Other Information
SE
Arizona Rare
Bird Alert
(520) 798-1005
Report
Rare Birds
(520) 798-1005
Email
a report
Nature Shop
(520) 629-0510
Agua Caliente Shop
(520) 760-7881
Mason Audubon
Center
(520) 744-0004
Membership
(520) 629-0757
AZ IBA Program
(520) 628-1730
Education Program
(520) 622-2230
Habitat Restoration
(520) 206-9900
Development
(520) 622-5622
Executive Director
(520) 622-5622
|
Birding Home | Field Trips | Access Updates | RBA | Tucson Audubon Afield | AZ/NM Listserv | Tucson Area |
Tucson Audubon Society
Tucson Audubon Afield: November-December 2005
Recent Field Trips and Sightings in
Southeast Arizona
by Keith
Kamper See also Tucson Audubon Afield home page
(This article first appeared in the February 2006 Vermilion Flycatcher, newsletter of the Tucson Audubon Society. To receive the Vermilion Flycatcher in the mail, become a Friend of Tucson Audubon.)
By what criteria do birders judge the success of a day in the field? Some might suggest that tallying a high number of species or discovering a rarity would qualify. For others, observing large numbers of individual birds would be a very special day. An up-close study of a common backyard bird might satisfy many. The opportunity to sort through large assemblages of sparrows or gulls (an unlikely scenario for the latter in southeast Arizona!) affords determined birders with an enjoyable day. Incredible scenery, like the towering spires of the Chiricahua Mountains, a blazing field of poppies, or the delicate beauty of butterflies congregating at "puddle parties" can’t be overlooked. Good company and meeting new and interesting people is a priority for many. The discussion of that which makes a trip a success could go on; others could add much additional criteria by which we could judge an outing. If any (or all!) of the aforementioned appeals to you, then the regularly scheduled Tucson Audubon fieldtrips are right for you. New birders are especially welcome.
|
|
The year of 2005 might have wound down, but year-end birding certainly did not. Large numbers of waterfowl (yes waterfowl!), raptors and sparrows command birders’ attention at this season. Wandering migrants and vagrants add spice to the mix. Christmas Bird Counts afford participants the opportunity to make a contribution to citizen science.
On the waterfowl front, the discovery of a Fulvous Whistling-Duck at Patagonia Lake State Park December 3 caused much excitement. A flock(!) of 18 of these handsome birds in Green Valley was unprecedented. Birders who joined John Higgins’ always popular trip to Sulphur Springs Valley on December 10 were treated to Ross’s, Snow and Canada Geese and a Common Goldeneye. Other sightings include Bald Eagle, Prairie Falcon and Ferruginous Hawk, along with the many Sandhill Cranes and the ghostly Barn Owl. Brian Nicholas’ northeast Tucson trip netted Ross’s Goose, Hooded Merganser and Swamp Sparrow. An up-close encounter with a bobcat provided additional excitement. Extended views of Redheads and Canvasbacks enlivened Sheryl Forte’s trip to Sweetwater Wetlands on November 11. Passerines were cowed after a Cooper’s Hawk tore through. While not a duck, the Least Grebe also made an appearance during this outing. The Least Grebe reappeared at the Kino Environmental Restoration Project on Kendall Kroesen’s November 26 trip.
The sighting of an Aplomado Falcon in the San Rafael Valley seemed well-timed: Gavin Bieber was scheduled to lead a trip there the following day! While the falcon was not seen again, the graceful flight of two White-tailed Kites, two Prairie Falcons and a Merlin were savored by all. The normally elusive Baird’s Sparrow perched on a fence wire and the discovery of a rare Golden-crowned Sparrow rounded out the day. A perched Merlin, one of the first birds of the day on Dick Palmer’s Trip to Arivaca Cienega, was enjoyed by all. The "cuddling" Spotted Owls were certainly the highpoint of Scott Shuette’s trip to Scheelite Canyon. A yawning, stretching Prairie Falcon captivated participants on Rick Wright’s trip to Sabino Canyon. A Merlin was noted snacking on prey at the San Pedro House on Erika Wilson’s December 6 trip there. Good numbers of raptors, Painted Redstart and Townsend’s Warbler were enjoyed on Bev Postmus’ trip to Madera Canyon and Green Valley.
Diane Touret’s trip to southeast California November 29 – December 1 produced Oak Titmouse, Wrentit, Nuttal’s Woodpecker, and California Quail. Gavin Bieber’s December 3 Santa Cruz River trip found a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Black-capped Gnatcatchers at this location were far north of the now "traditional" sites.
A plethora of "Eastern" species were found during November and December. The Orchard Oriole returned to Jeri Ogden’s Tucson backyard for the third consecutive winter. Black-throated Blue Warblers were found at Sweetwater Wetlands, Prison Camp, San Pedro House, and Sawmill Canyon. Tennessee Warblers were detected at Sweetwater Wetlands and Sabino Canyon. Ovenbirds were seen at Reid Park and the Desert Survivors Plant Nursery. A Magnolia Warbler made a brief appearance at Rio Rico. A Chestnut-sided Warbler was found at the Pinal Pecan Grove. A Wood Thrush was an exceptional find in the Chiricahuas. A Common Grackle at the Cave Creek Ranch was a solid sighting.
The wintering Rose-throated Becard at Patagonia Lake State Park caused much excitement. Other rarities at the popular park include Horned Grebe, Black-capped Gnatcatchers, Louisiana Waterthrush and Worm-eating Warbler. A Rufous-capped Warbler was observed again in rugged Sycamore Canyon. Varied Thrushes appeared at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and in Scheelite Canyon. A Groove-billed Ani and a Little Blue Heron at Whitewater Draw was an interesting combination.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Rick Wright, the former writer of this column, for his excellent work and dedication. His clear and informative presentation and attention to detail will be remembered. If you haven’t yet run into Rick in the field, I am sure you soon will as he is usually birding.
Bird questions? Check Birding | General questions? Contact: Tucson Audubon Society | Webmaster: Email
This page was updated on 05/09/06