May Species Seen

Stuart Healy Journal - May, 2009 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, May 31, 2009

Monday, May 4, 2009
First of two days with Murray Lord from Sydney, Australia; Kelaine Nick from Sierra Vista; and Kevin & Jan Nick from Loma Linda, CA. We visited several canyons in the Huachucas in search of the typical SE AZ mountain birds. It was calm, mostly sunny day with a few high clouds. After a mild start, the temperature climbed to almost 90 degrees when we finished the day birding session at 2:30pm.

The area around Reef in Carr Canyon was very birdy this morning and we were able to find all of the expected regulars. Only VIRGINIA'S WARBLER (what else is new) proved difficult and we never managed more than a poor view. In my experience, Virginia's is consistently the hardest of the easy warblers -- usually not too difficult to locate but often difficult to see well. However, the birds proved more difficult than normal to even locate today since they did not vocalize after the first couple of hours.

We had much better success with OLIVE (including one individual that sang almost continuously for an hour), BLACK-THROATED GRAY (common and vocal), GRACE'S and RED-FACED WARBLERS. Migrant TOWNSEND'S, HERMIT and WILSON'S WARBLERS were all easy to see. PAINTED REDSTARTS were around but we didn't "need" to chase them down.

Flycatchers were well represented by 2 OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS, WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, GREATER PEWEE (several vocalizing and perched high for easy viewing); BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHER, numerous HAMMOND'S and a calling CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER; all three regular myiarchus species -- DUSKY-CAPPED at all elevations, ASH-THROATED & BROWN-CRESTED at low elevation; and CASSIN'S KINGBIRD.

Other species from a total of 64 recorded in Carr Canyon included a ZONE-TAILED HAWK seen well in flight from one of the overlooks, GREATER ROADRUNNER, many BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, soaring WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS & VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS; ARIZONA WOODPECKER, ROCK WREN bouncing around on a snag; singing EASTERN BLUEBIRD, BROWN CREEPER, all three regular jays, PLUMBEOUS (very numerous and vocal) & HUTTON'S VIREOS; several pairs of HEPATIC TANAGERS and YELLOW-EYED JUNCO.

The straight line distance from Carr to Huachuca Canyons is only a few miles but the drive down the mountain and over to Fort Huachuca takes almost an hour. However, it didn't take too long to get our reward in the form of two ELEGANT TROGONS. Judging by their behavior and call patterns, it appeared that a male (seen) was trying to entice a female to check out a cavity. We also picked up a target WILD TURKEY.

A mostly silent and well seen SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER was a pleasant surprise. This is a bird that typically doesn't arrive until mid May (casual during the first two weeks of the month) and this sighting certainly established a new early date for me.

We finished up with a trip up Scheelite Canyon which is not a fun hike in the heat of the day. However, when Spotted Owl is the primary target, it makes no sense whatsoever to go here early. Sure, it's cool and pleasant but the early hours need to be allocated to the birds that are more easily seen in the morning. Time of day has no bearing on success/failure with the owl. [I have to tell myself this every time I hike up in the heat! ]

I had a pretty good idea where to find SPOTTED OWL since the birds are nesting this year and the male has consistently been hanging out near the nest site. Although that was the case again today, the bird was sensibly roosting in a very leafy and cool looking Maple (a new location for me). We didn't see much else in the canyon save for a migrant SWAINSON'S THRUSH and a CANYON WREN singing atop a rock at close range.

Our night birding session was largely successful but took a little longer than expected. We had a decent look at pair of ELF OWLS at a nest site. Later we had a serendipitous encounter that yielded excellent views. WHISKERED SCREECH-OWL (the most common owl) played very hard to get and we had to work for over an hour before getting a wonderful view of a perched bird at eye level, barely 10 feet away, for 5 minutes. A walk away deal. Despite finding several calling WESTERN SCREECH-OWLS, we failed to lay eyes on any of them. The birds just led us on a wild owl chase and then dumped us. COMMON POORWILLS and WHIP-POOR-WILLS were quite vocal but not visible.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Out again today with Murray and Kelaine. We birded at Patagonia Lake State Park, Kino Springs and Paton's yard looking for a variety of flatland targets. Partly cloudy conditions turned to full overcast later in the day; low 80s by late morning.

Patagonia Lake was very productive and we recorded 67 species from 6:00-9:00am. We started by working on sparrows along the grassland approaches and near the main entrance. At least 6 (possibly as many as 10) BOTTERI'S SPARROWS were very active, vocal and easy to see at 6:00am. A couple of RUFOUS-CROWNED, 3+ RUFOUS-WINGED and the more common BLACK-THROATED SPARROWS also obliged us with little effort on our part.

Other species noted as we worked on sparrows included PHAINOPEPLA, BLACK-TAILED GNATCATCHER, BELL'S VIREO, ORANGE-CROWNED, LUCY'S & WILSON'S WARBLERS, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT and SUMMER TANAGER.

We dipped on Varied Bunting. I checked a couple of regular locations at the lake (and later at Kino springs) without success. They typically arrive at some locations in SE AZ by the end of the first week of May. However, my own first date is not until May 10.

