Oct. Species Seen

Stuart Healy Journal - October, 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 Friday, October 30, 2009

Thursday, October 1, 2009
It was a relatively cool and extremely pleasant blue sky morning to get October underway (although the temperature was up to 85 degrees by 11:00 am to remind me that we're not out of the woods yet). I headed down to Kingfisher Pond on the San Pedro hoping to get a "killer" shot of Green Kingfisher. I find it somewhat ironic that over the years I've posted 19 images of this species to my photo gallery and the first image that I ever shot is the best!

Following the boy scout's motto, I lugged a tripod, two cameras and two lenses down to the pond. Unfortunately, even though the continuing female GREEN KINGFISHER was present on and off from about 6:40am, I never got close enough to the bird and only obtained "record shots" that are far inferior to what I already have. However, on the plus side, I was extremely pleased to get a decent image of a BELTED KINGFISHER that flew in as I was about to leave the pond for the river. I've always found this species really difficult to photograph since they spook so easily (today's image is only the second that I've published). The bird flew in and perched while I was standing still and I was able to get a few shots off before it realized its mistake. This guy is a real punk!

Since I started birding here in 1993, this is the first year that Kingfisher Pond has had really good shorebird habitat and the birds have found it. The continuing Pectoral Sandpiper was seen by others (would have been a new location species for me). I saw only KILLDEER, GREATER YELLOWLEGS and SPOTTED SANDPIPER. Ducks consisted of perhaps 10-12 CINNAMON and 3-5 GREEN-WINGED TEAL and a few MALLARDS (including "Green-headed" Mallards that we only get in winter).

At least 2 SORAS continue and I was able to get a decent image of one of them with a little patience. The birds were very bold and didn't seem to mind the close presence of two humans. In case you are wondering why the water looks yellow, it's the reflection from bright yellow flowers. I also photographed a BLACK PHOEBE. I'm my own worst critic when it comes to my photographic efforts but I was pleased with all three images today.

Other birds around the pond included WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, a well seen WILLOW FLYCATCHER that gave a few fitz-bews as the morning progressed; quite a few CASSIN'S KINGBIRDS dipping into the water for bugs; MARSH WREN, a fly-by PINE SISKIN, very common COMMON YELLOWTHROATS, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, SUMMER TANAGER, GREEN-TAILED & ABERT'S TOWHEES and several BLUE GROSBEAKS. I obtained a few images of the chat preening but they didn't quite make the cut. The Pine Siskin was my second of season (the first was on Monday in Sawmill). My earliest record on the San Pedro is September 30.

My walk back along the river (literally in the river bed) was productive for migrants. I saw HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER, CASSIN'S & WARBLING VIREOS; ORANGE-CROWNED, BLACK-THROATED GRAY & WILSON'S WARBLERS and LAZULI BUNTING. Also along the river were BRIDLED TITMOUSE, YELLOW WARBLER and several sparrow species. Back at the computer, I was surprised to find that this was my latest Yellow Warbler on the river (previously September 30). October 10 is my latest in SE AZ. They are casual in winter but I've never happened into one.

Best bird of the morning came at the San Pedro House. I bumped into Dave Beaudette and we walked back from the river together. As I was chatting with one of the volunteers at the house, Dave called me over when a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK flew in to the bushes next to the feeders on the east side of the house. I tried to get a photo but the bird flew off to the large cottonwood on the west side of the house and I didn't relocate it over the next 30 minutes. The bird had very white underparts and a large rose breast patch. Dave also noted that the head was not completely black so we concluded that it was a winter adult male. My second in recent days! What are the odds? Very good, apparently.

Among the common species around the house were BLACK-CHINNED & ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, CANYON TOWHEE and PYRRHULOXIA.

Friday, October 2, 2009
This morning I visited the ponds at Willcox to check on migration happenings. Landbird migration in southeast Arizona is well past its peak but there's still a chance for some late surprises (one can always hope for a Bobolink). To a lesser extent, shorebird migration is also declining and we're down to the late migrants. Gulls and diving ducks are to be expected from now on. Unfortunately, the main pond at Willcox is very low and it will be a poor winter for ducks at this location unless something changes soon. 

I birded from 6:15-9:15am and turned up 61 species, a drop of 10 species from a week ago (mostly lost landbirds). I had planned to stay longer but there was some kind of event at the golf course and more golfers were present than I've ever seen before. Golf course birds evaporated.

I was happy to find a few CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPURS (first of season for me). Over the years they have been quite reliable here in October and usually first show up during the first week. They can also be found here throughout the winter, albeit sporadically in most years.

BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS (50+) and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS (40+) were the most common shorebirds. I counted at least 8 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS and 10 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES. Interestingly, I didn't see a single Wilson's Phalarope. Red-necked is typically present through the first week of October while Wilson's continues to at least mid month. I also have one late November sighting for Wilson's.

Also present at the main pond were 2 EARED GREBES, a single WHITE-FACED IBIS, 6 AMERICAN WIGEON, the usual SHOVELERS and RUDDY DUCKS, ~10 AVOCETS, GREATER YELLOWLEGS and WESTERN, LEAST & SPOTTED SANDPIPERS.

The pond and adjacent vegetation at the golf course were much more interesting. Birds here included still-striped young PIED-BILLED GREBES, the continuing NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (present since at least April 30); 8 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, VIRGINIA RAIL, SORA, BELTED KINGFISHER, VERMILION FLYCATCHER, many MARSH WRENS, even more COMMON YELLOWTHROATS, 6+ ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, 2 WILSON'S WARBLERS and a few sparrow species.

Two NORTHERN FLICKERS on the golf course represented the most interesting species of the day (to me at least). Why? you ask. Well, let me explain. In 17 years of birding here, before today I had seen exactly 4 flickers in 4 different years. To add a touch of the bizarre, one of today's birds was actually a hybrid Red-shafted x Yellow-shafted individual. After I noticed the extensive yellow underwings I was hoping for a Gilded. Then I saw a red nape crescent indicating Yellow-shafted and then a red malar confirming the hybrid (black in Yellow-shafted). I haven't seen a beast like this since I lived in Washington state almost 20 years ago. I know, I need to get out more.

Out in the grasslands and on the golf course, species found included 2 SWAINSON'S HAWKS, at least 50 SCALED QUAIL (in 5 separate groups); a dozen GAMBEL'S QUAIL, scads of EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES; ~20 CASSIN'S KINGBIRDS (no Westerns detected); HORNED LARKS and a couple of LARK SPARROWS (really down in numbers from just a couple of weeks ago).

BARN SWALLOWS were abundant throughout and I managed to pick up several TREE & VIOLET GREEN and a single NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED.

On the way home I checked Benson WWTP. I don't visit here much because I don't like birding here, mainly because you have to look at both ponds through a wire fence. Additionally, viewing at the best (south) pond requires looking straight into the sun.

The shorebird presence was similar to Willcox with numerous PECTORAL SANDPIPERS and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS A lone BLACK-NECKED STILT was the only addition. However, with deeper water available there was a better showing of ducks with 8 species present including GREEN-WINGED & CINNAMON TEAL, a few PINTAILS and 30 RING-NECKED DUCKS,

I scanned the many BARN SWALLOWS looking for Vaux's Swift but only came up with 6 WHITE-THROATED SWIFTS. A latish BANK SWALLOW was of note.

Sunday, October 4, 2009
I almost skipped the regular outing to Sierra Vista EOP this morning. With the advent of October, the start time changes to 8:00am which today meant 1 hour 40 minutes after sunrise. You know that you are starting too late when TURKEY VULTURES are already aloft. In a few weeks the impact of the late start will be less of an issue.

Yesterday was a cloudy, cool and wet day in Sierra Vista and this morning was very pleasant despite the forecast for more rain. A total of 8 folks enjoyed pretty decent birding. Despite the fact that migration is winding down, the arrival of a few wintering species and a few less commonly seen species produced a species tally in the mid 70s.

The main walk produced most of the usual suspects as well as less commonly seen species including GREEN HERON, an immature BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON and COMMON MOORHEN.

It was a decent raptor day with NORTHERN HARRIER, COOPER'S & RED-TAILED HAWKS and three falcon species -- KESTREL, MERLIN and the regular PEREGRINE FALCON. Prairie Falcon should be here soon (sometimes present in early October and normally regular by the end of the month). Swainson's may be done at this location (although I have a handful of mid month records so there's still a chance).

Many SORAS were heard in the marshes with an unusually high 4 seen. At least 4 VIRGINIA RAILS were heard grunting. RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW was a surprise bird in marshy habitat (only my second at the EOP). YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD numbers have increased and it's always a thrill to see so many handsome males.

