Species List

Stuart Healy Journal - July, 1998 If you use the contents of my journal for commercial purposes, please acknowledge the source to your clients - thanks.

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This log is in chronological order and the most recent entries are at the bottom of the page.
The last update was on Friday, July 31, 1998

Wednesday, July 1, 1998
For weeks now the basic weather forecast has been "hot, with a slight chance of a wispy cloud". Well, what do you know, late in the day some white stuff did develop today. The monsoons usually begin around the first/second week in July, and I sure hope they start before I get busy again in about a week.

However, it continues hot and the temperature was 100+ when I visited the sewage ponds at 2:00pm today. Not much was stirring, but I did see the first YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD of the "fall". In the air were SWAINSON'S HAWKS, lots of soaring TURKEY VULTURES, and an abundance of swallows, BARN, CLIFF and ROUGH-WINGED. Also present were CINNAMON TEAL, WESTERN and CASSIN'S KINGBIRDS and LUCY'S WARBLER. I saw a total of 19 species in about 30 minutes, after which I could stand it no longer.

Thursday, July 2, 1998
What a difference a day makes! Mercifully, the beginnings of the monsoon season occurred today. There were lots of clouds, some thunder and lightning, but not too much rain that reached the ground (mainly just virga). Hopefully, it will cool things down over the next few days. However, sometimes we have a quick burst like this and then a delay before the rains really start. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

At SV sewage ponds today it was delightfully cool even in mid-afternoon between 2:15 and 3:15pm. Compared to yesterday, birds were everywhere and quite vocal. The temperature must have been at least 30 degrees cooler and the breeze made it feel even cooler -- great!

The only bird of note was an early (adult plumaged) TREE SWALLOW. My 3 previous early dates were July 12, 1996, July 17, 1994 and July 26, 1997. So, from my data at least this is pretty early, especially so far south.

Monday, July 6, 1998
Back in the saddle again today. Due to vacation and a back injury, I haven't birded in AZ (except for SV Sewage Ponds) for some time. Starting on July 9 I'll be work birding almost every day for the next 2 months, so I needed to "ease back in" today. I had intended to bird yesterday but the heavy rain put a stop to that. Since the first weak rain on July 2, rain intensity has increased daily. Heavy rain began late in the day on July 4 and continued for most of the day on July 5. At my location midway between the Huachuca Mountains and the San Pedro River, it definitely qualified as a "monsoon". Needless to say, the temperature has cooled somewhat. Feels good.

I left home this morning around 5:30am under heavy overcast and light sprinkles with the Huachucas mostly hidden by clouds. Temperature was a pleasant 70 degrees and a PYRRHULOXIA was singing his approval on Fry Blvd. The rain had sparked some activity in the Garden Canyon lower grasslands with BLUE GROSBEAK, BOTTERI'S, CASSIN'S and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS all up and singing, as SCALED QUAIL scurried from my path. Both Botteri's and Cassin's were singing in multiple locations. Near the upper picnic area were the usual noisy SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS.

I began birding in Sawmill Canyon at 6:15am, my first trip in almost a month! It's still my favorite place though, and the place seemed magical to me today. Shrouded in mist, alive with birds, and not a soul around -- wonderful. GREATER PEWEES were very vocal, albeit only calling and not singing. Eventually, I did hear "Jose Maria" a few times. I checked on two ELEGANT TROGON territories, with one bird calling at me both coming and going, and the other silent. However, before leaving I did find both males. GRACE'S WARBLERS were singing throughout but I didn't come across a single Olive Warbler. BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHERS were mostly silent but easy to find. After about an hour many birds became more vocal including BAND-TAILED PIGEON, STRICKLAND'S WOODPECKER, PLUMBEOUS VIREO, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, and HEPATIC and WESTERN TANAGERS. Both ASH-THROATED and DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHERS were active and vocalizing throughout the canyon. The highlight for me (I'm easily pleased) was when I found the pair of very noisy EVENING GROSBEAKS in the same location that I had seem them a couple of times in June. I watched them alternately foraging and flying off to the same group of trees. I'm convinced they are nesting again and although I tried to sneakily follow them, the birds outsmarted me and I was unable to find the nest. At one point  I had the EVENING GROSBEAKS plus ELEGANT TROGON, GREATER PEWEE, BUSHTIT, PYGMY NUTHATCH,  HUTTON'S and PLUMBEOUS VIREOS, GRACE'S WARBLER, PAINTED REDSTART and both TANAGERS in the same tree, at the same time -- quite a sight. I'm not sure what attracted them -- I was sitting very quietly, perhaps there was a Northern Pygmy-Owl in the tree and I didn't see it! I finally left at 8:00am after seeing 30+ species.

In contrast, Scheelite was fairly quiet. The canyon was extremely humid and even with the cool temperature it was still a little unpleasant. As I started along the trail, I met some birders who looked a little down since they had not seen an owl. I resisted the temptation to assume that the owl was not in an obvious position. A good decision because sure enough, I found a single SPOTTED OWL in about as obvious a position as you could ever hope for, about 20 feet high right above the trail. It doesn't get any easier than this folks! Nearby were a pair of CANYON WRENS, a beautiful and underrated bird. I never take them for granted and it was a treat as always to hear their sparkling song bouncing off the canyon walls. Among other birds were STRICKLAND'S WOODPECKER, DUSKY-CAPPED and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS, HOUSE WREN, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, WHITE-THROATED SWIFT, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW, VIRGINIA'S and RED-FACED WARBLERS, PAINTED REDSTART, RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW, HEPATIC TANAGER and SCOTT'S ORIOLE. I saw about 20 species from 8:15-9:15am.

Back in the grassland I stopped to listen for Grasshopper Sparrow. I didn't hear any, just Botteri's and Cassin's again. However, I did hear a very close MONTEZUMA QUAIL giving the ghostly, quavering call. I replied with my pathetic imitation which met with instant success as both male and female called at one another across the road. Neat.

