Aug. Species Seen

Stuart Healy Journal - August, 2008 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 Sunday, August 31, 2008

Friday, August 1, 2008
White Mountains Day 5: Day List 67   Trip List 125  (+7)
A new month didn't change my fortune with Dusky Grouse today as I struck out for the fifth time in four days. However, I did see decent selection of birds in the Big Lake and Nutrioso areas. Another warm day was followed by an evening thunderstorm southeast of Nutrioso but barely a sprinkle at Juniper Hill.

I took the short route from Nutrioso to the Big Lake area -- Auger Canyon Road (becomes FR 81) over the divide to FR 249. I started early so not many birds were on offer and the best sighting was a group of WILD TURKEYS consisting of 5 adults (or at least, grown birds) and 7 small youngsters.

Activity at Big Lake Lookout was higher than on two recent visits and I always had something to keep me entertained as I worked the area for two hours looking for grouse. Most noteworthy species were a couple of AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKERS (adult male and juvenile) and fly-by RED CROSSBILLS. Others included BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD, CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER (fledged but still vocal); GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, HERMIT THRUSH carrying food; MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, PYGMY & RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES and BROWN CREEPER.

A short stop at the east end of Crescent Lake produced 11 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, 6 GREAT BLUE HERONS, 14 female/immature male COMMON MERGANSERS, OSPREY, a calling SORA and a  handful of common species including VESPER SPARROWS still singing (as is the case throughout much of the White Mountains).

My stop at Big Lake was even shorter. I counted 35 fishing boats and 0 birds. Onward.

Three Forks always seems to have ROCK WREN and a bird was calling as I stepped out of the vehicle. This is also a good spot for OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and a bird was singing from atop a snag for the entire 45 minutes that I spent here. I also found MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER.

At Sierra Blanca Lake I heard many calling SORAS and a couple of VIRGINIA RAILS. Duck species were scarce, just RUDDY DUCK, CINNAMON TEAL and RING-NECKED DUCK (the latter two were new for the trip).

I returned to Nutrioso via Auger Canyon road and added a few more species for the day including LEWIS'S WOODPECKER (first for the trip) and WESTERN TANAGER. I was a little surprised to see ROCK PIGEON in Nutrioso and with good reason as it turned out This was only fourth sighting here in 4 different years from 15 years that I've birded here. EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES were on duty (way more common than Rock Pigeons!). I also saw a male LAZULI BUNTING and 4 female/immature BULLOCK'S ORIOLES in town and ACORN WOODPECKER along the creek.

CLARK'S NUTCRACKER persists at Juniper Hill. Other birds on the property today included a male BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD (less common than Calliope as a migrant through the White Mountains); numerous RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS, HAIRY WOODPECKER, MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD and GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE.

Saturday, August 2, 2008
White Mountains Day 6: Day List 38   Trip List 125  (+0)
I spent much of the morning at Juniper Hill where the early bird activity was high. Highlight was a small group (5-6) of very noisy CLARK'S NUTCRACKERS. From 5:30-7:30am the birds called constantly as they moved back and forth among the junipers and pinyon-pines. Other species included NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (uncommon here), MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, several WESTERN SCRUB-JAYS, VIRGINIA'S WARBLER and GREEN-TAILED & SPOTTED TOWHEES. 25 species in all.

While out running errands I stopped briefly at Becker Lake. The most interesting bird was an immature GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE. I saw an adult here in May after an absence of several years and the presence of today's bird is probably indicative of breeding. OSPREY was the only other bird of note.

Another very warm day with some light rain in the evening. I heard a BLUE GROSBEAK singing at Juniper Hill for the first time on this trip (which perhaps means they are breeding late). A flock of at least 25 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were active in the early evening.

Sunday, August 3, 2008
White Mountains Day 7: Day List 46   Trip List 127  (+2)
I took another crack at Dusky Grouse this morning and once again came up empty, this time at Green's Peak. I now have three misses each at Big Lake Lookout and Green's Peak.

After hearing the BLUE GROSBEAK singing at Juniper Hill yesterday, I heard one singing in Eagar this morning at a spot that I pass most days. Perhaps some confirmation of late breeding. Four dove species were in town -- ROCK PIGEON, EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE, MOURNING DOVE and WHITE-WINGED DOVE. Any more and I'd be calling the hot line.

I spent four hours at Green's Peak and I'm not just talking about the top where most birders go. I walked a number of trails that criss-cross between the power line cut and the old road and I can tell you that slogging up and down multiple times at elevations between 9500 and 10000 feet is definitely not fun.

I haven't had time to look for PINYON JAYS yet so I rectified that with a stop at South Fork on the way back to town. While trying to photograph a singing ROCK WREN, I first heard then saw a flock of at least 50 jays. A short walk up the 97 trail before rain began produced WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER, CLARK'S NUTCRACKER, RED-FACED WARBLER and a number of common species.

Thunderstorm activity began in the late afternoon and we finally got some much needed rain and a drop in temperature.

VIRGINIA'S WARBLER was the best visitor at Juniper Hill today.

Monday, August 4, 2008
White Mountains Day 8: Day List 73   Trip List 132  (+5)
Heavy overcast greeted me this morning (first time since I arrived in the mountains) and it remained that way at high elevation with on and off light rain throughout the morning. Conditions were calm, cool and pleasant. Lower elevation locations were partly sunny and much warmer.

After not seeing ELK so far on this trip, today I saw 4 groups in different locations. On FR 249 about 0.5 mile east of Three Forks, I saw what I first thought was another group. However, as I got closer I realized that they were 8 BIGHORN SHEEP! This was a first sighting for me in the White Mountains (in fact, I wasn't even aware they were here) and I'm assuming they were Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. Most were Ewes; at least one Ram was present. I've only seen these animals in Arizona once before. That sighting was in Aravaipa Canyon and I assume in that location they would have been Desert Bighorn Sheep. Anyway, a nice surprise. Although the light was very poor, I managed one image of a Ewe.

Yet another strikeout on Dusky Grouse at Big Lake Lookout, but give me some credit for persistence. I increased my coverage area by walking part of the Indian Spring trail to no avail. Although the conditions were to my liking, the birds didn't seem to agree and I heard very little vocalization from the regulars -- CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE and PYGMY & RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES. I also heard CLARK'S NUTCRACKER and saw HOUSE WREN and HERMIT THRUSH.

Next, I decided to check the Three Forks burn where I had good success with American Three-toed Woodpecker in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The fire occurred in 2004 and I wondered just how long the area would be attractive to Three-toed. I'm sure that there are a few still using the area but I didn't find one during 3.5 hours of wandering around today. However, woodpeckers were well represented with 20+ FLICKERS, 5 HAIRY WOODPECKERS and a WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER.

