Barrow's Goldeneye is one the most difficult regularly occurring ducks to find in Arizona in winter (accidental southeast; rare along the Colorado River). You might say that it's a tough duck to quack. Uncommon in summer, it's odd breeding range (check it out) extends into some eastern & western provinces and several western states (where it can reliably be found). This female with youngsters was photographed in Yellowstone National Park, WY on June 15, 2009.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo is a fairly common summer resident in SE AZ; and is one of the shortest staying breeding species (usually arrives in early June and many birds have left by late August). Like most species that breed in dense riparian habitat, cuckoos are more often heard than seen. Look for them in Patagonia and along the San Pedro and Santa Cruz rivers. This cooperative individual was "caught in the open" in Patagonia, AZ on September 12, 2008.

Far from well known as a place for migrant shorebirds, Arizona actually get's its fair share and most of the western species can be seen somewhere in the state every year. Rarities are more likely in fall, especially at Willcox Pond which seems to be the "Bermuda Triangle" for shorebirds in southeast AZ. This Ruddy Turnstone (casual at best) was photographed at Willcox, AZ on July 27, 2007.