Dec. Species Seen

Stuart Healy Journal - December, 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 Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Wednesday, December 2, 2009
This morning I visited Patagonia Lake State Park where my main objective was to photo-document the Red-breasted Sapsucker that I found several weeks ago. Unfortunately, I was unable to relocate the bird and if you can't find it you can't photograph it! Since I was lugging around a tripod and lens, I ended up spending more time on photography than I did on birding and probably missed lots of birds. It was quite frosty when I left home and definitely on the chilly side at the lake at 8:00am, especially down by the water. Landbird activity was rather low (especially sparrows) and I struggled to find birds at all until 10:00am when the sun finally had an impact. Late morning was actually quite warm and pleasant.

A "highlight species and photographed species only" report today. I hope that you enjoy the images.

CANVASBACK and PIED-BILLED GREBE at the Marina. The grebe just happened to be close by as I was trying to shoot the Canvasback. The bill on the Canvasback looks a little "off", almost Shoveler like. However, there's nothing else about the bird that looks wrong.

WESTERN GREBE at the east end of the lake.

Two COMMON GOLDENEYES (male and female) on the central portion or the lake (viewed from the Boulder Beach).

GOLDEN EAGLE flying over the east end of the lake from north to south. The bird had white wing patches but I couldn't see any white in the tail. I'll call it an older immature.

LEAST SANDPIPER and SAY'S PHOEBE on the flats at the east end of the lake.

GREATER ROADRUNNER and LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER along Sonoita Creek Trail.

EASTERN PHOEBE along Sonoita Creek trail about 200 yards beyond the bottom of the steps. Ironically, being the least common species of the day, this was the worst photo of the day and I only managed a (barely) documentary quality image shooting against the sun.

Three GRAY FLYCATCHERS in various locations along Sonoita Creek Trail.

TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE on the one-way exit road near the gate to the water treatment plant.

Sunday, December 6, 2009
After a few days of feeling lousy, I'd recovered enough to get outside this morning. I spent my down time working on software and getting a set of new tires on the Blue Trogon. With 325,000 miles on the clock, the new tires are worth as much as the vehicle. I ventured out to Sierra Vista EOP for the regular Sunday morning jaunt. A cold wind marred an otherwise sunny and pleasant morning. The next two days are expected to be wet and windy so I'm not sure how much birding I'll get done even though I'm fit again. The weather (or Christmas shopping) deterred visitors and only 4 local die-hards turned out. Birds also stayed away in droves and we recorded a very low 36 species for the main part of the outing. The Moson Road area added a few more to make the final tally somewhat respectable.

No Peregrine Falcon today for the first time in a while. PRAIRIE FALCON was a more than adequate replacement.

MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS continue (exact number not recorded but it was only a few) as do 24 BUFFLEHEADS (3 males). That's all the good news right there.

Sparrows are conspicuous by their absence in many SE AZ locations at the moment and the EOP is one of them. Just the bare bones complement today -- VESPER, SAVANNAH, SONG and WHITE-CROWNED.

Most of the regulars were present in normal numbers including the common ducks, calling SORA and VIRGINIA RAIL; HORNED LARK, AMERICAN PIPIT, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER and WESTERN MEADOWLARK. Less numerous than normal were 1 CINNAMON TEAL, a few RING-NECKED DUCKS and 1 LESSER SCAUP.

Two NORTHERN FLICKERS represented the least common species (I have 5 records in 5 different years). ABERT'S TOWHEE was another rarely seen species, although I expect that to change now that we have regular access to the habitat on the eastern side of the property.

The group total was a low 47 species. I missed Chihuahuan Raven.

Monday, December 7, 2009
This morning I visited Whitewater Draw despite the less than ideal conditions. Why? Well, two reasons really -- 1) today is the last day to collect data for the first week of December; and 2) tomorrow will be a write-off (wind, rain and snow depending on elevation). Today it was just cloudy and windy; with rain and serious wind starting late in the day. I left home in the early morning gloom and although it was completely cloudy, it didn't seem too windy. By the time I reached Tombstone it was blowing a gale and I considered returning home. I'm glad that I continued because when I reached Sulphur Springs Valley it was completely calm and a little bit of blue sky was visible.

I started by checking the fields at the intersection of Davis Road and Central Highway. This was formerly a reliable spot (and in recent years the best spot in the valley) for Mountain Plover and Ferruginous Hawk. However, the change from wheat to corn as the main crop has made the location unattractive to these species. Last winter I didn't see a plover here at all; ditto that this morning. I was able to find one FERRUGINOUS HAWK on Central Highway. Davis Road had lots of LARK BUNTINGS.

The normally birdy Coffman Road had very few birds and I saw only 5 species along the 2.5 mile stretch from Davis Road down to Whitewater Draw --SCALED QUAIL, EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE, LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, CANYON TOWHEE and WESTERN MEADOWLARK.

