountain lion study. The part of the refuge west of the rio is still open. . In Valencia County: JL on March 14 had a BLACK-NECKED STILT at the marsh behind the Taco Bell in Belen. . . Initials of Observers: . KB, Karen Berkenbach; ChB, Charles Black; CB, Celestyn Brozek; DC, David Cleary; SNC, Steve and Nancy Cox; JD, John Douglas; SF, Steve Fettig; AG, Ashli Gorbet; DG, David Griffin; DH, David Hawksworth; NH, Nancy Hetrick; EH, Eric Hough; BH, Bill Howe; RHu, Rob Hunt; RK, Rick Koehler; JKo, Jeffrey Koenigsberg; DK, David Krueper; LL, Lane Leckman; EL, Gene Lewis; JL, Judith Liddell; JLo, James Lofton; LM, Larry Malone; PN, Paul Noble; JP, John Parmeter; JSa, Jeff Sanchez; LS, Laurel Seth; RS, Robert Shantz; JSt, James Stuart; ChW, Chip Weselch; WW, Bill Wittman; JZ, Jimmy Zabriskie; DZw, DeAnn Zwight. . . Field Trips: . Central Audubon in Albuquerque has Thursday field trips. All phone numbers begin with 505. March 25 the Pueblo Montaño Picnic Area with Gale Owings, 255-8333. . Mesilla Valley Audubon will bird the Holloman Lakes and White Sands NM on March 20. Contact is David Griffin 575-382-2080. . On Saturday, March 20 Southwestern Audubon will do Spring Canyon near Deming. Leader is Larry Malone; contact is 575-388-3441. . Central Audubon will have a field trip on Saturday, March 27 to Percha Dam, Caballo Lake, Animas Canyon and Elephant Butte Lake with Cole Wolf, _colejwolf AT gmail.com_ (mailto:colejwolf AT gmail.com) . . The Cox banding team will be banding Rosy Finches at the Crest House in the Sandias on Sundays at 9:30. Check for snowstorms when planning to climb the mountain. . There will be no formal HawkWatch crew gathering data in the Sandias this year. However Roger Grimshaw plans to make trips up to the site from time to time. For information 407-319-0280. . The Mesilla Valley Bosque Park will have a Bird Walk on April 3, first Saturdays., beginning at 8:15. . The Rio Grande Nature Center has morning bird walks on Sunday and Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. . . -End Transcript_[1]_ (aoldb://mail/write/template.htm#_ftn1) ____________________________________ _[1]_ (aoldb://mail/write/template.htm#_ftnref1)Subject: Bird photos, no sightings From: Pat <pgoltz AT SEGHEA.COM> Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:46:15 -0700 Folks, The long-promised album of my bird photos (and a few other things), from various birding trips. It's not really where I wanted to send everyone, but it will have to do until I get around to putting these on Flickr. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2341&id=100000719588800 Pat GoltzSubject: FW: Tundra Swans still in Pinetop-Lakeside From: Eric Hough <thebirdwhisperer22 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:07:02 -0700 3/17/10 Larry Langstaff called us this afternoon to say that the three TUNDRA SWANS he previously found at Jacques Marsh in Pinetop-Lakeside on 2/15/10 are still present on the first pond. He said the birds were swimming around rather than just chilling out on the ice. Good birding!!! Eric Hough thebirdwhisperer22 AT yahoo.comSubject: AZ:03/17/10:San Pedro & Mary Jo's From: "Clifford A. Cathers" <azcliffy AT Q.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:51:13 -0700 Today I was out with clients Bob Gardner and Kermit Smyth from the great state of Maine looking for any birds that aren't commonly found in the northeast. The weather was nothing short of exceptional, but we paid for it with a quiet avian sampling. Spring isn't so nearly far along near the San Pedro as it is in the Santa Cruz drainage in the lower elevations to the west. We started at the San Pedro House and walked to Kingfisher Pond and back. Birds observed included WHITE-WINGED DOVEs, COMMON BUSHTITs, LUCY'S WARBLER, PYRRHULOXIA, NORTHERN CARDINAL, ABERT'S and CANYON TOWHEEs, LINCOLN'S SPARROWs, several YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDs and BLACK and SAY'S PHOEBEs among others. The best bird of the day was VERMILION FLYCATCHER with up to 8 males and 5 females observed. As we stood on the eastern shore of Kingfisher Pond, we were able to see 3 male VERMILION FLYCATCHERs in 3 different spots simultaneously. Mary Jo Ballator's Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast was hopping as usual, both with birds and a full rack of birders. Over the morning and another visit in the afternoon, we were able to eke out five hummers including, BROAD- BILLED, MAGNIFICENT, ANNA'S, BROAD-TAILED and RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDs. We also had ACORN and LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKERs, COMMON BUSHTITs, LINCOLN'S SPARROW, PINE SISKINs, BEWICK'S WRENs and more. Thanks Mary Jo, as always. We tried the San Pedro River at the Charleston Bridge to find it as dead as I've ever seen it, avian-wise that is. In the end, we were barely able to scrape 50 species together for the entire day. Despite gorgeous weather with many a VERMILION FLYCATCHER to hurt the eyes, if I were paid by the species today, I might have barely scraped enough together for a cheeseburger! Clifford A. Cathers Economy Birding Services, Inc. "Quality Birding With Your Budget in Mind" http://www.economybirding.com Budget Bird Guiding for the Desert Southwest AZCliffy AT Q.com - 520.762.3201Subject: Re: SE AZ: Florida Canyon Rufous-capped Warbler 3-17-10 From: "Charles W. Melton" <cwmelton2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:25:59 -0700 I neglected to mention that the Rufous-capped Warbler was seen in the area between the dam and the lone sycamore. Charles W. Melton www.nearfamous.comSubject: Re: AZ-San Raphael Grasslands near Patagonia From: Stuart Healy <stuarthealy AT COX.NET> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:03:29 -0700 March 17, 2010; San Rafael Grasslands In addition to the birds mentioned by Dick Palmer, there were still some longspurs present in the fields near Vaca Ranch Corral this morning. Definitely a few CHESTNUT-COLLARED (positively identified by voice) and likely the continuing small flock of McCOWN'S (grayish from a distance and lots of white in the tail) but just too far away for a 100% positive id. On the warmest day of the year so far, it was 28 degrees when we entered the valley from the east close to dawn and 80 degrees leaving Patagonia Lake at 1:00pm. ELEGANT TROGON was reported at the lake along Sonoita Creek. Stuart Stuart Healy, Western U.S. Bird Guide, Specializing in SE Arizona and the White Mountains. Personal Guiding and Custom Tours; 220 Stardust St., Sierra Vista, AZ 85635. (520) 458-7603 stuarthealy AT cox.net http://www.aztrogon.com Birding journal: http://www.aztrogon.com/journal/Main.htm I'd rather be birding (and I usually am)Subject: Re: RFI: Bushtit behavior From: Stuart Healy <stuarthealy AT COX.NET> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:48:39 -0700 I had one reply to my Bushtit behavior RFI from Magill Weber -- thanks Magill. The behavior that I described is documented in the BNA account. Stuart -----Original Message----- From: Stuart Healy [mailto:stuarthealy AT cox.net] Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:38 PM To: 'BIRDWG05 AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU' Subject: RFI: Bushtit behavior While visiting the San Pedro Riparian Area yesterday (March 15), I observed a pair of copulating BUSHTITS. I watched intently as both birds took turns to peck each other on the belly and tail several times in succession. This was followed by a few seconds of copulation. The whole process was repeated with each "set" lasting perhaps 30 seconds. After three such sessions, a flock of Bushtits appeared and the amorous pair joined the flock and moved away. This is probably S.O.P. for Bushtits but I had not witnessed it before. I'd be interested to hear if anyone out there has seen this behavior. Thanks, Stuart Stuart Healy, Western U.S. Bird Guide, Specializing in SE Arizona and the White Mountains. Personal Guiding and Custom Tours; 220 Stardust St., Sierra Vista, AZ 85635. (520) 458-7603 stuarthealy AT cox.net http://www.aztrogon.com Birding journal: http://www.aztrogon.com/journal/Main.htm I'd rather be birding (and I usually am)Subject: SE AZ: Florida Canyon Rufous-capped Warbler 3-17-10 From: "Charles W. Melton" <cwmelton2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:47:43 -0700 Needing a break from editing my second hummingbird video (shameless) I decided to try for the Rufous-capped Warbler in Florida Canyon. Saw a single individual at 10am, 11:15am, and 1pm. Photo posted on my website at: http://nearfamous.com/Pages/RecentImages2.html Charles W. Melton www.nearfamous.comSubject: SE AZ: Chiricahua Mtns. (3/13-16) From: Eric Hough <thebirdwhisperer22 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:50:27 -0700 From 3/13 to 3/16/10 my family and I went camping at Sunny Flat Campground down
in the Chiricahua Mountains. The weather was windy and much colder than past
visits during Spring, especially at night. The mountains have obviously
received lots of snow this winter, as Cave Creek was gushing with water (which
also made it hard to hear birds). On our last day we hiked a little ways up the
Basin Trail from Herb Martyr picnic area/campground and on one of the distant
cliffs we saw a large waterfall pouring out (would this be Winn Falls?).
Besides the Basin Trail, we birded Portal and the Southwestern Research Station
(SWRS), and walked the trail between Sunny Flat and Idlewilde Campgrounds and
the South Fork trail up to Maple Camp a couple of times during our stay.
Unfortunately we didn't have time to get over to Paradise.
