This handsome towhee breeds in a dozen western states including locally in the northeast quadrant of Arizona (usually fairly common in the White Mountains). Winter numbers in southeast Arizona can vary from uncommon to very common in any given year. Usually easy to find on the San Pedro RNCA from September through mid May. This individual was photographed there on October 1, 2004.

There aren't many finer sights for a birder than a Northern Harrier hunting low over open country in its own inimitable fashion. Widespread throughout most of north America as a breeding species above the southern tier states, harriers usually only grace southeast Arizona from fall through spring. This female was photographed in the San Rafael Grasslands on October 23, 2007.

Cassin's Vireo is a fairly common spring and fall migrant in southeast Arizona. Also found in small numbers during the winter months. In migration, lowland riparian habitats are preferred over mountain canyons (approximately 2:1 in my experience). This probable hatch year bird was photographed at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area in Sulphur Springs Valley, AZ on October 19, 2005.