I birded at Whitewater Draw from 8:00am to noon and only the first hour was wind free. Of course, this was the most productive period. All things considered given the conditions, I was surprised and pleased to tally 64 species including a few less common species. Waterfowl were plentiful and I found 15 species of ducks, the pick of which were a lone male GREATER SCAUP and 2 female COMMON GOLDENEYES. The scaup was in the closest pond to the parking lot and I was able to observe it at close range. Nevertheless, I agonized over the identification until the bird finally took pity on me and raised its wings revealing extensive white across secondaries and primaries. I'd only seen Greater Scaup 4 times previously at Whitewater and the Goldeneye only once before. Consequently, both were "good" birds.

As I scoped the Scaup (say that fast a few times), I heard the "ti-dit ti-dit" calls of AMERICAN GOLDFINCH just in time to turn around and see a single bird flying away. Drat! However, some three hours later I stumbled across the bird again (or another singleton). I trudged back to my vehicle to ditch the scope and grab my camera. I relocated the bird and managed a usable image even though the light was bad and the bird was swaying in the wind as it fed. This was only the third time I've seen one at Whitewater. Those of you with a flock of them at your feeder can stop laughing now. Much of birding is similar to Real Estate, it's all about location, location, location.

While photographing the goldfinch I saw a forlorn looking TREE SWALLOW that was having a hard time staying aloft. The current nasty weather approaching from the north probably pushed this bird south. Most Tree Swallows leave SE AZ by the end of October and they are considered casual in November and December. This was only my second December record at Whitewater (I have a handful of sightings elsewhere).

After losing the goldfinch for the first time, I turned my attention to the open water. GREEN-WINGED TEAL, PINTAIL, SHOVELER and RING-NECKED DUCKS were the most numerous duck species. I also noted at least 20 CANVASBACKS and 20 REDHEADS. Apart from 85+ LEAST SANDPIPERS, shorebirds were not front and center and I saw only singletons of GREATER YELLOWLEGS and SPOTTED SANDPIPER. Two species of gulls is close to a bonanza at this location -- a lone RING-BILLED is normal; 2 BONAPARTE'S GULLS were a treat.

On the central dike that runs generally north-south between the two viewing platforms, I had my best ever views of CRISSAL THRASHER. Two birds were on the ground just six feet in front of me. I froze and they stayed put for what seemed like an age. Unfortunately, I was carrying a scope and not a camera. Two VERMILION FLYCATCHERS including a brilliant adult male were in the same area (battling the wind and working close to the ground). Quite an incongruous sight on a gray and dreary day. The dikes and mud flats had plenty of HORNED LARKS and AMERICAN PIPITS.

The grasses growing in the first pond are thinning out and I was easily able to observe a dozen or so male CINNAMON TEAL, VIRGINIA RAIL, 2 SORAS and lots of SONG SPARROWS. I checked them all (here and elsewhere) for Swamp Sparrows without success. No sign of the recent American Bittern and I had to settle for GREAT BLUE HERON, GREAT EGRET and a few SANDHILL CRANES. The bulk of the Crane flock (many thousands) typically return by late morning along with whatever "white geese" are around. However, today they had not returned by noon when I departed.

Lots of RED-TAILED HAWKS were about (including a hovering, wind-assisted immature bird that gave me hope of a Rough-legged Hawk). It's been quite a while since I last saw a Rough-legged at Whitewater (but one was seen here last week). A bird was present here from November 2001 through March of 2002; and again briefly in December 2002. Best raptors today were PRAIRIE FALCON and MERLIN. I was standing on the north viewing platform and watched the Merlin fly across the water directly towards me. The bird veered away at the last second.

Presumably the same HERMIT THRUSH that I found on my last visit (November 25) continues; this time at the pond in the south willows. 6 ABERT'S TOWHEES and 6 PYRRHULOXIAS were in this location along with GREAT HORNED OWL (two more in the barn) and a lone BARN OWL.

Thursday, December 10, 2009
First of two days target birding with David and Marcia Wright from Cornelius, NC. Today we looked for Black-capped Gnatcatcher and Rufous-backed Robin (both seen); and Rufous-capped Warbler (heard only). The weather cooperated and it was a pleasant, blue sky day with very little wind.

I met David and Marsha in Green Valley (I just love that drive on the windy, washboarded Box Canyon Road in the dark) and we began birding in a chilly Florida Canyon at 7:30am. We worked the area between the water tank and the sycamores focusing in the vicinity of the dam where most recent sightings have occurred. Unfortunately, with other birds to try for, we needed to limit our time in the canyon to three hours. During that time, I heard one brief burst of song from RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (between the dam and the water tank shortly after 9:00am) which only served to prove that the bird is still around after the recent storm.