In the park proper, we tried for Least Bittern without success. This is a regular breeding bird at the lake but I haven't seen any recent reports. Later we heard AMERICAN BITTERN but never managed to see the bird. DOUBLE-CRESTED & NEOTROPIC CORMORANTS were both present along with GREAT & CATTLE EGRETS, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON and a lingering BUFFLEHEAD (casual in May; my own late date is May 24).

Among the birds seen along the trails were NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET, SWAINSON'S THRUSH, CASSIN'S & WARBLING VIREOS, TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, WESTERN TANAGER and several BULLOCK'S ORIOLES.

Despite continued habitat loss, Kino Springs was quite productive (55 species in less than two hours) and we were able to track down a few target species including CRISSAL THRASHER (2 birds seen); PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER and ABERT'S & GREEN-TAILED TOWHEES.

I was hoping to find Gilded Flicker (has bred here in the last 4 years) but we didn't even find a Northern Flicker. Perhaps the removal of so many trees has something to do with that. To paraphrase, "if you take it away, they will leave". The habitat along the Santa Cruz river from the main entrance almost to the first pond has been completely removed. The first "pond" is almost bone dry save for one corner. A migrant SWAINSON'S THRUSH (the third individual seen in the past two days) was present in the scrubby habitat around the pond.

GREAT BLUE HERON and COMMON RAVEN are nesting within 20 feet of each other in one of the remaining large trees. We saw GRAY HAWKS so they are obviously still happy to nest here. A few BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS were on the sewage pond. PINE SISKINS fed on the clubhouse lawn. All three myiarchus were present.

We finished up in the Paton's Yard where a gorgeous male INDIGO BUNTING was by far the best bird (and the final lifer of the two days for Murray). For once, the LAZULI BUNTINGS were usurped. Although Indigo Buntings nest sparingly further north in Arizona, this is always a "good bird" in the southeast. All the usual hummer species were present including the always spectacular VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD.

Thursday, May 7, 2009
Out today with Alan Vollmar from the Toledo area of Ohio. Alan has been in SE AZ for a week and the objective for the day was to clean up on a few missing species. I chose to expend all our effort on Fort Huachuca as a compromise between minimum travel time and maximum species return. I expected to pick up 8 species but we only managed 7 -- Montezuma Quail, Spotted Owl, Greater Pewee, Hammond's Flycatcher, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Violet-green Swallow and Botteri's Sparrow. It was a warm, blue sky day with very little wind; perhaps the warmest day of the year so far.

We began in lower Garden Canyon. Although BOTTERI'S SPARROWS were easy to detect by listening for their chips and sputters, the full blown bouncing ball song wasn't really forthcoming (just a subdued version). Among the other species present in mesquite-grassland habitat were GAMBEL'S QUAIL, ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, CASSIN'S & WESTERN KINGBIRDS, CACTUS WREN, LUCY'S WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, a handful of CANYON TOWHEES, several singing PYRRHULOXIAS and EASTERN (LILIAN'S) MEADOWLARK. Several WILD TURKEYS were feeding in a rejuvenating burn area.

Driving up to Sawmill we crossed paths with the first of 5 ELEGANT TROGONS encountered throughout the day (a male flew across the road in front of us at the first upper stream crossing).  Note: As someone recently reported on the local bird list, the old cabin at Sawmill Canyon entrance has been removed. Consequently, I won't be using references such as "near the cabin" any more.

We worked the Sawmill Canyon area for several hours without encountering a hoped for Northern Pygmy-Owl. In fact, bird activity seemed very low despite the early hour when it was still relatively cool. Successes here were 3 MONTEZUMA QUAIL (2 females and 1 unknown) flushed twice on a rocky hillside; and a GREATER PEWEE perched high and singing in typical fashion.

By the time that we were done I had recorded 30 species including the bird of the day for me -- WHITE-WINGED DOVE, a Sawmill first! White-winged Dove is essentially a lowland species but in recent years I've noticed this species appearing at higher elevations in Carr Canyon, now up as far as Reef campground. Other species present included WILD TURKEY, 2 ELEGANT TROGONS, ARIZONA WOODPECKER, BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHER, HEPATIC TANAGER and YELLOW-EYED JUNCO.

The drive back down Garden Canyon yielded a couple of perched VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS.

Our sortie over to Huachuca Canyon immediately produced a silent SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER in the same location that I saw the bird on Monday at mile 1.7. Good deal. SWAINSON'S THRUSH was nearby -- it's an excellent spring for this relatively uncommon migrant. Another male ELEGANT TROGON flew past us at the 0.5m marker.

Now it was time for the warm trudge up Scheelite Canyon. Although I once again found a male SPOTTED OWL in the vicinity of the nest site, the bird was about 300 yards from the nest which is the furthest away that I've seen it in recent visits. The owl was very tough to find and I was well pleased with the fruits of my labor. We also found 2 HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHERS to round out the target species.

A calling male ELEGANT TROGON that perched in the same eye level spot for 5 minutes provided our best view of the day (3 seen, 2 heard).  Also in the canyon were HERMIT THRUSH, 3 SWAINSON'S THRUSHES and 2 RED-FACED WARBLERS; 20 species in all.