Waterfowl have finally picked up with EARED GREBE, a lone male GADWALL, 5 PINTAILS and several RING-NECKED DUCKS adding to the species that have been around for a while. Also seen were a lone WHITE-FACED IBIS, WILSON'S SNIPE, 18 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS and 2 RING-BILLED GULLS.

Most of the expected sparrows were seen along with 4 warbler species -- ORANGE-CROWNED, YELLOW-RUMPED and WILSON'S WARBLERS plus a few regular COMMON YELLOWTHROATS (not vocalizing as much now).

As is normal at this date and location, swallow species have declined. BARN SWALLOWS remain quite common and there were a few TREE and VIOLET GREEN. A lone NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED was my latest fall sighting at the EOP.

ROCK WREN has wintered sporadically for years in the only (very small) area of suitable habitat at the EOP and two birds were present today. This was my earliest sighting (previously October 9). I have Rock Wren records dating back to 1995 so multiple birds have found this spot over the years.

The extensive mesquite area to the north of the ponds was less productive than in recent weeks. Only BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER and PYRRHULOXIA were seen there today. No Blue Grosbeaks nor Bullock's Orioles that have been regular for several weeks.

The scrubby habitat accessible from the Moson Road entrance certainly adds to the diversity and today's best birds came from this area despite the late morning hour by the time we got over there.

A roosting GREAT HORNED OWL in a mesquite thicket was arguably the best bird. Not on the official checklist and certainly a new location species for me.

A lone AMERICAN AVOCET in a rapidly drying, shallow pond was also of note, A couple of WILSON'S SNIPE were in the same pond. Avocets were formerly common in the 90's at the EOP (I recorded them over 120 times from 1993 to 1999). Then came the change to the configuration of the ponds (marsh now predominates over open water and mud flats). Since the change I only have 3 records: 1 each in 2003, 2005 and again today.

A singing BELL'S VIREO was still present along with GILA WOODPECKER, CHIPPING, BREWER'S & LARK SPARROWS and GREEN-TAILED, CANYON and ABERT'S TOWHEES.

The official tally was 76 species. I missed Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Cassin's Kingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher and Lesser Goldfinch.

Monday, October 5, 2009
This morning I left home with the intention of visiting Carr Canyon before the wind became a problem. However, it didn't take long to realize that wasn't going to happen. Instead, I continued south to join the regular Monday morning outing on Gordon Lewis's property on the San Pedro in Palominas (a first time location for me).

It was a cool and blustery morning yet the wind wasn't a serious problem near the river (and nowhere near as strong as it was closer to town). Although the birding was slow, I managed close to 50 species including a couple of decent birds. New for me on the San Pedro was a migrant COMMON BLACK-HAWK heading south over the river just north of the Palominas bridge. I've never been fortunate enough to be looking up at the right time before. Most birds have left the state by mid October and my personal late date is October 13, 2000 at St. David Monastery.

The only other migrant of note was a calling MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER that quickly headed for cover never to reappear. This common (but skulking) migrant is usually gone by mid October. My latest sighting (of a probable migrant) is October 25, 2006 in Garden Canyon. I say probable because MacGillivray's is casual in winter and I have one December record.

In addition to common species and a handful of wintering sparrows, I recorded COOPER'S HAWK, COMMON GROUND-DOVE, ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD, BURROWING OWL (I only saw one but at least 9 are still present); WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (no published records after October for this long distance migrant); WILSON'S WARBLER and SUMMER TANAGER.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009
A routine visit to the Huachucas this morning turned into anything but routine. I had intended to head up to Sawmill Canyon but got bogged down at the fishing ponds (in a good way) and never made it past the middle picnic area in Garden Canyon. The day began very cloudy and mild then became cool and a little windy. It was actually a very pleasant morning to be out birding.

Recent reports of Lawrence's Goldfinches in the Tucson area prompted me to check for them at the Gravel Pit pond, a place that I've found them before in October. For a while it looked like my efforts would go unrewarded. However, after an hour of checking bunches of goldfinches, I found a single female LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH and a single PINE SISKIN feeding with many LESSER GOLDFINCHES in yellow flowers.  The number of wintering Lawrence's Goldfinches in Arizona varies dramatically from almost none to fairly common roughly every other year. Let's hope that lots of these handsome birds will be around this winter.

At this point I was already happy and it wouldn't have mattered had I not seen another bird. I was thinking about moving on from the pond when a group of 4 VAUX'S SWIFTS flew very close to me (presumably working low because of the cool and cloudy conditions). The sighting extended my latest date by two days so the morning just got a little better.

I continued birding, seeing plenty of stuff, until I came across a familiar call that I couldn't reconcile with the location. I should always trust my ears (and I do) because I eventually tracked down 2 singing RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROWS! Wow, now it was a red letter day. The call is usually described as a loud seep, which is an okay description. However, I think of the sound as a "sucked-in whistle" if that makes sense to anyone. Anyone learning to be an ear birder will do well to develop their own methods of remembering bird sounds rather than relying on what they sound like to someone else. It's worked well for me over the years.

The history of Rufous-winged Sparrow in Arizona in The Birds of Arizona, 1964 makes for interesting reading. In summary, it was predominantly thought of as a desert bird in the western parts of the region (with some old Cochise County records from Tombstone and in the northern part of the county). The species was considered extirpated until it was rediscovered in Tucson in 1956 after a 50 year absence. There's lots of other good info in the book that I won't repeat here.

The bottom line is that there has never been much of a Cochise County presence. In September 2007, I set about finding one in the county and was able to confirm breeding in Easter Wash in the northwestern foothills of the Whetstone Mountains about one mile from the Pima County line. Since then it's very clear that their range has expanded eastward from Pima and Santa Cruz counties. However, it's still extremely local in Cochise County with a few recent sightings reported from near Kartchner Caverns in the Whetstone Mountains; Garden Wash on the San Pedro; near St. David Monastery and on Cascabel Road 20+ miles north of Benson. Needless to say, I was delighted to find one today so close to home in the Huachuca Mountains. But will they stick around? Time will tell.

I also had a couple more noteworthy species for this location -- 2 AMERICAN PIPITS and 4 BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS. Both were flyovers and both were only my second sightings in the Huachucas. Just a bit more gravy on an already excellent morning. I'm easily pleased.

Apart from the "good birds", general birding around the ponds (one with water, one dry) was excellent. In 2 1/2 hours I recorded a location best 46 species to top a late September day two years ago by one species. Activity peaked around 8:15am when lots of birds starting bathing in a roadside puddle. Unfortunately, this was the time I had just found the Rufous-winged Sparrows and my attention was focused on getting a documentary image. I did get some images but they are very poor (you can tell it's a bird though).

I found a decent mix of residents, breeding species, migrants and wintering species including  2 COMMON GROUND-DOVES, 4+ ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, GRAY FLYCATCHER, PHAINOPEPLA, a fairly accommodating CRISSAL THRASHER, WARBLING VIREO, 4 ORANGE-CROWNED, a BLACK-THROATED GRAY & 2 WILSON'S WARBLERS, SUMMER TANAGER, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE, RUFOUS-CROWNED, BREWER'S, LARK & LINCOLN'S SPARROWS; PYRRHULOXIA and LAZULI BUNTING.

I reluctantly left the ponds at 9:00am when I realized that the law of diminishing returns was now firmly in effect. I continued on up canyon and settled on an active spot just above the middle picnic area. Standing quietly I was able to watch 2 FLICKERS, several BRIDLED TITMICE, a BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, many CHIPPING SPARROWS and a lone GRAY-HEADED JUNCO bathing in the stream. It was interesting to see how the birds reacted when MEXICAN JAYS called (they headed for the trees then drifted back to the water after a few seconds). After 10 minutes a COOPER'S HAWK came by and spoiled the fun permanently.

Present in the non-bathing section were ARIZONA WOODPECKER, HUTTON'S VIREO, PAINTED REDSTART, HEPATIC & SUMMER TANAGERS and SPOTTED TOWHEE. One or two Redstarts usually winter in this location. Hepatic Tanagers sometimes stay here into November and last year at least one was present through mid January. It's unusual for Summer Tanager to be in this location (I have a few fall records from here and higher up in Garden Canyon).

I finished up with short visits to Lower and Middle Garden Ponds that are located on Antelope Way (this is the road to the Aerostat site, see Fort Huachuca map). Both ponds are currently dry. I managed to eke out a couple of GREATER ROADRUNNERS, another VAUX'S SWIFT, 2 BLUE GROSBEAKS and a calling DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER.