Bird diversity and numbers seemed down overall compared to our visit last
spring. No sign of trogons yet. Despite the ban on bird feeders in Cave Creek
Canyon, we still had a male Magnificent Hummingbird come into camp to
investigate red-colored items we had and at least one Blue-throated Hummingbird
was calling from one of the other campsites. We also occasionally heard a loud
hummer buzz/trill that we assumed to be that of fly-by Broat-tailed
Hummingbirds. The only owls we detected were a Western Screech-Owl and a
Northern (Mountain) Pygmy-Owl that my parents heard calling at different times
just before dawn the one morning. The most unusual bird in Sunny Flat was a
non-breeding plumage Black-chinned Sparrow hanging with a mixed junco flock (I
can't remember if I've seen this species before down here). I also saw my FOS
Turkey Vulture soaring along the cliffs in the canyon. In the way of non-bird
sightings, we had a Ringtail scurry up a tree in our
campsite when our dog started running at it. This was only the second Ringtail
any of us have seen (our first in AZ). Oddly, we did not see any Chiricahua Fox
Squirrels in the canyon this trip.
In Portal, noteworthy birds included single Black-chinned and Rufous
Hummingbird (both FOS for us), a "Red-backed" Dark-eyed Junco in the yard with
the tall cypresses and ocotillo fence (our one SE AZ birding guide shows this
form as rare down south), American Goldfinches, and a female Cassin's Finch.
Here is our full list for the trip with some notes for particular species:
Turkey Vulture
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Gambel's Quail
Mourning Dove
White-winged Dove
Blue-throated Hummingbird
Magnificent Hummingbird
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
White-throated Swift
Western Screech-Owl (1 in Sunny Flat CG)
Northern (Mountain) Pygmy-Owl (1 in Sunny Flat CG)
Acorn Woodpecker
Red-naped Sapsucker
Arizona Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Black Phoebe
Mexican Jay
Western Scrub-Jay (Portal)
Common Raven
Chihuahuan Raven (Portal Rd.)
Hutton's Vireo
Bridled Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Bushtit
Bewick's Wren
Cactus Wren
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Townsend's Solitaire (1 in Portal)
American Robin (30+ along Basin Trail)
Hermit Thrush
Western Bluebird (Sunny Flat CG)
Curve-billed Thrasher
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Painted Redstart (only a few detected in the canyon)
Canyon Towhee
Spotted Towhee
Black-chinned Sparrow (1 in Sunny Flat CG)
Black-throated Sparrow (Portal Rd.)
Lincoln's Sparrow (Portal, SWRS, Sunny Flat CG)
White-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed, Pink-sided, Oregon, 1 Red-backed)
Yellow-eyed Junco (Portal, Sunny Flat CG)
Northern Cardinal
Pyrrhuloxia (1 in Portal)
Lesser Goldfinch
American Goldfinch (4 near bridge in Portal)
Cassin's Finch (1 female in Portal)
House Finch
House Sparrow
Good birding!!!
Eric Hough
thebirdwhisperer22 AT yahoo.com
Subject: NM: Grant, Hidalgo, Catron Counties (3/13, 3/16)From: Eric Hough <thebirdwhisperer22 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:48:56 -0700 On Saturday (3/13/10) my family and I drove down Hwy. 180 in western New Mexico
enroute to the Chiricahua Mtns. from Heber, AZ. The best sighting was of 9-10
SANDHILL CRANES on an agricultural field in Mangas (between Glenwood and Silver
City in Grant County). Other birds in Mangas included GREATER ROADRUNNER,
WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, and BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS. We also saw single FERRUGINOUS
HAWKS at Alma and at the intersection of NM 78 and Hwy. 180. Along the Silver
City truck bypass route, we saw a GREATER ROADRUNNER, several AMERICAN ROBINS,
and a probable CRISSAL THRASHER. Along NM 90 near Lordsburg, my mom spotted a
BURROWING OWL and along NM 80 north of Rodeo, I saw a PRAIRIE FALCON perched on
a telephone pole.
On the way back to Heber yesterday (3/16/10), there was a FERRUGINOUS HAWK
along NM 80 north of Rodeo. We stopped off the Animas exit on I-10 to scan the
playas. We had 40+ AMERICAN AVOCETS and 30+ SAVANNAH SPARROWS here. Also, near
the vista along NM 180 north of Pueblo Grande Estates near Reserve, I heard a
GREAT HORNED OWL.
Good birding!!!
Eric Hough
thebirdwhisperer22 AT yahoo.com
Subject: AZ: White Mtns. lakes (3/13)From: Eric Hough <thebirdwhisperer22 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:44:57 -0700 Early in the morning on Saturday (3/13/10) as my family and I were headed
between Heber and the Chiricahua Mtns., we stopped at Nelson Reservoir south of
Springerville. We had wanted to stop at Becker Lake, but there was not much
light yet when we passed it. At Nelson Reservoir, there was some open water at
the far southern end where some waterfowl was present:
Canada Goose (2)
Mallard
Gadwall
Ring-necked Duck
Canvasback
Common Merganser
Common Goldeneye
Bufflehead
Luna Lake in Alpine is completely frozen over with probably a few feet of snow
on top of the ice (the snow looked almost level across where the lake would be
and the shoreline parking area). Nutrioso Lake is also still frozen over.
Good birding!!!
Eric Hough
thebirdwhisperer22 AT yahoo.com
Subject: AZ: Oak Creek Canyon, Holbrook (3/12)From: Eric Hough <thebirdwhisperer22 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:43:00 -0700 Last Friday (3/12/10) our ornithology class went down to Midgely Bridge in Oak
Creek Canyon just north of Sedona. It was frigid starting off, but at least
there was no wind. Highlights included an American Dipper spotted by Russ
Benford (our prof.) with his scope from the overlook below the bridge and two
Violet-green Swallows also spotted by Russ. It was cool to watch the pairs of
Common Mergansers navigating the rapids of Oak Creek too. I lingered a little
longer along the creek to unsuccessfully search for the dipper, but on the way
back up the trail I heard a crying/screaming noise above me and saw two
Peregrine Falcons flying at each other! They only did it once before flying off
to distant cliffs. I think that was the first time I had seen any raptors
sparring like that (outside of nature shows and Youtube videos). I also had my
FOS House Wren along the creek.
On the way over to Heber in the afternoon, I stopped off the Golf Course Rd.
exit in Holbrook. Highlights were a female Merlin (prairie form) in a distant
cottonwood before the wastewater ponds, my FOS Killdeer and Savannah Sparrows
in the ag. fields behind the golf course, and my FOS Blue-winged Teal (a drake)
in the reservoir beyond the golf course.
Here are the sightings for each spot that day:
**Midgely Bridge:
Mallard
Common Merganser
Red-tailed Hawk
Peregrine Falcon (2)
Great Blue Heron
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Black Phoebe
Western Scrub-Jay
Common Raven
Violet-green Swallow (2)
Juniper Titmouse
Bushtit
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
American Dipper (1)
House Wren (1)
Bewick's Wren
Canyon Wren
American Robin
Hermit Thrush
Yellow-rumped Warbler (mostly Audubon's, but at least 1 Myrtle)
Spotted Towhee
Lincoln's Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Pine Siskin (1 flyover)
Lesser Goldfinch
House Finch
**Holbrook:
Canada Goose (7)
Mallard
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Green-winged Teal
Blue-winged Teal (1 male)
Northern Shoveler
Canvasback
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Lesser Scaup
Common Goldeneye
Bufflehead
Ruddy Duck
Pied-billed Grebe
Northern Harrier
American Kestrel
Merlin (1 female 'Prairie' form)
American Coot
Killdeer (20+)
Say's Phoebe
Common Raven
Rock Wren
American Robin
Western Bluebird
Mountain Bluebird
American Pipit (10+)
European Starling
Spotted Towhee
Savannah Sparrow (6+)
Song Sparrow
Western Meadowlark
Red-winged Blackbird
House Finch
Good birding!!!