Friday, May 8, 2009
First of two days with Tim Earle from Winnetka, IL. It's that time of year again and today was my first trip of the season to California Gulch for the pesky Five-striped Sparrow. When this trip was set up a year ago, Buff-collared Nightjar was also a target. However, since the bird has not returned this year (up to now, at least), we made an early morning visit rather than an afternoon/night visit. Another very warm day, but who's thinking about North Dakota and Wyoming in June?

We left Sierra Vista at 3:30am and saw 3 COMMON POORWILLS along the blacktop section of Ruby Road before reaching Peņa Blanca Lake. By 6:30am we were listening to our first FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW just beyond the first stream crossing. At least 3, probably 4, sparrows were singing between the first and second stream crossings and thus easy to detect. Initially, seeing them was a little difficult on the shady east (west facing) slope. However, it didn't take too long to get an excellent view of a bird on the west slope and we were underway by 7:30am.

I didn't record many species on such a short visit (that didn't include the south riparian area). In addition to 15+ common regulars, I recorded GRAY HAWK, COMMON GROUND-DOVE, BLACK-TAILED GNATCATCHER and SUMMER & HEPATIC TANAGERS.

After a two hour drive to Florida Canyon (arriving there at 9:30am), we didn't fare too well with our next target. Although I heard and had a brief view of RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER near the large sycamore above the dam at 10:30am, Tim wasn't able to see the bird before it disappeared. With increasing temperature and wind, we left at 11:30am with the intention of returning tomorrow. Another party had seen a warbler in the same location at 8:30am.

Species in the canyon included NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET, ASH-THROATED & BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHERS, SWAINSON'S THRUSH (seemingly everywhere at the moment); WILSON'S WARBLER (ditto); GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE, HEPATIC TANAGER and HOODED ORIOLE.

Saturday, May 9, 2009
Out again today with Tim on another super warm day by early May standards. Another fire on the west side of the Huachucas started this morning (the second in the past week). It's going to be a tough couple of months for firefighters until the rain begins. A short report today -- I need some shuteye.

We left Sierra Vista early for a return visit to Florida Canyon (a late 4:15am instead of yesterday's 3:30am, what a bargain). I'm happy to say that the effort paid off. Even though most recent warbler sightings have been close to the dam (including my own yesterday), I decided that a position further up canyon was the prudent thing to do (so that I could hear up and down canyon). Around 6:15am, I heard a RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER give 3 rapid bursts of song and we hurried up canyon in  pursuit. It wasn't long before we found the bird perched in the open in some low brush. We enjoyed some fantastic views as the bird preened and sang without budging an inch for 5 minutes. The kind of killer looks that only seem to happen when not carrying a camera. Location was 50 yards upstream from the sharp turn in the streambed.

As we walked out of the canyon, we met a party heading up and informed them where the warbler was located. They later reported seeing an Aztec Thrush but this has yet to be confirmed. Note that there are only two old (1978) records for the month of May.

Further down canyon we bumped into a foraging BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER near the water trough not far from the trailhead.

Next, we drove directly to Blue Haven Road in Patagonia. Although we heard the SINALOA WREN several times, we didn't even come close to seeing the bird in dense vegetation well away from the road. The location was roughly 200 yards northeast of the "cut bank" (closer to the Paton's).

Sunday, May 10, 2009
First of two days with Norm Kopp and Sandra Wittman from Carpentersville, IL. In contrast to the target birding that I've done so far this month, today was a day of leisurely birding covering a small area with limited walking. Just as well because it was another bloody warm day. We spent the early part of the morning in Carr Canyon and finished up in Huachuca Canyon. Another short report today.

High up in Carr Canyon I could hear the drone of aircraft, presumably working on the "Bear Fire" near Pat Scott peak. Compared to recent visits, birding in the canyon was super slow and most species were inconspicuous. However, we chipped away and eventually came across most of the regulars and had good looks at RED-FACED WARBLER. It can't be a bad day if you see this bird.

In Huachuca Canyon I was delighted to find a SLATE-COLORED JUNCO on two counts. Firstly, this was the first time that I've seen this subspecies in Arizona. Since I'm in the field far more than most birders, it's either much rarer and/or more local than advertised, or I need to pay more attention to juncos (although in my defense, I usually check races of all Dark-eyed Juncos that I come across). Secondly, it's getting a little late for Dark-eyed Junco in SE AZ, especially Slate-colored that is shown as present only through mid April in the TAS bar graph. My latest sighting of any race is May 14.

Monday, May 11, 2009
Out again today with Norm and Sandra. We visited Patagonia Lake State Park, Paton's Yard and Huachuca Canyon.

With an early start, limited distance coverage of Patagonia Lake was still quite productive. We managed ~60 species without reaching anywhere close to the creek or even the northeast end of the lake. We started along the entrance road where the usual sparrows were cooperative, especially BOTTERI'S and BLACK-THROATED SPARROWS. I was once again unable to detect Varied Bunting in its usual haunts. Any day now.

