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Updated on Thursday, March 18 at 05:11 PM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.


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 Lange
 		 	   		  
Subject: 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, AZ
Subject: 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, AZ
Subject: 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, FL
Subject: 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_3 
Subject: 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 - 520.762.3201
Subject: 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, AZ
Subject: 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.com
Subject: 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 Goltz
Subject: 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.com



Subject: 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 - 520.762.3201
Subject: 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.com
Subject: 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.com
Subject: 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 Park
From: 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.com
Subject: 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.net

 

 
Subject: 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.net
 
Subject: 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 Barker
Subject: 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 AZ
Subject: 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, AZ




 		 	   		  
Subject: 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
520-648-6735
Subject: 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, Tubac
Subject: 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 Sharon
Subject: 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 Docent
Subject: 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 NH

 
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! 


 

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! 


 

Randy
 		 	   		  
Subject: 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 Goltz
Subject: 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 Roisen  wrote:

From: Paul Roisen 
Subject: De Anza Trail SOUTH of Tubac bridge
To: BIRDWG05 AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU
Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 7:13 PM

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: 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, AZ
Subject: 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 - 520.762.3201
Subject: 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, Az
Subject: 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
520-398-5153
Subject: 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.

Brian
Subject: 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) 3/15
From: 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 Forrest
Subject: 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 AZ
Subject: 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, AZ
Subject: 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 posting
From: "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, AZ
Subject: 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 Today
From: 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 2010
From: 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 County
Subject: 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.

Brian
Subject: 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 - 520.762.3201
Subject: 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 Society 



Subject: 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 Ecologist



Subject: 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 migration
Subject: 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.com 

 
Subject: 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 Liddell
Subject: 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 650-280-2965
 		 	   		  
Subject: 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 650-280-2965
Subject: 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 Church
Subject: 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, 2010
From: 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, Pat  wrote:

From: Pat 
Subject: [BIRDWG05] Evergreen Cemetery, Sweetwater Wetlands March 13, 2010
To: BIRDWG05 AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU
Date: Sunday, March 14, 2010, 7:48 AM

Folks,

Today I decided to try out Evergreen Cemetery. As I feared, most of the birds 
were in the trees, and I couldn't see them to identify them. At first, I didn't 
see or hear anybody, but when I went toward Oracle, I could hear various birds, 
and then I saw the Vermilion Flycatcher on a tombstone, and I noticed that 
birds were feeding across the "street", so I just sat down and watched. 
Unfortunately, they were really too far away for good pictures, so I moved 
closer, and they stopped coming! Very shy. 



I saw:

Vermilion Flycatchers (2 or more) The most STUNNING individuals I have ever 
seen! 

House Finches (at least 3)
House Sparrow
Yellow Warbler (or something else; body and head totally lemon yellow, no 
streaks) 

Lesser Goldfinches

I heard:

Mockingbird
Gila Woodpecker
House Sparrow
Verdin
possibly a couple of other woodpeckers I can't identify

I also saw:
Painted Lady Butterfly
Pipevine Swallowtail
Dandelions
London Rocket
Another plant with tiny purple flowers, and I have to figure out what it is!

I stayed about an hour, and then went to Sweetwater Wetlands. Nothing terribly 
unusual there, except possibly I saw more than one kind of Swallow. I have 
learned a trick to catch them in flight. Hey, most shots are still garbage, but 
I got one really good one, and one out of 20 isn't bad! I stayed two hours, and 
it got downright noisy before I left. No Soras, unfortunately. The ducks are 
definitely thinning out. 


I saw:
Mourning Doves
Mallards
Yellow-rumped Warblers
Black Phoebes
Vermilion Flycatcher
Red-winged Blackbirds
Yellow-headed Blackbirds
Great-tailed Grackles
Northern Shovelers
American Wigeons
Gadwalls (6)
Buffleheads
American Coots
Common Moorhens
Ring-necked Ducks
Green-winged Teals (2 or 3)
Curve-billed Thrasher
Neotropic Cormorants (2)
Harris's Hawks (4 sitting on the top of the white building to the east, at 
least one in flight, one sitting on a dead branch.) 

Ruddy Ducks
Pied-billed Grebe
Black-necked Stilts (4)
Violet-green Swallow (lifer)
Northern Rough-winged Swallows (they sure like to line up on the electric wire 
at night; I must have seen 15 when I left) 

Cactus Wren
Song Sparrow

I heard:
probably the Anna's Hummingbird

I also saw:

Red-eared Sliders
Cottontail Rabbits
Ground Squirrels (I am now persuaded that this is what I have been seeing 
instead of Prairie Dogs) 

Bat in flight


A couple of birders from New Jersey said they saw a Loggerhead Shrike in a 
tree, looking down on one of the recharge basins, but I didn't see him. Another 
birder reported that the White-winged Doves are back, but I didn't see any of 
those, either. 


Happy Birding,
Pat Goltz




Subject: 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