I was a little surprised to see a family of GRACE'S WARBLERS in this location. Pines are their preferred breeding habitat and pines are in the minority in the burn. However, since the youngsters were foraging on their own, they may not have bred in the immediate area. A few RED CROSSBILLS were also present. I've seen crossbills in the burn area each year and they were particularly common here last year.

SORA and VIRGINIA RAIL were both vocal at Sierra Blanca Lake. AMERICAN COOTS define the term "abundant" in this location.

A stop at the corral near the intersection of FR 249 and Highway 180 produced a few PURPLE MARTINS (regular here).

I spent the midday hour at Luna Lake (my first visit of this trip) where I wanted to check the tackle shop feeders. The shop was sold last year and a condition of the sale was that the feeders be maintained. Well, strictly speaking that condition is being met, however, only 5 feeders were present compared to almost 20 in previous years. Nevertheless, I found all 3 expected hummer species -- CALLIOPE, BROAD-TAILED and RUFOUS.

On the lake, several families of EARED GREBES were fairly close to shore (image of adult, image of adult and juveniles). It's still a little early for duck migration so they are not plentiful yet. Only CINNAMON TEAL were in double figures. A single SPOTTED SANDPIPER was the only shorebird that I noted. I saw OSPREY, juvenile BALD EAGLE and the long suffering and lonely SANDHILL CRANE, back for its 10th summer. I'm assuming it's the same bird -- how many cranes would get lost here and keep coming back? I first saw one here in summer 1999.

VIRGINIA'S WARBLER was the best bird at Juniper Hill today.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008
White Mountains Day 9: Day List 46   Trip List 133  (+1)
Tell me if I'm boring you because I'm sure boring myself. I gave Green's Peak another try today and once again failed to find Dusky Grouse (I'm now 0 for 8). The situation is really testing my powers of self discipline and it really sucks to be me at the moment.

As I mentioned a few days ago, I think BLUE GROSBEAKS (a late breeder) are getting in the mood and I heard another bird singing in a regular Eagar territory this morning.

I worked physically hard at Green's Peak and covered even more territory than previously in an attempt to turn up a grouse. It's a sickening feeling to realize how far it is back to the top after wandering off on a "trail". Most of the trails require stepping over fallen tree trunks which makes it that much tougher to move around at this elevation. My only rewards were good looks at GOLDEN CROWNED KINGLET (not the easiest bird in the world to see well); a lone CLARK'S NUTCRACKER and 4 female RED CROSSBILLS. The latter two were perched atop spruce trees.

I watched some impressive thunderstorm activity to the southeast as I left Green's Peak and moved on to Carnero Lake. The sky looked very threatening at the lake and I barely managed an hour of birding before the rain came. I wanted to look for woodpeckers, particularly Williamson's Sapsucker and perhaps even a post breeding Three-toed Woodpecker. Ironically, I found a DOWNY WOODPECKER, the most difficult of all the regular Arizona woodpeckers to find. Murphy is alive and well in the White Mountains. I didn't spend any time looking at the water but did note an OSPREY working over the lake.

Just after I left Carnero Lake I came as close as I've ever come to kicking the bucket (to my knowledge) when I stopped to look at a bird that flew across the road in front of me. While trying to find it, I heard what sounded like a very close electrical noise (like when two wires are shorted). Lighting struck the ground just feet away from me and there was simultaneous deafening thunder. Damn near fouled mi britches! That was one scary moment and perhaps Murphy was on my side this time. I never did see the bird.

I finished up with a midday visit to the visitor center at Sipe Wildlife Area. I wanted to try some hummingbird photography but a combination of sprinklers and bad light foiled my plans. Although I was eventually able to get one of the sprinklers turned off, it was too late and the light was gone. I saw a female BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD in addition to male and female CALLIOPE, BROAD-TAILED & RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS. Rufous outnumbered Broad-tailed at least 5 to 1.

MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS were common along the main entrance road. VESPER SPARROWS and GREEN-TAILED TOWHEES were common along the back entrance road.

Grouse musings (grousings):
Dusky Grouse has been missed by a few folks over the past month or so and I've seen some speculation about this. One person suggested that a fallen tree would have an impact. I almost fell of my chair laughing when I read that. Although I often take a WAG (wild-assed guess) when trying to give perspective to a situation or a sighting, I try to make sure that there's a semblance of intelligence behind my theory (which doesn't necessarily get me closer to the truth). If fallen trees had a detrimental effect on grouse, they would surely be extirpated from the forests of the world.

So what are the possibilities? Green's Peak has seen some major changes since last year with many trees removed from the immediate peak in the vicinity of the lookout tower. There's also been some trail work that seems more suited for dirt bikes and ATVs than for people (and they certainly contribute to soil erosion). I've also seen more ATVs here than in previous years. Conditions at Big Lake Lookout remain the same as the past few years. Due to the communications equipment atop Green's Peak, that location has always had more vehicular traffic than Big Lake Lookout.

My own perspective is as follows. Both locations are long standing places to see grouse and the birds obviously like these areas. Therefore, it would seem illogical to assume that the birds would abandon them at the same time for different reasons (or at all), especially when birds were seen displaying at both locations earlier this year. This being the case, I look for a natural explanation that is independent of location. I suspect that the unusually late and heavy snowfall in late May has caused the birds to breed a little later than normal. If this is the case, things should get back to normal later in the month. I sure hope so!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008
White Mountains Day 10: Day List 58   Trip List 136  (+3)
Out today with Dean and Joan Luehrs from Sun City, AZ who I've birded with on seven previous occasions. Casual birding and limited walking was the order of the day (no target birds on the menu). I was happy not to be looking for grouse! We made fairly short visits to Wenima Wildlife Area, Grassland Wildlife Area, Greer Lakes and South Fork. Although clouds built up throughout the morning, we enjoyed sunshine for almost all of our birding time and didn't encounter rain until we returned to Eagar in the early afternoon. Quite a thunderstorm in town but none of the underwear threatening excitement of yesterday.

Wenima was very quiet and won't come into its own until migration begins in earnest in late August. Today's birds were either breeding birds or birds that bred elsewhere in the White Mountains. Among the species that we recorded were BLACK PHOEBE, DUSKY FLYCATCHER, VIRGINIA'S WARBLER, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (several singing), WESTERN TANAGER, BLUE GROSBEAK (several singing), LAZULI BUNTING and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.

The Burrowing Owl habitat at Grassland Wildlife Area is overgrown and we didn't detect any owls. Such a pity after all the effort to create the habitat and install informational signs. Highlights were a soaring immature GOLDEN EAGLE being bugged by 5 KESTRELS, a couple of TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES and a singing JUNIPER TITMOUSE. Good looks at all three species. Also present were WESTERN KINGBIRD, a large flock of  of BUSHTITS; PINYON JAY (heard only); many LARK SPARROWS; side by side EASTERN and WESTERN MEADOWLARKS (seen and heard); and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.