Very little activity in the canyon (18 species recorded, most heard only).

Our next stop was the Proctor Road crossing of Madera Canyon where we fared much better. A slow walk up the paved trail paid dividends when we headed towards the sound of chattering BRIDLED TITMICE. Near the bridge above the bat houses I spotted a male BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHER that soon dropped into the creek bed and eventually headed to the base of the hillside. Fortunately, the bird (and a subsequent female) didn't stray too far and we were able to relocate them and enjoy good views at fairly close range.

Other species along the trail included GREATER ROADRUNNER, CRISSAL THRASHER, TOWNSEND'S and multiple calling OLIVE WARBLERS; CANYON TOWHEE and several NORTHERN CARDINALS.

Our final stop of the day was Santa Gertrudis Lane in Santa Cruz County (accessed via I-19 exit 29). The Pyracantha bushes opposite the driveway of house #12 still have an amazing amount of berries given the number of birds feeding here. It seems like a no-brainer to see the Rufous-backed Robin, right? Well, no it isn't (we saw one person today who had been there for three days without success (and, sadly, he bailed out too soon today as well!). However, the same guy saw the Rose-throated Becard along the river.

There was plenty of activity today (in bursts) including numerous AMERICAN ROBINS to confuse then issue. Backlighting is also a problem and it was difficult to see birds deep in the vegetation. However, we stuck at it for a while and eventually saw the RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN. In similar fashion to my visit a couple of weeks ago, the bird sat in one place for about 20 minutes (2:20-2:40pm).

Other species seen feeding on the plentiful fruit were several CEDAR WAXWINGS, NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD, 2 CRISSAL THRASHERS (one singing a whisper song while sitting in the bush); many WESTERN BLUEBIRDS, a lone (appropriately) TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE, several HERMIT THRUSHES, a very skulky VARIED THRUSH and multiple HOUSE FINCHES & NORTHERN CARDINALS.

Interestingly (if you're into quirky facts), Varied Thrush is a scarce enough visitor to southeast Arizona such that it is actually much harder to come across than Rufous-backed Robin.

There are many fruiting Pyracantha bushes in the area so why is #12 so popular? Well, it's the closest bush to a wooded area and the robins and thrushes tend to fly into the bush then beat a hasty retreat to the cover of the trees. The waxwings and bluebirds have no such secrecy issue. They feed in the open at the top of the bush then hang out in a nearby cottonwood.

Friday, December 11, 2009
Out again today with David and Marcia. For the second day in a row we visited Florida Canyon looking for Rufous-capped Warbler and Santa Gertrudis Lane hoping to improve on yesterday's views of Rufous-backed Robin. Unfortunately, we failed to find either bird. A short report today.

Although conditions in Florida Canyon were similar to yesterday (perhaps a little warmer), bird activity was considerably less. We covered a slightly expanded area and failed to even hear Rufous-capped Warbler. Overall, the number of species seen in the canyon was about the same as yesterday but vocalization from all of them was much less. By far the best bird was an adult male NORTHERN GOSHAWK flying lazily up canyon above the dam around 10:00am. Ironically, this seldom seen species in southeast Arizona was my second sighting of the year (2 birds in Carr Canyon back in April).

Santa Gertrudis Lane had more people than yesterday and (for us, at least) two fewer birds. We saw most of the same species at the fruiting Pyracantha with the notable exceptions of Varied Thrush and Rufous-backed Robin. However, both birds had been seen earlier in the day.

I told you it was a short report.

Sunday, December 13, 2009
I joined the regular Sunday outing at Sierra Vista EOP this morning. A total of 9 participants enjoyed good weather and fairly decent birding. There was a noticeable increase in duck numbers since last week, presumably due to the inclement weather earlier in the week forcing birds south.

I certainly enjoyed the extravaganza of 35 BUFFLEHEADS (including 11 spiffy males) and the continuing group of MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS (I counted 19 today).

A dozen or so LESSER SCAUP (at least 5 males) represented a much higher number than normal. GADWALL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, PINTAIL and RING-NECKED DUCKS were all well represented and a single CANVASBACK was present. Conversely (or perversely), the normally common AMERICAN WIGEON were present in far fewer numbers.

A group of 8 CATTLE EGRETS were certainly of note. Although common further north in the Phoenix area, this is a fairly sparse visitor to southeast Arizona. I have seen them every year in the last 17 and over that time I have records in every month. However, this was a first for me in December at the EOP. They typically occur here in small groups (2-4 birds) as a migrant in both spring and fall.

SORA and VIRGINIA RAIL were both vocal in the marshes as usual, although the latter was well seen for a change. COMMON MOORHEN is rarely seen by all participants but that was the case today.