Eric Hough
thebirdwhisperer22 AT yahoo.com
Subject: Birding in Chandler and ASU Research ParkFrom: Pat McMullan <pmcmull AT Q.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:23:16 -0700 This is my first posting to the listserv so let me know if I get things wrong. On Monday Mar. 15 birded for most of the day with Walter Thurber. His objective was to check out some of the ebird hotspots in the Gilbert area other than the Gilbert Water Ranch. Walter has posted to the ebird hotspots. First stop is the pond at Gilbert Rd. and Chandler Heights Rd. All birding was done thru the perimeter fence. Highlights: many N. Shoveler, 7 Cinn. Teal, Green-wing Teal, 12 Redhead and 2 Canvasback. Also both Double- crested Cormorant and Neotropical Cormorant. Also a Kingfisher, Cliff Swallows, a Wilson's Snipe, and a single Pied-billed Grebe. Second stop was at and around the Aquila Ocotillo location on the East side of Price Rd. and South of Queen Creek Rd. The ponds and connecting waterways attracted waterbirds. Lots of American Wigeon, 3 kinds of Heron, 4 Snowy Egrets, a dozen Neotropic Cormorants scattered around. Also a single Black-bellied Whistling Duck flew past. Last stop, which was at 4 PM, was the ASU Research Park. Just East of the 101 freeway between Warner and Elliot. Neither of us had been there before. It has water winding through the center of the area and crossing River Parkway twice. The middle section has a wide bay and it was covered with ducks. The best place to park was near River Pkwy and Centennial. Highlights are over 300 Ring-necked Duck, 3 Ross Goose, a Greater Yellowlegs, 4 Ruddy Duck and a Spotted Sandpiper. And some Scaup. We identified about a dozen that were Lesser Scaup. We also saw 2 pairs of scaup that were actively feeding and diving that looked a lot like Greater Scaup to us. This was along the water channel at the South end of the bay area. I hope they are still there as it took me 2 days to post this.Subject: SE AZ: Ash Canyon, Huachucas From: Mary Jo Ballator <2mjb AT MINDSPRING.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:42:25 -0700 FOS Broad-billed Hummingbird. Scott's Oriole, Rufous, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds continue, Mary Jo Mary Jo Ballator, Host Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast 5255 E. Spring Road Hereford, AZ 85615 520-378-0773 http://AshCanyonBandB.comSubject: Listowner message retraction From: Will Russell <willrussell AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:54:02 -0700 My apologies. I sent my "Listowner Message" to birdwg05 when it should have gone to birdwg01. Will Will Russell willrussell AT comcast.netSubject: Listowner Message From: Will Russell <willrussell AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:44:44 -0700 I think the URL conversation while useful should be brought to a close. If anyone has further comments, could they make them by the end of the day? Thanks. There have been a number of solutions offered; if none of them work please contact me directly and I’ll query the technical people at the University of Arizona. Will Russell willrussell AT comcast.netSubject: correction From: Bill Barker <Lostcreek2 AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:20:51 EDT My Tubac post was mistyped: A Cassin's Flycatcher was present, not the sparrow. Bill BarkerSubject: gray hawk in Tucson 3/13 From: Randy Grohman <rgrohman AT MEDADMIN.ARIZONA.EDU> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:04:58 -0700 Saw a Gray hawk on a light post at around 6PM on last Saturday at the intersection of Wilson and 7th near midtown coming back from the Book Fest. This is only the 2nd I've seen within the confines of my local bicycling routes - the other only last year in my own Elm/Spdwy neighborhood. This one seems pretty early. rcg randy grohman tucson AZSubject: SE AZ: the Paton House, Patagonia - 17 March 10 From: Michael Marsden <birdanza AT Q.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:47:45 +0000 We've just had our FOS Gray Hawk at the Patons' (on St. Patrick's Day - reputedly the traditional Patagonia arrival date!). Other birds here this morning included Black-chinned, Broad-billed, Anna's & two Violet-crowned Hummingbirds, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet and American Goldfinch. Michael Marsden 520-394-2340 Patagonia, AZSubject: AZ-San Raphael Grasslands near Patagonia From: PalmerRD AT AOL.COM Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:44:29 EDT 17 March 2010 San Raphael Grasslands near Patagonia, Arizona Steve Gross from Houston and I birded the grasslands from sunrise until around 11:00 AM this morning with mixed results. First bird of the morning as we came over the hill and a little past the crossroads was a single WHITE-TAILED KITE, the only one of the morning. Driving East on past the Vaca Corral and turning right on the next gravel road produced a SHORT-EARED OWL still hunting with full daylight at 7:30 AM. Returning back to the Vaca Corral we flushed a MERLIN from a fence post. Our main target bird was the Baird's Sparrow and we were having no luck with this one until we parked the vehicle and walked some of the BLM grasslands. Our walk produced at least 4-GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS, many Savannah's, a few Vesper Sparrows and a poor look at a BAIRD'S SPARROW as it flew away. A short stop on the way home at Paton's feeders in Patagonia found us looking at a VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD, a BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD AND an ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD. A bonus for me was my first AMERICAN GOLDFINCH of the year. A really nice day to be out birding, ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` `````` Dick Palmer 1022 W Union Bell Drive Green Valley, Arizona 85614-5945 PalmerRD AT aol.com 520-648-6735Subject: Tubac birding From: Bill Barker <Lostcreek2 AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:39:50 EDT 5 Common Blackhawks seen heading north as a group north of the Bridge in Tubac; approx. 9 a.m. Also Rufous Winged Sparrows in a brush pile leading to the gate as well as a Cassin's Sparrow. Bill Barker, TubacSubject: SEAZ 3/17/2010 Tucson FOS Bullock's Oriole From: Farrish Sharon <marksharon10 AT MSN.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:33:53 -0700 This morning a stunning male Bullock's Oriole visited my yard in the Foothills area of Tucson. He enjoyed a refreshing bath before traveling on. It is time to put out oranges and grape jelly! Farrish SharonSubject: More on birding at Tohono Chul Park From: Kathryn Lance <klance801 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:11:52 -0700 Thanks for the report on birds at Tohono Chul Park. Readers of the list might be interested in bird walks there, at 8:30 every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. There's an active pair of Cooper's hawks working on a visible nest near the front part of the park. Wildflowers abound. Kathryn Lance Tohono Chul DocentSubject: birding Sedona, Flagstaff area From: Suzanne Smith <zanne1 AT METROCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:04:39 -0400 Hi there, Am leaving New Hampshire on April 1 (where purple finches are the bird of the day!) and will be hiking in and around Sedona, Flagstaff area for 3-4 days. BUT definitely want to get in some birding in. I've checked out ebird and am looking at Walnut Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, Dead Horse State Park in Cottonwood and the Willow Creek/urban trail in Flagstaff. Are there particular areas to be looking for in these places. Mileposts at Oak Creek Canyon (like where is the 'lower elevation' area) and also the Willow Bend /Urban Trail in Flagstaff. Where is that? Any other hot spots I should be looking at? We'll also have an hour or two in Phoenix before our flight leaves at 1 pm enroute home. Any pointers there? Thanks for any help. Suzanne Smith Hebron NHSubject: EMAIL SCAM ALERT - I have not been mugged in London! From: Randel Rogers <Randel_Rogers AT hotmail.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:57:49 -0400 All is well - please delete any phishing scams you get saying I have been mugged in London! Randy [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: EMAIL SCAM ALERT - I have not been mugged in London! From: Randel Rogers <randel_rogers AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:57:49 -0400 All is well - please delete any phishing scams you get saying I have been mugged in London! RandySubject: Tohono Chul Park, March 15, 2010 From: Pat <pgoltz AT SEGHEA.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:36:47 -0700 Folks, Addition to report on Evergreen Cemetery: one of the woodpeckers I heard was a Ladderback. I saw him today (March 16). It was too windy to take pictures of birds, and they were all in the trees anyway, rather than on the ground, where I could have gotten decent pictures. The only other bird I was able to recognize under the circumstances was a House Finch. I went to Tohono Chul Park today (March 15), and arrived about 2:30. They're only open until 5, and I left at the last minute. It's a good place to go birding. You have to pay to get in, but in my opinion, it's well worth it. They have feeders in a few places, very unobtrusive and not ugly, as those things go. What I saw: Hummingbird nest with one occupant visible, just the bill (they said it was for an Anna's Hummingbird) Anna's Hummingbird Phainopepla House Sparrows Lesser Goldfinches (lots) Verdin Song Sparrows House Finches (lots) Mourning Doves White-crowned Sparrow Cactus Wren Gambel's Quail Incidentally, I have concluded that the yellow bird I saw at Evergreen was a Lesser Goldfinch, not a Yellow Warbler. What I heard: Gila Woodpecker Common Raven House Finches Song Sparrow Verdin What else I saw: Spiny Lizard Big rock with malachite-azurite crust (for the intense blue and green colors) Flowers in bloom (often with bees): Penstemon (two species: P. parriyi, and a red variety less common, probably P. eatonii) Mexican Honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera) Aloe marlothi Verbena Dalea bicolor Western Wallflower (Erysimum asperum) Thistles (Cirsium neomexicanum) Phacelia campanularia Ocotillo (just starting) Desert Marigold Fleabane Lupines California Poppies Jewelflower (Streptanthus arizonicus) Guardiola Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora) Asclepia linaria Dyssodia I'll definitely be going back. Happy Birding, Pat GoltzSubject: Apologies!!! for recent post De Anza Trail SOUTH of Tubac bridge From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:47:41 -0700 I just noticed that I had inadvertently switcher the Gray Flycatcher (seen at Santa Gertrudis Lane) and the Dusky FC around in both location and description. Very sorry! Paul Roisen Sioux City, IA Woodbury County 712-301-2817(C) --- On Tue, 3/16/10, Paul RoisenSubject: De Anza Trail SOUTH of Tubac bridge From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:13:54 -0700 First of AZ is a great place to bird with numerous helpful people. Today was a little tough as the wind occasionally threatened to separate us from our equipment and tally sheets. While birding the trail south of the Tubac bridge (about 1/2 to 3/4 mile) we saw a Harris's Hawk. Is this expected during migration? Birds of note:Santa Gertrudis Lane Dusky Flycatcher Santa Gertrudis Lane (first noted because of unusual tail pump--it also vocalized several times) Gray Flycatcher De Anza south of Tubac bridge Cassin's Kingbird Tubac north side of bridge on the west end of bridge Lawrence's Goldfinch (~20) just north of the bridge on the De Anza trail about 60 yards north of the gate. Several Broad-billed Hummingbirds (various locations)Magnificent femalen (Kubo cabins)Blue-throated female (Kubo cabins)Painted Redstart heard and seen in several Madera Canyon locations. God Bless, Paul Roisen Sioux City, IA Woodbury County 712-301-2817(C)Subject: se AZ: Neotropic Cormorants at Sweetwater From: Andrew Core <andrewcore AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:04:13 -0700 Hey y'all, I spent a very windy hour at Sweetwater Wetlands this morning (16 Mar) and the most interesting thing I noted was 7 (yes, seven) NEOTROPIC CORMORANTS at the north end of the western ponds. I had 4 yesterday in the same spot, as well as a single DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT both days (flying over, and in the recharge basin). I've only had four Neotropics at Sweetwater one previous time (11 Sep 09). Maybe this year Neotropic Cormorants will breed at nearby Columbus Park? I'm not aware of any breeding records in southeast Arizona... if I'm wrong I'm sure someone will correct me. 3 American Avocets, 4 Black-necked Stilts, Black-chinned Hummingbirds, Lucy's Warblers, and an EARED GREBE in the western pond were nice too. Duck numbers have really dropped, except for shovelers. good birding, Andrew -- Andrew Core Tucson, AZSubject: RFI: I would like to do flash photography of hummingbirds, at your feeder maybe. From: Greg Scott <home AT GREGSCOTT.