Among the species at Greer Lakes were numerous DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, a couple of COMMON MERGANSERS and a bathing OSPREY. The surrounding pine and grassland habitat had WESTERN BLUEBIRD, PYGMY NUTHATCH, LARK SPARROW and DARK-EYED JUNCO.

At South Fork, ROCK and CANYON WRENS were heard at the rocky area along the entrance road. The only bird of note was a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE near the campground.

Thursday, August 7, 2008
White Mountains Day 11: Day List 57   Trip List 137  (+1)
First of three days target birding with Joe Byrnes from Columbia, MD and Jeff Culler from Ellicott City, MD. We birded together on one previous occasion (three days in southeast Arizona last July). Joe only has one target in the White Mountains -- Dusky Grouse. It goes without saying that this should be a piece of cake after all my recent sightings!  I may have a better chance of being struck by lightning. Jeff' has 30 targets that include some of the typical White Mountains species and a few unlikely migrants and rare species. I expect that we'll find about 20 of them. Joe and Jeff got off to a good start by finding the low hanging fruit yesterday while birding on their own. It was a cloudy and cool morning with rain in the early afternoon and again overnight.

We started at Big lake Lookout where a couple of hours on the trail were fruitless for Dusky Grouse (I'm now 0 for 9).

At a burn west of Three Forks we heard a woodpecker and an interesting chip note (probably a Hermit Warbler) but both got away. GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE was our only success.

At Three Forks proper the Olive-sided Flycatcher that was singing so much a few days ago was completely AWOL today as was MacGillivray's Warbler. We managed to pick up TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE for our efforts.

No woodpeckers at the main burn east of Three Forks and we had to be content with a recovery on OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and 10 BIGHORN SHEEP in the adjacent meadow. We left as thunderstorm activity approached.

LEWIS'S WOODPECKERS (not a target!) were easy to see as we returned via Nutrioso. We finished up working the pinyon-juniper habitat at Sipe Wildlife Area where GRAY FLYCATCHER and JUNIPER TITMOUSE both played hard to get. However, we managed to avoid the rain and see the birds.

Later in the day, Joe and Jeff added WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER and CLARK'S NUTCRACKER at South Fork.

In previous years at Juniper Hill, I routinely saw BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS from my July arrival through August. Although I've seen them elsewhere on this trip, today was the first day that I've detected one on the property. Quite what this means I don't know yet (perhaps late breeding?). Maybe by the time that I leave I can make an educated guess about why there seems to be a paucity of birds in general this year (for example, I haven't seen or heard a Warbling Vireo yet and Virginia's Warblers seem less numerous than usual).

Friday, August 8, 2008
White Mountains Day 12: Day List 60   Trip List 141  (+4)
Out again today with Joe and Jeff. Dusky Grouse was once again our main priority. We also looked for a few targets for Jeff. The weather mostly cooperated with cloudy skies and cool temperatures, although we couldn't avoid birding in the rain at Sunrise.

My persistence in sticking with the "standard" grouse locations finally paid off at Green's Peak this morning. At the tenth time of asking (five tries at Big Lake, fifth at Green's Peak today), I finally found a juvenile male DUSKY GROUSE. I was delighted for Joe since this was his only target species (ABA #759). Based on the size of the bird (quite small), I think my theory about the grouse breeding later this year is probably correct. In previous years, I've seen youngsters that were much more developed than today's bird some three weeks earlier in the season. The bird was foraging alone feeding on small plant leaves; no sign of any siblings or adults.

As we headed back to the highway, a SWAINSON'S HAWK was soaring over the meadows on FR 117 (only my third record within my White Mountains measurement area, all in the Green's Peak area). MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, HORNED LARKS and VESPER SPARROWS were also present.

Greer was our next destination. We had instant success in West Fork with good views of a foraging juvenile AMERICAN DIPPER. We then looked for MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER and found a couple of skulking individuals. Other species included BAND-TAILED PIGEON, CLARK'S NUTCRACKER and my first fall sighting of WILSON'S WARBLER. Our success didn't continue in East Fork where an hour of effort didn't produce a Dusky Flycatcher. This is a breeding location so it's possible that the birds may have already left the area (especially since I've already seen a bird in a non breeding location).

We moved up the mountain to Sunrise as skies threatened. Rain began as we walked the trails above the campground and I was happy to find a couple of GRAY JAYS after less than a mile of walking. Gray Jay is the most local of the regularly occurring White Mountain targets (and not far from the most difficult unless the campground is full). [Note: outdoor recreation passes, available at the Sunrise store, are $6 this year, not $8 as in the past.] I'd rather look for this species at Sheep Crossing or the Mt. Baldy trail but these locations require an extra mile of walking, just to gain access, due to the ongoing road construction closure.

We headed down the mountain and finished up at Grassland Wildlife Area to look for Pinyon Jay. The immature GOLDEN EAGLE that I noted a couple of days ago was soaring as we arrived. The eagle was then kind enough to perch (albeit some distance away) which prompted a group of PINYON JAYS to assemble and harass it. The eagle didn't flinch.

A good end to a good day. Joe and Jeff are on their own for the weekend; we'll resume on Monday.

Saturday, August 9, 2008
White Mountains Day 13: Day List 66   Trip List 145  (+4)
First of two days with Randall Mains from Phoenix, AZ who I've birded with on two previous occasions. We'll be looking for five primary target species (Dusky Grouse, Lewis's Woodpecker, Williamson's Sapsucker, American Three-toed Woodpecker and Red Crossbill) and a number of secondary targets (Arizona state birds). Today we really struggled with the birds and the rain, mostly unsuccessfully in both cases.

We started with a trip to Green's Peak where I was hoping to relocate the juvenile male Dusky Grouse seen yesterday. Unfortunately, three hours of effort didn't pay dividends. I'm assuming that the young bird is out on its own for the first time learning its territory, so yesterday's location may not be repeated for some time, if ever. Our only successes were CLARK'S NUTCRACKER (excellent views) and a juvenile TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE. Other species included WARBLING VIREO (amazingly, my first of the trip of this normally very common bird) and the usual chickadees, nuthatches, kinglets and creepers.

We moved on to Greer and timed our arrival perfectly with the start of rain. After immediately finding an adult AMERICAN DIPPER, we abandoned the search for woodpeckers with the onset of rain and made a stop at Greer Lakes before leaving town. By the way, look for dippers sheltering under a bridge when it's raining (along with the fish). We managed 30 minutes of interesting and rain free birding at Bunch Reservoir. Species here included OSPREY, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, PYGMY NUTHATCH, PINE SISKIN, GRACE'S WARBLER and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK.