I encountered a good sized BLACK BEAR in the open, dry area in the middle of Middle pond. The bear stopped when it saw me and we stared at each other from a distance of about 100 feet. I quietly said "hello bear" then returned to the car for my camera. Unfortunately, the bear was nowhere to be found just 30 seconds later. Drat. I don't have a good Black Bear image. Write on the blackboard 100 times: Always carry a camera.

Thursday, October 8, 2009
As I've mentioned before, when I'm not out working with clients my work consists of "research birding" or "grunt work". It was certainly the latter phrase that best describes my visits to San Rafael Valley and Parker Canyon Lake this morning. Neither location typically has much in the way of species diversity and both lived up to their reputations today. In terms of the big picture, my investment in time and gas money went largely unrewarded.

Driving out to San Rafael Valley is a definite chore. Trips such as today always test my powers of self-discipline since I have to get up at the crack of night then drive in darkness, first through Fort Huachuca then on bumpy and dusty forest roads out to the valley. It was damn cold just after dawn this morning and I needed jacket and gloves for the first time this season. I'd much rather start later but I've found that success with Baird's Sparrow is much more likely if you can be there shortly after first light. Of course, you can chance into the bird at any time of day but that hasn't been my experience.

This morning I needed less than 30 minutes at the west end of the valley before finding a total of 3 BAIRD'S SPARROWS. I enjoyed scope views of all them by 6:45am then spent until 9:00am lugging my camera around trying to find more without success. In fact, sparrows and raptors were much less in evidence today than on my last visit (September 14) and there weren't many on that day either!  I saw 10 GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS and the usual VESPER & SAVANNAH SPARROWS, plenty of HORNED LARKS and EASTERN & WESTERN MEADOWLARKS (both singing early).

On my way to Parker Canyon Lake, I traveled east on FR58 past the Vaca Ranch corral. Last month someone reported that the infamous "No Bird Watching" sign had been removed from the corral. I made a point of checking today and found that the sign was indeed gone. This happened once before earlier this year in January, although that was a case of an old, faded sign being replaced by a new sign after a couple of days. I'll hazard a guess (and I stress just a guess as well as a hope) that the sign may be gone due to a change in ownership. I doubt that the person who originally posted the sign has had a change of heart.

BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS were the only new species that I noted at the corral. Male and female NORTHERN HARRIERS and a few KESTRELS were on the southern section of FR58. I didn't detect any Longspurs of Kites on my travels. CASSIN'S KINGBIRDS were common.

Parker Canyon Lake was extremely disappointing. I wasn't expecting much but not a single duck? Wow! I scanned the main body of the lake from the parking area next to the (closed) store and only turned up AMERICAN COOTS and PIED-BILLED GREBES. Multiple TREE, VIOLET-GREEN and BARN SWALLOWS worked close to the surface of the water from which emanated a chilly wind.

There's another significant portion of the lake (north arm) that cannot be seen without a long walk or a boat ride. I did neither. This is where all the first state records were hanging out.

The oaks and willows in the adjacent small bay held 3 RED-NAPED SAPSUCKERS and the same number of ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS. Additional pickings were mighty slim and I was only able to add 2 BLACK PHOEBES, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, PHAINOPEPLA, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, lots of noisy MEXICAN JAYS and a few YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS.

By the end of the morning I was really thankful for the Baird's Sparrows that provided mitigation for an otherwise very slow day at the office.

Friday, October 9, 2009
Fall is probably the best time of year to bird on the San Pedro and this morning I made my second visit of the week. It was the coldest morning for many months and I even found a few patches of frost in the shady spots. It's simply amazing how the weather has changed so much in a short space of time. The cool down has come a little earlier this year and temperatures are now running below average. All species across the board seemed a little harder to come by today, especially sparrows and GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE.

I started at the San Pedro House where I was surprised to see a young male BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD defending a feeder from several ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS. At the time I thought it was a new location species for me so I tried to get an image despite the dismal light (I'm talking 1/8 second shutter speed dismal). Back at home I was amazed that the hand-held image cleaned up quite well, if a little flat. As it turned out, this was actually my third sighting which still makes it damn rare at this location. When I returned to the SPH later in the morning I also saw a female. Presumably the cold snap moved them on from wherever they were lingering.

I spent over an hour at Kingfisher Pond without seeing the Green Kingfisher. I also checked Black Phoebe Pond and a fair stretch of the river. However, although the bird hasn't been seen for a few days, I'd be surprised if it has left based on the pattern of recent years. A female BELTED KINGFISHER was present and actively fishing. My first migrant of the season back in August was a male and all birds since then have been males until today. I wonder if this means that males migrate before females or if it's just a total coincidence.

Activity at the pond was decent and I found quite a few species including 2 GREEN HERONS, an immature COOPER'S HAWK, WILSON'S SNIPE, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, a fly-over RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, a small group of PINE SISKINS, BLUE GROSBEAK and a few LAZULI BUNTINGS. I watched a couple of BLACK PHOEBES working close to the Cooper's and it showed zero interest in them. Four immature and one adult TREE SWALLOW flew in and rested on the snags for a while.

I didn't see much in the way of migrant warblers with just a couple of ORANGE-CROWNED and a lone WILSON'S WARBLER. I did much better with flycatchers seeing a getting-late WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE, a couple of latish WILLOW FLYCATCHERS and one each migrant/wintering HAMMOND'S & DUSKY FLYCATCHERS. Most Willow Flycatchers are gone by the end of September and this is only the third year since 1993 that I've seen one in October. They have certainly been more numerous than normal this fall. Quite a few CASSIN'S and at least one WESTERN KINGBIRD were out in the mesquite-grassland.

On my walk back north along the river I crossed the river to avoid a bunch of noisy school kids and bumped into a GREAT HORNED OWL and most of the aforementioned flycatchers. A fortuitous event.

Sunday, October 11, 2009
Compared to several recent productive weeks (especially last Sunday's record setting 76 species), it was a very slow morning at Sierra Vista EOP. Mostly sunny and relatively cool conditions were somewhat ruined by a constant hat-removing wind that ensured the birding would be sub par.

Two fly-by VAUX'S SWIFTS were the highlight for me -- only my 4th record at the EOP with 3 coming this fall. It's been a stellar year for the swifts in Arizona and this is now my latest fall sighting in SE AZ. Looking at the bar graph data in the birdfinding guides, mid October is the expected last date for passage birds.

Less commonly seen location species included an adult female SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, 3 EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES and a very cooperative COMMON GROUND-DOVE. Other less-than-regular species included 4 SCALED QUAIL and CACTUS WREN.

Everyone enjoyed the aerobatics of an immature/female columbarius MERLIN that made multiple passes throughout the morning. We also managed a scope view when the bird briefly perched on the ground. The regular PEREGRINE FALCON was present along with a handful of KESTRELS. The fourth falcon was not forthcoming (say that fast a few times). Several RED-TAILED HAWKS were present including a very oddly plumaged individual with an extremely clean and dark hood. A male and several immature NORTHERN HARRIERS rounded out the raptors.

WILSON'S SNIPE was the only shorebird. Marsh birds included GREEN HERON, an immature BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, numerous calling MARSH WRENS, SORAS (1 seen) & VIRGINIA RAILS; and 3 COMMON MOORHENS.

A dozen recently arrived (location f-o-s) WESTERN MEADOWLARKS gave themselves away by singing and by their "wheat" calls. HORNED LARK was heard but not seen. Sparrows were not easy to find today but we eventually weeded out all the regulars plus a few CHIPPING SPARROWS and 2 LARK BUNTINGS near the main entrance.

The official tally was 61 species. I missed Pied-billed Grebe, Northern Rough-winged Swallow and Curve-billed Thrasher.

58 species recorded at Sierra Vista EOP (7:20--11:30am, 59-75 degrees; mostly sunny, windy): bar graph
Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Am. Wigeon, Gadwall, Green-winged & Cinnamon Teal; Mallard, N. Pintail, N. Shoveler, Ring-necked & Ruddy Ducks; N. Harrier, Sharp-shinned & Red-tailed Hawks; Am. Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Scaled Quail, Virginia Rail, Sora, Common Moorhen, Am. Coot, Wilson's Snipe, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Common Ground-Dove, Vaux's Swift, Black & Say's Phoebes; Cassin's & Western Kingbirds; Horned Lark, Tree, Violet-green & Barn Swallows; Cactus & Marsh Wrens; Verdin, Loggerhead Shrike, Chihuahuan Raven, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Chipping, Brewer's, Vesper, Savannah, Song, Lincoln's & White-crowned Sparrows; Lark Bunting, Red-winged, Yellow-headed & Brewer's Blackbirds; Western Meadowlark and Great-tailed Grackle.

