Bird Sightings -- Updated Saturday, February 6
EDITOR'S NOTE: the Arboretum had a one-of-a-kind hybrid hummingbird
nicknamed "El Catrin" here from 2006 until October 2009. Researchers
from Southeast Arizona Bird Observatory captured, leg-banded and released
the famous little hybrid Violet-crowned x. Broad-billed Hummingbird, check
out Randy Forrest's Hybrid Hummingbird banding slideshow. Additional
bird photos include a Northern Saw-whet Owl from 2007; check
out the great photograph by Marceline Vandewater and two Merriam's Turkey
hens were photographed here from November, 2008 through February, 2009.
Check
out Tammy Knight's gallery of turkey photos
Bird reports from across Arizona in greater detail are posted at the excellent
website
http://www.birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/AZNM.html.
Recent Arboretum checklist reports include:
From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Saturday, February 6
We recorded the season's first returning Costa's Hummingbird this morning
on our guided walk and also had a small flock of Western Bluebirds fly over.
One Bridled Titmouse was seen by the full group, then later in the day I
found a little flock of four Bridled Titmice over in the herb Garden. We
had great looks at two Brown Creepers, one in the Picnic Area and the other
closer to the Herb Garden. A Cooper's Hawk was in the eucalyptus tree near
the entrance to the Demonstration Garden this morning at the start of our
walk, and a female Broad-billed Hummingbird was here at the end of the day
around 4:00. We also got four woodpecker species in different spots around
the Demonstration Garden, towards the back end near Queen Creek: Gila Woodpecker,
Northern (red-shafted) Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker and Ladder-backed Woodpecker.
Red-winged Blackbirds here, too. A Rufous-Backed
Robin was just east of the Herb Garden foraging on the remaining
pistachio and myrtle fruits. Also seen and heard today were Pied-billed
Grebe, American Coot, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, Say's
Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren,
Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin,
Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned
Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed
Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
Only a few butterflies were out -- we saw Southern Dogface, American Snout,
Sara Orangetip, Mourning Cloak and Sleepy Orange. Editor's Note:
guided birdwalks are each Thursday at 8:30 a.m. with Jane Wicklund, also
on weekends February 14 with Richard Ditch and then Jim
Burns leads a walk here on February 20.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, February 4
Today was the first of eight Thursday Bird Walks I'll lead as a volunteer
at the Arboretum, and the visitors who joined me had a chance to see the
Rufous-Backed
Robin and also an American Robin, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Geen-tailed
Towhee, Hutton's Vireo and Orange-crowned Warbler. Join me next Thursday,
February 11 at 8:30 a.m. for our next walk! Other birds today included Pied-billed
Grebe, American Coot and Red-winged Blackbird at Ayer Lake; also Red-tailed
Hawk, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern (red-shafted)
Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common
Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush,
Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's);
Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
There are weekend guided birdwalks on the schedule, too: Richard Ditch leads
one Valentines Day February 14, then Jim
Burns leads a walk here on February 20.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, January 29
Both American and Rufous-Backed
Robin were found today along with wintering species including Dark-eyed
Junco, Marsh Wren at Ayer Lake, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Northern (red-shafted)
Flicker. Also seen and heard around BTA today were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed
Grebe, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren,
Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's
Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch and House Sparrow.
Join me for a guided bird walk each Thursday morning in February and March
-- they'll leave the visitor center breezeway at 8:30 a.m. February 4, 11,
18 and 25.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Sunday, January 24
Two Rufous-Backed
Robins foraged in the myrtle shrub near the pump house in Queen
Creek Canyon, and the Coatimundi
was feasting on myrtle fruit here this morning, too. The main trail is eroded
and closed east of here, and the riparian area inaccessible this week because
of Queen Creek flooding. Other notable birds today were a Brown Creeper
and an Orange-crowned Warbler in the Demonstration Garden - and a Cooper's
Hawk which narrowly missed taking one of the Inca Doves there. Other birds
today were Red-winged Blackbird, Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot at
Ayer Lake; Red-tailed Hawk, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpeckers, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black
Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon
Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird,
Curved-billed Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler,
Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and House Finch.
Editor's Note: today Jack re-confirmed the Williamson's Sapsucker
which he found on the Christmas Bird Count last month in a residential area
of the town of Superior, about five minutes drive from the Arboretum. The
bird visited "sapsucker wells" in the row of pine trees near the
junior / senior high school today, specifically it was seen on the trunk
of a pine tree across from the southeast light pole near the football field.