We resumed a few miles away at South Fork where it didn't take long for the rain to catch up with us. We spent several hours birding in the rain with little reward. A juvenile male WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER was the only primary target that we located. Other species along the "97" trail included BAND-TAILED PIGEON, CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER, CLARK'S NUTCRACKER, WARBLING VIREO, WESTERN TANAGER and a calling HEPATIC TANAGER. Hepatic Tanager is widespread, albeit rare to uncommon throughout the White Mountains. I have several previous records at South Fork.

Grasslands Wildlife Area was our last destination of day. Although I failed to find Pinyon Jay (present on two visits earlier this week, including yesterday), at least it was dry birding! Among the species seen here in mixed grassland, pinyon-juniper and riparian habitat were OLIVE-SIDED, GRAY & DUSKY FLYCATCHERS, WESTERN KINGBIRD, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, BUSHTIT, LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, VIRGINIA'S & BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, BLUE GROSBEAK and LAZULI BUNTING.

The most interesting sighting was of a beautifully plumaged male AMERICAN KESTREL. We spotted the bird walking along the trail in front of us and at first I thought it was a Killdeer doing a distraction display. Before too long we realized the bird had an injured wing. We watched it walk around in the grass and then climb a tree by walking up the trunk like a squirrel. Not something you see every day!

65 species recorded:
Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, Am. Kestrel, Am. Coot, Rock & Band-tailed Pigeons; Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning & White-winged Doves; Broad-tailed & Rufous Hummingbirds; Williamson's & Red-naped Sapsuckers; N. Flicker, Olive-sided, Gray, Dusky & Cordilleran Flycatchers; Say's Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Violet-green & Barn Swallows; Golden-crowned & Ruby-crowned Kinglets; Am. Dipper, House Wren, Western Bluebird, Townsend's Solitaire, Am. Robin, Bushtit, Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy, Red-breasted & White-breasted Nuthatches; Brown Creeper, Loggerhead Shrike, Steller's Jay, Western Scrub-Jay, Clark's Nutcracker, Am. Crow, Common Raven, European Starling, House Sparrow, Warbling Vireo, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, Virginia's, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Gray & Grace's Warblers; Hepatic & Western Tanagers; Spotted Towhee, Chipping & Vesper Sparrows; Dark-eyed Junco, Black-headed & Blue Grosbeaks; Lazuli Bunting, Eastern & Western Meadowlarks and Brewer's Blackbird.

Sunday, August 10, 2008
White Mountains Day 14: Day List 56   Trip List 145  (+0)
Out again with Randall for a day of much better weather (no rain) and some target bird success. After a relatively poor day yesterday, we bounced back by picking up three primary target species; still no joy on Dusky Grouse though.

We began by returning to Green's Peak where a shorter and more focused effort didn't produce a grouse nor a Three-toed Woodpecker. RED CROSSBILL was the only target species that we located. Small bird activity was less than yesterday, but the lone CLARK'S NUTCRACKER was still present.

While going grouseless yet again at Big Lake Lookout, we located a juvenile AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER after considerable time and effort. Other than CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER, very few birds were vocalizing.

We moved on to Nutrioso where LEWIS'S WOODPECKER was the slam dunk that I was expecting (it's about time!). We ended up seeing 6 Lewis's to complete the woodpecker targets.

Unfortunately, we couldn't end on a high note as an early afternoon visit to Sipe WA didn't produce Pinyon Jay. Among the species during a brief drive through visit were CASSIN'S KINGBIRD, JUNIPER TITMOUSE and YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD.

Monday, August 11, 2008
White Mountains Day 15: Day List 82   Trip List 151  (+6)
Third and last day with Joe and Jeff was a fairly relaxed day. Since Joe and Jeff had picked up Three-toed Woodpecker at Big Lake yesterday (probably the same bird that Randall and I saw there yesterday); and Lazuli Bunting at Wenima, Dusky Flycatcher was our only realistic target. Conditions were very pleasant -- sunny and fairly cool throughout the morning with some rain by early afternoon at Luna Lake.

An analysis of my August records for Dusky Flycatcher had already told me that they are on the move from their breeding grounds after the first week of the month. My data also shows that (from a list of 6 good places) the limited riparian habitat at Grasslands Wildlife Area is as good a place as any to look for them at this time of year. Consequently, I chose to start there (especially after having seen a bird here as recently as Saturday). Although several GRAY FLYCATCHERS were the first birds seen, it didn't take much time to first hear and then get good views of a DUSKY FLYCATCHER. We lingered for an hour and recorded a number of other species including the injured AMERICAN KESTREL picking up bugs on the ground; SPOTTED SANDPIPER at the large pond; a calling and singing TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE; LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, PINYON JAY (heard only; where were they yesterday!); VIRGINIA'S WARBLER, BLUE GROSBEAK, EASTERN & WESTERN MEADOWLARKS and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE.

Clark's Grebe was a low probability target so we spent the remainder of the day checking Sunrise and Luna Lakes (without success). Joe and Jeff have already checked Lyman Lake (lots of Western Grebes) and Concho Lake (low water).

It's always puzzled me that shorebird migration in the White Mountains is later than in southeast Arizona. More shorebirds are present in late August and September which seems ass backwards to me. Sunrise Lake currently has some shorebird habitat but the only species noted today was WILSON'S PHALAROPE (6 males). Of course, Wilson's is always one of the earliest migrants. Waterfowl diversity was a little better and species included CINNAMON & GREEN-WINGED TEAL (a handful of each); NORTHERN SHOVELER (many); a few REDHEADS (a breeder) and LESSER SCAUP.

Also present were many EARED GREBES, a few COMMON MERGANSERS, numerous DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, 3 OSPREYS, a female NORTHERN HARRIER and a calling SORA.

A late morning-early afternoon visit to Luna Lake was very productive with 45 species recorded. Highlights were scads of EARED GREBES including one still carrying a youngster on its back; 2 adult BALD EAGLES sitting in the trees south of the lake (across Hwy 180); 3 WHITE-FACED IBIS at the west end of the lake, WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER in the pines near the tackle shop (regular here at this time of year); and a female DOWNY WOODPECKER in the pines adjacent to Little Creek.

Other species recorded included BLACK-CHINNED, BROAD-TAILED & RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS (tackle shop feeders); WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, BLACK & SAY'S PHOEBES, PURPLE MARTIN (uncommon but regular at Luna lake); RED CROSSBILL, 3+ GRACE'S WARBLERS, a heard only OLIVE WARBLER and YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD. No sign of the Sandhill Crane, although someone said it had been seen earlier in the day.