Monday, October 12, 2009
This morning I returned to the fishing ponds in Garden Canyon with the objective of relocating and documenting Rufous-winged Sparrow that I found last week on October 6 (see that report for background). It was a very pleasant (50s to high 70s) day in the Sierra Vista area. Unfortunately, it was also windy again this morning in the mountains, although not as strong as yesterday.

I was delighted to find that both RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROWS are still present. The birds were generally quite secretive and I only located them by hearing their distinctive call note. After spending some time tracking the birds, I followed that with a period of standing quietly watching a dense clump of willow and mesquite. Eventually, my patience was rewarded with a so-so image good enough to document their ongoing range expansion into Cochise County (if you can tell Cochise County willow/mesquite from the same habitat anywhere else, that is). Note the very inconspicuous rusty shoulder.

I was also able to confirm the continued presence of LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES. Unlike last week when I saw only a single female, I came across a small group of 8-12 birds including some sharp looking males. For me this is the best looking of the three goldfinch species. I tried for a photo without success.

Less common species around the two ponds (one with water, one dry) included AMERICAN PIPIT, ROCK WREN and a small flock of WESTERN MEADOWLARKS.

Although activity seemed generally much lower than a week ago, I chipped away and came up with 43 species among which were a single RING-NECKED DUCK, immature SHARP-SHINNED & COOPER'S HAWKS; 11 WILD TURKEYS, an openly foraging WILSON'S SNIPE (has been regular here for the past few years); 3 ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, a gathering of CASSIN'S & WESTERN KINGBIRDS, MEXICAN JAY, PINE SISKIN, many YELLOW-RUMPED and singletons of BLACK-THROATED GRAY, TOWNSEND'S & WILSON'S WARBLERS; GREEN-TAILED & CANYON TOWHEES and several PYRRHULOXIAS.

CHIPPING SPARROWS were abundant and I probably saw well over 200. However, the Sharpie nabbed an unsuspecting bird perched at the top of a mesquite so there's one less now. VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS could also be classified as abundant since lots of them passed by over the course of several hours. I did plenty of scanning but failed to come up with a Vaux's Swift.

After leaving the ponds, I continued on up canyon but soon turned around and threw in the towel because I didn't want to bird in the wind. RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER and PHAINOPEPLA were the only new species.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009
When not working with clients, I usually map out my birding week based on where the "holes" are in my data for the 4 "weeks" of the month. For bar graph purposes, I use 1-7; 8-15; 16-23 and 24-31 for my data collection efforts. Yesterday I'd scheduled myself to upper Carr Canyon. It was a little breezy when I left home but I headed out anyway. As I drove down highway 92 I noticed that the aerostat wasn't aloft -- never a good sign since it's taken down during windy conditions. About halfway up Carr Canyon Road the realization dawned that I'd probably made a major mistake. It was blowing a gale by the time I reached Reef and after 15 minutes of walking around without seeing or hearing a single bird, I headed home. What a waste of time and gas.

This morning I visited Whitewater Draw where conditions were just about perfect. Even just after dawn it was very mild and definitely qualified as Phil Collins weather (you old timers let me know if you get that); then turned into quite a warm day. It was also completely calm -- quite ironic after yesterday's fiasco since it's often windy here when it's calm elsewhere! I spent three hours wandering around and found plenty of birds. 72 species in all within the confines of the Wildlife Area.

I was disappointed to see so few SANDHILL CRANES around dawn (only about 12). Perhaps I missed their early morning departure. However, around 10:00am as I headed home, I saw ~300 returning to Whitewater. There's still 25,000+ to come.

Many CASSIN'S & WESTERN KINGBIRDS were perched in mesquites along Coffman Road and numbered in the hundreds. EASTERN & WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were both singing near the main entrance and a small flock of LARK BUNTINGS flew back and forth. SAY'S & BLACK PHOEBES; TREE SWALLOWS and BREWER'S & WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were all conspicuous.

Okay, now it was time to get out of the car. A single GREAT HORNED OWL in the barn stared down at me with a disdainful expression (or so I interpreted). I saw AMERICAN KESTREL, VERMILION FLYCATCHER and LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE as I walked over to the willows. At the first pond I watched a winter plumaged BLACK TERN working back and forth in the channel. Southbound Black Terns pass through southeast Arizona from mid July to mid October so today's bird is on the late side. In fact, it was my first in October. I have records in June (direction unknown) and from July through September, with most occurring in August.

The first pond also held 5 EARED GREBES, 2 GREEN HERONS, CINNAMON & GREEN-WINGED TEAL; calling SORA & VIRGINIA RAILS; WILSON'S SNIPE, MARSH WREN and several sparrow species.

Further out on the flats I came across the second best bird of the day -- a single BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. This is a rare fall migrant with most records (including my own) occurring in October. I've averaged a sighting every other year.

As I watched the plover, a PRAIRIE FALCON streaked low across the water spooking lots of ducks. Also out on the flats and extensive areas of shallow water were 6 GREAT EGRETS, a single GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, 4 AMERICAN AVOCETS, 12 LONG-BILLED CURLEWS, 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 50+ LEAST SANDPIPERS, a distant RING-BILLED GULL and a male BELTED KINGFISHER.

Around 8:30am I walked out on the berm south of the south willow grove. I started to scan the sky for Turkey Vultures and stumbled across the best bird of the morning -- a migrant COMMON BLACK-HAWK. The bird was very high, drifting south on the west side of the wildlife area. While perhaps not totally unexpected in the grand scheme of things, especially in October, I have to consider myself very fortunate to have been looking skyward at the right moment. The sighting represented my latest fall record for southeast Arizona as well as a new species for my Whitewater list (#218). All in all, a definite "Murphy gets screwed moment" of which I am so fond. I never did find a Vulture!

NORTHERN HARRIER was the most common raptor today and I saw at least 20. I scoped a small raptor that turned out to be a very pale richardsonii MERLIN.

Among the many landbirds that I encountered in the various willow, mesquite and scrubby areas were 3 GREATER ROADRUNNERS, a calling COMMON GROUND-DOVE, CRISSAL THRASHER, ABERT'S TOWHEE (seemingly well established now) and several PYRRHULOXIAS.

It's not so often that I can say ROCK PIGEON was of note. However, today was only the third time that I'd seen one at Whitewater (all in different years).

A very productive morning to make up for yesterday.

Thursday, October 15, 2009
The colder weather that we had a week ago didn't last long and today was another very warm day in the Sierra Vista area. Not a cloud in sight and zero wind. In fact, near record highs are expected for the next couple of days. I'm so pleased. This morning I made a routine visit to Sawmill Canyon, primarily to check for Williamson's Sapsucker.

Before heading up to Sawmill and again on the way back I made short stops at Garden Canyon fishing ponds. I was again able to find the two RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROWS but dipped on Lawrence's Goldfinch.

Activity was lower than recent days and I only managed to turn up 36 species. Highlights were WHITE-WINGED DOVE (regular in spring and summer but a location first in October); HUTTON'S VIREO in the willows (has been sporadic here in fall) and TREE SWALLOW (only the second time that I've seen one here).

Other species included a continuing SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, the small band of WILD TURKEYS, GREATER ROADRUNNER, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, GRAY FLYCATCHER (has wintered here previously); PHAINOPEPLA, CRISSAL THRASHER, RUFOUS-CROWNED & SAVANNAH SPARROWS and several PYRRHULOXIAS.

Elsewhere in Garden Canyon I added more RED-NAPED SAPSUCKERS, CANYON & ROCK WRENS and PAINTED REDSTART.

Sawmill is not a birdy place when the boys of summer depart and the canyon will remain this way until late next March. Williamson's Sapsucker is very reliable here and is perhaps the main reason to visit in winter. Unfortunately, I was unable to find one today. My average first sighting date isn't until a quite late October 27. However, since I have several first records as early as October 6 and 11, I was nevertheless fairly hopeful. None of the regular sapwell trees that I checked had running sap so birds may not yet be present.

On the plus side I was pleased to find ARIZONA WOODPECKER, HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER, at least 6 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, 2 OLIVE WARBLERS and HEPATIC TANAGER. Although the Hammond's image is shady and there's only a hint of the primary projection and eye-ring mostly behind the eye, you can get a feel for the dumpy "no neck" appearance, slightly raised hackles and small bill as good identification features. 

BROWN CREEPERS (some singing), YELLOW-EYED & DARK-EYED JUNCOS were all common. A few PINE SISKINS were present. 22 species in all.