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:21:25 -0400 I'm a hummingbird photographer who has no access to hummingbirds! I do flash photography of hummers, and am at Cave Creek right now, trying to find a place to shoot. The problem is that due to bear problems, I can't shoot at Cave Creek. If you have established hummer feeders, and are willing to let me shoot, I'd like to discuss your terms and conditions. You can see my photos at GregScott.com I can't pay much, but I could pay a token amount. Perhaps more to the point, I can give you rights to some of my photos, or prints. I drove from Atlanta, and am worried that the same restrictions may also apply at Madera Canyon, also. If so, my opportunities will be severely limited. Thank you. Email is home a-in-a-circle gregscott daht com. (You can figure this out!) 404-933-3131 It may take me a while to reply. Email access and cell phone access is difficult where I camp.Subject: RFI: Bushtit behavior From: Stuart Healy <stuarthealy AT COX.NET> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:38:21 -0700 While visiting the San Pedro Riparian Area yesterday (March 15), I observed a pair of copulating BUSHTITS. I watched intently as both birds took turns to peck each other on the belly and tail several times in succession. This was followed by a few seconds of copulation. The whole process was repeated with each "set" lasting perhaps 30 seconds. After three such sessions, a flock of Bushtits appeared and the amorous pair joined the flock and moved away. This is probably S.O.P. for Bushtits but I had not witnessed it before. I'd be interested to hear if anyone out there has seen this behavior. Thanks, Stuart Stuart Healy, Western U.S. Bird Guide, Specializing in SE Arizona and the White Mountains. Personal Guiding and Custom Tours; 220 Stardust St., Sierra Vista, AZ 85635. (520) 458-7603 stuarthealy AT cox.net http://www.aztrogon.com Birding journal: http://www.aztrogon.com/journal/Main.htm I'd rather be birding (and I usually am)Subject: AZ:03/16/10:Tucson Audubon Tubac Adventure From: "Clifford A. Cathers" <azcliffy AT Q.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:52:10 -0700 This morning, I led the Tucson Audubon Tuesday field trip to Tubac, to witness the annual liftoff of COMMON BLACK-HAWKs along the Santa Cruz River. Approximately 28 enthusiastic birders joined in the fun from the Tubac Bridge and the park to the south of the Anza trailhead. There was no soaring or lifting off by today's raptors, just direct flights, lots of teetering and steering into the stiff wind. It would be hard not to theorize that the wind played a role in today's COMMON BLACK-HAWK migration and behavior. My estimate would have been 10 MPH sustained with gusts to 25 out of the east and southeast with occasional blowing dust and falling tree limbs. The first hawk didn't appear until 9:05 AM and it zipped by, south to north, along the west side of the river channel where it was sheltered somewhat by the wind. The second COMMON BLACK-HAWK sailed by about 15 minutes later and then a pair together about 15 minutes after that. After some further wind watching, we decided to walk the road to and around the park at the south end of the Anza trail parking. As we rounded the corner of Bridge Road by the corral, our fifth and final COMMON BLACK-HAWK came from the southwest and soared directly over our heads, offering the crippling looks we had been wanting all along. There were lots of other birds to entertain us during our 2 and 1/2 hour bridge vigil including a fly-by ZONE-TAILED HAWK, a COOPER's HAWK, a RED- TAILED HAWK, WHITE-WINGD and EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVEs, a singing NORTHERN BEARDLESS TYRANNULET, a GRAY FLYCATCHER tucked into the woods, BLACK and SAY'S PHOEBEs, BRIDLED TITMOUSE, VERDINs, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, WESTERN BLUEBIRDs, LUCY'S and WILSON'S WARBLERs, RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROWs and a nice flock of roving LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHes, among others. Mugsy saw a CASSIN'S KINGBIRD but it didn't stay long enough for the group. Our walk around the park to the south netted retina-damaging VERMILION FLYCATCHERs, a male NORTHERN HARRIER, TURKEY VULTUREs, MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDs, BREWER'S SPARROWs, LARK SPARROWs and more. It was nice to see so many familiar faces. My thanks to everyone who came out and endured less than optimal birding conditions on this blustery day. Clifford A. Cathers on behalf of Tucson Audubon Economy Birding Services, Inc. "Quality Birding With Your Budget in Mind" http://www.economybirding.com Budget Bird Guiding for the Desert Southwest AZCliffy AT q.com - 520.762.3201Subject: Belated Sweetwater report, Tucson, Az 3/15/10 From: Jerry Bock <wditch AT DAKOTACOM.NET> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:01:07 -0700 Greetings Avianfans, I spent 4 leisurely hours wandering around Sweetwater Wetlands and smiling birding gods allowed a total of 91 species to be observed since springtime migrants boosted the list. 100 or more should be possible anytime now. I can't wait for another plus 100 outing. New stuff for me since last week included a couple of passerby COMMON BLACK HAWKS, a few BLACK CHINNED HUMMINGBIRDS, a single CASSIN'S KINGBIRD, several LUCY'S WARBLERS and a stunning BULLOCK'S ORIOLE. Plenty of swallows of 4 species, the majority being Northern Rough Winged, also graced the skies over the entire area. Come to think of it, that smile was more like a wide grin. Duck displays continue too, the Bufflehead show continues at the keyhole pond. Ruddy Ducks kinda stole the show there though. A couple males were in major courting mode, their horemone overload caused them to more as fast as I've ever seen these generally leisure mode ducks manage to motor. Green winged Teal and Gadwall were also similairly enthused but not as often or dramatically. Some agressive American Coots may have dampering the Gadwall's performance logistics. Common Moorhens were once again in squirrel mode with several birds high in the catkining willows seeking the most tasty morsels. Besides they have candy corn for bills and that's always muy mardi gras. Curve Billed Thrashers and Cactus Wrens are in major song mode and the usually skulking Bewick's Wrens that have been hard to detect aren't since they've also been bitten by the song bug. And then there are the Red Winged Blackbirds that continue to prove to be local Birds of Paradise with their poofy displays. They often seem to have inflatable epualats. They must be concealing those tiny pumps under their wings. Both Plumbeous and Cassin's Vireos were present today and in song. Wintering warbler lingerers haven't dispatched yet either. Yellow Warblers continue near the entrance bridge, the female Black and White Warbler and the male Wilson's Warblers are not as predictable to exact locations but were present as well, more or less across across the pond from the gazebo. Yellow Headed Blackbirds just continue their cacophony from the safety of the reed beds. Yippee it's spring and the recent burn seems a distant memory with only an olfactory hint now and then. Expect Wallowing Jerry Bock Colognia Bolognia Tucson, AzSubject: AZ-Florida-Madera-Tubac From: Vic/Donna Fondy <treasurecreek AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:11:19 -0600 A friend and I birded Florida Wash on 3/15. A single Rufous-capped Warbler was found between the dam and Sycamore Tree above the dam at about 10:00 AM. Afterward we birded Madera Canyon. New arrivals there included a female Blue-throated Hummingbird at Madera Kubo and Magnificent Hummingbird at the Santa Rita gift shop feeder. Next stop was Tubac. At the bridge we picked up a Common Black Hawk flying by and the Cassin's Kingbird is still present plus most of the birds from my report of 3/12. Sixty-five species for the day. Vic Fondy-Green Valley 520-398-5153Subject: 03.16.10, Tempe Gambel's Quail From: Brian Enos <brian AT BRIANENOS.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:03:36 -0700 This morning there was a somewhat confused and possibly lost looking male Gambel's Quail running around the 'hood. I know they're common in select areas of suburbia, but I think I might have seen one previous bird in the 10 years I've lived here. BrianSubject: Robins & White-winged Doves in Tempe 3-16-10 From: Ernie Nickels <nickelseldesigns AT QWESTOFFICE.NET> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:56:57 -0700 3 American Robins were at my bird bath earlier this morning 3-16-10. I was
afraid they had left after not seeing them at Daley Park on Sunday the 14th.
Lesser Goldfinches are also at the bird bath every day & collect fibers from
Hesperaloe for their nests somewhere in all our trees. And White-winged Doves
are heard from our yard every day lately, if not actually seen. A Raven was
seen Sunday afternoon.
Sunday (3-14-10) Yellow-rumped Warblers were heard along the "Rio Salado Trail"
that connects Roosevelt w/ Rio Salado Parkway (Lakeside Drive)south of the
Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA) & the west dam of Tempe Town Lake. Further
south on Roosevelt, between 9th & 10th Streets, there are always lots of
Red-winged Blackbirds in a big Mesquite tree attracted by a front-yard bird
bath. Maybe they were chased away from their usual haunts in the now
fast-moving Salt River west of the dam? SRP has been releasing water at a rate
hovering around 10,000 cfs for a week now. What treat to see a real river
again! But NO shorebirds, of course, just a few Cormorants & a Turkey Vulture
Sunday morning.
Jeanette Nickels
Tempe AZ
Subject: Junco with white cheeks at Boyce Thompson (AZ) 3/15From: Randy Forrest <randallforrest AT COX.NET> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:21:37 -0700 Yesterday, 3/15, I birded the BTA and came across this strange D-eyed Junco in amongst the flock of Oregons and Pink-sided. They were gathered near the stage that is set up next to the Demo Garden fence. I'm not real good with bird topography, I maybe should say the malar instead of cheeks. This was the only one with the white cheeks in the flock. I have looked through all of my field guides and didn't come up with any reason why it would be this way. Here is a Flickr link to view some pix I managed of it. Feel free to comment off the board if needed. http://www.flickr.com/photos/22301947 AT N03/ Randy ForrestSubject: AZ SE Palominas From: Gordon Lewis <Ranchogulag AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:26:27 -0700 Monday bird walk did not dig up anything exciting, still cold and windy down here. AMERICAN ROBIN and CEDAR WAXWINGS are still around but lesser numbers. VERMILION FLYCATCHERS are digging in for the season with several seen. A GREAT EGRET and BELTED KINGFISHER added to the river birds on the walk. A FOS BROWN HEADED COWBIRD means that the parasites are back so nesting can't be too far away. 8 am Mondays at 10663 Hwy 92 in Palominas. We switch to 7am in APRIL. Two more weeks to stay late in bed.Subject: Personal announcement (no bird news) From: Richard Fray <rpfray AT DAKOTACOM.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:48:51 -0700 I'll keep this short and sweet as it's essentially spam (but relevant spam I
hope).
I've joined the growing band of birding guides down here in SE Arizona,
offering my services for hire by the day or week (or whatever you want). Please
check out my website if you are interested: www.funbirdingtours.com
Thank you for indulging me.