Jeff ended up with 22 targets seen and Joe got his Dusky Grouse. Given my overall results on the grouse so far on this trip (1 for 13), this was nothing short of miraculous!

82 species recorded:
Pied-billed & Eared Grebes; Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, White-faced Ibis, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Green-winged & Cinnamon Teal; Mallard, N. Shoveler, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Common Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, N. Harrier, Sharp-shinned & Red-tailed Hawks; Am. Kestrel, Sora, Am. Coot, Spotted Sandpiper, Wilson's Phalarope, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Black-chinned, Broad-tailed & Rufous Hummingbirds; Acorn & Downy Woodpeckers; Williamson's Sapsucker, N. Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Gray & Dusky Flycatchers; Black & Say's Phoebes; Western Kingbird, Horned Lark, Purple Martin, Violet-green, Cliff & Barn Swallows; Western & Mountain Bluebirds; Townsend's Solitaire, Am. Robin, Bushtit, Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy & White-breasted Nuthatches; Brown Creeper, Loggerhead Shrike, Steller's & Pinyon Jays; Western Scrub-Jay, Am. Crow, Common Raven, European Starling, House Sparrow, House Finch, Red Crossbill, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, Olive, Virginia's, Yellow-rumped & Grace's Warblers; Spotted Towhee, Chipping & Vesper Sparrows; Dark-eyed Junco, Blue Grosbeak, Eastern & Western Meadowlarks; Yellow-headed & Brewer's Blackbirds and Bullock's Oriole.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008
White Mountains Day 16: Day List 46   Trip List 152  (+1)
After a week in the field with clients, I took it easy this morning; caught up with email and took care of a few other chores. Later in the morning I visited Luna Lake where I was hoping to photograph some of the species seen yesterday. Unfortunately, activity was nowhere near what it was yesterday. I often find this to be the case when I return to a previously birdy area -- here today, gone tomorrow.

The area that was hopping with birds yesterday only had a few species today, mostly coming in to drink the creek. I watched a PYGMY NUTHATCH repeated clinging to a rock each time that it took a drink.

Species seen at Luna Lake yesterday and not today included Osprey, Bald Eagle, Williamson's Sapsucker, Grace's Warbler and Red Crossbill. Conversely, species seen today and not yesterday were WESTERN GREBE, CINNAMON TEAL, PLUMBEOUS VIREO and EASTERN MEADOWLARK. At least 15 WHITE-FACED IBIS were present today (3 yesterday). PURPLE MARTINS (heard only yesterday) were quite obvious today and I saw perhaps a dozen adults and juveniles. I tried for a photo of birds perched high atop a tall pine. However, they were so poor they didn't even qualify to publish as "photo first".

Wednesday, August 13, 2008
White Mountains Day 17: Day List 74   Trip List 155  (+3)
Just before heading out this morning I checked my email and found a report of a Wood Duck at Nelson Reservoir sent to me by visiting birder John Haire from North Carolina. John is using my on line White Mountains info to bird the area. I had planned to visit Terry Flat today but decided to switch directions so I could look for the duck. After a very cloudy start, it was partly sunny and fairly warm by mid morning. Thunderstorms activity developed by early afternoon but I didn't see much rain in the areas that I visited.

Nelson Reservoir was very gloomy at 6:00am this morning and I had trouble picking out potential candidates. I persevered and eventually found a female WOOD DUCK after almost an hour of searching. This was a new species for me in the White Mountains. Thanks John! I was able to get a documentary image even though the bird was 100 yards away. Although I can obtain an effective focal length of 1040mm with the 1D Mark II, 400mm lens and 2X converter, I was still pleasantly surprised to manage a usable image given the poor light and distance. This was one of the few occasions that I have regretted getting rid of my digiscoping equipment. Among the other species on the water or in the marsh were REDHEAD, SORA and YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD.

While I was scanning the water, I could hear PINYON JAYS on the east slope. At one point they became very noisy so I looked up just in time to see 35-40 of them harassing a falcon species that I was unable to identify. The falcon was gliding over the ridge and looked entirely black in the poor light. I also heard PLUMBEOUS VIREO singing on the east slope (regular in this location). The weedy habitat at the south end of the reservoir had a few migrants including VIRGINIA'S and BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK and LAZULI BUNTING.

My next stop was Grasslands Wildlife Area. In a similar manner to my two recent visits to Luna Lake, I encountered far fewer birds than my visit here on Monday. Nevertheless, with a little effort I managed to turn up 30 species including a couple of trip birds -- ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER. I also saw GRAY FLYCATCHER, 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, WESTERN KINGBIRD, WARBLING VIREO, VIRGINIA'S, YELLOW & WILSON'S WARBLERS, CANYON TOWHEE, LARK SPARROW, BLUE GROSBEAK and LAZULI BUNTING.

I spent the late morning and early afternoon hours in Greer where I bumped into John Haire and was able to thank him for the Wood Duck. He had seen Hermit Warbler in Butler Canyon. West Fork was loaded with fishermen and I didn't spend much time there. Best birds were male and female WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKERS, CLARK'S NUTCRACKER and MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER. Benny Creek was much more to my liking but I didn't spend much time there because of gathering storm clouds and rolling thunder. Once almost struck by lightning, twice shy. Nevertheless, I was able to add DUSKY FLYCATCHER, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE and RED-FACED WARBLER.

I headed to Springerville ahead of the rain and spent a few minutes at Becker Lake. A perched adult BALD EAGLE was my reward. For the second time today I saw a falcon that I was unable to identify. This time it was a bird headed directly away from me at great speed into an almost black sky.

WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and VIRGINIA'S WARBLER were late afternoon visitors to Juniper Hill. The pewee was only my second sighting here; Virginia's is fairly regular.

Thursday, August 14, 2008
White Mountains Day 18: Day List 62   Trip List 155  (+0)
I didn't venture very far afield today. I checked Sipe Wildlife Area and Nelson Reservoir, then birded mostly around the Nutrioso area. The nonsoon continues - a sunny morning, light midday rain with a little thunder; cloudy in the afternoon and evening.

After dipping on PINYON JAY on Sunday, I've recorded them on 3 of 4 days since -- today I saw them along N2171 (the back road to Sipe), at Sipe and at Nutrioso Reservoir.

Highlights of 30 species during a brief visit to Sipe were BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, PINYON JAY, VIRGINIA'S WARBLER, an adult male HEPATIC TANAGER, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE and many LAZULI BUNTINGS.

The female WOOD DUCK continues at Nelson Reservoir where I also saw an immature NORTHERN HARRIER.

Nutrioso birds included 3 LEWIS'S WOODPECKERS.