Friday, October 16, 2009
This morning I made my first of season visit to Patagonia Lake State Park. This is my favorite non-mountain birding location in southeast Arizona and a place that I visit often (except during the summer months!). Due to the lack of monsoon rainfall this past summer, the lake level is currently very low and much of the normally wet habitat along the birding trail at the east end of the lake is completely dry. Although I made a few visits during the summer, I confined my birding to locations on the periphery of park. Consequently, I was quite surprised to find extensive mudflats at the east end of the lake (a benefit of the low water level.). Every cloud has a silver lining. Thankfully, however, Sonoita Creek is still flowing surprisingly well and it was in the dense, jungle-like habitat along the creek that I found the best birding today.

Several BLACK VULTURES were still roosting when I arrived. It was another clear blue sky day and the cool beginning didn't last long under a relentless sun. I started by scanning the west (deep) end of the lake from the day use area near the marina. I usually try to do this early before boats become active even though I'd also like to get started on the trails. The old "two places at the same time" problem. There sure were a lot of boats present today and two WESTERN GREBES that I scoped near the dam probably had a tough day. A third Western Grebe was at the east end of the lake.

While standing at the fishing dock below the visitor center, two BROWN PELICANS glided by gracefully very close to me. Unfortunately, I had chosen to carry my scope and not a camera. If I were 40 years younger, I might be carrying both on a regular basis. Common sense dictates that I have to be a birder first and photographer second.

I did get a chance to do a little photography while wandering around on the mud flats at the east end of the lake. I stalked a handful of LEAST SANDPIPERS and a very wary GREATER YELLOWLEGS that I eventually outwitted for a few seconds. The presence of several KILLDEERS certainly didn't help my cause. It's hard to sneak up on anything when these birds are around. I also came across at least 6 SPOTTED SANDPIPERS, some on the flats and some along the shoreline. I was a couple of yards from the waterline and I as went one way the bird would go the other. We did this dance a few times until I finally grabbled an image when the bird was almost motionless during a moment of indecision.

The two pelicans were on the pilings with 6 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS (no Neotropic seen). I only had a small lens and couldn't get a "normal" image because of distance. However, I'm including this small image of a pelican in the hope that someone with experience can age the bird. I don't get a lot of chances to study this species in Arizona, although you might be surprised to learn that I have 16 records at the lake in 8 different years. Most Brown Pelicans that show up in southeast Arizona are juveniles. Today's birds are much closer to adult plumage -- gray wings and back (although you can't see that in the image), whitish head and neck but still with a mostly whitish belly, not the brown of an adult. I'm unsure what age this plumage state indicates -- 2nd year perhaps? Adult plumage is attained after 3 years.

Additional birds on the water included PIED-BILLED and a few EARED GREBES, a lone GREAT EGRET, 4 RING-NECKED DUCKS, lots of RUDDY DUCKS and a male BELTED KINGFISHER. At least 2 VIRGINIA RAILS called from the marsh.

A small flock of 10 fly-by CEDAR WAXWINGS were my season first.

While watching a WILSON'S SNIPE along the creek, I had a good vireo moment with PLUMBEOUS, CASSIN'S and HUTTON'S VIREOS all at the same time. Earlier I'd seen a latish WARBLING VIREO (expected to be gone from southeast Arizona by mid month). It was my personal latest sighting by 10 days.

The best birds of the morning also came along the creek. I always think horses not zebras when I encounter a puzzling bird so it took me a little time to decide that the tanager I was looking at was a SCARLET TANAGER. I have zero experience with this species outside of the breeding season but I eventually concluded the bird was either a female or immature male based on the fairly weak intensity of the black on the wings. I'm assuming that a winter adult male would show a deeper black. This was a new state bird for me and, since I no longer chase state birds, I savor every new one that I stumble across.

While I was savoring the moment, I heard an unfamiliar call note and turned my attention to tracking the caller that turned out to be a PROTHONATORY WARBLER. This was only my second sighting in Arizona. Two good birds in the space of a couple of minutes. Both were in a dense section of cottonwoods and willows along the main channel of Sonoita Creek some 200 yards west of the creek split.

GILA WOODPECKERS were abundant along the creek and many were in sapsucker mode, i.e. tapping lightly in the willows. I looked at far too many before finding a bona fide RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER. Also along the creek I saw a total of 6 ORANGE-CROWNED, 2 BLACK-THROATED GRAY and 3 WILSON'S WARBLERS in addition to scads of annoying YELLOW RUMPED WARBLERS pretending to be flycatchers (or anything else one cares to fantasize about). Other species included DUSKY FLYCATCHER, flocks of BUSHTITS and BRIDLED TITMICE, numerous ABERT'S TOWHEES and a surprise singing RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW in atypical habitat.

My walk back was warm and generally birdless save for a GRAY FLYCATCHER and an overhead OSPREY. I ended up with 62 species at the lake.

Before heading home I spent some time at Paton Birder Haven (now the "official" name for Paton's Yard). Activity was fairly low and I saw nothing of real note save for a lone STELLER'S JAY that was certainly of local interest. Over the past few months there have been sightings of all three regular jays (and Red-breasted Nuthatches) in lowland locations. It appears that this will be one of those years when montane species show up in unexpected places.

I've seen Steller's Jay here in 3 previous years during other irruptions. The strongest presence was from mid November 2000 through mid April 2001.

Among the 25 species that I recorded over a two hour period were GAMBEL'S QUAIL, INCA DOVE, BROAD-BILLED & ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, BLUE GROSBEAK and LAZULI BUNTING. No sign of a regular Violet-crowned Hummingbird (usually present into November) or the rare-for-this-location Blue-throated Hummingbird that has been present for a couple of weeks.

78 species recorded:
Pied-billed, Eared & Western Grebes; Brown Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Ring-necked & Ruddy Ducks; Black & Turkey Vultures; Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Virginia Rail, Am. Coot, Killdeer, Wilson's Snipe, Greater Yellowlegs, Spotted & Least Sandpipers; Rock Pigeon, Mourning, White-winged & Inca Doves; Greater Roadrunner, Broad-billed & Anna's Hummingbirds; Belted Kingfisher, Acorn, Gila & Ladder-backed Woodpeckers; Red-naped Sapsucker, N. Flicker, Gray & Dusky Flycatchers; Black & Say's Phoebes; Cassin's & Western Kingbirds; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Cedar Waxwing, Bewick's, House & Marsh Wrens; N. Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Bushtit, Bridled Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Verdin, Steller's Jay, Chihuahuan & Common Ravens; Plumbeous, Cassin's, Hutton's & Warbling Vireos; House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Orange-crowned, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Gray, Prothonotary & Wilson's Warblers; Common Yellowthroat, Scarlet Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-winged, Chipping, Song & White-crowned Sparrows; N. Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird and Great-tailed Grackle.

Saturday, October 17, 2009
No field report today (the EPL beckons). However, I thought that I'd relate something that happened earlier this week from which I learned there's no aspect of my birding life that is immune from Murphy. This tale of software and intrigue started when Tucson birder Andrew Core posted a report to the local AZ/NM bird list that included all six regular Arizona wrens seen at the same site. In his post, he asked had anyone else managed that. "There's an app for that" I said.

Years ago I added a feature to my home grown birding analysis software that can easily answer the question "How many times have I seen a specific list of X species on the same day". The output includes the locations where any of the species were seen with "single" locations highlighted -- i.e. those locations where all X species were seen. Incidentally, this may sound a simple task but try doing it manually with your own list of bird records, even for just two species. It's still a tough task using listing software such as AviSys, especially if you have lots of records (I now have over 300,000). You'll soon realize why I wrote this application. But I digress.

The graphic at left shows the output produced when the input consists of the 6 regular wren species occurring in Arizona -- Cactus, Rock, Canyon, Bewick's, House and Marsh. You'll note that results are listed chronologically and include the date and the locations involved. When multiple locations are displayed, this means that one or more target species were seen at that location. If all targets are seen at a single location, that location is highlighted. In this case, I learned that I'd seen all six wrens on the same day 17 times but that I'd only seen them all at the same place one time -- at Boyce-Thompson Arboretum State Park on October 10, 1999.  So far so good and it had only taken a few seconds. I posted my findings to the list. The following day, Phoenix birder Jim Burns posted a good humored "mine's bigger than yours" report that he had seen 7 wrens at the same place, which also happened to be at Boyce-Thompson. "Hmmm", I thought, I know that happened to me once upon a time. Back to the software, this time with Winter Wren added to the input list. The output is shown in the graphic below. Indeed, I'd seen all seven wrens on the same day. I wondered about the mix "how many at each location"?. Take a look at my journal for February, 1 1999. You'll note as I did that all seven species were seen at Patagonia Lake. Those of you who are still awake may have figured out that a genuine bug has come to the surface. Patagonia Lake should have been highlighted as a single location hosting all the species. Furthermore, it should have appeared highlighted in the "six wren" graphic as well. Fortunately, I only use this particular feature to supplement my itinerary planning software to determine if I have seen all of a client's targets on the same day. Consequently, it hasn't had any real impact. However, the bug has been lurking there for years and only became apparent because of a trivia question. Such is life. Thanks Andrew and Jim!