Highlights on the water were 2 CLARK'S GREBES, several NEOTROPIC CORMORANTS, 2 GREEN HERONS, 3 GREAT EGRETS and 2 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS.

Migrants noted included PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, SWAINSON'S THRUSH, MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER and WILSON'S WARBLER (numbers finally dwindling).

Vocalizing summer species such as BELL'S VIREO, YELLOW WARBLER, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT and SUMMER TANAGER are now much in evidence. We also saw NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET and heard my first of season BLUE GROSBEAK.

We arrived at Marion Paton's yard much earlier than I normally get there to find plenty of activity. Highlights were GRAY HAWK, VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD, THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD (large tree across creek); INDIGO BUNTING and several LAZULI BUNTINGS. Also present were GAMBEL'S QUAIL, EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE, lots of WHITE-WINGED DOVES, a few INCA DOVES; scads of BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS and ABERT'S TOWHEE. Several WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS continue.

We finished up in Huachuca Canyon at midday where it was every bit as warm as yesterday. However, a little effort paid off with a male ELEGANT TROGON, 2 flashy PAINTED REDSTARTS and 2 equally flashy male WESTERN TANAGERS.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009
First of 7 days target birding with Nancy Magnusson from Ellicott City, MD and Valerie Barnes from Fayetteville, PA. Today we birded in Carr and Huachuca Canyons with mixed success (mostly good). Another warm, blue sky day in the mid 90s in Sierra Vista.

Early activity in Carr Canyon was much better than last Sunday and we managed to find most of the expected high elevation species without much trouble. We had good views of most of the breeding warblers -- OLIVE, BLACK-THROATED GRAY, GRACE'S & RED-FACED WARBLERS and PAINTED REDSTART; plus a few migrants -- multiple TOWNSEND'S, HERMIT and WILSON'S WARBLERS. As usual, VIRGINIA'S WARBLER was the toughest warbler to lay eyes on and we spent well over an hour doing just that. Although we located several without much effort, all of them gave us the run around -- big time. Eventually, one bird got sloppy and perched in the open on a snag,

We also saw many BAND-TAILED PIGEONS, GREATER PEWEE, BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHER, all three regular jay species; PLUMBEOUS & HUTTON'S VIREOS, HEPATIC TANAGER, SPOTTED TOWHEE, YELLOW-EYED JUNCO, abundant BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAKS and SCOTT'S ORIOLE.

PEREGRINE FALCON near the cliffs by the waterfall was of note. Perhaps they are nesting here again this year. A swarm of WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS were in the air above the cliffs.

Lots of birders were present in Huachuca Canyon and it appeared that most had not seen Elegant Trogon. That was certainly the case for us despite almost three hours of effort. However, we have plenty of time and locations to try over the next week. We didn't come away empty handed though, far from it. We were able to  pick up ARIZONA WOODPECKER and OLIVE-SIDED, ASH-THROATED, DUSKY-CAPPED & SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS.

Also present were GRAY HAWK (heard), WILD TURKEY, HAMMOND'S (heard) and BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHERS. Interestingly, the Buff-breasted had a nest in a sycamore - a first for me (pines and junipers are normally used). Later, I noticed that one group of birders had marked and labeled the nest conspicuously on the main road. Not a good idea. Please don't do this.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Day 2 with Nancy and Valerie. We visited Patagonia Lake State Park, Kino Springs and Paton's Yard during the day and the Huachucas in the evening. Another warm and successful day.

BOTTERI'S SPARROWS were once again easy to detect and see in the grassland approaches to Patagonia Lake. RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS were also easy to find but RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW wasn't as cooperative (very little song). We had to work for quite some time to find and see just one bird. MONTEZUMA QUAIL called from a nearby hillside as we worked the sparrows. Unfortunately, it was a hillside too far.

Other mesquite and grassland species included ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, PHAINOPEPLA, CACTUS WREN, BLACK-TAILED GNATCATCHER, LUCY'S & ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS and a PYRRHULOXIA attacking its image in the car mirror even as I stepped out of the vehicle (a regular behavior by this species and Cardinal).

On the lake we easily relocated the two CLARK'S GREBES near the dam. Also present were a juvenile BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, 3 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS, a continuing male BUFFLEHEAD, a few WHITE-FACED IBIS, 12 WILLETS and SPOTTED SANDPIPER.

Among the species noted along the trails were COMMON GROUND-DOVE, NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET, BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, 2 MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLERS, SUMMER & WESTERN TANAGERS, BLUE GROSBEAK and BULLOCK'S ORIOLE. 65 species in all.

At Kino Springs we soon located a recently arrived TROPICAL KINGBIRD. The bird was circling around the club house area, perching high in different locations and vocalizing (presumably looking for a mate). We had to work a lot harder in the heat to rustle up 2 CRISSAL THRASHERS. A couple of PINE SISKINS on the club house grass were noteworthy (uncommon at this location and getting late for lowland locations). 30 species noted as we sought our 2 targets.

Lots of birders were gathered at the Paton's where we found four targets without much trouble -- GRAY HAWK at a nearby nest; and VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD, at least 4 LAZULI BUNTINGS and ABERT'S TOWHEE in the yard.