Friday, August 15, 2008
White Mountains Day 19: Day List 61   Trip List 156  (+1)
Today I made a short visit to Big Lake Knoll then checked a few bodies of water -- Big Lake, Crescent Lake, Mexican Hay Lake; Bunch & River Reservoirs at Greer Lakes; and finally, Nelson Reservoir. It was a gorgeous morning in the high county with a clear blue sky and excellent visibility. Monsoon clouds formed more quickly and extensively today and thunderstorm activity began in the early afternoon. Nutrioso received a decent amount of rain for a change. Late afternoon and evening conditions were chilly and quite windy.

The rain on Wednesday must have been quite heavy (and cold!) at high elevation because I saw frozen precipitation along the road up to Big Lake Lookout. I'm guessing that it fell as hail rather than snow. I didn't spend much time looking for grouse and only walked a few hundred yards down the trail. Activity near the top was quite frenzied for a while and I noticed a few species that I haven't seen here over the past few weeks. Of note was a male BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, a bird that I've seen migrating regularly at elevations ranging from 9000-10500 feet in the White Mountains. Other migrants (or, more likely local movers) were ~10 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, ROCK WREN, WARBLING VIREO and WESTERN TANAGER. Among the regulars were a juvenile HAIRY WOODPECKER, PYGMY & RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES and MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE.

I arrived at Big Lake early enough such that only 14 boats were on the water. Scanning paid of with 3 RING-BILLED GULLS (new for the trip) in separate locations, along with a few DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS and 8 COMMON MERGANSERS.

Crescent Lake had more cormorants and mergansers plus GADWALL, male and female LESSER SCAUP and 10 RUDDY DUCKS. Both lakes had multiple OSPREYS and GREAT BLUE HERONS.

Heading north down the mountain through the meadows I saw WESTERN & MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, VESPER SPARROW, HORNED LARK and EASTERN MEADOWLARK.

At Mexican Hay Lake I added PIED-BILLED & EARED GREBES, CINNAMON TEAL and 3 WHITE-FACED IBIS.

In Greer, BAND-TAILED PIGEON and CLARK'S NUTCRACKERS were in town, as was my breakfast at the Rendezvous Diner. Nothing of note at Greer Lakes around midday other than more OSPREYS to put me in double figures for the day.

Swallows were very active at Nelson Reservoir ahead of imminent rain. CLIFF and NORTHERN-ROUGH-WINGED outnumbered BARN. An OSPREY flew by carrying a very large fish. No sign of the Wood Duck but there's plenty of marshy habitat where it could easily remain concealed.

By my records, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER is an uncommon visitor at Juniper Hill and a juvenile bird seen today was the first for this trip. In previous years, I've seen them sparsely in mid to late August, perhaps indicating some elevational movement. Other visitors today included BUSHTIT, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY and VIRGINIA'S WARBLER

Saturday, August 16, 2008
White Mountains Day 20: Day List 55   Trip List 161  (+5)
Today I visited Wenima Wildlife Area and Lyman Lake State Park in search of migrants. Given the conditions last night, I was surprised to find a mostly clear sky and a mild temperature this morning. The day warmed quickly spawning afternoon monsoon clouds. Unfortunately, no rain fell (at least at low elevation).

At Wenima, I walked the south (powerhouse) trail which is about a mile one way. While it was hardly hopping with birds, I was able to find a fair selection of warblers (9 species) and a few other migrants. Most notable birds were an immature/female AMERICAN REDSTART, a TOWNSEND'S WARBLER and early-ish SAGE THRASHER. There are some old nesting records for American Redstart at South Fork. However, I have never been lucky enough to see one in the White Mountains before today. My personal previous early date for Sage Thrasher was September 7; Donna Roten has an early record of August 5.

Other migrants included 30+ flyover WHITE-FACED IBIS, female CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD, DUSKY FLYCATCHER, ORANGE-CROWNED, VIRGINIA'S, YELLOW (many), MACGILLIVRAY'S & WILSON'S WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGER and 10+ LAZULI BUNTINGS. I also noted SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, a family of WESTERN KINGBIRDS, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, a few calling YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS and 3 singing BLUE GROSBEAKS. 32 species in all.

I was happy to get any kind of image of a Calliope away from a feeder environment, even if the bird does have pollen on its bill and head. Id points: note the short bill and short tail that does not reach wingtips. Similar female Broad-tailed is a larger bird with a longer bill, longer tail (extending beyond wingtips) and, usually, a less speckled throat.

Although Lyman Lake State Park (~17 miles north of Springerville) does not offer particularly good birding, its location in plains habitat makes it a potential migrant trap. Having said that, I've never had much personal success here in 20 visits since 1996. My best day ever was in mid September, 2001 when I turned up almost 40 species. Today I managed just 14 with nothing of note save for a pair of GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES, a bird that I haven't seen here before. With the return of this species as a breeder to the Springerville area this year, I have to wonder if there's a little range expansion happening.

Among the species that I recorded were 20+ WESTERN GREBES including some juveniles; 1 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, 1 RING-BILLED GULL, ROCK WREN and BLUE GROSBEAK.

As I returned south, I detoured to check the pond at the intersection of CR 4366 and Old Highway 191. I've seen a few interesting birds here in the past but today the pond was bone dry. This shows the capriciousness of the rainfall between the not-too-distant mountains (where some locations are quite wet) and the plains.

I fared a little better during a brief stop at Becker Lake where 12 BLACK TERNS were working low over the water.

Sunday, August 17, 2008
White Mountains Day 21: Day List 20   Trip List 161  (+0)
After three weeks of ignoring various computer related tasks, I couldn't put them off any longer and my only birding today was on Juniper Hill property. I took advantage of early morning sunshine to shoot  few images. The afternoon and evening were completely cloudy. However, once again, barely a sprinkle of rain in Nutrioso.

Juvenile birds were certainly the theme of the day. This juvenile RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD has been defending one of the feeders for over a week. The bird sits on the same perch for long periods and darts out to drive away any other hummer that attempts to use the feeder. Bluebird species have not been regular visitors on this trip so I was pleased when this juvenile WESTERN BLUEBIRD stopped by. Throughout the morning I watched HOUSE FINCHES, LESSER GOLDFINCHES and CHIPPING SPARROWS feeding recently fledged youngsters. I don't spend much time at feeders in southeast Arizona and it was interesting to watch their antics.

Less common visitors were CANADA GOOSE (flyover), WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE and NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW. A couple of male LAZULI BUNTINGS and BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS brought some color to the proceedings.