Sunday, October 18, 2009
Indian summer continues and it was warm out on the dikes at Sierra Vista EOP. The morning warmed quickly under a mostly clear sky and zero wind. Record highs were set yesterday in multiple locations including Tucson and Sierra Vista. Five local and three visiting birders enjoyed fairly good birding that produced several new location species. The overall tally rebounded well compared to last week.

I found it a little ironic that the fourth falcon finally arrived but we missed a four falcon day by failing to find a Merlin. On the plus side, we witnessed some impressive and entertaining interaction between the "resident" PEREGRINE FALCON and the newly arrived "interloper" PRAIRIE FALCON. After the Peregrine nailed an unfortunate GREEN-WINGED TEAL and started plucking feathers, the Prairie left its lofty perch on a Moson Road pole and buzzed the Peregrine. For the next five or so minutes both birds took turns perching in various locations while the other attempted to dislodge it without much success. The Peregrine seemed more annoyed with the presence of the Prairie than vice versa and neither really emerged as a clear victor. One or more individuals of both species normally spend the winter months here so they need to calm down and get along with each other.

During the altercation, an immature NORTHERN HARRIER made a couple of half-hearted attempts to get a free meal. Oddly, none of the birds really seemed interested in the Teal when the commotion subsided. Perhaps they were just letting it cook to the proper temperature.

The biggest surprise of the day was a singing RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW in the mesquite habitat accessed from the Moson Road entrance. Those of you who follow my journal regularly will be aware of my efforts to track the range expansion of this species in Cochise County. If not, check the October 6 and October 12 journal entries for background so I don't have to repeat myself. Obviously, this was a new location species for me and a new species for the EOP checklist. Ditto for a beautiful male LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH and a briefly singing CASSIN'S VIREO. A distant calling CRISSAL THRASHER was only my second at the EOP. You might say it was a good day at the office.

In addition to Prairie Falcon, location first of season species today were a lone female LESSER SCAUP and a small flock of ~10 AMERICAN PIPITS. The photo is on a wire but what the hell.

We managed  to see a late migrant VAUX'S SWIFT (extending my latest sighting date for the third time this month). Other migrants were WILSON'S SNIPE, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, the aforementioned Cassin's Vireo and 3 swallow species.

The official tally was 71 species. I missed Common Moorhen, Verdin and Eastern Meadowlark.

Monday, October 19, 2009
I made a rather disappointing visit to the San Pedro this morning. After six weeks of very productive birding here with lots of birds on offer, activity was extremely low today and I struggled to find birds. After a cloudy and fairly cool (60 degrees) start, the wind started blowing when the sun broke through. However, wind wasn't really the problem -- there simply weren't many birds from the outset.

Standard fare at the San Pedro House included several ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, GILA & LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKERS, SAY'S PHOEBE and numerous ABERT'S TOWHEES. My walk through the grasslands produced a few CASSIN'S KINGBIRDS, LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE and a handful of WESTERN MEADOWLARKS identified by call and by limited white in the tail compared to Lilian's Meadowlark.

For the second day in a row, I witnessed a bout of "raption" (raptor interaction). This time it was between an immature SHARP-SHINNED HAWK and an AMERICAN KESTREL. The Sharpie arrived at Kingfisher Pond first and perched high in a dead cottonwood. A minute later the Kestrel flew in and took up a similar position on the opposite side of the pond. The Kestrel soon crossed the pond and perched a few feet from the Sharpie. The two raptors then took turns to buzz each other and light contact was made. This continued for over 5 minutes at which time I lost interest and moved on.

Raptor entertainment apart, there wasn't much going on at the pond. I noted a GREAT BLUE HERON, 3 GREEN HERONS, several each GREEN-WINGED & CINNAMON TEAL and MALLARDS. I had good views of MARSH WREN that I usually only hear. Also around the pond were DUSKY FLYCATCHER, BLACK PHOEBE, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE and LINCOLN'S SPARROW.

For the most part, my walk back along the river was really quiet. I found one active area with the second DUSKY FLYCATCHER of the morning, a small flock of BRIDLED TITMICE and a single TOWNSEND'S WARBLER. Most of my Townsend's sightings are in the mountains. I rarely see them in any of the lowland locations that I frequent and this was only my second fall sighting on the river. 

44 species recorded:
Great Blue & Green Herons; Green-winged & Cinnamon Teal; Mallard, Sharp-shinned & Red-tailed Hawks; Am. Kestrel, Rock Pigeon, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila & Ladder-backed Woodpeckers; N. Flicker, Dusky Flycatcher, Black & Say's Phoebes; Cassin's Kingbird, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Cactus, Bewick's & Marsh Wrens; N. Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Bridled Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Verdin, Loggerhead Shrike, Chihuahuan Raven, House Sparrow, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Townsend's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Green-tailed & Abert's Towhees; Chipping, Vesper, Song, Lincoln's & White-crowned Sparrows; Pyrrhuloxia, Red-winged Blackbird, Western Meadowlark and Great-tailed Grackle.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009
I usually allocate one weekday to office and computer work at home and after I looked at the weather forecast a couple of days ago I decided that today would be that day. The forecast was for wind and rain (and it did rain later in the day). At the last minute this morning I decided to take a chance and headed out to the fishing ponds in Garden Canyon. I apparently learned nothing from the Carr Canyon fiasco last week. However. Garden Canyon is a close-to-home location so I didn't have much to lose. It was mostly cloudy and very windy from 6:40 to 8:00am; followed by patchy sunshine and slightly less windy conditions until I left at 9:00am. Birding was difficult and certainly poor on a relative scale. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the results given the conditions.

Perhaps the best bird was a late PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER, although "late" is hard to define for this species since here are a few winter records, Migrants are generally considered gone after the first week in October. Personally, I have four October records and a few winter records from November, December and February, The February bird might be considered an early migrant since the first migrants occur in mid March. All speculation, of course, but good fun nonetheless. Today was also the first time I've seen this species at the ponds.

An immature BRONZED COWBIRD was a strong contender for best bird and given the date and location should probably take the prize. A brief review of the status of this species in southeast Arizona will give some perspective. The Tucson Audubon birdfinding guide lists them as common in summer and rare in winter (mostly around Tucson). The ABA birdfinding guide lists them as fairly common in summer and uncommon in winter. The "winter" abundance level shown in both books runs from September through February. Based on my experiences, I'd say they are definitely no more than fairly common in summer (though usually easy to find in the right places) and damn rare in winter away from the Tucson area. Today's bird was my first sighting in Cochise County in October and only my second at the ponds.

Two decent birds for a windy Tuesday morning in late October. Also of note were ACORN WOODPECKER (rarely seen here); a few LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES (hard to detect today); and 2 continuing RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROWS.

Other species from a total of 32 that I recorded at the ponds were SHARP-SHINNED & COOPER'S HAWKS, 8 WILD TURKEYS, 2 WILSON'S SNIPES feeding out in the open, ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD, 3 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, CANYON TOWHEE and PYRRHULOXIA.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Out today with Frank and Mary Montgomery who share their time between Seattle, WA and Scottsdale, AZ. We've birded together on two previous occasions. This time we visited San Rafael Valley, Patagonia Lake State Park and Paton Birder Haven. Just a short report today.

A balmy 50 degrees leaving Sierra Vista morphed into 32 degrees at the west end of San Rafael Valley shortly after dawn. EASTERN & WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were soon active near Lone Tree but sparrows were initially in short supply. It didn't take too long for the sun to warm the area at which time GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS were common and conspicuous. BAIRD'S SPARROW was another story. After scoping lots of candidates, I finally found one perched in low vegetation near the stock pond. Unfortunately, the bird disappeared before Frank and Mary had a chance to get to the scope! What a bummer.

A migrant GREATER YELLOWLEGS was at the edge of the stock pond where calling CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPURS flew by unseen. Also present were HORNED LARK, VIOLET-GREEN & TREE SWALLOWS; and SAVANNAH & VESPER SPARROWS.