I headed down to SV Sewage Ponds as the sprinkles turned to drizzle and the temperature rose to a whopping 77 degrees (smile). I thought earlier today that I'd seen an unusually high number of ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS and ironically, that was the first bird that greeted me at the entrance gate.  BLUE-GROSBEAKS and VERDINS were singing and a SWAINSON'S HAWK soared overhead as I continued on. Near the observation hut, GRASSHOPPER SPARROW and HORNED LARK were both singing. It's amazing to think that the rains are just triggering the breeding activity of the late breeders, while at the same time the 4-LONG-BILLED CURLEWS that were feeding in the fields were already done and heading south. Now it was very windy and the mountains were completely socked in. I left around 11:00am seeing about 20 species in the hour that I was there. Later in the afternoon, the rain became heavy again.

Tuesday, July 7, 1998
A very rainy day pretty much from dawn to dusk with brief periods of respite. I birded only at SV Sewage Ponds where I found singing CASSIN'S SPARROW. Habitat here in adjacent scrub is not great and this is only the second year I've found them at the ponds. Several PYRRHULOXIAS were singing and they've definitely perked up since the rains began. Continuing GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS (that are presumably breeding) and SCALED QUAIL were the only other birds of note.

Wednesday, July 8, 1998
The first day without significant rain since July 2, but still cloudy enough to be relatively cool. My client for the next few days, Greg Miller of MD, arrived from TX around noon a day ahead of schedule, so we did a little "pre birding" this afternoon. Greg is working on what started as a 600 bird year that has turned into a 700 quest. I first worked with Greg in 1997, and earlier this year we birded in AZ  and TX to get his "big year" underway. By the time he leaves AZ in a few days he should be over 650 for the year. In the daily accounts that follow through July 11, target species are shown in bold.

We headed to Ramsey Canyon in the early afternoon where we found DUSKY-CAPPED and SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS, but very few hummers. After seeing more cars and people than birds, we quickly departed for Miller Canyon. After an hour or so at  Beatty's feeders we saw 6 species of hummers, with about 4 visits from a male WHITE-EARED (a very cooperative bird), as well as BLUE-THROATED, MAGNIFICENT, BLACK-CHINNED, ANNA'S and BROAD-TAILED. A very productive way to spend the "dead" mid-afternoon period.

Next we headed to Garden Canyon grassland for BOTTERI'S SPARROW which we found without difficulty. CASSIN'S SPARROW was also singing around 4:00pm. Other birds in the area were SCALED QUAIL, BLUE GROSBEAK, newly returned LARK SPARROWS and a fairly uncommon (if not rare here) ROCK WREN.

We then poked around in the first 1/4 mile of Scheelite Canyon (very humid) to look for Virginia's Warbler (not found -- better luck tomorrow, hopefully). However, we did get excellent close up looks at a female ELEGANT TROGON feeding an immature female. At this time of year, it's quite amazing   how approachable these normally shy birds are. We watched her comical attempts at "hover gleaning" -- it has to be seen to be believed. Also of note was a female WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD that came in to my NOPO toots.

As we returned to Garden later in the evening, the grassland was alive with singing BOTTERI'S SPARROWS. However, our target was WHISKERED SCREECH-OWL and around 8:00pm (30 minutes after sunset) it didn't take long to whistle them in. On the road driving back to town was COMMON POORWILL, and surprisingly, not one mile from Fry Blvd. -- peenting COMMON NIGHTHAWKS.

Greg added 5 species and ended the day at 633 year birds.

Thursday, July 9, 1998
Out with Greg again and today we paid the price for all the recent cool and rainy days. Although it was cool in the mountains at 6:00am, by mid-afternoon at Kino Springs the high humidity and 100 degree temperature was decidedly unpleasant. Nevertheless, we found 13 of 15 target birds and ended the day around 3:30pm with an even 100 species.

We began in the Huachucas where both BOTTERI'S and CASSIN'S SPARROWS were again in full voice. It was a shame that we could only spend 30 minutes in Sawmill because the conditions were pleasant and birds were very active. However, we soon found our target birds -- GREATER PEWEE, BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHER, and OLIVE and GRACE'S WARBLERS, and had to move on. Only 20 species on this short visit including STRICKLAND'S WOODPECKER, a calling ELEGANT TROGON, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, HEPATIC TANAGER and EVENING GROSBEAK.

Next followed a three hour spell in Scheelite that was very productive. After we found a moderately well hidden (missed by others) SPOTTED OWL, we proceeded to the middle and upper areas and worked hard on other target species.  We missed Pygmy-Owl but eventually succeeded with CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER and VIRGINIA'S and RED-FACED WARBLERS. About 30 species in all including  MONTEZUMA QUAIL, BAND-TAILED PIGEON, ELEGANT TROGON, WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD, HEPATIC and WESTERN TANAGER'S AND SCOTT'S ORIOLE.

As we headed over to Patagonia, I said to Greg that of our next   6 target birds, Lucy's Warbler would be the most difficult. Although common, they become silent and elusive after breeding and in the heat of the day are hard to find. Sure enough, we didn't come across one. Oh well, tomorrow's another day. At the Roadside Rest 3 birds came quickly -- a calling and flying GRAY HAWK, a perched and preening THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD and a male ROSE-THROATED BECARD at the nest, mouth agape looking very hot (as were we).

On to Kino Springs where we quickly found TROPICAL KINGBIRD along with 35 species, in the 100 degree heat, including BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK, GRAY HAWK, YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET and BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER. Even a singing BOTTERI'S SPARROW! Our final stop at the Paton's easily produced our final target bird -- BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD along with the more sought after VIOLET-CROWNED.

Greg ended the day at 646 year birds. Tomorrow, CA Gulch and the Chiricahuas.

Friday, July 10, 1998
Another day with Greg searching for year birds -- three new target species ahead of us plus two missed from yesterday. Today was a planned long day that turned out to be even longer. The original plan was to start early to look for Buff-collared Nightjar and end late with Flammulated Owl. However, we pushed the owl out until tomorrow in order to travel north and get a head start on our White Mountains day.