Monday, August 18, 2008
White Mountains Day 22: Day List 64   Trip List 162  (+1)
Encouraged by a moderate showing of migrants on Saturday, I returned to Wenima Wildlife Area this morning. I should perhaps have picked a different day because it was a completely blue sky morning and the temperature climbed quickly at this low elevation location. The monsoon season may still be active in other parts of Arizona but no so in the White Mountains at the moment. Today there wasn't as much cloud build in the afternoon as recently, although the evening was very cloudy and quite windy and I did see a little rain in Nutrioso.

At Wenima, I walked the north (Beaver) trail which is about 2.5 miles one way. Unfortunately, the first mile of this trail is through tall vegetation and it's difficult to see anything in this section (even Peter Crouch would have trouble). I ended up seeing more species than on Saturday (35 versus 32), but migrant activity was minimal. My experience (limited as it is) shows that migration in this location peaks in September.

I picked up the two best species near the cabin at the end of the trail. GREATER ROADRUNNER (uncommon in the White Mountains area) was perhaps the best sighting. I heard the bird "bill clapping" and began to work my way towards the sound when I inadvertently flushed a roosting GREAT HORNED OWL, another species that is far less common up here than in southeast Arizona. Other less common species were SPOTTED SANDPIPER still in alternate plumage (probably a migrant, possibly a breeder here) and COMMON NIGHTHAWK.

Among the breeding species and migrants were DUSKY FLYCATCHER, WESTERN KINGBIRD, ROCK & CANYON WRENS, WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, VIRGINIA'S and 6+ YELLOW WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGER, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (not very vocal today), WESTERN TANAGER, a singing CANYON TOWHEE, several singing BLUE GROSBEAKS, numerous LAZULI BUNTINGS and a couple of BULLOCK'S ORIOLES.

The only migrants noted along Becker Lake Road were 15 flyover WHITE-FACED IBIS.

I returned to Nutrioso via the high country (FR 285 and FR 88) without seeing anything of real note. MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS were plentiful near Pat Knoll and SORA and VIRGINIA RAIL were both vocal at "Three Mile Marsh" on Colter Creek.

In Nutrioso I added EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE, LEWIS'S WOODPECKER and a few water birds at the reservoir.

A lone LARK SPARROW was new for this trip at Juniper Hill and only the second time that I have seen this species on the property.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008
White Mountains Day 23: Day List 59   Trip List 163  (+1)
On my last full day in the White Mountains, I spent another morning at low elevation looking for migrants without much success. More of the same weather: mostly sunny and quite warm.

The road that leads to Sipe Wildlife Area rear entrance (N2167) was quite birdy early this morning and a slow drive (30 minutes, 1.5 miles) produced a dozen species and many individuals. I've been hearing towhees singing here and today I laid eyes on a juvenile GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE (not a great image but I had not previously photographed a juvenile). BLUE GROSBEAK was the only species singing this morning. MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS, CHIPPING & VESPER SPARROWS and LAZULI BUNTINGS were all very numerous. Least common species was a lone ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER. Other species included MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE (feeding in low bushes along the roadside); CANYON WREN and VIRGINIA'S WARBLER.

This is the first year that I've seen water in Glen Livit Reservoir (along the Sipe back entrance road). Birds there today were GREAT BLUE HERON, a few GREEN-WINGED TEAL and 2 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS. The adjacent habitat held CASSIN'S KINGBIRD, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE and WESTERN MEADOWLARK.

Nothing of note along Rudd Creek Trail nor at McKay Reservoir. Other than hummingbirds, I was unable to find much in the way of migrants among 36 species recorded at Sipe. Four species of hummers are really all you can expect and I saw BLACK-CHINNED (male and female); CALLIOPE (female); BROAD-TAILED (common, mostly females and immature males, just a few adult males); and RUFOUS (abundant, all females and immature males).

Although Becker Lake Road was unproductive for migrants, the world's most cooperative GREATER ROADRUNNER was perched up very close to the road. I shot a few hand-held images then decided to set up a bigger lens on a tripod since the bird seemed reluctant to move. I'd say it sat in the same place for a total of 15 minutes and didn't look at all concerned when two more cars of birders stopped. It's a pity that I was shooting into the light and the background was a little messy, otherwise it would have been a really good image.

At Becker Lake I saw a perched PEREGRINE FALCON (perhaps the same bird that I failed to identify last week). I also had an interesting OSPREY observation. I watched an Osprey snatch a rather large fish from the lake then circle several times to gain elevation before landing at the top of a cottonwood. The bird then seemed to have a problem on its tenuous perch as it tried to pin the still-alive-and-struggling fish while trying to maintain balance. I watched for 10 minutes and at no time did the Osprey attempt to subdue the fish with its bill (although it could have been squeezing the fish with its talons). I didn't stick around for a conclusion. At least one juvenile GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE is still present.

A quick check of Nelson Reservoir produced another OSPREY, three swallow species and VIRGINIA'S WARBLER. Very few ducks.

I arrived at Juniper Hill just in time to see a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK make an unsuccessful pass at the feeders (a new property species for me). Among the other visitors were HAIRY WOODPECKER, VIRGINIA'S WARBLER and WESTERN TANAGER.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008
White Mountains Day 24: Day List 14   Trip List 163  (+0)
Circumstances dictated that I make a change and a few days ago I reluctantly made the decision to return home well ahead of schedule. I had planned to stay in the White Mountains through mid September, mostly so that I could gather data on migration. Not being able to do this is a big disappointment. However, as John Lennon said, "life is what happens to you while you are making other plans".

Today I drove home to Sierra Vista and almost all of the few birds that I recorded were at Juniper Hill as I prepared to leave. A couple of species provided evidence that migration (or at least seasonal movement of local birds) is underway. RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER was the first that I have seen on the property on this trip (6th record overall); TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was a property first for me. My Juniper Hill property list now stands at 74 species.

I sensed the heat as I dropped down from Blackjack campground towards still-distant Safford and I could certainly feel it driving along the Solomon Road. A couple of SWAINSON'S HAWKS were soaring here.

Although It took me less than 5 hours to drive the 265 miles from Juniper Hill to home, it seemed like I had arrived on a different planet. The temperature in Sierra Vista was 96 degrees at 2:00pm. Even worse, compared to the White Mountains, the traffic on French Fry Boulevard was like being in Los Angeles!  Did I really (voluntarily) decide to return home three weeks early? Sadly, yes.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Today I visited French Joe Canyon for the first time in quite a while. I've only made 10 trips to the canyon since the Rufous-capped Warblers disappeared in June 2004, the last of which was in July last year. A recent report of a singing Rufous-capped Warbler in the canyon (August 12) prompted me to make an effort today. Unfortunately, I was unable to relocate the warbler. The report I read didn't give any details so I focused my efforts in the area of the upper spring. This area is currently very lush and it would be very easy for the bird(s) to remain concealed (and they don't need any help, believe me). They could easily be in breeding mode and very silent. Bottom line: keep looking!