A bonus MONTEZUMA QUAIL stood roadside as traffic whizzed by on highway 82 near Patagonia Lake State Park entrance. It was fairly late by the time we arrived and birding was a little slow. We turned up 50 species with NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET and a latish PACIFIC SLOPE-FLYCATCHER being the highlights. We saw the flycatcher working deep (and mostly obscured) in a mesquite for a minute before I finally realized what it was (my second sighting in two days). We saw the bird again shortly after we moved on and it called to confirm the identification. Phew!

A least 5 WESTERN GREBES, 2 BROWN PELICANS and GREAT EGRET continue. Also present were a few PINTAILS, 5 AMERICAN AVOCETS and a single LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER (the latter two species are quite rare at the lake since there's normally little habitat for them). Birds along the trail included GRAY & DUSKY FLYCATCHERS and ORANGE-CROWNED & WILSON'S WARBLERS.

A short early afternoon stop at Paton Birder Haven yielded zero hummingbirds and few species. A lone male LAZULI BUNTING put in brief appearance.

Friday, October 23, 2009
Plan A for the day made earlier in the week was to visit Whitewater Draw. However, I switched to Carr Canyon last night after I saw a favorable weather forecast -- no clouds, no rain and, most importantly, no wind. Earlier this month I cancelled a trip due to windy conditions and on a second occasion I went ahead with a trip in windy conditions (and it didn't work out well). Third time lucky. There's not a lot of incentive to visit here at this time of year since species diversity is very low. However, I like to collect uniform data for all the key places that I monitor and the only way I know to make this happen is to do the work. Judging by some of the checklists and bar graphs that I look at, not everyone shares my view.

Anyway, it was a gorgeous morning in the canyon and I proceeded directly to the upper area. The morning chill didn't last long and the temperature throughout my stay was very pleasant. As expected, birds were few and far between. Fall colors were disappointing and failed to provide a silver lining.

I started with a brief check of the trails near Reef Campground. I was pleased to find several RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES (here and elsewhere). This is not an annual species at the 7000-7500 feet level in Carr (usually found a little higher up). However, this year they are being found a lower elevations over a wide area. I also found a lingering (or migrant) PLUMBEOUS VIREO and a migrant CASSIN'S VIREO in the same tree. I did a double take when I saw them one after another. 

Other species included all three regular jays (MEXICAN & STELLER'S JAYS and WESTERN SCRUB-JAYS, the latter was common throughout); OLIVE WARBLER (at least 5 total on the day) and SPOTTED TOWHEE (also common throughout).

I spent the remainder of my time working the road between Reef and Ramsey Vista campgrounds. My hope was to find a few wintering species and I was successful to a degree. Wintering birds included 10+ CASSIN'S FINCHES, a single TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE and a small flock of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS. I tried to get shots of the finches but because of distance and twigs in the way I couldn't get a decent shot of a male. I managed a marginal image of a female CASSIN'S FINCH.

Cassin's Finch is an irregular winter visitor in southeast Arizona and is never more than uncommon (usually rare) in years that it is present. This is my first of season and there have been one or two other reports. The status of Townsend's Solitaire is similar to Cassin's Finch except it is a little more regular. Western Bluebird is generally an uncommon winter visitor in the Huachucas; rare in Carr Canyon. [Note: The Tucson Audubon birdfinding guide states that Western Bluebird is an uncommon resident in the Huachucas. However, in 17 years of birding in the mountains, I only have records from October through March. Apparently, there are some old breeding records but none since the early 1950s.]

I had excellent views of a calling NORTHERN (MOUNTAIN) PYGMY-OWL being mobbed by a horde of dicky birds, mostly WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS and DARK & YELLOW-EYED JUNCOS.

In various locations along the 1.2 mile stretch of road between the two campgrounds, I added ACORN (fairly common) & HAIRY WOODPECKERS; 4-6 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, a few HERMIT THRUSHES, 20+ AMERICAN ROBINS, more RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, BROWN CREEPER, HUTTON'S VIREO, many YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS and a handful of OLIVE WARBLERS.

A slow but enjoyable morning.

Sunday, October 25, 2009
Eleven birders turned out for the regular Sunday outing to Sierra Vista EOP. Conditions were favorable -- cloudy and cool as we got underway then sunny with a slight breeze. Unfortunately, it was a slow morning devoid of any birds of real note and this report is commensurately short.

The first four falcon day of the season was certainly the highlight. We had excellent views of low flying MERLIN and a perched PRAIRIE FALCON. We also saw the Merlin perched on the same pole as a KESTREL and a COOPER'S HAWK. The three birds were within a couple of feet of each other but only the Kestrel seemed uncomfortable. Ironically, the regular PEREGRINE FALCON was only seen from a distance today.

Duck species remain the same with no new arrivals. RING-NECKED DUCK and AMERICAN WIGEON numbers continue to increase. The only shorebirds were a heard only GREATER YELLOWLEGS and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER.

A small flock of 16 AMERICAN PIPITS and a few HORNED LARKS were among the winter field birds. For the first time in a while, resident EASTERN MEADOWLARKS were present in numbers and perhaps outnumbered wintering WESTERN MEADOWLARKS. 

A couple of GREEN HERONS, ROCK WREN and CANYON TOWHEE were the least common location species seen.

The official tally was a low 54 species. I missed Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

Monday, October 26, 2009
This morning I spent some time in Garden Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains. My main objective was to check the status of Madrone trees in the lower canyon. I also looked at the fishing ponds (just for a change). It was a clear morning that began just a little chilly. However, as yesterday, the welcome chill didn't last long and the temperature soon reached the mid 70s. A change is on the way though. High winds are expected tomorrow; wind, rain and possible mountain snow are forecast for Wednesday.

I certainly found plenty of fruiting Madrone trees on the trail south of the middle picnic area. Madrone fruit is a major source of food in winter for a variety of species and often attracts rarities. Species that I saw taking fruit today were RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, NORTHERN FLICKER, HERMIT THRUSH and AMERICAN ROBIN. I also noted a couple of CEDAR WAXWINGS and a small flock of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS hanging out nearby along with a crafty COOPER'S HAWK. I wonder if the Cooper's noticed the fruit and knows that it will attract birds, or whether it simply noticed the activity.

Other species at the picnic area were mostly along the creek and included ARIZONA WOODPECKER, BRIDLED TITMOUSE, HUTTON'S VIREO, PINE SISKIN and three flavors of DARK-EYED JUNCO -- Oregon, Pink-sided and Gray-headed.

Activity at the fishing ponds has diminished considerably over the past month and will likely continue to do so for a couple reasons. First and foremost because of the season -- most migrants have already passed through and summer birds are mostly gone. Secondly, the water level in the main Gravel Pit pond is dropping rapidly and soon won't support waterfowl (not even a Mallard today) and other species that prefer wet habitat.

I persevered for a while and eventually turned up over 30 species. I was pleased to find that the RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROWS are still present along with at least one LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCH. When Lawrence's visited the ponds in the past, they haven't stayed after October.

Also present were a crisply plumaged WILSON'S SNIPE, GREATER ROADRUNNER, several ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, GILA & LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKERS; BLACK and several SAY'S PHOEBE'S; 2 CASSIN'S KINGBIRDS, a lone AMERICAN PIPIT, male and female PHAINOPEPLAS, a calling and very bold CRISSAL THRASHER that came within a few feet; a singing HUTTON'S VIREO, many LESSER GOLDFINCHES and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS; a large flock of CHIPPING SPARROWS with a sprinkling of BREWERS SPARROWS to keep things interesting; and singletons of VESPER, SAVANNAH and LINCOLN'S SPARROWS.

50 species recorded:
Cooper's & Red-tailed Hawks; Killdeer, Wilson's Snipe, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila, Ladder-backed & Arizona Woodpeckers; Red-naped Sapsucker, N. Flicker, Black & Say's Phoebes; Cassin's Kingbird, Am. Pipit, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Phainopepla, Cedar Waxwing, Bewick's Wren, N. Mockingbird, Curve-billed & Crissal Thrashers; Western Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Am. Robin, Bridled Titmouse, Verdin, Mexican Jay, Chihuahuan Raven, House Sparrow, Hutton's Vireo, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser & Lawrence's Goldfinches; Yellow-rumped Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Rufous-winged, Chipping, Brewer's, Vesper, Savannah, Lincoln's & White-crowned Sparrows; Dark-eyed Junco, Pyrrhuloxia, Eastern Meadowlark and Great-tailed Grackle.

Thursday, October 29, 2009
Although it's been quite windy the past couple of days, the first "storm" of the season didn't bring as much precipitation as expected yesterday. Nevertheless, it certainly ushered in some cold air by southeast Arizona standards for late October (only 27 degrees when I left home at 6:00am this morning). Earlier this week when I learned about the winter weather headed our way, I decided that I would head over to Willcox this morning.