No sign of Thick-billed Kingbird around midday, nor at the Roadside Rest area where it was just a tad toasty. We let that one live to fight another day.

Our evening owling session went extremely well and we didn't have to put in much time (sleep is important!). We saw a pair of ELF OWLS at a nest site and had good views of 2 WHISKERED-SCREECH OWLS in the woods, perched at close range.

Thursday, May 14, 2009
Day 3 with Nancy and Valerie was scheduled for an afternoon/evening visit to California Gulch for Five-striped Sparrow and Buff-collared Nightjar. We also headed out in the morning for a couple of "quick" species (Elegant Trogon and Spotted Owl). Ha! That didn't work out.

The day began in excellent fashion when we saw a male ELEGANT TROGON in Huachuca Canyon after only 5 minutes. Contrast that with 3 hours in the heat of the day a couple of days ago without a sniff of a trogon. Also seen during a super short visit were WILD TURKEY, SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER and PAINTED REDSTART.

Early Trogon success allowed us to drive slowly through lower Garden Canyon grassland and still get started in Scheelite Canyon by 6:45am. Among the birds in the grassland were SCALED QUAIL, BOTTERI'S SPARROW, PYRRHULOXIA and EASTERN (LILIAN'S) MEADOWLARK (all calling/singing). Further up canyon in the oaks and junipers we noted more WILD TURKEYS and SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS and a handful of common species.

Our time in Scheelite began in spectacular fashion then went seriously pear-shaped. First up was a WHIP-POOR-WILL that we inadvertently flushed then relocated sitting on a stump. Fantastic views of the bird that started calling as we continued on. Near jaws, a male and female MONTEZUMA QUAIL provided us with excellent views before clambering up the rocks. So far so good. 4 hours later the feeling of euphoria had subsided somewhat as I failed to find a Spotted Owl. So much for that short morning session and a decent break before heading out again.

Spotted Owl musings:
For several months now, I've consistently found a single Spotted Owl in the middle area not far from a nest site. During this time, I've seen a couple of reports from others of an owl in the lower roosting area. Earlier this week, I saw a report of a pair of owls in the lower roosting area. From this I conclude (theorize) that either the eggs have hatched or the nesting attempt failed. However, if the eggs hatched, why wouldn't at least one adult be with the youngsters during the day? Nest failure is perhaps more likely. This being the case, the adults have no obligations and their behavior might become "non standard".

The bottom line was that despite a thorough search of lower, middle and upper areas, I failed to find an owl as did all of the other parties and tour groups. The canyon was quite birdy (mid 30s is a good species count for a Scheelite owl trip). In addition to the Whip-Poor-Will and Quail sightings we also noted WILLOW FLYCATCHER (only my 5th record in Scheelite); HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER and 4-6 CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHERS (mostly in the upper area); multiple SWAINSON'S THRUSHES and a couple of RED-FACED WARBLERS among the more common species.

Although it was a good morning overall with 3 target species seen well (trogon, whip-poor-will and quail), missing the owl was a severe blow (mostly to me, I might add).

The afternoon/evening session went very well. FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW was far from a slam dunk in the late afternoon in California Gulch. Nevertheless, we managed excellent views of two individuals -- close range views of a bird on the ground near the fourth stream crossing; and scope views of another between the first and second crossings.

At the former Oro Blanco mine site, our expectation for BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR was to hear the bird and that we did very well. The bird vocalized twice for 5 minutes each time on the northwest ridge shortly before and after 8:00pm. We tracked the bird to a mesquite but it was on the opposite side from us and we couldn't see it despite being very close. Unfortunately, as we tried to maneuver into a viewing position, the bird flushed. Too bad. Nevertheless, it was an exciting and satisfying experience. Earlier, around 7:40pm, I saw the bird fly very low through the mine site headed for the ridge from where it eventually vocalized.

On the drive back along Ruby Road we had excellent, walk-away views of WESTERN SCREECH-OWL in a regular spot.

Other birds in the gulch, at the mine or on the Ruby Road included a soaring adult GOLDEN EAGLE, 4 GREAT HORNED OWLS (2 seen); a calling ELF OWL (not pursued), BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, numerous LUCY'S WARBLERS, WESTERN TANAGER and several HOODED ORIOLES.
 
68 species recorded:
Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Golden Eagle, Wild Turkey, Scaled & Montezuma Quail; Rock Pigeon, White-winged Dove, Western Screech-Owl, Great Horned & Elf Owls; Common Poorwill, Buff-collared Nightjar, Whip-poor-will, White-throated Swift, Black-chinned & Broad-tailed Hummingbirds; Elegant Trogon, Acorn & Arizona Woodpeckers; Western Wood-Pewee, Willow, Hammond's, Pacific-slope, Cordilleran, Vermilion, Dusky-capped, Brown-crested & Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers; Say's Phoebe, Cassin's Kingbird, Barn Swallow, Phainopepla, Cactus, Rock, Canyon, Bewick's & House Wrens; N. Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Swainson's Thrush, Bridled Titmouse, Brown Creeper, Verdin, Western Scrub-Jay, Mexican Jay, Bell's, Plumbeous & Hutton's Vireos; House Finch, Lucy's, Black-throated Gray & Red-faced Warblers; Painted Redstart, Hepatic & Western Tanagers; Spotted & Canyon Towhees; Botteri's, Rufous-crowned, Five-striped & Black-throated Sparrows; Pyrrhuloxia, Black-headed Grosbeak, Eastern Meadowlark, Brown-headed Cowbird and Hooded Oriole.  