Mary Drive is closed this week due to flooding from Queen Creek; to reach
the school complex take hwy 177, also known as the Ray Road which runs from
Superior to Ray and Kearney, to Sunset Drive and follow Sunset past the
Fairview Cemetary to the schools which are nearby.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Wednesday, January 21
Green-tailed Towhee was a highlight today, and Wednesday was also a
good day for woodpeckers -- I found Gila and Ladderbacked Woodpeckers as
well as Red-naped Sapsucker and a red-shafted Northern Flicker. Australian
trees are flowering this month, so watch the tops of the eucalyptus and
red gums for Anna's Hummingbirds. Other birds in the gardens today were
Pied-billed Grebe, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe,
Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit
Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped
Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow,
Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and
House Sparrow.
From: Diane Krpan, Cindy West & Millie Bilotta
Date: Sat, January 16
At least one Rufous-Backed
Robin was seen foraging in the Myrtle bush today, moving often ---
usually flying east/west for about 100 yards along the main trail between
the Herb Garden and the myrtle over near the PumpHouse. Cindy photographed
a Prairie Falcon perched on Magma Ridge, and our other most notable sighting
was a female Broad-billed Hummingbird near the entrance to the Demonstration
Garden; notable because Broad-billeds haven't been reported since Dec. 22.
The only other hummingbird were Anna's, and nearly all of them male. Also
seen and heard today were Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker,
Red-naped Sapsucker, Verdin, Bewick's Wren (in Eucalyptus Grove - and vocal);
Canyon Wren, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed Thrasher,
Crissal Thrasher (at least half a dozen in various places between Palm Grove
and Suspension Bridge); Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee,
Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed
Junco, Northern Cardinal and House Finch.
From: Jim Burns
Date: Friday, Jan 15
This morning at Boyce-Thompson both Rufous-Backed
Robins and the Coatimundi were along the Main Trail just past signpost
34 when the arboretum opened. The robins than flew toward the Myrtle Tree
overhanging the pumphouse and fed there periodically all morning, but they
were feeding in the interior of the tree and afforded only brief unobstructed
views. The Coati has an injured foot, left front, which may account for
its hanging out at this reliable food source. It crossed the creek, climbed
the rocks and accessed the Myrtle Tree from the east by jumping onto the
pumphouse roof. It
alternately fed and slept in the top of the Myrtle all morning. Editor's
note: this report originally appeard at BirdingOnTheNet.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: January 14, Thursday
One, possibly two Rufous-backed Robins were making sorties to feed in the
myrtle today, and I had a wonderful view of the Coatimundi at about 11:30
a.m., which was a "lifer." A Green-tailed Towhee was near the
Demonstration Garden (Abert's and Spotted Towhee in other gardens, too).
Also seen and heard around the gardens today were Pied-billed Grebe and
American Coot on Ayer Lake; Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Red-naped Sapsucker, Say's and Black Phoebe; Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's
Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco,
Northern Cardinal, and House Finch. Editor's Note: Brendon
Grice posted coatimundi video when the animal was foraging near
the Herb Garden back in November.
From: Diane Touret (Tucson Audubon Society trip)
Date: January 12, Tuesday
Two Rufous-backed Robins were observed foraging on the ground in a grassy
clearing near the "Pump House" with the overhanging myrtle shrub
in Queen Creek Canyon; this Myrtle is still heavy with ripe fruit and is
the location where one robin was reported this past weekend. A Brown Creeper
was in the palm grove; other birds seen and heard around the gardens today
include Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot on Ayer Lake; Anna's Hummingbird,
Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, both Say's
and Black Phoebe; Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Crissal and also Curve-billed Thrashers;
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, and House Finch. Editor's
Note: Marceline Vandewater
was here today and reported additional species including a Sharp-shinned
Hawk near the Demonstration Garden entrance ramada; Cooper's Hawk, Red-naped
Sapsucker (two, across from the Herb Garden in the tamarisk trees); Cactus
Wren, Canyon Wren, Black-throated Sparrow, and Lesser Goldfinch, Gambel's
Quail and Dark-eyed Juncos (Oregon race). Marceline saw a female Variegated
Meadowhawk in Queen Creek canyon near the Herb Garden -- our first dragonfly
report for 2010 -- and a Red-eared Slider sunning at Ayer Lake, also five
butterfly species: American Snout, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Sleepy Orange
and Southern Dogface.
From: Nancy and Reed Miller
Date: January 5, Tuesday
A Green-tailed Towhee in the Demonstration Garden near the first intersection
was notable today, along with the "pink sided" variety of Dark-eyed
Juncos. We found both Crissal and Curve-billed Thrashers, 3 separate Red-naped
Sapsuckers and both Say's and Black Phoebe. Also seen and heard around the
gardens today were Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Verdin,
Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher,
Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's);
Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and House Sparrow.