Birding at Willcox was interesting enough in the pristine and chilly conditions but I wasn't able to turn up anything unusual. Any storm blown refugees that made it here had already departed (or I missed them). The shallow end of the main pond was mostly ice and devoid of birds until later in the morning when the edges thawed. Most of the birds that I found (47 species in all) were either at the golf course pond or at the "deep end" of the main pond, now almost completely isolated from the shallower water.

My first loop around the main pond yielded zero white birds; 11 RING-BILLED GULLS were present on my second pass an hour later. No geese, but the inclement weather pushed a few ducks south. In addition to the usual suspects, I noted over 100 "Green-headed" MALLARDS, 6 REDHEADS, 14 RING-NECKED DUCKS and 16 LESSER SCAUP.

The only shorebirds that I managed were 50+ KILLDEER, 5 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 60 LEAST SANDPIPERS and a lone DUNLIN (a rare fall and winter bird in SE AZ). At the time I thought that the Dunlin was an Arizona year bird for me. However, it turned out that I had seen one in spring migration when they are only casual! Over the years I've seen Dunlin from September to March with most of my sightings occurring in October.

In the scrubby habitat surrounding the main pond I tried to make a flock of 50-ish HOUSE FINCHES into something more interesting. I don't remember seeing so many of them together before (but that may just be due to memory loss). Also around the ponds were tons of HORNED LARKS, 8 forlorn BARN SWALLOWS foraging low over the water and picking up stuff while perched on the ground; a few AMERICAN PIPITS, 2 LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES, SAVANNAH & VESPER SPARROWS and at least 20 WESTERN MEADOWLARKS.

Among the birds at the golf course pond and surrounding area were a single GREAT EGRET, 5 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS (2 adult and 3 immature birds); 40 SCALED QUAIL, several calling SORAS and VIRGINIA RAILS; 15-20 EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES, 4 SAY'S PHOEBES, a few chattering MARSH WRENS (perhaps teeth chattering), YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT and just 2 LARK BUNTINGS.

On my return journey I stopped at St. David Monastery where it was a sunny 45 degrees. Unfortunately, it was also quite windy. I started by checking the Hackberry thicket on the south side of the main pond. Almost immediately I saw a bird that I thought was a Robin and pursued it in case it was a Rufous-backed Robin (there are several present in various locations in Arizona right now).

Although I was unable to relocate the potential Robin (and even American Robin is scarce here), I stumbled into a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK as considerable consolation. The bird was very secretive and initially I had great difficulty getting beyond "bird species". Eventually, the bird dropped to the water to bathe where I still couldn't see it very well. After preening, the bird headed to the top of a hackberry and started munching on the those delicious berries (I jest, they are as hard as nails and very unappetizing to a human). Due to the ruffled post-bathing plumage, it took me some time to finally decide on "first fall male". In the fact is stranger than fiction department, this was my third sighting of this usually rare but regular transient in the last month (previously at Garden Canyon fishing ponds on September 28 and the San Pedro House on October 1).

Also of note was a very crisp looking HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER foraging very close to the ground at the base of a mesquite. Habitat at the monastery isn't typical for this species (even in migration) and today was only my third sighting spread over a number of years (1998, 2004 and 2009).

Apart from a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, the remainder of the meager 20 species that I recorded were all standard fare and included a small flock of WHITE-WINGED DOVES (found here regularly in winter); BELTED KINGFISHER, ABERT'S TOWHEE and 3 NORTHERN CARDINALS feeding on hackberries.

Friday, October 30, 2009
This morning I visited Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area at the southern end of Sulphur Springs Valley. I was hoping that a goodie or two that I didn't find yesterday might have parked themselves here, some 47 miles south of Willcox as the vagrant flies. At 32 degrees, it was a little warmer than yesterday when I left home and the day warmed nicely into the 60s. 

Whitewater Draw wasn't exactly hopping with birds this morning and I had the place to myself for almost three hours before the crane seekers showed up. I chipped away, as is my wont, and eventually recorded 60 species by wandering around on the dikes and checking the willows and scrubby areas.

Scads of TREE SWALLOWS were still roosting when I arrived. I estimated about 1000 by counting the number of birds on a few weed clumps out in the water then counting the number of clumps. Very scientific. Judging by the number of birds in the air later, I may have underestimated a little. However, counting swirling swallows wasn't high on my agenda. The only other swallows that I noted were a few BARN SWALLOWS.

In terms of less commonly seen species in southeast Arizona, AMERICAN BITTERN was the most noteworthy bird (first reported yesterday by Ann and Allan Miller). Although its status is "rare as a migrant and in winter", this is a bird that probably goes mostly unnoticed due to its secretive habits. I have 20 records in the state from 8 of the 17 years that I've birded in SE AZ. Ironically, I couldn't even squeeze an AZ year bird out of the sighting since there was a bird at Patagonia Lake back in early May. However, it was a new species for my Whitewater list. There was an immature BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON in the same area as the Bittern to potentially cause identification problems when not seen well. I'd already seen the Night-Heron when I first saw the Bittern in flight and the dark flight feathers got my attention. GREAT BLUE HERON, GREAT EGRET and thousands of SANDHILL CRANES completed my sightings in the big and tall category.

COMMON RAVEN was another new location species for me. I was fortunate to see a bird that stood out well from the many CHIHUAHUAN RAVEN'S present. I'm seriously remiss when it comes to checking ravens on a consistent basis so I'm sure they've been present here before. Hands up if you're guilty too. The closest regular locations for Common Ravens are in the Swisshelm Mountains to the northeast and Mule Mountains to the southwest. The Dragoon Mountains to the northwest are another, more distant, option.

I scanned the main willow grove hoping for a Long-eared Owl (several have wintered here in recent years). I had to settle for 5 BARN OWLS and the second GREAT HORNED OWL of the morning. Also present were a few species that like a bit of cover -- BEWICK'S & HOUSE WRENS, ABERT'S TOWHEE and SONG, LINCOLN'S SPARROWS.

There was a decent showing of waterfowl. At least 12 PIED-BILLED GREBES had numerical supremacy over a couple of EARED GREBES and a single WESTERN GREBE. I was pleased to see a beautiful and always delightful male BUFFLEHEAD accompanied by a couple of females. This and Wood Duck are my favorites among the regular ducks (not too many Spectacled Eiders in Arizona). As usual, NORTHERN SHOVELERS were the most common species with MALLARD and NORTHERN PINTAIL running them close. In decreasing order of abundance, I also saw GREEN-WINGED TEAL, RING-NECKED DUCK, CINNAMON TEAL, AMERICAN WIGEON,  GADWALL and RUDDY DUCK. I've noted quite a few reports of Blue-winged Teal recently but they must hide when I'm around.

Out among the distant Cranes I found 3 SNOW GEESE (2 adults, 1 immature) and a single RING-BILLED GULL. Not much in the way of shorebirds. I found only 30 KILLDEER, a lone WILSON'S SNIPE and upwards of 100 LEAST SANDPIPERS. Among the marsh birds were VIRGINIA RAIL, MARSH WREN, a couple of COMMON YELLOWTHROATS and lots of SAVANNAH SPARROWS. I briefly heard what I thought was a Swamp Sparrow but the bird didn't call again for confirmation.

NORTHERN HARRIER (male, female and immature) was by far the most common raptor followed by RED-TAILED HAWK (including a few rufous morph individuals). I also saw SHARP-SHINNED & COOPER'S HAWKS, several AMERICAN KESTRELS and a PRAIRIE FALCON.

Kingbirds were very numerous here until quite recently but I found none today. The only flycatchers were BLACK & SAY'S (common) PHOEBES and at least 4 VERMILION FLYCATCHERS -- 2 adult males and 1 each hatch year male and female. Other landbirds included LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER, many HORNED LARKS, a few AMERICAN PIPITS, ROCK WREN (has been present in fall and early winter for the past few years); CRISSAL THRASHER. a couple of LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES, numerous YELLOW RUMPED WARBLERS, ditto WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS and a flock of 30-ish WESTERN MEADOWLARKS.

After leaving the Wildlife area, I traveled a few miles north (but still south of Elfrida) where I looked successfully for my first SAGE SPARROW of the season. I usually don't see Sage Sparrows until November, although this isn't one of the species that I seriously track. They are generally less common and arrive later here in southeast Cochise County compared to the Santa Cruz Flats north of Tucson. I also added 15 SCALED QUAIL and many BLACK-THROATED SPARROWS.

So ends October.

This log is in chronological order and the most recent entries are at the bottom of the page.
The last update was on Friday, October 30, 2009

Oct. Species Seen

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

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