Friday, May 15, 2009
Day 4 with Nancy and Valerie saw us visit the Santa Rita Mountains, primarily for Rufous-capped Warbler and Flame-colored Tanager (both seen). We were also hopeful of Black-capped Gnatcatcher but the amount of time spent on the warbler killed that chance.

We left Sierra Vista at 4:30am to get an early start in Florida Canyon. Although I heard a RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER singing a couple of times, both attempts to track the bird came to naught when the bird stopped singing without revealing its location. But for a stroke of good fortune, we would have been skunked. We ran into a couple of birders who had located a nest when they saw a nest exchange. A no-brainer now right? Yes, but we had to sit for almost 3 hours before observing another nest exchange. The exchange occurred silently save for a few contact calls ("tick" notes) and the whole event was over in 30 seconds. However, we had great views of both birds.

During the wait time, the bird not on the nest (and presumably foraging nearby) sang 4 times with long periods between song bursts. Each time, the warbler's song triggered an instant response from an INDIGO BUNTING that sang for a couple of minutes. This explained something that had happened earlier. I was standing on the trail listening for the warbler and eventually heard it sing. All three of us rushed towards the sound only to come across a singing Indigo Bunting. I now know why!

I recorded 45 species in the canyon during the "big sit" including a low soaring GOLDEN EAGLE and a soon to be departing GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE.

As we exited the canyon, hopes of Black-capped evaporated when a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER called to reveal its identity.

It was way too hot at noon to spend time searching further so we headed for Madera Kubo. Just as we reached the intersection of Box Canyon road and the blacktop, a flat tire halted our progress. Not a lot of fun changing the tire in full sun!

Mitigation came in the form of the male FLAME-COLORED TANAGER (a.k.a. Flameboy) singing its heart out at "Big Rock" just up canyon from Kubo; and a spiffy male WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD at the Kubo feeders.

Saturday, May 16, 2009
Day 5 with Nancy and Valerie. Today we visited Sulphur Springs Valley and the Chiricahua Mountains in search of a handful of targets. Some monsoon-like clouds that provided shade and dropped a sprinkle in the mountains were very welcome.

We began in southern Sulphur Springs Valley in search of Bendire's Thrasher. Although I expected a battle now that their breeding season is over, it was a battle that I fully expected to win. Sadly, despite 3 hours of searching, we didn't get a sniff. Ironically, we came across 5 CRISSAL THRASHERS. This is a bird that I didn't expect to find and had made sure to get at Kino Springs a few days ago. Go figure! We also saw 8 CURVE-BILLED THRASHERS.

Several GREATER ROADRUNNERS and numerous SCALED and GAMBEL'S QUAIL were on Coffman Road. WILSON'S WARBLERS were observed migrating through the mesquites in a couple of locations. SWAINSON'S HAWKS were conspicuous throughout.

A male INDIGO BUNTING on Webb Road was of note. With a spate of recent reports, it appears that this is a good year for them in SE AZ.

We had much better success in the Chiricahuas where we saw all of our target species. First up was NORTHERN (MOUNTAIN) PYGMY-OWL -- great scope views at the first location tried on Pinery Canyon Road. Next came MEXICAN CHICKADEE on the Barfoot Road and then JUNIPER TITMOUSE on the Paradise Road.

Interestingly, the Chickadee had a begging youngster in tow. Mid May seems a little early to have fully fledged young. It was tough going in the heat on the Paradise Road but we eventually had good in-the-clear views of the pesky titmouse that is often reticent and difficult to see well.

CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHERS and RED-FACED WARBLERS were very common and vocal on Pinery Canyon Road.

With the main targets seen, we made a token effort for the recently discovered Crescent-chested Warbler at Pinery Canyon campground. The warbler had been seen earlier in the morning but none of the birders we spoke with had seen the bird in the afternoon.

We finished up at a toasty Willcox Pond where we stayed just long enough to find RED-NECKED PHALAROPE.

Sunday, May 17, 2009
Day 6 with Nancy and Valerie was spent in Maricopa County in search of three target species -- Common Black-Hawk, Le Conte's Thrasher and Gray Vireo. I'm happy (and relieved) to report that our investment of an early start (we left Sierra Vista at 2:00am) and well over 500 miles of driving paid big dividends. The early morning temperature was 70 degrees and we saw a high of 102 degrees. As yesterday, monsoon-like cloud buildup was much in evidence when we returned to Sierra Vista at 1:00pm.