We left Sierra Vista at 2:00am and by 4:00am began looking for Buff-collared Nightjar in the Pajarito Mountains. We encountered COMMON NIGHTHAWK, COMMON POORWILL and ELF OWL but no BCNI. As it turned out, this would be the only miss of the trip.

On the way into California Gulch we soon picked up LUCY'S WARBLER missed yesterday. When we arrived in the gulch it took only several minutes to see a perched up and singing FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW. Since this was our only target here, we headed out of the gulch at a record early time of 5:57am!. Very little chance to see other birds, of course, but we did see VARIED BUNTING, a perched and presumably still roosting ZONE-TAILED HAWK near the nest site, and a pair of MONTEZUMA QUAIL that were extremely cooperative and allowed approach to 15 feet. The latter were at the intersection of FR 217 and FR 4161, 2.4 miles from the Ruby Road. No doubt due to the fact that I didn't "need them", I've found the quail on three days in the past week!

Our next targets were in the Chiricahuas about a 5 hour drive away. After a brief stop in Sierra Vista we began birding again in Pinery Canyon around noon. To save time, I was hoping to find both NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL and MEXICAN CHICKADEE before reaching Onion Saddle, and that's exactly what happened. Just below Pinery Campground we had great views of the Pygmy-Owl in the same dead tree that I saw it about 6 weeks ago, and here we also saw a rather reticent Chickadee. Other birds in the area included GREATER PEWEE, CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER.

Not needing to go higher, we happily headed "down the hill" to the George Walker House in Paradise. Here we enjoyed a 30 minute break and a chat with Dale Julian as we picked up JUNIPER TITMOUSE, the only lifer for Greg on this trip. Thanks again to Dale for her hospitality. Other birds around the feeders included MAGNIFICENT and BLUE-THROATED HUMMERS.

To cap of our successful day, we saw a soaring NORTHERN GOSHAWK before leaving Portal for the 4 hour drive to the White Mountains. There was very little daylight left as we birded at Luna Lake near Alpine. Just a handful of species in the gloom including CANADA GOOSE, BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD, MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD, VESPER SPARROW and YELLOW-HEADED and BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS. Best of all, however, was the temperature here at 8000 feet. In the last two hours we saw a drop from 104 to below 60!

Greg ended the day with 651 year birds.

Saturday, July 11, 1998
When we planned this trip some months ago Greg needed many montane species so we included a trip to the White Mountains in the itinerary. In the meantime, however, he had seen most of them and we now needed only Williamson's Sapsucker and Blue Grouse. Although he could well see both species more easily elsewhere, we decided that "a bird in the hand is worth two in bush" and we proceeded with the original plan. I was confident of finding the sapsucker but from past experience, especially now that they are no longer displaying, I felt the grouse was no more than a 50% shot.

We rose early and left our Springerville base at 5:00am. By 6:00am we started looking for the BLUE GROUSE on 10500 feet high Green's Peak, and by 6:10 we were underway again. After we first saw the bird in a crouched position, we watched it walk towards us then lost it in the woods. A second bird was nearby. Greg must be living right because the 'Miller Luck" is still evident. However, I'm not a great believer in luck when it comes to birdfinding. You go the right place at the right time and in the right season, and put yourself in a position to be successful. Sometimes you see the bird, sometimes you don't. This time we were "lucky". Other birds in the area included HAIRY WOODPECKER, AMERICAN CROW, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD, HORNED LARK, WARBLING VIREO, and both EASTERN and WESTERN MEADOWLARKS.

Next stop was Winn Campground, a great spot for breeding Williamson's -- I've never  missed it here over several years. Along Hwy 273 near Sunrise were PRAIRIE FALCON, WESTERN BLUEBIRD and WESTERN TANAGER. We arrived at the campground around 8:00am and after about 1 hour, and a few false alarms with FLICKERS, we eventually found a very cooperative male WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER. Among the 20 species seen in the campground were CLARK'S NUTCRACKER, PYGMY NUTHATCH, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE and PINE SISKIN.

Next we headed to Greer for breakfast and our penultimate target bird, RUFOUS HUMMER. Although they're already in SE AZ, we didn't see one there. However, at feeders in Greer at this time of year, Rufous is very easily seen along with the abundant BROAD-TAILED. Also in Greer was a RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER.

It would be many hours before we could look for Flammulated Owl and we tossed around the idea of staying in the White Mountains to look for it. However, we decided to go back to the Chiricahuas were it was "much" more likely. As a result, next came a bonus -- some casual birding!. First we checked Becker Lake near Springerville. A little early for waterfowl but usually good for LEWIS'S WOODPECKER, and we found two. Nelson Reservoir was busy with boaters and fishermen but we did find BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, VIRGINIA RAIL and PINYON JAY. Our final stop was at my favorite White Mountain birding location, Terry Flat near Alpine. Unfortunately, we were there at a lousy time of day and saw only 20 species. I had hoped for Three-toed Woodpecker, but it wasn't to be. We did find COOPER'S HAWK, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE and RED-CROSSBILL. Driving back south we checked a burn area that we had noticed on the journey up. Located on NM 180 about 20 miles from the AZ line is a very recent burn. There were no woodpeckers here but the place was loaded with WESTERN TANAGERS.

Our adventure concluded back in the Chiricahuas at South Fork, as night fell with occasional light drizzle and a pleasant temperature. At 7:50pm WHIP-POOR-WILLS began calling followed by WHISKERED-SCREECH OWL at 7:58pm and ELF OWL at 8:00pm. Finally, just when we were beginning to think we might get skunked, FLAMMULATED OWL started calling at 8:35pm after it was good and dark.

A good ending to a hectic period during which we saw 23 of our 24 target birds, and a total of 170 species. Greg ended his time with me at 655 year birds and a great chance to reach 700. Good Luck!

Monday, July 13, 1998
Only a short visit to the sewage ponds today. Very hot even at 8:30am and I saw only 20 species. Still no significant signs of migration, but returning YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS are certainly increasing in numbers. Less common birds were ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER and SCALED QUAIL (although I'm now seeing quail here with some regularity)..