Richard Fray
Tucson AZ
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard Fray
Birding Guide
Tour Leader
Fun Birding Tours |
|
|
| www.funbirdingtours.com
Office: (520) 323-4234
Cell: (520) 490-9287
richard AT funbirdingtours.com
Subject: Tucson: Birds and Beers, Thursday 18th March (no bird news)From: Richard Fray <rpfray AT DAKOTACOM.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:21:08 -0700 Hi everyone, This month's Birds and Beers Meetup will be at the Tucson Audubon offices in downtown Tucson on Thursday March 18 at 5pm. Come on down to meet fellow local birders and chat over a beer or beverage of your choice. Bring photos on a memory stick or CD, and bring a few beers or other drink. We've got a great bunch of regulars but it would be nice to see a few more Listserv posters joining in... What: Birds and Beers Meetup Who: everyone is welcome! How much: it's free! Bring Your Own Beer (or alternative drink) When: Thursday, March 18, 5-7 pm Where: Tucson Audubon Library/Courtyard, 300 E. University Blvd, #120 (corner of University & 5th Ave) Tucson, AZ 85705. Enter to the left of the TAS nature shop. Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=tucson+audubon+society&sll=32.231596,-110.966965&sspn=0.001702,0.003473&gl=us&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=19&iwloc=A See you there :) Cheers! Richard Fray Tucson AZSubject: Elf Owl - Bisbee From: Michael Turisk <mturisk AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:46:14 -0700 I was delighted to hear my FOS Elf Owl near the terminus of Brewery Ave. in Bisbee this Monday evening. Good birding! Michael Turisk Bisbee, AZSubject: AZ: Tempe: Peregrine From: "Myron L. Scott" <gaia_3 AT NETZERO.NET> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:36:00 GMT A Peregrine Falcon flew westbound over U.S. 60 in Tempe
from the direction of Mill Avenue past Hardy and beyond at
approximately 5 P.M., today, March 15th.
Yes, I got THAT date right. ;-)
Myron Scott
Tempe
Subject: No sighting: correction to Sunday Rio Salado postingFrom: "Myron L. Scott" <gaia_3 AT NETZERO.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:43:50 GMT Since some have urged internal text dates, I feel compelled to send this apology for internally misdating my Rio Salado post yesterday. The list server header was correct, and my internal heading was incorrect: Yesterday, Sunday, in fact was March 14th; and that was the date that I saw the Blue-Winged Teal (etc.) at Rio Salado. Timelessly yours, Myron Scott Tempe, AZSubject: FW: Hassayampa: Green Kingfisher From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT ATT.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:57:36 -0700 Hi Birders,
I heard second hand that the GRKI was seen again Saturday and Sunday. Keep
those cards and letters. well, emails coming.
Mark Stevenson
Tucson, AZ
Subject: Re: AZ:03/15/10:Tubac Hawks TodayFrom: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT ATT.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:54:50 -0700 Hi Birders,
After the events Cliff described, Molly and I walked north on the Anza Trail.
Saw several Common Black-Hawks from along the trail. By the time we got back to
the bridge and checked in with the observers on site, their tally of
Black-Hawks was up to 16 and then two more went by! We departed at 11:25 so
more may have passed by after that. It was a good day for Black-Hawk watching.
Later at Rio Rico we saw another Zone-tailed Hawk heading north.
Good birding,
Mark Stevenson
Tucson
Subject: AZ: La Paz & Mohave Counties, 12-14 Mar 2010From: Henry Detwiler <henrydetwiler AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:49:42 -0700 Greetings Birders, Suzanne and I drove up to Laughlin for the Wings & Wildlife Festival on Mar 12 and returned to Yuma on Mar 14th. On Friday we stopped at Bill Williams NWR, Lake Havasu, and the Big Bend State Recreation Area (in Nevada). Big Bend had singing Crissal Thrasher, lots of waterfowl, and a Costa's Hummingbird. On Saturday morning I was the bird guide on two boat trips into Topock Gorge. The scenery was awesome, and we got a few nice birds like Bald Eagle, Virginia Rail, and Common Merganser. That afternoon we drove up to the snowy Hualapai Mountains and watched Pine Siskins and nuthatches feasting on the feeders at the "Mountain Resort". Sunday morning we made a detour through Oatman, adding Curve-billed Thrasher and some friendly burros. Back down at Site 6 we still couldn't find any rare gulls, and Bill Williams still wouldn't give up any scoters. I was happy to see a couple of Violet-green Swallows--tough birds in Yuma County. Along the Planet Ranch Road we enjoyed scattered spring wild flowers and heard a few Canyon Wrens. South of Parker we visited the Ahakhav Tribal Preserve, a fine oasis of cottonwoods and marshland--Crissal Thrasher and Vermilion Flycatchers were the highlights there. Farther south through the ag fields we got our only Ferruginous Hawk for the trip. With just a few birding & tourist stops, we succeeded in turning a 4.5-hour trip into 12 hours. Good Birding! Henry Detwiler Yuma, AZ www.SouthwestBirders.com 928-210-6474 ---- Ahakhav=Ahakhav Tribal Preserve, AZ BB=Big Bend SRA, NV BW=Bill Williams NWR, AZ LH=Lake Havasu, AZ Topock=Topock Gorge along the Colorado River, AZ & CA Common Loon, LH, BW Pied-billed Grebe, Topock, LH, BW, BB Western Grebe, LH, BW Clark's Grebe, LH, BW American White Pelican, LH Double-crested Cormorant, Topock, LH, BW, BB Great Blue Heron, Topock, BW, BB Snowy Egret, Topock Cattle Egret, La Paz County White-faced Ibis, La Paz County Canada Goose, Topock Gadwall, Colorado River American Wigeon, Topock, BW, BB Mallard Topock, BW, BB Canvasback, Topock Ring-necked Duck, Topock, BW, BB Greater Scaup, BW Lesser Scaup, Parker Dam Bufflehead, Topock, LH, BW, BB Common Goldeneye, BW, Parker Dam Common Merganser, Topock Ruddy Duck, BB Osprey, Topock Bald Eagle, Topock Northern Harrier, La Paz County Red-tailed Hawk, Topock Ferruginous Hawk, La Paz County American Kestrel, La Paz County Gambel's Quail, Oatman, Ahakhav, BW Virginia Rail, Topock American Coot, Topock, LH, BW, BB Turkey Vulture, Topock Ring-billed Gull, LH, BW, BB California Gull, LH Rock Pigeon, Laughlin Mourning Dove, BB, Haulapai Mts. Eurasian Collared Dove, La Paz County Greater Roadrunner, BB Anna's Hummingbird, BB, BW Costa's Hummingbird, BB Belted Kingfisher, Colorado River Gila Woodpecker, BW Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Topock Northern Flicker, Ahakhav Black Phoebe, Topock, Ahakhav, BB Say's Phoebe, BB, BW Vermilion Flycatcher, Ahakhav Ash-throated Flycatcher, BW Western Scrub Jay, Hualapai Mts. Common Raven, Topock, BW, La Paz County Horned Lark, La Paz County Tree Swallow, BW Violet-green Swallow, BW Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Topock, BB, BW Cliff Swallow, Topock, BB, BW Verdin, Oatman, BB, BW, Ahakhav White-breasted Nuthatch, Hualapai Mts. Pygmy Nuthatch, Hualapai Mts. Cactus Wren, Oatman Canyon Wren, Topock, BW House Wren, BB Marsh Wren, BW Ruby-crowned Kinglet, BW, BB Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Ahakhav, BW, BB Western Bluebird, BB American Robin, Ahakhav Northern Mockingbird, Ahakhav Curve-billed Thrasher, Oatman Crissal Thrasher, Ahakhav, BB European Starling, BW, La Paz County Phainopepla, Ahakhav Orange-crowned Warbler, Ahakhav Yellow-rumped Warbler, Ahakhav Common Yellowthroat, Topock Spotted Towhee, Hualapai Mts. Canyon Towhee, Hualapai Mts. Abert's Towhee, Ahakhav Chipping Sparrow, Ahakhav Black-throated Sparrow, BW Song Sparrow, Ahakhav, BB, BW White-crowned Sparrow, Ahakhav Dark-eyed Junco, Ahakhav Red-winged Blackbird, Ahakhav, BB Western Meadowlark, Ahakhav Yellow-headed Blackbird, La Paz County Brewer's Blackbird, La Paz County Great-tailed Grackle, La Paz County, BW, BB House Finch, Hualapai Mts., Ahakhav Pine Siskin, Hualapai Mts. Lesser Goldfinch, Ahakhav, BW, BB House Sparrow, La Paz CountySubject: 03.13.10 FOS Tempe Black-chinned Hummingbird From: Brian Enos <brian AT BRIANENOS.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:26:46 -0700 I was watching some Anna's with some friends Saturday, and mentioned that the Black-chinned Hummers should be returning soon. A few minutes later a male buzzed the yard. BrianSubject: AZ:03/15/10:Tubac Hawks Today From: "Clifford A. Cathers" <azcliffy AT Q.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:43:29 -0700 I was with friends/clients Nina Hansen and Jan Pal from Green Valley scoping out the Tubac hawk situation today prior to tomorrow's Tucson Audubon Society field trip. The weather was quite chilly this morning behind the cold front which passed to our north and east yesterday and my Durango logged 34 F in the pecan groves along Old Nogales Highway. It warmed quickly on the bridge in Tubac and it was nice to see familiar faces among the birders present. Unfortunately, the wind was swirling about the bridge today, still at times and then coming from all directions. The prevailing wind, though, seemed to be coming out of the northwest. One COMMON BLACK-HAWK tried the airspace around 9:15 AM, to the east of the river channel. The bird gained altitude and actually drifted off to the south and then east. A pair of CHIHUAHUAN RAVENs and a pair of COMMON RAVENs made for a nice size and flight comparison. A ZONE-TAILED HAWK floated over the eastern end of the river channel a bit later giving extended views of its long tapered wings and long narrower tail. This was followed by a RED-TAILED HAWK and then a COMMON BLACK-HAWK circled a little more overhead for pictures and excellent viewing. The rounded swept-back wing shape and squat flared tail made for a nice photo comparison (http://www.economybirding.com/files/201003Journal5.pdf). We also saw a COOPER'S HAWK, WILSON'S WARBLER (thanks Dick Palmer!), CEDAR WAXWINGs, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, BLACK PHOEBE, WHITE-WINGED DOVEs, SAY'S PHOEBE, NORTHERN CARDINAL, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, VERDIN, SONG