The thrasher is a very low percentage bird after its late winter/early spring nesting season is completed. I've tried twice before in May (both with success) but never this late in the month. LESSER NIGHTHAWKS were still active when we started birding at "the thrasher spot" at the intersection of Baseline Road and Salome Highway at 5:30am. At 6:10am we enjoyed great scope views of a LE CONTE'S THRASHER on the ground about 3/4 mile west of the intersection. We observed the "miniature roadrunner" characteristic of running with tail cocked. Repeated, careful scanning from a distance produced a brief view of a perched bird, enough to point us in the right direction. We then walked to the location and found the bird foraging on the ground. A fine start.

GRAY VIREO was easy to find on Sycamore Creek Road north of Sunflower and we only spent a few minutes there. BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW and SCOTT'S ORIOLE were both singing.

Our final stop was at the traditional COMMON BLACK-HAWK nest site on the old Beeline Highway near Sunflower. Great views of a bird both perched and in flight. For those who know this site, the birds are using the "old nest" on the east side of the road after nesting on the west side for the past couple of years.

The ladies saw an adult BALD EAGLE as we passed through Mesa but I missed it.

Monday, May 18, 2009
Day 7 and final day with Nancy and Valerie was a clean up day. We looped through Santa Cruz and southern Pima counties starting in Patagonia for Thick-billed Kingbird and Varied Bunting; continued north to Florida Canyon for Black-capped Gnatcatcher; and finished up at Las Cienegas for Zone-tailed Hawk.

Twice in the last week we've stopped at the Roadside Rest area in the heat of the day without seeing or even hearing THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD. However, we didn't have any trouble at all this morning on Blue Haven Road in Patagonia. We enjoyed a great scope view of a bird posing on a cottonwood snag. While there, we lingered for 30 minutes to give the continuing SINALOA WREN an opportunity to show itself to us. Unfortunately, although the bird sang quite loudly and frequently (and called once) starting around 5:30am, I didn't see even the slightest movement.

BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHERS and YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS were both numerous and extremely vocal which made listening for the wren a challenge, to say the least.

A quick stop along Patagonia Lake State Park entrance road produced my first of season VARIED BUNTING (in full song when we arrived). This species seems to have arrived in numbers in several locations in the past few days.

Black-capped Gnatcatcher is now an established (but still rare) species in SE AZ and there are quite a few locations where the chances of success are good. I chose to visit Florida Canyon where there have been numerous recent sighting reports from folks looking for Rufous-capped Warblers. Also, I've had some recent personal success. My normal strategy when target birding is to play the percentages and employ the principle of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

The temperature in the lower canyon was already in the 80s when we starting birding shortly after 8:00am. It took about 90 minutes (and 10 more degrees) of patrolling and listening before we finally heard and then saw a BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER near the concrete water trough. The bird was a male with a partial cap.

Our second VARIED BUNTING of the morning was in the canyon along with a soaring GOLDEN EAGLE, GREATER ROADRUNNER, ASH-THROATED & BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHERS, several WARBLING VIREOS, TOWNSEND'S & WILSON'S WARBLERS, HEPATIC TANAGER and HOODED ORIOLE. 35 species in all.

Our final stop of the day was at Las Cienegas HQ area where two ZONE-TAILED HAWKS put on a spectacular aerial display for a fine end to the trip. We also saw one of the birds perched in a cottonwood.

From May 12 through 18 we focused on finding a number of typical SE AZ species. We started early every day (in a vain attempt) to beat the unseasonably warm temperatures, put in some long days and traveled lots of miles. Valerie ended up in the mid 60s for new birds and Nancy about half that. All in all we recorded 180 species.

Monday, May 25, 2009
Out today with Randall and Carmel Mains from Phoenix, AZ. Our afternoon/evening trip to California Gulch and the former Oro Blanco Site was scheduled last year after we postponed a trip due to wet weather. Even though we've had some rain and cool temperatures in the past week, warm and dry conditions (normal for this time of year) have now returned. The temperature was around 90 degrees under partly cloudy skies when I left home at 1:30pm to meet Randall and Carmel in Nogales.

The sun had mostly set In California Gulch when we started birding shortly after 5:00pm and the temperature was quite pleasant. Thankfully, the windy conditions soon abated. FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW initially proved quite difficult and for a while we only managed to briefly hear and see a couple of individuals between the first and fourth stream crossings. However, our persistence in patrolling finally paid dividends when we had great views of a singing bird perched on an Ocotillo just before 7:00pm.

Generally, the gulch was very quiet which is one of the downsides of a late afternoon visit. PACIFIC-SLOPE and HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHERS were the only migrant's that we noted. These two species are often present in SE AZ quite late -- Hammond's through May and Pacific-slope through the first week of June.

Other flycatchers were WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, VERMILION, all three regular myiarchus, SAY'S PHOEBE and CASSIN'S KINGBIRD. Other species included several calling MONTEZUMA QUAIL, ROCK & CANYON WRENS, SUMMER TANAGER and several BLUE GROSBEAKS and VARIED BUNTINGS.

A rather large rattler (MOHAVE RATTLESNAKE I think, green tones) was near the bottom of heartbreak hill.