Tuesday, July 14, 1998
Up at 0 dark:30 again for a Five-striped Sparrow trip with Frank Fekel of Nashville, TN. As we left Sierra Vista at 3:00am the temperature was over 80 degrees and was up to 97 by the time that we returned at 10:30am. In darkness along the Ruby Road we encountered 6-COMMON POORWILLS, only one of which gave us a good view by remaining on the road; and 3 "peenting" COMMON NIGHTHAWKS near Hell's Gate turnoff as dawn approached.

Upon our arrival in California Gulch at a reliable FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW territory, we immediately found a bird up and singing at the top of an Agave. Some nice scope views and eventually some closer looks. Later we found another singing bird in a non-traditional location. This was certainly a bonus for me -- you can never have too many spots for these birds!

We spent about 1 hour in the gulch and saw all of the "regulars". At the nest, in the same spot as a few days ago, was a perched ZONE-TAILED HAWK. I wonder if it moved?  Several VARIED BUNTINGS and NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULETS were in multiple locations. Other birds included GREATER ROADRUNNER, DUSKY-CAPPED and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS, BELL'S VIREO, and HEPATIC and SUMMER TANAGERS. About 32 species in the gulch, excluding stuff on the Ruby Road.

But the best was yet to come. As we exited the gulch, I thought that the vehicle we passed had blown our chances of seeing quail. But, hey, what do I know. About 0.35 miles from the Ruby Road we found a pair of roadside MONTEZUMA QUAIL that I initially passed off as rocks! They stayed put and allowed me to move the car into a position for Frank to take a photograph. This was my fourth MOQU sighting since July 6 -- I'm using up my "luck" at a fast pace.

We broke up the trip back with a stop at the roadside rest and soon saw both male and female ROSE-THROATED BECARDS bringing food to the nest. The birds were constantly vocalizing as were several nearby THICK-BILLED KINGBIRDS and BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHERS.

In the 100+ degree heat of mid-afternoon, my second fall season TREE SWALLOW was the only bird of note from the 16 species seen at SV sewage ponds.

Thursday, July 16, 1998
Day 1 of 5 days with Bob and Pat Woodley of Richland, WA. We began at 6:15am in lower Garden Canyon grassland where CASSIN'S and BOTTERI'S SPARROWS were in full voice and fairly easy to see. At the middle and upper picnic areas SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS could not be missed.

Sawmill Canyon was a little quieter than last week, but still produced 26 species at the late hour of 7:45am including MONTEZUMA QUAIL (calling from the west slope), BUFF-BREASTED, ASH-THROATED and DUSKY-CAPPED   FLYCATCHERS, GREATER PEWEE, HUTTON'S and PLUMBEOUS VIREOS, GRACE'S WARBLER and HEPATIC and WESTERN TANAGERS, SCOTT'S ORIOLE, EVENING GROSBEAK.

We made two visits to Beatty's feeders in Miller Canyon (10:45-11:45am, 1:15-2:30pm) before finding WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD at the upper cabin feeders. Other hummers were BROAD-BILLED, BLUE-THROATED, MAGNIFICENT, BLACK-CHINNED, ANNA'S, and BROAD-TAILED.

Ramsey was very quiet from 3:00-5:00pm and we did not see the Berylline Hummer, although it was seen earlier in the day at 11:05am. The only hummer seen here but not in Miller Canyon was RUFOUS.

Friday, July 17, 1998
Out with Bob and Pat again. Our plan was to make a quick visit to Garden Canyon to pick up Elegant Trogon and Virginia's Warbler needed by Pat, and then to head to Ramsey for as long as it took to see Berylline Hummer.

As we started up Garden at 6:15am, we flushed several roadside quail that I initially thought were Montezuma but they turned out to be SCALED QUAIL. As we drove on Bob said "I thought that was too easy". "No" said I, "that's exactly how it usually happens". Almost immediately we stopped the car as a male and female MONTEZUMA QUAIL stared right back at us. Location was opposite the Sportsman's Center. This makes 6 MOQU sightings since July 6!

We parked at the upper picnic area to the sound of an ELEGANT TROGON calling, and we soon saw and adult male and immature female. Hey, so far so good. We moved on to the lower section of Scheelite Canyon -- a place where Virginia's Warbler is common but often hard to see because of the dense vegetation. It didn't take long to hear the sharp "chink" of VIRGINIA'S WARBLER but the bird quickly flew away and we never relocated it. Still, a good start to the day.

It was time to move on to Ramsey and here our good fortune certainly continued. Pat stepped out of the car, looked at the first feeder and said "Hey, what's this!" Unbelievably it was BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD. We stayed around for 15 minutes hoping for another look that didn't happen. Now what to Today was to have been Patagonia, but no good arriving there late morning.

Instead we spent from 9:00am-1:30pm in Carr Canyon, one of my favorite places and also good for Virginia's, especially post breeding. Sure enough, as we reached Reef, a few NOPO toots brought in several VIRGINIA'S WARBLERS -- we ended up seeing about six on the day. Other birds around Reef were HAIRY WOODPECKER, BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHER, STELLER'S JAY, GRACE'S WARBLER and HEPATIC TANAGER.

In the heat and humidity of midday we headed down to Comfort Spring with no particular target birds needed. I was hoping for Red-faced Warbler or Cordilleran Flycatcher and started up my NPO toots. No warbler or flycatcher, just the very distant reply of NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL. The bird was so far away that I thought we had no chance to see it, especially post breeding. Not so, the owl had other things in mind and would not quit calling. So, I also continued and eventually whistled the bird into a trailside tree where we could see him. It ain't over till the  fat lady sings. Other birds around Comfort Spring were GREATER PEWEE, RUFOUS HUMMER and SCOTT'S ORIOLE.

We ended the day with a brief visit to the San Pedro River where the humidity was extremely high by anybody's standards. Very little seen -- a few VERMILIONS, TROPICAL KINGBIRD at the big pond, LUCY'S WARBLER, and YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS up the wahzoo (what does this expression actually mean and how do you spell it). BOTTERI'S SPARROWS were singing as we left, in anticipation of the rain that mercifully began as I arrived home -- the first for several days.