Apart from KILLDEER, WILSON'S SNIPE was the only shorebird.  Plenty of HORNED LARKS and perhaps a dozen AMERICAN PIPITS were present. At least one ROCK WREN continues.

PEREGRINE FALCON was back on duty today but raptors were not particularly conspicuous. NORTHERN HARRIERS (including a silver gray male) were the most common species.

Sparrows have rebounded in terms of numbers but certainly not in diversity. Landbirds at the Moson access included GREEN-TAILED, CANYON & ABERT'S TOWHEES and PYRRHULOXIA.

A poorly seen, non-vocal gnatcatcher species (almost certainly Blue-gray) had to be left unidentified.

The group total was 56 species. I missed Bewick's Wren and Lincoln's Sparrow.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Out today with Karin Erickson and Mike Baker from St. Paul, MN. We spent all of our time in southern Sulphur Springs Valley where we did some general birding as well as looking for a handful of typical valley species. The weather cooperated and after an ice-scraping start (mid 20s last night where I live), it was a beautiful clear blue sky day that was warm enough for A/C by mid afternoon.

Although we had an interesting and productive day, the lack of normally abundant sparrow species was once again quite apparent. For example, we saw one definite BREWER'S SPARROW and one definite maybe. This is a bird that is usually present in hundreds in any given location with suitable habitat -- and those locations are replicated throughout southeast Arizona. Something they need is missing this winter (perhaps due to the lack of monsoon rains) but I don't have a clue what that something is.

We began with a 3 hour visit to Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, hardly enough time to scratch the surface really (especially in terms of scanning the open water areas). Highlights were GRAY FLYCATCHER  in the south willow grove; 2 VERMILION FLYCATCHERS,  BENDIRE'S THRASHER near the entrance; and 2 CRISSAL THRASHERS on the central north-south interior dike.

A couple of SORAS were well seen but grunting VIRGINIA RAILS remained concealed. At least 6 WILSON'S SNIPE were scattered throughout along with a few LEAST SANDPIPERS and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER. I also heard GREATER YELLOWLEGS. We didn't spend much time looking for waterfowl but I got the impression that they have thinned out a little since my last visit a week ago. No Greater Scaup today (for us, at least). A single AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was present and the GREAT EGRET continues.

Large groups of SANDHILL CRANES were returning as we left at 11:00am. Perhaps it wasn't a coincidence that an adult BALD EAGLE was in the air at the time. 55 species in all.

Next, we checked the fields at Davis and Central and managed just one FERRUGINOUS HAWK where double figures have resided for many winters. Also present here were flocks of HORNED LARKS and LARK BUNTINGS.

We moved on to the flats southeast of Elfrida where we played cat and mouse with a handful of SAGE SPARROWS cavorting with BLACK-THROATED SPARROWS to make our task more difficult. The sparrows played hard to get for 30 minutes before one bird took pity on us and perched atop a mesquite. An excellent scope view of a spiffy Sage Sparrow was a satisfactory reward for our persistence.

Our final destination of the day was the Granites in the foothills of Swisshelm Mountain. Although Black-chinned Sparrow is the main reason that I come here in winter, it's an interesting place to visit in its own right. This very picturesque spot has a number of species that cannot be found on the valley floor just a few miles away.

It was surprisingly warm when we started at 12:30pm (often the case in this west-facing rocky area that seems to retain heat). The approach road has plenty of  mesquite, cholla and prickly pear and was loaded with BLACK-THROATED SPARROWS and good numbers of CHIPPING SPARROWS; multiple CACTUS WRENS, CANYON TOWHEES and CURVE-BILLED THRASHER.

BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW played very hard to get and we only managed two brief views over the next couple of hours. Other species in the interface zone of desert plants and oaks interspersed in the rocks included CANYON WREN, BRIDLED & JUNIPER TITMICE, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, WESTERN SCRUB JAY, HUTTON'S VIREO, RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW, NORTHERN CARDINAL and PYRRHULOXIA. We didn't have time to check the hackberry grove. 26 species in all.

Thursday, December 17, 2009
This morning I spent a few pleasant hours in Garden Canyon where my main objective was to determine if Rufous-Winged Sparrows were still present at the fishing ponds. It was another clear blue sky day so I delayed my start a little to avoid the early morning chill. The temperature was a mild 45 degrees when I arrived at the ponds at 8:30am and by late morning it was Phil Collins weather once again.

I'm happy to say that the two RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROWS are still around. I heard their sharp calls shortly after getting started and eventually laid eyes on a bird about an hour later as I prepared to leave. They have been present on a dozen visits since I first detected them on October 6 and I'm hopeful they will stay to breed.