A few days ago I decided to do this trip today and I went ahead this morning despite less than ideal weather. There was a fair amount of rain last night in the Sierra Vista area and I expected a few problems. However, although the "road" is in just about the worst condition that I've ever seen it (in 123 visits since 1995), I did not encounter any standing water in the areas where large puddles usually form during the rainy season. The road surface is extremely rocky (due to top soil having been washed away) and there are some large boulders to negotiate in places. Add the normal ruts (mini-canyons) that parallel the road and numerous lateral water bars (humps) that are in bad shape and you've got an extremely uncomfortable and at times dangerous drive. After heavy rain it would be even worse. Don't even think about going in a non high clearance vehicle. I didn't use 4 wheel drive but there were a couple of areas that came close to requiring it. Drive time today from highway 90 to the first parking area was 25 minutes.

The trail (particularly the upper section) is also much rockier than in the past, mainly because of erosion and the need to stay in the steam bed. However, I didn't encounter running water anywhere. There's a little standing water below the wooded area with the concrete trough and again at the upper spring. Note: the Texas Gate shown on my trail map has been removed (although you can still see fence poles and barbed wire to indicate where it was). Including a few brief birding stops, the hiking time from the parking area to the upper spring was one hour.

Although the rain held off until afternoon, the canyon was very overcast and humid. Conditions were relatively cool, calm and pleasant other than the prolific mosquitoes and other bugs. Despite not seeing or hearing Rufous-capped Warbler, I saw plenty of breeding species and migrants to keep me interested. Surprisingly, given how late it is in the season, many birds were singing.

In particular, lots of CASSIN'S SPARROWS were singing their heads off in the first mile of the canyon starting from highway 90. I didn't do an "official" count but there were easily somewhere in the 30s, perhaps more.

Migrant warblers were plentiful in terms of numbers even though species diversity was not high. NASHVILLE WARBLERS (40+) were the most numerous followed by ORANGE-CROWNED (20+) and WILSON'S (10+) WARBLERS. I also saw a handful of MACGILLIVRAY'S, a couple of BLACK-THROATED GRAY and (appropriately) a single HERMIT WARBLER.

Regular breeding species included CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER, CRISSAL THRASHER (2+), WESTERN SCRUB-JAY, SPOTTED TOWHEE (extremely vocal), BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW (at least 6 singing) and SCOTT'S ORIOLE (several birds singing). I watched a juvenile Cordilleran Flycatcher bathing at the upper spring. Instead of entering the water like the warblers, the bird would sally forth, as if flycatching, then take an on-the-wing dip. The bird repeated this procedure four times while I watched.

Best birds were two adult SPOTTED OWLS. I backed off when I saw them and didn't look for juveniles. It's good to have an alternate location for this species even though it's a long way to come. They've got me out of jail on more than one occasion.

Saturday, August 30, 2008
I spent a few hours in Garden Canyon this morning, mostly at the fishing ponds looking for migrants. The canyon is about as verdant as I've ever seen it and it's clear that lots of rain has fallen in the past couple of months. A mostly cloudy morning was followed by some heavy rain in the afternoon.

Both of the fishing ponds have plenty of water and there's even a third pond where I've never seen water before. The surrounding habitat is very lush. I worked the area as thoroughly as I could without going into the denser stuff. Even so, I ended up with lots of chiggers. Despite all the great habitat, migrants were few and far between for my trouble. In addition to lots of RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS, I found only SORA, a few YELLOW & WILSON'S WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGER, BLACK HEADED GROSBEAK and LAZULI BUNTING that I could call migrants.

Other species at the ponds included WHITE-WINGED DOVE, ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD, GILA & LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKERS, BLACK PHOEBE, numerous WESTERN & CASSIN'S KINGBIRDS, VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW, CACTUS & BEWICK'S WRENS, VERDIN, LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, scads of LESSER GOLDFINCHES and CANYON TOWHEE. 27 species in all.

I continued on up canyon adding a perched PEREGRINE FALCON and a couple of GREATER ROADRUNNERS. Apart from many singing BLUE GROSBEAKS, song from the grassland species was somewhat subdued. I heard some weak singing from BOTTERI'S, CASSIN'S & RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS and saw LARK SPARROW, PYRRHULOXIA and EASTERN MEADOWLARK.

I had planned to walk downstream from the lower picnic area but there was a major event taking place so I continued further up canyon. The stream flow and stream noise at the middle and upper picnic areas were considerable. In the vicinity of the upper picnic area I was able to find BROAD-BILLED, BLUE-THROATED & MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRDS (all males), ACORN WOODPECKER, DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER, the usual WESTERN WOOD-PEWEES and HUTTON'S & PLUMBEOUS VIREOS; and a single BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER.

Driving back down canyon I spotted a bird on a snag high atop a tall tree and immediately said to myself OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. I turned around to verify the sighting since this is an uncommon migrant, especially in lower elevation locations. Although the bird was high and the angle acute, I tried my photographic luck without much success in terms of quality. I also walked around back of the bird with the scope and saw the white on it's lower back/rump. Olive-sided fall migrants pass through southeast Arizona from August through early October, with most sightings occurring from mid August through September. My own extreme dates are August 7 and September 27. I have 43 records in southeast Arizona, 22 of those are from the Huachucas (13 in fall) with only 1 other fall record in Garden Canyon. It's no Sinaloa Wren but I'd have to say it was the best bird of my day.

Sunday, August 31, 2008
Today I joined the regular Sunday morning outing at Sierra Vista EOP. This is a very open area so I was happy too see overcast conditions that lasted almost the entire time. Temperature ranged from 65-83 degrees between 6:30am and 9:45am. Ducks and migrant shorebirds were not much in evidence. Shorebird habitat is minimal. The group recorded a few more species than my list below, most notably Black-headed Grosbeak that is rare here. In addition to the grosbeak, WHITE-WINGED DOVE was the least common species seen. EOP bar graph.

CINNAMON TEAL was the most common duck. Raptors were not much in evidence and a single immature SWAINSON'S HAWK was the only raptor of note. The only shorebirds and waders were a single WHITE-FACED IBIS, 6 male WILSON'S PHALAROPES and 3 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS. At least 3 SORAS were heard (one seen) in the extensive marshes, although many more were likely present. LAZULI BUNTINGS were fairly numerous in the dense grasses but quite hard to see. Highlights for me were all six regular swallow species and the sheer numbers of YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS.

This log is in chronological order and the most recent entries are at the bottom of the page.
The last update was on Sunday, August 31, 2008

Aug. Species Seen

Stuart Healy Journal - August, 2008 If you use the contents of my journal for commercial purposes, please acknowledge the source to your clients - thanks.

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