Saturday, July 18, 1998
A 3:00am start with Bob & Pat for a trip to California Gulch. Yesterday's light rain left lots of clouds in the area and the day was a little cooler than of late. COMMON POORWILL count along the Ruby Road was again 6 and COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were calling near Hell's Gate.

Compared to the past few visits, FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW was a little "harder" to find today. However, around 6:30am after about 20 minutes of waiting, the bird flew in to his regular territory and obliged us with some close up views as he sang. VARIED BUNTINGS were singing from the slopes and several NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULETS were chasing each other around. The best experience of the day was driving past a ZONE-TAILED HAWK at eye level from 30 feet. The bird stared back at us as we stopped and looked a little uneasy, but firmly stood his ground. Another perched Zone-tailed was nearby.

Next, a stop in lower Chino Canyon around 9:30am. RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROWS were conveniently singing as we arrived. These guys can hide in plain sight while singing, but it didn't take too long to see one perched up.

At Kino Springs TROPICAL KINGBIRDS were very noisy and easy to find as an immature GRAY HAWK begged for food. The adults did not come by during our brief stop.

At the Roadside Rest, at least 3 THICK-BILLED KINGBIRDS were extremely raucous as they chased around, presumably young birds. There was no activity at the ROSE-THROATED BECARD nest but the birds were calling from low vegetation along the creek and have presumably fledged.

Mosquitoes were more prevalent than birds in the Paton's yard. The VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD was easily seen during frequent visits to the feeders.

Sunday, July 19, 1998
Out with Bob & Pat again on a slightly cooler morning than of late. We began in the Sulphur Springs Valley looking for Bendire's/Crissal Thrashers which are not the easiest of birds to find in the middle of July.  On the drive over, LESSER NIGHTHAWKS were still up on Davis Road

We began on Frontier Road at 6:45am with several SWAINSON'S HAWKS, COMMON GROUND-DOVE. LARK SPARROW, and singing CASSIN'S SPARROWS. In fact, Cassin's were singing throughout the entire valley. Coffman Road/Whitewater Draw also had COMMON GROUND-DOVE, SCALED QUAIL and ROADRUNNER. A pair of BRONZED COWBIRDS on the grass in Elfrida, PYRRHULOXIAS on the wires, and finally, a BENDIRE'S THRASHER for our efforts on Hwy 191 at a regular spot.

We headed for the mountains and Pinery Canyon Road was productive as usual. Many species including CASSIN'S and BLACK-THROATED SPARROWS in the lowlands, both BRIDLED and JUNIPER (uncommon on west side) TITMICE as the trees began, and CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER, MEXICAN CHICKADEE, BLACK-THROATED GRAY and RED-FACED WARBLERS as we climbed higher.

Rustler Park was surprisingly devoid of people. Here we saw some of the same stuff as on the Pinery Road plus HAIRY WOODPECKER, STELLER'S JAY, RED & WHITE-BREASTED and PYGMY NUTHATCHES, HOUSE WREN and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET.

Spofford's Yard was extremely quiet in the early afternoon and yielded only 8 species including BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, BLACK-CHINNED and BLUE-THROATED HUMMERS. The rain started as we arrived at South Fork so we abandoned that idea. As we left Portal, a COOPER'S HAWK zoomed across our path.

Our final stop just before the monsoons began was at Willcox. Water levels remain high in the main pond but we still found quite a few shorebirds concentrated in the few patches of habitat. Among the birds here were GREEN-WINGED and CINNAMON TEAL, AVOCET, BLACK-NECKED STILT, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, WESTERN, LEAST, BAIRD'S and STILT SANDPIPERS and WILSON'S PHALAROPE. 

An evening trip to Garden Canyon in the Huachucas after the rain was somewhat more difficult than usual. The normally cooperative WHISKERED SCREECH-OWLS were silent and it took us about 30 minutes to finally get a decent view. We moved on to WHIP-POOR-WILL that proved even more elusive, and we had to settle for several not-so-good views before calling it a night.

Monday, July 20, 1998
Last day out with Bob and Pat. We began in Aravaipa Canyon where it was already very hot at 8:30am. We worked slowly and progressively up canyon and at long last, around 10:30am, we found a COMMON BLACK-HAWK soaring over the creek near the entrance to the wilderness area. Wonderful views of this majestic bird were our reward for braving the heat. Almost every flowering Saguaro in the canyon had a bird on it and during the search we saw 30 species including ZONE-TAILED HAWK, PURPLE MARTIN and HOODED ORIOLE.

Next we made the short trip over to Dudleyville, arriving there around 11:15am. By this time the heat and humidity were stifling. Pat was ready to give up but I assured her that patience would result in a sighting of MISSISSIPPI KITE. At 12:30, my prediction came true as two beautiful adults soared over the river at the San Pedro Road crossing. 

Next stop was at a cloudy, cool, but unfortunately birdless, Madera Canyon around 2:45pm. Only CASSIN'S SPARROWS in the grassland were anything like active Just the usual stuff around the feeders including MAGNIFICENT HUMMER and BRONZED COWBIRD.

We headed home by way of Box Canyon -- the lower portion is a little worse for wear after the recent rain, but we made it OK in a small rental vehicle. CASSIN'S SPARROWS were singing in  multiple locations including the Hwy 83 end. A total of 30 species along the route including ROADRUNNER,  LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER, ROCK WREN and numerous displaying BRONZED COWBIRDS at the corrals near Hwy 83.

We returned to the Huachucas in the evening, this time to Carr Canyon. What a difference from last night -- it was a little cloudy but much warmer, and the canyon was alive with sound. Last night, nothing was calling. As darkness fell, COMMON POORWILLS began calling as did several owls and it did not take long to see a fairly cooperative ELF OWL; and a very persistent WHISKERED SCREECH-OWL that just would not go away. I was actually whistling Western Screech to try for one more trip bird, but the Whiskered was all I got!