It's been almost three weeks since I was last here and I was surprised (and pleased) to see some water remaining. The "deep end" of the Gravel Pit Pond can still be called a pond. Apart from that there are only a couple of puddles. A small group of 4 GREEN-WINGED TEAL were present and a couple of KILLDEER, a lone WILSON'S SNIPE and a few AMERICAN PIPITS were taking advantage of the mudflats.

Other species from a total of 21 included 2 ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, PHAINOPEPLA, PINE SISKIN, 3 SPOTTED TOWHEES, CANYON TOWHEE and 10 PYRRHULOXIAS.

After leaving the ponds I birded at the lower, middle and upper picnic areas. The Madrone trees on the trail between the lower and middle picnic areas still have plenty of berries and are attracting multiple NORTHERN FLICKERS, HERMIT THRUSHES and AMERICAN ROBINS.

A total of 8 RED-NAPED SAPSUCKERS were present at all three picnic areas along with common species such as RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, BRIDLED TITMOUSE, MEXICAN JAY and GRAY-HEADED JUNCOS.

At the lower picnic area, I watched a female WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER working steadfastly in a big juniper just west of the easternmost Ramada. I found this to be an interesting sighting on two counts -- 1) this is a little lower in the canyon than I normally see this species; and 2) juniper is not typically preferred by this species. Still and all, birds are illiterate.

Also at the lower picnic area were HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER, a small group of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS and BROWN CREEPER

A calling TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE that I tracked to a fruiting Madrone was the highlight at the middle picnic area.

It was a little chilly at the upper picnic area and the resident large puddle was solid ice. However, this was the site of the best birds. I stepped out of my vehicle just in time to see a male and female MONTEZUMA QUAIL crossing the road at the stream crossing. I grabbed my camera and proceeded to walk the 50 yards or so to where I last saw the birds. I expected them to have dropped into the wash and that's where my gaze was focused. Imagine my surprise as the two quail flushed from under my feet -- they were obviously crouched at the side of the road and I almost stepped on them. Drat and double drat. Another good photo opportunity lost.

I had to settle for ARIZONA WOODPECKER (just taking off as I pressed the shutter release) and PAINTED REDSTART.

Friday, December 18, 2009
This morning I visited Sawmill Canyon to see if I could relocate the Red-faced Warbler that I saw a couple of times last month. Not only did I not find the warbler, I saw hardly any birds at all in the canyon so this is a short report. NOTE: Today's report comes to you via my trusty laptop. I have a bad hard drive on my main computer and I may not be able to update the journal until the middle of next week. I need to replace the drive and operating system and all the application software, etc. What a chore. This being the case, I may not get much birding done. Hard drive storage sure is cheap these days (less than 10c per Gigabyte for high capacity drives) but the drives that I've purchased over the years have hardly been super reliable. I've had 5 such problems in the past 12 years.

It was a beautiful morning in Sawmill Canyon and quite cold for the first couple of hours. Plenty of ice on upper Garden Canyon Road. For a while it looked like I would break my low species count record for December of 4 species. In the end I managed a whopping 10. Despite the paucity of birds, I thoroughly enjoyed the brisk and pristine conditions and solitude.

After almost three hours, I finally came across a small group of BRIDLED TITMICE and I had high hopes that the warbler may be with them. No such luck. In fact, they were traveling alone without even a kinglet for company. However, I'm far from convinced that the warbler has left. It may just have moved to a lower elevation location.

The best bird of the morning was a female WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER about a mile into the canyon. I also saw at least 5 RED-NAPED SAPSUCKERS. Best of the rest was a small flock of PINE SISKINS.

In Garden Canyon I saw a 15 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS and a lone CEDAR WAXWING at the middle picnic area.

On the way out I was stopped for a fairly thorough security check (interior search of vehicle, bags, etc; mirrors under the vehicle and drug sniffing dog). Then it was on to Best Buy to get a new drive. I've been up since 2:30am doing prep work for the drive change. What a fun life I lead. Bah Humbug.

Sunday, December 20, 2009
This morning I left my computer woes behind me to join the regular Sunday outing at Sierra Vista EOP. A total of nine folks enjoyed a beautiful morning and fairly routine birding with just a couple of exceptions. Sorry for the brief report.

A female GREATER SCAUP in the company of numerous RING-NECKED DUCKS was the least common species noted. This is perhaps the same bird that was seen 3 weeks ago on November 29. SNOWY EGRET was also a noteworthy species, especially in December. They are a scarce spring and fall migrant at the EOP and less than annual by my records. Today is by far my latest sighting for the location (previously October 24).

The small flock of MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS was still present (numbers have varied week to week; today I counted 14). No Peregrine or Prairie Falcon seen but we did get buzzed by a male MERLIN. The BUFFLEHEAD show continues unabated and even more birds were seen today (42 total including 11 males).