The night session went just about as well as could be expected. A thin sliver of crescent moon was already up at sunset and gave us a little "walking around light" to work with. A nightjar first called at 7:52pm on the hillside to the east of FR 217 (i.e. well east of the mine site). We wandered that way only to find that the bird had headed a considerable distance north. However, we didn't have wait to long for the bird (actually birds!) to return.

Not long after 8:00pm, we were treated to wonderful views of two BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJARS for over five minutes as they seemingly took turns perching atop a mesquite and making flycatching sorties (and calling regularly). A walk-away deal, almost criminal! This occurred some 250 yards northwest of the central mine site.

A good outing to say the least.

Saturday, May 30, 2009
First of two days with Joe and Kathy Nowak from Wheaton, IL, who I've birded with on three previous occasions. Last July we had to abandon a trip to California Gulch when we were unable to navigate a wash near Peņa Blanca Lake. At the end of that trip, Joe and Kathy tried for Common-Black-Hawk near Sunflower and got rained out there as well. I'm happy to report that they saw the hawks this morning.

In the afternoon we journeyed to California Gulch and the former Oro Blanco Mine site in search of Five-striped Sparrow and Buff-collared Nightjar. Partly cloudy and 93 degrees leaving Sierra Vista at 1:30pm.

Very little was stirring when we started birding in California Gulch at 5:00pm. In fact, for the first time in a long time (several years), I didn't detect a single FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW by voice despite multiple passes as far as the fourth stream crossing (perhaps the birds became vocal later, as it cooled down). We eventually found a sparrow foraging on the ground near the second stream crossing at 6:20pm and enjoyed great views. This location has been very reliable this season.

We met a party who reported 5 Five-stripes at the third stream crossing. We checked the area just minutes later and didn't find one. I must be losing my touch.

BLUE GROSBEAKS and VARIED BUNTINGS were vocal and conspicuous.

Evening conditions at the former Oro Blanco Mine site were excellent -- clear, calm and good light from the half moon. However, compared to my visit on Monday, BUFF-COLLARED NIGHTJAR (singular) was not as vocal or as cooperative tonight. A bird first called at 7:50pm well to the east across FR 217. We then detected the bird north of the mine and eventually tracked it to a location some 200 yards north. Unfortunately, we only obtained a brief and poor view as it perched in a mesquite. I saw the bird make at least one sally. Joe decided that the views weren't good enough for him to count. Another party showed up driving into the mine site with spotlight blazing and that was the end of it for us. Ironically, (is there no justice in the world), that party reported seeing the bird well. As I've mentioned in the past, your best chance of seeing the bird is when you are the only party around (either that or you need to be totally inconsiderate of others). We hung around a while but the nightjar did not call again.

On the drive home, we fared better with COMMON POORWILL on the Ruby Road. Although we didn't find a bird sitting on the road, we stopped at a regular location and saw a bird sitting on a roadside pole.

Sunday, May 31, 2009
Out again today with Joe and Kathy. Our targets for the day were Flammulated Owl and Cordilleran Flycatcher so we invested in a trip to over to the Chiricahuas where both birds are conveniently present in the same location on Pinery Canyon Road. Another partly cloudy and fairly warm day (93 degrees leaving Sierra Vista at 1:30pm) but the temperature was pleasant in the mountains (windy until nightfall).

CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER is quite common on Pinery Canyon Road and several birds were vocalizing near the campground. Even so, we needed to spend a little time and effort before obtaining a satisfactory view. A close, vocalizing bird doesn't always result in a good sighting (just ask Sinaloa Wren seekers).

We also birded along the road and in the campground making unsuccessful attempts for Northern Pygmy-Owl and Crescent-chested Warbler (no reports for two weeks now I believe). Birds seen and/or heard included ARIZONA WOODPECKER, lots of singing HERMIT THRUSHES, MEXICAN CHICKADEE, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, VIRGINIA'S, GRACE'S, BLACK-THROATED GRAY and RED-FACED WARBLERS; PAINTED REDSTART (great views of Red-faced and the redstart) and YELLOW-EYED JUNCO.

As we waited for nightfall, a circling ZONE-TAILED HAWK over the campground at 7:00pm was a nice bonus bird. Abundant WHIP-POOR-WILLS first fired up at 7:25pm. The star of the show FLAMMULATED OWL first called at 7:45pm (we eventually heard three birds). Over the years I've heard many more than I have seen and had already told Joe and Kathy that the chances of seeing the bird well were pretty low. Sometimes it's good to be wrong! By 8:15pm we had managed multiple good looks of a very curious bird that came in extremely close to our location, sometimes perching on open oak branches rather than deep in a dense fir tree as is often the case. Our best views came in a juniper. I was holding the light (and couldn't use optics) and even I saw the bird well with the naked eye. A most excellent result.

As we drove back into Sierra Vista, we saw  BARN OWL and LESSER NIGHTHAWK on the Charleston Road.

Today was my last day of birding in Arizona for some time. Tomorrow I start my annual trek north.

This log is in chronological order and the most recent entries are at the bottom of the page.
The last update was on Sunday, May 31, 2009

May Species Seen

Stuart Healy Journal - May, 2009 If you use the contents of my journal for commercial purposes, please acknowledge the source to your clients - thanks.

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