A good end to a very successful 5 days. Bob picked up 3 lifers to inch closer to 700 ABA birds and Pat added 25 lifers to go over 600. Just as importantly, perhaps, we all had a good time despite some very hot weather. Although we spent an inordinate amount of time on a few target species, we were able to see a total of 160 species in the bargain.

Wednesday, July 22, 1998
Just a couple of brief visits to Sierra Vista sewage ponds today. The cloudy and cool conditions encouraged CASSIN'S SPARROWS and HORNED LARKS to sing.  Even the SONG SPARROWS in the marsh were singing again after being silent for some time. Signs of the coming season were evident with 10-WILSON'S PHALAROPES, 5-BLACK TERNS (still in breeding plumage), and a big increase in the number of TREE SWALLOWS.

Thursday, July 23, 1998
July and August trips to California Gulch are always a test of my stamina with multiple early starts. Today was yet another 3:00am departure from Sierra Vista, this time with Rig Currie of Point Reyes, CA who I've birded with several times before. Damp conditions due to recent rain on the Ruby Road kept COMMON POORWILLS down to just one seen and one heard. A few COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were heard "peenting". Once on CA gulch road it was immediately evident that a tremendous amount of water had passed through since my last visit on 7/18. Standing and running water  everywhere, even pouring over the normally dry/trickling dam (where a GREEN HERON was present -- I've seen them here before during the wet season).

The south end of the gulch was totally inundated and would have required a major wading job. Fortunately, we had already found FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW quite some distance from the gulch proper and only continued so that my clients could say that they'd been there! We backtracked and were also able to find the other regulars (ZONE-TAILED, TYRANNULET and VARIED BUNTING) without going into the gulch. CASSIN'S SPARROWS, seemingly abundant everywhere this season, were skylarking and singing near the old Arizona Western Mine site. Not many other species seen since we didn't enter the gulch proper -- COOPER'S HAWK, lot's of BUSHTITS, a few LUCY'S WARBLERS and HEPATIC TANAGER.

Two border patrol vehicles were near the dam as we returned and I heard a shot fired as we searched for quail. Just when it looked like my streak would end, we saw a male MONTEZUMA QUAIL on the Ruby Rd at milepost 10.6 (about 1.5m west of the Sycamore Canyon turn). By the way, the stream crossing just west of Sycamore (that has been high for some time) was high enough today that a regular vehicle would have trouble crossing it. I also needed to use 4 wheel drive (for the first time this season) in several spots between the gulch and the dam on the return trip.

A quick stop at Kino Springs as the day began to warm was immediately productive. Two immature GRAY HAWKS at the clubhouse pond, 1 still in the nest, the other in nearby tree. TROPICAL KINGBIRDS were easy to find. However, a quick stop at the Roadside Rest was not productive with neither Becard nor Thick-billed Kingbird seen or heard. Overhead, GRAY HAWK, both BLACK and TURKEY VULTURES and COMMON RAVEN were soaring as one.

After a break we headed to Scheelite Canyon around 4:00pm, trying to dodge the monsoons. Skies threatened as we headed up the canyon having read the good news in the log that a pair of owls were at the 5/8 mile mark. Unfortunately, however, we learned from someone that had been searching for two hours that 3 noisy morons had flushed the owls (something that's actually pretty hard to do). Of course, they were nowhere to be found in the lower area. As the drizzle turned to heavy rain we decided to continue on up canyon and eventually found a well concealed SPOTTED OWL. Needless to say, by this time we were well and truly soaked.

Evening owling in Carr Canyon was not very good in the damp and gloomy conditions. We did see a very cooperative WHISKERED SCREECH-OWL but were only able to hear ELF OWL.

Friday, July 24, 1998
The start of two days with father and son, Frank Sencher Snr. and Jnr. from New Jersey. We began in lower Garden Canyon where BOTTERI'S and CASSIN'S SPARROWS were singing and very easy to find. LARK SPARROWS were present along with other mesquite-grassland regulars such as SCALED QUAIL, BLUE GROSBEAK and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.  Further into the canyon several noisy SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS alerted us to their presence.

Sawmill Canyon was pleasant and reasonably birdy but song was at a premium. We found most of the regulars including a still territorially calling ELEGANT TROGON (heard only, even though he flew across the canyon in what should have been plain sight!), STRICKLAND'S WOODPECKER, GREATER PEWEE, BUFF-BREASTED and DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHERS, PLUMBEOUS VIREO, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, PYGMY NUTHATCH, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, EVENING GROSBEAK feeding young, BLACK-THROATED GRAY (uncommon in Sawmill) and GRACE'S WARBLER'S. The Grace's was dutifully  feeding a BRONZED COWBIRD chick about three times its size. As we drove back down Garden, a female ELEGANT TROGON flew across our path but we couldn't relocate it.

Scheelite Canyon was very humid from yesterday's rain. Three parties that we met heading down as we headed up had not seen the owl. So, just what I needed, I again had to slog high into the canyon to find a SPOTTED OWL (that turned out to be in the same tree as yesterday). The canyon was quiet yielding only a few species  including STRICKLAND'S WOODPECKER, SCRUB-JAY, HUTTON'S VIREO, CANYON WREN, VIRGINIA'S WARBLER, PAINTED REDSTART (several young "Blackstarts"), and HEPATIC and WESTERN TANAGERS.

We headed west to the Roadside Rest where THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD was easy to find. I briefly heard ROSE-THROATED BECARD and several other parties had seem them. (We later learned that both male and female were again seen near the nest site on Saturday, July 25, so I think patience is the key here.)

Kino Springs was hot and muggy. TROPICAL KINGBIRD and GRAY HAWK were again very easy to find. Many other species including GREEN HERON, COMMON GROUND-DOVE, YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, BELL'S VIREO, CURVE-BILLED and CRISSAL THRASHERS, LUCY'S WARBLER, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, BOTTERI'S SPARROW and ABERT'S TOWHEE.