SPARROW, BEWICK'S WREN and some saw a LUCY'S WARBLER from the bridge. Nina, Jan and I left at 10:00 AM with only the two black hawks accounted for. I'm hoping the impending wind change will improve the results tomorrow! The Tubac Golf Resort had a few brilliant VERMILION FLYCATCHERs. Clifford A. Cathers Economy Birding Services, Inc. "Quality Birding With Your Budget in Mind" http://www.economybirding.com Budget Bird guiding for the Desert Southwest AZCliffy AT Q.com - 520.762.3201Subject: AZ: Sweetwater Wetlands, March 14 From: C kirscher <antclaudia2008 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:43:18 -0700 On Sunday, 3/14, our DRAS field trip enjoyed three hours of enjoyable (albeit windy) birding around the various pond trails yielding 60 species. We began the morning with two Soras, eastern-most pond, feeding out in the open reeds and ended with up-close and lingering views of an immature male Vermillion Flycatcher, Phainopepla, and the Black-Throated Gray Warbler, all with 15 feet of each other and within 20 feet of our group - what a treat ! This was just west of the eastern entry bridge, along the stream edge. Brightly-plumaged Wilson's Warbler, Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, Orange-Crowned Warbler, Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher, and Common Yellowthroat were found as well as Marsh and Bewick's Wren. Eleven species of ducks, including those displaying Buffleheads and Ruddy Ducks, Green- and Blue-Winged Teal, and Gadwall. A Peregrine Falcon buzzing the ponds and then circling overhead caused flurries of excitement and lots of duck movement. Three of the young neighborhood Harris' Hawks perched on a snag in the southern recharge pond area allowing long scoped views. A lovely spring day in good company. Thanks to all the sharp-eyed participants. Good birding, Claudia Kirscher, Field Trip Leader Desert Rivers Audubon SocietySubject: correction in my post from yesterday at Goldfield Rec. Site (3-14-10) From: Tommy DeBardeleben <sunsfan1331 AT AOL.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:50:32 -0400 Hi, In my post yesterday, I accidently put that I had a Horned Lark at the Goldfield Site, when I meant to put LARK SPARROW. Not the right habitat for a Horned Lark at all either! Tommy (glendale, az)Subject: NM: The Past Week at Pritzlaff Ranch From: Robert Hunt <zapata86303 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 06:38:09 -0700 Hi there non-snowed-under birders, Here at Pritzlaff Ranch near San Ignacio in San Miguel County in the Sapello River Valley I learned what it means to live at the base of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains in March: a fresh foot of snow on the ground and much more coming down... Just as things were starting to dry out a little up here the bird activity was beginning to increase. Many, many more juncos were swarming the ground beneath my feeders and out in the fields, quite a few of them were female Slate-coloreds. Robins had begun to swarm in as well and were nailing fat earthworms everywhere in front of me. The most interesting of these was an almost entirely LEUCISTIC AMERICAN ROBIN. A Wild Turkey and a few Canada Geese have shown up in the back yard. Two nights ago as I stepped out in the twilight, I heard a NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL tooting from a nearby forested slope. Below is the "yard" list for the ranch for the past week: Canada Goose American Wigeon Mallard Wild Turkey Red-tailed Hawk American Kestrel Northern Pygmy-Owl Great Horned Owl Lewis's Woodpecker Northern Flicker Steller's Jay Black-billed Magpie American Crow Common Raven Black-capped Chickadee Mountain Chickadee White-breasted Nuthatch Western Bluebird American Robin European Starling Song Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Red-winged Blackbird (singing) Cassin's Finch (singing) American Goldfinch Rob Hunt, the Lost EcologistSubject: NM RBA for 3/15/10 From: Pinyonjay AT AOL.COM Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:48:40 EDT -RBA New Mexico Bird Report March 15, 2010 NMEX1003.15 -Transcript Hotline New Mexico date: March 15, 2010 compiler Patricia R. Snider Phone: 719-846-3174 Cell phone 505-803-1807 e-mail address _pinyonjay AT aol.com_ (mailto:pinyonjay AT aol.com) This is Pinyon Jay with the New Mexico Bird Report for March 15, 2010, sponsored by the New Mexico Ornithological Society. When phone numbers are given for private property, please call before going to ask for permission. In ranch country do not stray off the roads. . Highlights: Red-throated Loon, Lawrence’s Goldfinch. See note in Field Trips about the Sandia Hawkwatch site. Predictions are for a great wildflower show on the desert this spring. ChW reported that GREAT EGRETS have been color banded with red leg bands, from the Great Lakes. Report bands if seen to 416- 739-5846. A star is added for new birds to the RBA today. . . Places mentioned and a checklist of N.M. birds are in the N.M. Bird Finding Guide. Check for earlier reports and database At _http://www.nmbirds.org_ (http://www.nmbirds.org/) or in the archives of the AZ/NM listserve. For photos of rarities and directions to some birding sites check _http://sites.google.com/site/oldenettelspage_ (http://sites.google.com/site/oldenettelspage) . . For the Bird Records Committee and North American Birds and NMOS Field Notes please send reports to Dr. Sartor O. Williams, III, 1819 Meadowview NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87104 or to _sunbittern AT earthlink.net_ (mailto:sunbittern AT earthlink.net) . . . Birds Mentioned and Counties: . Light geese (Chaves) Common Goldeneye (Colfax, Chaves, Sandoval) Hooded Merganser (Sierra) Common Merganser (Colfax, Chaves) Red-breasted Merganser (Sierra) Red-throated Loon (Sierra) Neotropic Cormorant (Bernalillo) Great Egret (Socorro) Turkey Vulture (Bernalillo, Grant) Northern Harrier (Chaves) Harris’s Hawk (Lea) Merlin (Sierra, Chaves) Sora (Sierra) Common Moorhen (Sierra) Sandhill Crane (Chaves, Curry) Black-necked Stilt (*Valencia) Dunlin (*Socorro) Greater Yellowlegs (Hidalgo) Great Horned Owl (Roosevelt, Eddy) Barn Owl (Sierra, Chaves) Three-toed Woodpecker (Bernalillo) Hammond’s Flycatcher (Sierra) Black Phoebe (Doña Ana) Eastern Phoebe (Sierra) Hutton’s Vireo (Sierra) Tree Swallow (Sierra, *Luna) Violet-green Swallow (Doña Ana, *Luna) Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Sierra) Cliff Swallow (*Luna) Bridled Titmouse (Sierra, *Luna) Brown Creeper (Sierra, Bernalillo, Doña Ana) Carolina Wren (Guadalupe) Mountain Bluebird (Doña Ana) Gray Catbird (Socorro) Sage Thrasher (Sierra) Cedar Waxwing (Socorro) Common Yellowthroat (Sierra) Painted Redstart (*Sierra) Brewer’s Sparrow (Sierra) Field Sparrow (Lea) Harris’s Sparrow (*Sandoval) Yellow-eyed Junco (Grant) Chestnut-collared Longspur (Lea) Pyrrhuloxia (Bernalillo) Rosy Finches (Bernalillo) Lawrence’s Goldfinch (*Luna) . . In Bernalillo County: DH on March 4 had a male PYRRHULOXIA by the 3SE marker, a mile south of Bridge St. BH found it again on March 10 on the east side of the Rio and west side of the levee. At the Alameda Bridge BH and JP on March 5 saw an adult NEOTROPIC CORMORANT south of the bridge near the pump house. CB and NH on March 5 reported two flying TURKEY VULTURES over Cedar Crest, east of the Sandias, for the first of spring. The SNC team is banding ROSY FINCHES on Sundays at the Crest House. They estimate the flock to be 150 to 200. On February 28 they banded only two BROWN-CAPPED with 124 recaptures. The road up was clear, but there is ice in walking from the parking lot into the Crest House. RK on March 5 had up to 75 rosy finches of all three species. In hiking south along the Sandia Crest for 1/3 mile they found a BROWN CREEPPER and a THREE-TOED WOODPECKER. . In Chaves County: For the March 4 count at the refuge JSa reported 19,000 light geese, 1342 CRANES, six COMMON GOLDENEYES, one COMMON MERGANSER, 15 HARRIERS, two BARN OWLS, and two MERLINS, one on Unit 6 and the other on the refuge farm. . In Colfax County: Springer Lake was still frozen, Stubblefield mostly so, and a hole was on Lake 13 with lots of waterfowl, including many male COMMON GOLDENEYES, and COMMON MERGANSERS. . In Curry County: JLo at his home in se. county reported CRANES over his home in small flocks almost daily by March 5. . In Doña Ana County: At their yard near Radium Springs JZ reported in early March a BROWN CREEPER, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW, and a MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD with a BLACK PHOEBE at the pond eating mosquito fish. . In Eddy County: DZw found a GREAT HORNED OWL at Rattlesnake Springs on March 5 by the stream near the pond. . In Grant County: EL had the first TURKEY VULTURES over his Silver City home on February 26 and 27. KB still had the YELLOW-EYED JUNCO at her home through February 28. It was banded by DG. . In Hidalgo County: RS says the pond at the exit of I-10 is full of water. He had three GREATER YELLOWLEGS at the pond on February 27. County Hwy.1 south of Animas crosses the Diamond A (Gray) Ranch. Because of events with thoughtless birders, one must NOT go off the road. . In Lea County: ChB on March 6 at Crossroads had three FIELD SPARROWS, six CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPURS, and a HARRIS’S HAWK. . In Luna County: DH on March 14 at Pancho Villa State Park near Columbus had four LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCHES alont the south fence. In Deming on March 12 LM had a BRIDLED TITMOUSE at the Mountain view Cemetery and at the Pecan Park pond there was TREE, VIOLET- GREEN, and CLIFF SWALLOWS. . In Otero County: One can walk past the gate to Stinky Lake at the Holloman Lakes, but not drive in and can still bird there, but Lagoon G is still off limits. . In Roosevelt County: DZw on March 7 had a GREAT HORNED OWL at the migrant trap 11 miles west of Melrose. . In Sandoval