The group total was 50 (I missed Eastern Meadowlark).

Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Well, will it be a White Christmas here in Sierra Vista? Almost an inch of snow on the ground greeted me as I left home this morning -- I wonder how much fell in the high Huachucas!  While snow in the mountains is regular, we usually only get street-level snow once or twice a year, if that. Usually it's only a flurry but I have seen as much as 4 inches.

My computer problems are behind me now (touch wood) and I ventured down to the San Pedro River for several hours this morning. I was surprised to see so much snow around the San Pedro House since it's about 600 feet lower than town. The feeders were bustling with activity and the surrounding mesquites and cottonwoods were festooned with birds like Christmas ornaments. It was sunny and cold at 9:00am becoming cloudy and windy by late morning. The temperature at noon was only 37 degrees.

WHITE-WINGED DOVES, GILA WOODPECKERS, STARLINGS, HOUSE FINCHES and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were the most conspicuous species. Some of the more retiring species such as PYRRHULOXIA allowed closer approach today. This CANYON TOWHEE was also quite accommodating. A bright male NORTHERN CARDINAL was a surprise and it sure stood out like a sore thumb. I'm not sure if Pyrrhuloxia is the poor man's Cardinal or vice versa. Although common elsewhere in Southeast Arizona, Cardinal is rarely seen at this location (I only have 30 records from 10 of the 17 years that I've birded here).

Birds were much harder to come across away from the feeders. Sparrows? What sparrows? Normally a winter staple, the lack of rainfall this year (and subsequent lack of food for seedeaters) has forced many sparrow species to winter elsewhere.

Kingfisher Pond hasn't lived up to its name for a while now and Green Kingfisher hasn't been reported since October. Today I saw PIED-BILLED GREBE, GREAT BLUE HERON, 26 GADWALLS and a lone COOT. In the marshy areas I added MARSH WREN and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT.

As I walked back north along the river, I listened for the loud call note of LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH to reveal its presence. The bird duly obliged. Unfortunately, it wasn't so cooperative in terms of a photo opportunity (I tried for 30 minutes). It was very wary and always maintained a respectable distance so I had to shoot across the river. Okay, I know it's not the wide Missouri but I was still too far away. The bird ranged from 80-150 yards south of trail marker #7. I saw it in this location back on November 6 and it has been reported many times from the same spot in recent weeks. I first detected Louisiana Waterthrush wintering on the San Pedro in November 2003 and a bird has been present each year since. I wonder if it's the same individual?

While messing with the Waterthrush, a very vocal BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER caught my attention and I watched it for a while. This is only the second time that I've seen one on the river in December. Among the other species in the same vicinity were 2 HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHERS foraging close to (and actually on) the ground; a very active BLACK PHOEBE, a continuing HUTTON'S VIREO traveling with a flock of BRIDLED TITMICE; and lots of SONG SPARROWS (more common than normal this winter). 

I have a road trip planned over the holiday period but I'm still procrastinating. My recent computer problems cost 4 wasted days and a few dollars -- and I still have to replace an Antenna and Rotor damaged by the wind a couple of weeks ago. Murphy gets me in many ways, not just birding. Reports will resume after Christmas, either in AZ or elsewhere!

Saturday, December 26, 2009
I made a rare afternoon sortie into the Huachucas today just to look for Spotted Owl. It was well below freezing this morning but the day had warmed to the 40s by the time I ventured out in the early afternoon. This is a very short report. 

After the recent snow followed by several cold nights, I very much expected to find SPOTTED OWL in Garden Canyon today in what has become a regular winter roost. I'm happy to report that my hunch was correct. However, following my previous policy in regard to this bird, I will not publicly disclose the location. Why? It's been my experience that owls in easily accessible locations get harassed, particularly by photographers. I hope that all others who happen to find the bird will also chose not to disclose the location. Unfortunately, this hasn't always been the case.

Even though I had already seen an owl, I continued on to Scheelite Canyon where I didn't find any more owls. I didn't look very seriously and I only walked to the 5/8 mile area. The canyon had plenty of snow but the trail wasn't treacherous. I didn't see a single bird in 2 hours in the canyon (5 species heard) but I enjoyed the chilly conditions, crunchy snow and solitude.

Sunday, December 27, 2009
This morning was the coldest of the season so far in the Sierra Vista area. Despite the cold, the last outing of the year at Sierra Vista EOP was quite productive and came with a crystal clear view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains at no extra charge. The temperature was 23 degrees at 7:40am; double that at 46 degrees when we finished up at 11:20am. Many of the ponds were partially iced over.