Saturday, July 25, 1998
Another 3am. departure for California Gulch with Frank and Frank. COMMON POORWILLS were back to normal along the Ruby Rd. We counted about 8 with some very nice on-the-road views, one of the benefits of going early.

Water levels were down considerably and we were able to drive almost to the second stream crossing and walk the short distance to the sparrows without getting wet feet. As we set up the scope, a FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW flew in carrying food and, after checking us out, flew down to the nest site on the west slope. He then flew up onto his regular Sotal perch and sang. Talk about an anti-climax. However, I've seen the other side of the coin in the non-nesting season when it's taken me many hours to find a bird. We stayed around for a little while and had great views of the other "regular targets" -- ZONE-TAILED HAWK, NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET and VARIED BUNTING (quite a few males singing today). Fairly birdy today and we saw about 40 species (typical when I don't leave immediately) including COOPER'S HAWK, RED-TAIL, COMMON GROUND-DOVE, GILA and LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKERS, BLACK PHOEBE, VERMILION and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS, BELL'S VIREO, SUMMER and HEPATIC TANAGERS and CASSIN'S SPARROW.

On our loop journey home -- about 5 ROADRUNNERS on the Ruby Road and a pair of HOODED ORIOLES with a nest built into a Sotal, BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS at Amado Sewage Pond, and numerous singing RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROWS in Chino Canyon.

After a nice long siesta we began owling in Carr Canyon. It was a very pleasant evening with a moderate temperature, partly cloudy, but virtually no moonlight. Brief early calls from COMMON POORWILL and WHISKERED-SCREECH OWL that soon fizzled out -- then nada. We saw the owl just briefly, and then I worked for about 30 minutes before finally being able whistle in another Whiskered in a more reliable spot. Fortunately, this bird gave us the usual good looks. I tried for another 15 minutes for Western Screech without success, so we finally gave up and moved on to Garden Canyon where we had more success. Even here it was tough. In an area with at least three pairs, I was only able to find one pair calling. However, one is all it takes and we ended up seeing a very cooperative WESTERN SCREECH-OWL.

Monday, July 27, 1998
Day 1 of a 6 tour with 10 members of Beckham Bird Club from Louisville, Kentucky. Although this is a general tour, the itinerary was designed to put us in the right places for a number of specific target birds -- a composite wish list of several group members who had visited AZ before.

Our day got off to a bad start when Budget screwed us over and failed to provide a van on time in Phoenix. However, matters took a turn for the better in Sunflower, N of Phoenix, when we saw a COMMON BLACK-HAWK fly across the highway as we drove by. Although I wanted to get to Slate Creek Divide to look for Gray Vireo as soon as possible, I quickly turned around to relocate the Hawk. Fortunately, after about 5 minutes the bird returned being harassed by a CASSIN'S KINGBIRD and gave us some great views Also present were VERMILION FLYCATCHER and HOODED ORIOLE. By the time we reached the vireo spot it was late morning and close to 100 degrees, and I was worried that we may get skunked. However, my worries were unfounded and within minutes we watched a GRAY VIREO flitting around in a Juniper. Other birds here included SAY'S PHOEBE, BLACK-THROATED, BLACK-CHINNED and RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS.

Very little time to do much else but drive to Sierra Vista, but we did manage to get in some birding at Beatty's in Miller Canyon. Several WHITE-EARED HUMMERS were very easy to see (almost a trash bird!) and we saw 6 species of hummers from 6:00-7:00pm.

Tuesday, July 28, 1998
Day 2 with Beckham Bird Club and a good beginning in Garden Canyon. The lower grassland yielded the usual BOTTERI'S and CASSIN'S SPARROWS and BLUE GROSBEAK; around the upper picnic area we found a very cooperative ELEGANT TROGON perched in the clear and calling (a walk away bird, which for a large group is amazing), and several SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS. In Sawmill we found most of the regulars including GREATER PEWEE, BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHER, STRICKLAND'S WOODPECKER, PLUMBEOUS and HUTTON'S VIREOS, PYGMY NUTHATCH, GRACE'S WARBLER and HEPATIC TANAGER.

Scheelite was hard work in the high humidity and it was another one of those few occasions when I couldn't find a Spotted Owl. Yesterday's searchers did not find one either. The birds were recently disturbed by being fitted with radio transmitters (or trying to be fitted - I don't know if it was successful), and since then have been hard to find. I think that USFW personnel should be more responsible and not catch them with nets. They are such timid and trusting birds and this must be a very traumatic experience for them. Perhaps I walked right by them, I've done it before. We did see VIRGINIA'S and RED-FACED WARBLERS and most of the canyon regulars.

After lunch we were immediately successful with BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD just east of Ramsey Canyon Preserve entrance. A late afternoon visit to the San Pedro yielded very little except gobs of VERMILION FLYCATCHERS, a lone LUCY'S WARBLER, and an early SORA. Evening owling was rained out. About 70 species on day with mixed success.

Wednesday, July 29, 1998
Day 3 with Beckham Bird Club saw us heading to the Chiricahuas via Sulphur Springs Valley, in search of Thrashers. I had ruled out GRAY FLYCATCHER as a possibility for this trip but, amazingly, an early bird was working the fenceline on Coffman Road. The was the biggest surprise of the trip and by far the earliest that I have seen this species in SE AZ. Other early birds at nearby Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area were 4-LONG-BILLED CURLEWS and BANK SWALLOWS. Thanks to a tip from Rich Hoyer who was in the area, we located a very cooperative BENDIRE'S THRASHER on Mormon Road. Among other birds seen in Sulphur Springs Valley were many SWAINSON'S HAWKS, LEAST and SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, GREATER ROADRUNNER,  PYRRHULOXIA, and CASSIN'S and GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS.

