The spectacular Mountain Bluebird is a rather common breeding species across much of the northern half of Arizona and they can usually be found throughout southeast Arizona in winter. However, numbers vary greatly year to year -- sometimes very few, sometimes abundant. Winter 2009-2010 looks promising for birders who want to see this species in SE AZ. The individual pictured above was photographed in Nutrioso in the White Mountains of AZ on May 31, 2004.

The friendly Bridled Titmouse is a common permanent resident throughout much of southeast and central Arizona and is easily found in many locations. Although most common in oak woodlands at mid elevation, they also venture higher into mixed pine-oaks and lower into riparian habitat. In winter they are usually the main component of mixed species flocks that may contain a few "goodies". Consequently, it often pays to check flocks of chattering titmice. This individual was photographed in Madera Canyon on November 5, 2004.