Least common species seen were GREAT HORNED OWL (second EOP record); CRISSAL THRASHER, NORTHERN FLICKER and a male WOOD DUCK. Not far behind these in terms of total records was the continuing small flock of MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRDS (at least 14 birds noted). The flock had a different mix today and contained several stunning males sporting their "to die for" color of blue. Six very cold looking individuals huddled in the grass along the entrance road were the first birds of the day for me.

I didn't count BUFFLEHEADS accurately but numbers seemed well below what we have seen in recent weeks. Seeing Bufflehead and Wood Duck (two of my favorite ducks) was well worth the price of admission (numb fingertips). NORTHERN PINTAIL was probably the most numerous duck.

NORTHERN HARRIER was the most conspicuous raptor. PEREGRINE FALCON did one fly-by before disappearing to the north. Several folks saw MERLIN.

SORA and VIRGINIA RAIL were both vocal in the marshes as usual; MARSH WREN less so. A male COMMON YELLOWTHROAT was a pleasant surprise since they are most often missed during the winter months. I find it interesting that they largely abandon the EOP yet winter on the San Pedro just a few miles away.

A couple of KILLDEER and a single WILSON'S SNIPE were the only shorebirds.

HORNED LARKS and AMERICAN PIPIT numbers were perhaps a little higher today. Sparrows were certainly more numerous but only the most common species were noted. Brewer's Sparrow remains the most obvious absentee.

YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS? Yeah, plenty.

The mesquite-grassland habitat at the Moson Road access boosted our landbird tally. Most interesting was a flock of approximately 20 SCALED QUAIL that emerged from cover in dribs and drabs, obviously disturbed by a Coyote. This area produced CRISSAL THRASHER, CANYON TOWHEE, LARK SPARROW and PYRRHULOXIA. We also had closer looks at the GREAT HORNED OWL seen at a distance on the main walk.

The group total was 58 (I missed Merlin, Common Moorhen, Verdin, Rock Wren and Yellow-rumped Warbler).

Monday, December 28, 2009
I spent a couple of hours birding at Kino Springs this morning before heading to Tumacacori where I struck out on the Rose-throated Becard. It was a chilly and completely overcast day.

At Kino Springs I was disappointed to find that the habitat around both club house ponds has been swealed away since my visit last month. I'm not sure how recently this happened but the smell of burned debris was still noticeable. Anyway, the upshot is that most of the weedy habitat providing food and cover for seed-eating species is gone. Factoid: Despite the fact that Kino Springs has gone through several changes over the years that have been detrimental to the birds, for me it still ranks fifth in species seen at a single Arizona location (218 species in 404 visits).

Water in both ponds is low, especially the small pond that held only a couple of GADWALL and COOTS. On the large pond I noted GREAT BLUE HERON, more GADWALL, a few GREEN-WINGED & CINNAMON TEAL and 10 BUFFLEHEADS (one male).

Like everywhere else in southeast Arizona this winter, sparrows were sadly lacking today. I did find one spot that had a good collection (relatively speaking). Roadside flowering plants that have gone to seed (between the golf course buildings and Pioneer Court to the north) had 5 species of sparrows including LINCOLN'S and a lone BREWER'S SPARROW. At least 6 LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES were feeding here.

The water seep near the restaurant had also attracted several LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES as well as a small flock of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS (uncommon at this location but more common than usual in many places this winter). A beautiful hatch year male VERMILION FLYCATCHER worked the area near the seep and a few INCA DOVES were present. A dozen or more GAMBEL'S QUAIL foraged on the golf course grass.

The first pond (first when coming from Hwy 82) has been dry for a long time but at least the weedy habitat has been left untouched (so far!). In this area I found another BREWER'S SPARROW, 2 GREEN-TAILED TOWHEES, CANYON TOWHEE and PYRRHULOXIA. Two Brewer's Sparrows is my highest single day total since all the fall birds disappeared. Across the street in the wash I added GRAY FLYCATCHER, SAY'S PHOEBE and LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. I recorded a total of 43 species.

At Tumacacori I put in two hours along the Santa Cruz River looking in vain for Rose-throated Becard (the bird was first detected back in October and was seen as recently as yesterday). None of the folks that I met today had seen the bird. I made several passes along the trail north from Santa Gertrudis Lane to some 300 yards beyond the "refrigerator landmark". It was chilly and a little breezy and birds were not exactly conspicuous. I noted less than 20 species among which were GRAY FLYCATCHER, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE and numerous ABERT'S TOWHEES.