The always productive Pinery Canyon Road came through again and we found a nice collection of species on the drive up to Onion Saddle. Birds here included SULPHUR-BELLIED and DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHERS, BUSHTIT, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, MEXICAN CHICKADEE, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, HUTTON'S and PLUMBEOUS VIREOS, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, PAINTED REDSTART, WESTERN and HEPATIC TANAGERS and YELLOW-EYED JUNCO. However, my NPO spot failed to produce an owl this time, just calling MONTEZUMA QUAIL and BAND-TAILED PIGEON. As we arrived at Barfoot split, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET and OLIVE WARBLER were both heard but heavy rain forced us to head down the mountain without any further birding opportunities.

As we shared lunch in South Fork with a group of MEXICAN JAYS, we had nice looks at a male SCOTT'S ORIOLE and HEPATIC TANAGER. A short stop at the Spofford's Yard yielded a JUNIPER TITMOUSE (uncommon here) but precious little else. We then headed over to Paradise in the heat of the day seeing ROCK WREN and BLACK-THROATED SPARROW along the way. Feeders at the George Walker House in Paradise were quite busy and here we saw BLUE-THROATED, MAGNIFICENT, BLACK-CHINNED and RUFOUS HUMMERS, JUNIPER TITMOUSE, PINE SISKIN, lots of LESSER and a very early AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, and a flyover BAND-TAILED PIGEON.  

Evening rain precluded very much owling, but we did manage to locate and see a very cooperative WHISKERED SCREECH-OWL in South Fork. A young bird that did not seem to want to move or quit calling.

Thursday, July 30, 1998
Day 4 with Beckham Bird Club that began with some early morning birding around Portal. Among the birds in town were COOPER'S HAWK, CARDINAL, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT and HOODED ORIOLE. Big Thicket birds in the rain included a quite vocal but unfortunately, unseen CRISSAL THRASHER, LUCY'S WARBLER and BLUE GROSBEAK. We headed out to the GW house again to look for a reported Calliope Hummer, seeing WESTERN SCRUB-JAY along the way. Much the same birds at the feeders as yesterday but we did add VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS and SCOTT'S ORIOLE. Returning along the Paradise Road we found CANYON WREN, LARK SPARROWS, PYRRHULOXIA, and had great scope views of a perched up and spontaneously singing BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW. Next, we headed to Rodeo to see BARN OWL that unfortunately flew the coop before everyone had a chance to see it. Along the AZ side of Stateline Road we saw a beautiful male LARK BUNTING, newly returned and still in breeding plumage.

It was quite warm upon our arrival at Willcox at 11:30am. The main pond remains very high and there are few areas for shorebirds. A good sized group in a small patch produced LEAST, WESTERN, SPOTTED, STILT, and BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, and lots of WILSON'S PHALAROPES. The only ducks seen were GREEN-WINGED and CINNAMON TEAL and RUDDY. A small temporal pond had 10-GREATER YELLOWLEGS and SCALED QUAIL.

As we arrived in Patagonia the heavens opened, and we spent some time trying to dodge the rain by running back and forth from the Paton's to the Roadside Rest. Eventually we got some dry time at both locations. Roadside Rest birds included 3-THICK-BILLED KINGBIRDS (very active and vocal) and a GRAY HAWK being harassed by a hummer! Over at the Paton's the feeders were extremely active after the rain and the hummers were swarming like bees All the usual hummer species were present -- BROAD-BILLED, VIOLET-CROWNED, BLACK-CHINNED, ANNA'S and COSTA'S. Calling nearby was our only YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO of the trip. Our final stop of the day at Kino Springs easily produced TROPICAL KINGBIRD and begging young GRAY HAWKS.

Friday, July 31, 1998
Day 5 with Beckham Bird Club and a 4:00am departure from Nogales for California Gulch. Hey, folks, you won't get this kind of treatment on the expensive trips! Our early start soon paid off with at least 9-COMMON POORWILLS along the Ruby Road. By judiciously rearranging the van seating after each sighting, everybody was able to see one.

The water in California Gulch continues to subside, but the dam area still has water and both GREAT-BLUE and GREEN HERONS were around. As we headed down the "new road" at the north end of the gulch, a family of MONTEZUMA QUAIL waddled along in the roadside grass -- male, female and at least 3 chicks! In the gulch proper we had excellent sightings of a pair of ZONE-TAILED HAWKS at very close range, seemingly defying us to come closer; several chasing, calling and perched NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULETS; numerous singing VARIED BUNTINGS including a perched bird in good light showing all the colors; and last but not least, FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW. The sparrow was very cooperative as he alternately carried food to the nest and then sang from a nearby Sotal. Other Five-stripes were heard at several locations. About 30 species in the gulch including returning CHIPPING SPARROWS in their usual location near the dam. Already a good day, our "good luck" continued on the Ruby Road, at milepost 9, with a very close range male MONTEZUMA QUAIL. The bird was perched on a rock and moved his head just once to prove he wasn't a decoy! In the end we had to drive away, what a treat.

We headed back to the Roadside Rest again to look for ROSE-THROATED BECARD that continues to be seen sporadically, with patience, near the nest site. Disappointingly, however, we only heard the bird and were unable to get a look. A VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMER on a nest was a good find, but of little consolation.

Next stop was Nogales Sewage Ponds where we easily saw several pairs of BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS with youngsters in tow, a large flock of RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS with at least one hard to see male YELLOW-HEADED, and several newly returned LAZULI BUNTINGS with some males still in bright breeding plumage.

As we continued on to Chino Canyon, BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS were also at Amado Sewage Pond with nearby BLACK VULTURES Although it was very hot in Chino Canyon,  many RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROWS were singing and we were able to get good scope views. Other birds here included CACTUS WREN, VERDIN, PHAINOPEPLA, BELL'S VIREO, LUCY'S WARBLER and PYRRHULOXIA.

An early evening trip to Madera Canyon after heavy rain was very uninspiring. Only a handful of birds were around the feeders, and night owling was a complete disaster with only a very brief call from WHISKERED SCREECH-OWL to break the silence.

This log is in chronological order and the most recent entries are at the bottom of the page.
The last update was on Friday, July 31, 1998

Species List

Stuart Healy Journal - July, 1998 If you use the contents of my journal for commercial purposes, please acknowledge the source to your clients - thanks.

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