County: DK on March 14 had an immature HARRIS’S SPARROW at the north end Of the Corrales Bosque with White-crowns at the drain at barrel 6.8 close to the north parking lot. JL reported on March 4 there was a male COMMON GOLDENEYE in the Corrales ditch near La Entrada. . In Sierra County: At the hole in the cliff near the Las Palomas exit two BARN OWLS Have been seen. DC saw one owl on the southbound lane a quarter mile from the exit on March 8. DC on March 10 below the dam near the outflow structures seen From above at the NM177 overlook saw six NEOTROPIC CORMORANTS And a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS. Right next to the dam he again saw the winter adult RED-THROATED LOON. There were two male RED- BREASTED MERGANSERS at the Dam Site Marina. At Paseo del Rio Park below the dam JP reported a MOORHEN and two HOODED MERGANSERS on March 6. On March 9 DC had the moorhen, a SAGE THRASHER, and three BREWER’S SPARROWS. At Percha Dam Park on February 20 JP, LL, and WW saw a YELLOWTHROAT, an EASTERN PHOEBE north of the dam, four MOORHENS, and a HAMMOND’S FLYCATCHER. The same day DG had a TREE SWALLOW with five ROUGH-WINGED, and a MERLIN. SF on March 6 had a SORA at the pond in the campground (photos). JP, LL, and WW on March 6 found a HUTTON’S VIREO, BROWN CREEPER, and BRIDLED TITMICE. DH on March 13 had a PAINTED REDSTART in the north woods of the park. DC on March 9 at Riverside Park below the Caballo Lake Dam saw ten ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS. DC advises that water is being released from Elephant Butte Lake into Caballo Lake. DG reports that Caballo in now quite high. . In Socorro County: AG on March 2 at the Turtle Bay Park on the NMTU campus in Socorro had two CATBIRDS and a CEDAR WAXWING flock. JP, WW, and LL had one CATBIRD on March 6. At Bosque del Apache Refuge south of San Antonio JP reported the first GREAT EGRETS on March 6. DH on March 14 had the two DUNLINS at the pond along Hwy. 1. JSt reports that there is no hiking east of the Rio Grande at the Bosque del Apache refuge at least thru March for a mountain lion study. The part of the refuge west of the rio is still open. . In Valencia County: JL on March 14 had a BLACK-NECKED STILT at the marsh behind the Taco Bell in Belen. . . Initials of Observers: . KB, Karen Berkenbach; ChB, Charles Black; CB, Celestyn Brozek; DC, David Cleary; SNC, Steve and Nancy Cox; SF, Steve Fettig; AG, Ashli Gorbet; DG, David Griffin; DH, David Hawksworth; NH, Nancy Hetrick; BH, Bill Howe; RK, Rick Koehler; DK, David Krueper; LL, Lane Leckman; EL, Gene Lewis; JL, Judith Liddell; JLo, James Lofton; JP, John Parmeter; JSa, Jeff Sanchez; RS, Robert Shantz; JSt, James Stuart; ChW, Chip Weselch; WW, Bill Wittman; JZ, Jimmy Zabriskie; DZw, DeAnn Zwight. . . Field Trips: . Central Audubon in Albuquerque has Thursday field trips. All phone numbers begin with 505. On March 18 to the Rio Grande Nature Center with Sei Tokuda, 266-2480; and March 25 the Pueblo Montaño Picnic Area with Gale Owings, 255-8333. . Mesilla Valley Audubon will bird the Holloman Lakes and White Sands NM on March 20. Contact is David Griffin 575-382-2080. . On Saturday, March 20 Southwestern Audubon will do Spring Canyon near Deming. Leader is Larry Malone; contact is 575-388-3441. . Central Audubon will have a field trip on Saturday, March 27 to Percha Dam, Caballo Lake, Animas Canyon and Elephant Butte Lake with Cole Wolf, _colejwolf AT gmail.com_ (mailto:colejwolf AT gmail.com) . . The Cox banding team will be banding Rosy Finches at the Crest House in the Sandias on Sundays at 9:30. Check for snowstorms when planning to climb the mountain. . There will be no formal HawkWatch crew gathering data in the Sandias this year. However Roger Grimshaw plans to make trips up to the site from time to time. For information 407-319-0280. . The Mesilla Valley Bosque Park will have a Bird Walk on April 3, first Saturdays., beginning at 8:15. . The Rio Grande Nature Center has morning bird walks on Sunday and Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. . . -End Transcript_[1]_ (aoldb://mail/write/template.htm#_ftn1) ____________________________________ _[1]_ (aoldb://mail/write/template.htm#_ftnref1)Subject: Visiting from the UK - anyone fancy meeting up. From: MATTHEW WILSON <crubbix AT BTINTERNET.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:11:51 +0000 Been monitoring this site for the last few days and starting Hi all, Been monitoring this site for the last few days and starting drool at the thought of the migrants coming through. I'm looking for some companionship for a few mornings when we are in the Tucson area when we get there end of next week. Will be staying in Anthem for 3 nights with friends, then:- Anyone fancy a walk around Madera Canyon or Florida Wash, or better still pointing me towards the Rufous capped Warbler on either the morning of 29th or 30th March. Were staying at the Madera Kubo B&B (failed to get in at Santa Rita...ooops), pleased drop me an email at crubbix AT btinternet.com, or a text on 00447939270027. May be a bit slow responding as I have a week in NYC and Philly first and there are a lot of pubs to go to! On the morning of the 31st and 01st April I'll be out and about around the Beatty's ranch where we have 2 nights and will probably be on the canyon walk when it runs. Wish list is (in no particular order). Lawrence's Goldfinch. Rufous capped W. Five striped Sparrow. Fox Sparrow. Sage Sparrow. Lark Bunting. McCown's Longspur. Chestnut Collared Longspur. Flammulated Owl. Saw-whet. Northern Pygmy Owl. Ferruginous Pygmy Owl. Ross's Goose - probably at Whitewater Draw. Mountain Plover. Buff-collared Nightjar. Allen's HB. Pacific Slope FC. Plumbeous Vireo. Rufous-backed Robin. Sage Thrasher. Le Conte's Thrasher. That would clear me out for AZ. Cheers, Mat Wilson. Ely. UK.Subject: AZ: Rufous-capped Warbler and Ruby-crowned Kinglet Saga From: "Miller, Leo" <leo AT UIC.EDU> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:12:33 -0500 After rock hopping to cross the creek in Florida Canyon I saw the Rufous-capped Warbler today(3/14) about 10:45am. Before the warbler appeared I noticed two inquisitive Ruby-crowned Kinglets that were closely monitoring the area up- and down-stream of the sycamore tree. Whenever another bird came into the area they followed it and when I phished or squeaked they went looking through the dense brush along the creek. I began thinking that they may spot the warbler before I did. Thats exactly what happened! Whenever I noticed them searching through the brush I looked to see if the warbler was around. About 10:45am they were checking the brush just up-stream of the sycamore tree and I saw the Rufous-capped Warbler nearby. The warbler stayed low, often on the ground, and always along the creek. I followed it along the creek for the next 20-30 min. I lost it at the top of the dam. For the entire time one or both kinglets followed the warbler! Initially, I thought it may be fortuitous that I saw the kinglets and warbler together by the sycamore tree, but after watching them trailing the warbler for more than 20 min I had to conclude that something else was going on. They never attacked the warbler and always stayed at least 5 ft or so away. While the warbler was constantly foraging the kinglets were not trying to catch insects, they just watched the warbler - like - Wow! Nice looking bird! Exactly what I was thinking. I don't know if the kinglets are wintering in that area or just passing through. In any event the next time you are looking for the Rufous-capped Warbler in Florida Canyon, keep an eye out for those pesky kinglets, they may help you locate your target. Leo Miller Riverside, IL Wintering in San Diego In Tucson to see the Common Black Hawk migrationSubject: Gilbert area, Salt River area From: Tommy DeBardeleben <sunsfan1331 AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:55:07 -0700 Hi everyone, Today (14 March 2010) I spent the entire day from sun up to sun down birding the areas of Gilbert and the recreation sites along the Salt River, which is north of Mesa. It was an awesome day to be outdoors, and was my longest and biggest birding outing this year to date by far. I started out in the Gilbert area first, beginning my day at Gilbert Water Ranch. It was very birdy this morning, as I recorded 67 species in a little over two hours. My main highlight here was a female COMMON MERGANSER in pond 3, who swam through the pond rather fast, and I didn't see her again after the first time I saw her. The first time I've ever seen this species here. With the Merganser included, I saw 14 different species of ducks, with other notable species including GADWALL, AMERCIAN WIGEON, BLUE-WINGED TEAL, REDHEAD, and LESSER SCAUP. The RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW is still present along the 5/6 path, as it feed among many White- crowned Sparrows. I got good views of it feeding for a minute or so. Other water ranch highlights from the morning included the resident PEREGRINE FALCON, a group of 5 WILSON'S SNIPES feeding in pond 7, SWALLOWS: Tree, Rough-winged and Cliff, and a single AMERICAN GOLDFINCH along the 3/4 path. I then stopped at Veteran's Oasis Park for about 45 minutes and took a quick walk through the park. Two BURROWING OWLS where my main highlight here. I also enjoyed seeing many HORNED LARKS and a single SAVANNAH SPARROW. From VOP I went to the ponds along Higley Road, where duck numbers are still good. 3 female COMMON MERGANSERS stood out among the other species who usually are here. A NORTHERN HARRIER flew through a nearby field and also present was a SPOTTED SANDPIPER. From the Gilbert locations I spent the rest of my day along the Salt River recreation sites. The Butcher Jones Recreation Area/Sahuaro Lake was my first stop. A single HORNED GREBE continued and that was the only one I saw during my time there. A huge population of distant WESTERN GREBES is visable by scanning the lake in the distance, there are probably easily three hundred individuals, I'm sure some Clark's are in there as well. Also on the lake were was an EARED GREBE and several PIED-BILLED GREBES, as well as a few RING-BILLED GULLS. LUCY'S WARBLERS were singing away at this spot (as well as all the other spots along the Salt River) and I got many great views of them as well. Spring is here! The next stop was the Goldfield Recreation Site, where I had some awesome sightings. I saw one BALD EAGLE soaring here, as well as a HARRIS'S HAWK and an AMERICAN KESTREL. Many WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS flew overhead, and they were joined by a VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW. A BELTED KINGFISHER was present along the river for most of the time. One HORNED LARK and GREATER ROADRUNNER were also present. I then went to Coon Bluff where I had two ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS and a GRAY FLYCATCHER. Swallows and Swifts flew overhead here as well in good numbers. Several male and female VERMILION FLYCATCHERS were very active and vocal in the area. Finally, my last stop was at Granite Reef Recreation Site. I am almost positive I saw some sort of loon in the distance near the dam, but when I was on my way to get a better view, the bird left and never came back again. There were many COMMON GOLDENEYES near the dam, as well as CANVASBACKS. Not alot of activity here, wheras it's usually very active. 