I didn't stop along Santa Gertrudis Lane to check for the Rufous-backed Robin (the bird was seen today). I noted CEDAR WAXWINGS and WESTERN BLUEBIRDS as I walked by the #12 Pyracantha. A single WHITE-WINGED DOVE was also present.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009
I concluded my 2009 birding with a visit to Patagonia Lake State Park where I spent 4 hours trying to find sparrows with very little success. In a winter with few sparrows, I wanted to get a better understanding of the species that are impacted. Although I've formed a few ideas, I don't have much data. For the first two hours I birded in mesquite-grassland-juniper habitat. I then worked the marsh and muddy areas along a 3/4 mile section of Sonoita Creek trail (which isn't along the creek at this point, it follows the northeastern end of the lake). In this area I also tried some photography (and had about as much success as I did with sparrows). It was a mostly clear morning; below freezing early then in the 40s-low 50s.

Looking at my results in terms of regularly occurring sparrow species that frequent the state park paints an interesting picture. The following list is in decreasing order of normally expected abundance with towhees omitted (upper case=seen today, lower case=not seen today).

SONG SPARROW (100), CHIPPING SPARROW (87), WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW (59), Black-throated Sparrow (57), Lincoln's Sparrow (46), Swamp Sparrow (43), Rufous-crowned Sparrow (26), LARK SPARROW (20), Brewer's Sparrow (15), Black-chinned Sparrow (15), Rufous-winged Sparrow (12) and Vesper Sparrow (11).

The numbers following each species represent percentage seen from my records (during December-February only, normalized to Song Sparrow at 100%). It should be noted that my results depend on route and objectives -- a short target species oriented trip would yield less of these species than would casual birding on a longer visit. Nevertheless, the numbers are a useful indicator regarding what might be seen at the lake in the winter months. I covered lots of ground in suitable habitat and was shocked not to find a resident Black-throated Sparrow.

The time spent in the marsh and muddy areas was the most revealing for me. In a year when many sparrows are very low in numbers, Song Sparrows are present in much higher than normal numbers based on what I've seen at Sierra Vista EOP and on the San Pedro. I saw many of them today so this was strongly reinforced. At the same time, I'm at a loss to explain the dearth of Lincoln's Sparrows at the same locations (and again today). In winter they frequent the same habitat and presumably eat the same food as Song Sparrows (although Lincoln's also forage in dry areas and the lack of food in those areas may be the reason for low numbers). It's all as clear as mud.

Anyway, enough about little brown jobs. What else did I see?

Well, probably because I wasn't looking for them, I came across 4 BLACK-CAPPED GNATCATCHERS (all of which were vocalizing to get my attention). The first two were males foraging alone. This is a little unusual since this species seems to maintain a pair bond throughout the year. Of course, I could simply have missed the females. One bird was in a roadside mesquite near the entrance to the water treatment plant located on the two way section of the park exit road. Another was on the hillside at the top of the steps shortly after the start of the Sonoita Creek trail.

While looking for Swamp and Lincoln's Sparrows, I heard then saw a pair forging in the willows opposite the mouth of Nutting's (5th) wash. They were loosely associated with several BRIDLED TITMICE and actually followed those birds into the marsh. I also saw them foraging on the ground (which is not unusual). I followed them hoping to get a shot but they were moving around far too fast. In the end I managed an image of a female as she paused briefly after catching a tasty morsel. As you can see, they don't just catch gnats! In fact, they have quite a diverse diet of fairly large prey items.

Woodpeckers were abundant in the leafless willows with GILA WOODPECKERS outnumbering NORTHERN FLICKERS and LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKERS. It was a noisy gathering and I was taken by surprise by a new call that took me a few seconds to place in this habitat -- ARIZONA WOODPECKER (a male as I later determined). This is only the third time that I've seen this species at the lake (previously in January 1997 and January 1998).

Other less common location species included CRISSAL THRASHER (in a wash near the main entrance gate) and a small flock of 14 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS in mesquite-juniper habitat near the water treatment plant. A lone GRAY-HEADED JUNCO was also of note. Dark-eyed Juncos are not common at the lake and most are the Oregon form.

The wintering flock of COMMON MERGANSERS is growing and I counted at least 60 today before the flock moved and screwed up the count. In the small bay at the Marina, the very confiding lone CANVASBACK that I first saw in early November is still present. I couldn't find a Neotropic Cormorant (often absent at this time of year) and I only saw one immature DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. I noted 12 EARED GREBES, 5 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, several GADWALLS & GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 20 SHOVELERS, 4 LESSER SCAUP, a lone male BUFFLEHEAD and lots of RUDDY DUCKS. A few LEAST and SPOTTED SANDPIPERS were on the mud flats. GREATER YELLOWLEGS was the least common species on the water.

GRAY FLYCATCHER numbers were low (or they were inactive -- it was pretty cold early on). Even the normally conspicuous BLACK & SAY'S PHOEBES were initially in short supply. ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS braved the cold at the visitor center and various camper feeders (as did WHITE-WINGED DOVES and LESSER GOLDFINCHES).

A routine yet interesting outing (aren't they all) to finish up the year.

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

Dec. Species Seen

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

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