107 species for the day. Good birding, Tommy DeBardeleben (Glendale, Arizona)Subject: AZ: Kearny Lake Common Goldeneye From: Doug Jenness <d_jenness AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:47:52 +0000 3/14/10 This morning, birding a few places on the way to Boyce Thompson Arboretum for a meeting, I observed a female COMMON GOLDENEYE at Kearny Lake along Hwy 177 in Pinal County. There were also 4 female Buffleheads at the lake, as well as the expected coots, moorhens, ducks, and 2 Savannah Sparrows. Doug Jenness Catalina, AZ _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850553/direct/01/Subject: SEAZ: Santa Cruz Flats, 03/14/10 From: Melody Kehl <outdoor1 AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:44:13 -0700 Birds of note: Crested Caracara along Picacho Road just north of Green Reservoir. Multiple Bendire's Thrasher throughout the area. . . thrashing! Mountain Plovers: 50 plus at Tweedy and Pretzer Harris's Hawk: 1 at Sasco Road at the bend west of the Red Rock Feedlot Mountain Bluebird: 24 at the Western sod farm on Green's Reservoir Road Melody (So Many Birds, So Little Time) http://www.melodysbirding.comSubject: NM: FOS Black-necked Stilt - Belen Marsh From: Judith E Liddell <jliddell AT MSN.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:20:53 -0700 A Black-necked Stilt was working the edges of the marsh in the early afternoon, Sun. Mar. 14. Judy LiddellSubject: AZ: HAS Trip--Patagonia Lake SP, 14 Mar 2010 From: Erika Wilson <terika88 AT COX.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:53:50 -0700 Hi, birders, 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. Cheers, Erika Wilson (Sierra Vista, AZ)Subject: Re: Tubac Black Hawks From: CLIFF CATHERS <azcliffy AT Q.COM> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:43:01 +0000 Richard, I'm no expert, and I had considered going down today, but the weather system slipping to our north and east around our high pressure and through New Mexico has raked a cooler northerly component to the breeze across our area today. I'm guessing today was a "backup" day where black hawks are moving but not migrating, hiding out in the Santa Cruz drainage for a southerly wind component day (which looks likely tomorrow). I'm guessing the show will be much better tomorrow morning and Tuesday (for the Tucson Audubon field trip - shameless plug!). Then again, I could be full of it... Clifford A. Cathers Economy Birding Servics, Inc. "Quality Birding With Your Budget in Mind" http://www.economybirding.com Budget Bird Guiding for the Desert Southwest AZCliffy AT q.com - 520.762.3201 > Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:31:02 -0700 > From: rccarl AT PACBELL.NET > Subject: [BIRDWG05] Tubac Black Hawks > To: BIRDWG05 AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU > > We were too late for the 9:30 am fly by of 3 Black Hawks. We did see 1 at about 11 doing a legs down display flight. Does that mean he might stay nearby??? 100's of Violet Green Swallows coming by. > > Sta. Getrudis lane had several Wilson's Warblers. > > > RCC > > Richard Carlson > Full-time Birder, Biker and Rotarian > Part-time Economist > Tucson, AZ, Lake Tahoe, CA, & Kirkland, WA > rccarl AT pacbell.net > Tucson 520-760-4935 > Tahoe 530-581-0624 > Kirkland 425-828-3819 > Cell 650-280-2965Subject: Tubac Black Hawks From: Richard Carlson <rccarl AT PACBELL.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:31:02 -0700 We were too late for the 9:30 am fly by of 3 Black Hawks. We did see 1 at about 11 doing a legs down display flight. Does that mean he might stay nearby??? 100's of Violet Green Swallows coming by. Sta. Getrudis lane had several Wilson's Warblers. RCC Richard Carlson Full-time Birder, Biker and Rotarian Part-time Economist Tucson, AZ, Lake Tahoe, CA, & Kirkland, WA rccarl AT pacbell.net Tucson 520-760-4935 Tahoe 530-581-0624 Kirkland 425-828-3819 Cell 650-280-2965Subject: Whiskered Screech Owl, Portal Area? From: Jim Church <Jim.Church AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:21:43 -0600 We plan to visit Portal, AZ the week of April 5, and would like to find a Whiskered Screech Owl. Has anyone seen one in that area recently? If so, where? Thanks, Jim ChurchSubject: AZ: Phoenix Rio Salado: Blue-Winged Teal, etc. From: "Myron L. Scott" <gaia_3 AT NETZERO.NET> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:40:31 GMT RIO SALADO, Phoenix, March 15th:
Central Avenue:
I didn't get the often-reported Black and White Warbler and
Creeper at the Central Ave. "Waterfall" this morning, probably
through lack of perseverance. Several good folk doing good
work cleaning up trash and clearing out (presumably
invasive) brush necessarily made some noise, and most of the
trees still were in deep shade from the usual benches when I
was there. Anyway, there were few birds from that vantage
point, and I moved on after a little while. The light was better
and the same trees birdier to the east, from the paved path to
the overlook. From there, I spotted a both a(n early?)WARBLING and a BELL'S
VIREO (a FOS for me) and a HERMIT THRUSH. There was a COMMON MOORHEN on the
Demonstration Pond. A female KESTREL sortied from
the bridge.
Central to 7th Ave.:
This stretch (south side) was the best for ducks and waders.
Under the Central Ave. bridge, I was surprised by the sighting
of the day when 5 - count 'em, 5! - BLUE-WINGED TEAL (st least 3
males) flew upriver from near the south bank. Nothing else out
of the norm, but a nice walk. A MOURNING CLOAK (butterfly) near
7th Avenue seemed a harbinger of spring, as did a nearby
TURKEY VULTURE. (There was another TV at 16th Street.) A COMMON RAVEN buzzed
the 7th Ave. parking lot.
Cliff Swallows:
Just about every bridge had some, with the most at 7th Street and the best
views of them over the old sand and gravel pit at 16th Street. (I spotted no
owls at the pit.)
Myron Scott
Tempe
Subject: Sweetwater Wetlands March 13, 2010From: Paul Roisen <roisenp1950 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:07:50 -0700 Was fortunate enough to see a Black-throated Gray and several Black-chinned Hummingbirds while attending the TAS outing at Sweetwater Wetlands this morning. Jon Dunn did a tremendous job providing insights into bird habits, differentiation between subspecies, and general tips on identifying various species that may resemble each other (like hummingbirds, swallows, and cormorants). Soras were calling and the Common Moorhens were not shy. Peregrine and Prairie Falcons made appearances on cue from Jon showing off their distinguishing characteristics. Any suggestions for additional places to go would be greatly appreciated (Tucson area). Thanks to all. God Bless, Paul RoisenSioux City, IA Woodbury County 712-276-0371(H) 712-301-2817(C) --- On Sun, 3/14/10, PatSubject: AZ SE Palominas From: Gordon Lewis <Ranchogulag AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:28:19 -0700 FOS BULLOCKS ORIOLE this am at the house so the warm must be doing something. Fruit tress are beginning to bloom down here about one week after Sierra Vista. BURROWING OWLS are tooting up a storm but still only four on the sites. Bird walk 8am Monday, 10663 Hwy 92 in Palominas. Should be much better conditions than last week.Subject: Bullock's Oriole, Lawrence's Goldfinches, etc. Hereford, 14 MAR 10 From: rbehrstock AT COX.NET Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:21:18 -0400 Dear All, The yard flock of 80+ Chipping Sparrows has dwindled, which signals the arrival of other species. This morning produced a splendid male Bullock's Oriole that came into the yard chattering away and was quickly at the suet, suggesting a returning bird. Later it was seen foraging on insects in oaks surrounding the yard. Also present briefly were two Lawrence's Goldfinches, which we see but a few times each year. Lingering birds include an American Goldfinch, Pine Siskins, and a Townsend's Solitaire that visits Pyracantha and seems to have become decidedly squeaky of late. Best to all, RAB -- Robert A. Behrstock 10359 S. Thicket Pl. Hereford, AZ 85615 Phone/FAX: (520) 378-3262 N31° 22' 49.75" W110° 13' 41.08", 5,012' elev. Naturewide Images http://www.naturewideimages.com/ Birdlife of Houston, Galveston, and the Upper Texas Coast http://www.tamu.edu/upress/BOOKS/2006/eubanks.htm Finding Birds on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail http://www.tamu.edu/upress/BOOKS/2008/eubanks.htm Dragonflies & Damselflies of the Southwest http://www.rionuevo.com/book.php?book_isbn=9781933855141 |