From: Steve and Joan Hosmer
Date: January 4, Monday
Joan and I were at Boyce Thompson from about 8:00 AM through 3:00 PM. Things
were a little slow to start out, but improved a bit as the morning progressed.
I suspect the breezy weather in the morning didn't help seeing birds much.
We did not see the resident
coati that has been hanging out near the pump house, but we did
see a Golden Eagle soaring high overhead, and 15 Verdin closer to the ground
-- including one particularly industrious Verdin stealing material from
another nest and using it for its nest by the Hummingbird garden. Among
the most numerous birds, and a highlight today, were at least 20 Northern
Cardinals, which seem most numerous around the Herb Garden. 2 Crissal Thrashers
were also near the Herb Garden area --- feeding in a tree on red berries
-- and we counted about 30 White-crowned Sparrows througout the gardens.
Ayer's Lake had Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, and Black Phoebe (one
of each). Other birds today were 1 Inca Dove (heard only), 10 Anna's Hummingbird,
3 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Red-naped Sapsucker (near the picnic area); 1 Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, 2 Say's Phoebe, 1 -Common Raven, 4 Cactus Wren, 1 Canyon Wren
(heard only); 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, 2 Hermit
Thrush (Herb Garden area); 8 Northern Mockingbird, 10 Curve-billed Thrasher,
1 Phainopepla, 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); 2 Spotted Towhee, 15
Abert's Towhee, 4 Song Sparrow, 7 Dark-eyed Junco, 15 House Finch, 2 Lesser
Goldfinch and 3 House Sparrow.
From: Craig Fischer and Christmas Bird Count Volunteers (Arboretum and
nearby areas)
Date: December 26, Saturday
Rufous-Backed Robins can still be found in the myrtle hedge just below the
Ayer Lake dam, two individual birds were seen on today's annual Christmas
Bird Count. We also had a handsome transient Bufflehead on Ayer Lake, along
with the resident Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot, 1 Marsh Wren, and
28 Red-winged Blackbirds. A few highlights of the count include a Bridled
Titmouse at the west side of the Picnic Area, near the
Demonstration Garden fence; and a Golden Eagle soaring over highway 60 and
the Arboretum main gate around 3:30 p.m. A Brown Creeper was found, and
one Green-tailed Towhee. One other notable report from Saturday was sent
by text from Arboretum bird walk volunteer tour guide Diane Krpan, who reported
three Harris Hawks perched on a power pole just outside the Arboretum's
main gate around lunchtime. Other birds today, in checklist order and reported
by numbers found, include: 37 Gambel's Quail, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Red-tailed
Hawk, 2 Inca Dove, 21 Anna's Hummingbird, 31 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Northern
"Red-shafted" Flicker, 4 Red-naped Sapsucker,9 Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
10 Black Phoebe, 8 Say's Phoebe, 1 Hutton's Vireo, 2 Western-scrub Jay,
Common Raven, 36 Verdin, 1 Bewick's Wren, 20 Cactus Wren, 5 Rock Wren, 7
Canyon Wren, 15 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 4 Black-tailed
Gnatcatcher, 20 Western Bluebird, 8 Hermit Thrush, 1 American Robin, 15
Northern Mockingbird, 18 Curve-billed Thrasher, 5 Crissal Thrasher, 2 European
Starling, 19 Phainopepla, 20 Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler,
4 Canyon Towhee, 34 Abert's Towhee, 9 Spotted Towhee, 123 Black-throated
Sparrow, 8 Song Sparrow, 66 White-crowned Sparrow, 33 Dark-eyed Junco, 69
Northern Cardinal, 85 House Finch, 4 Lesser Goldfinch and 15 House Sparrow.
** Editor's note: this report includes numbers and species from teams which
also canvassed Arnett Canyon to the south of the Arboretum, and Arboretum
areas which are accessible to the public. Special thanks to volunteers including
Craig Fischer, Jason Beason, Eric and Elaine Hough, Linda and Dean Mason,
Curtis Burns, Becky and Scott Allen, Heather and Bill Bateman, Amanda Moors
and Paul Wolterbeek.
From: Craig Hansen, Jolan and Brandon
Date: December 22, Tuesday
The Rufous-Backed Robins (yes, there are still at least two of them at the
Arboretum this week!) had returned Tuesday morning to forage on myrtle berries
in the thicket below the dam that impounds Ayer Lake. Hermit Thrush and
Song Sparrow were here as well, with American Coot on the lake. Other birds
today included Cooper's Hawk, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,
Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus
Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco,
Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's note:
the Superior Christmas Bird Count is December 26. To sign up contact Cynthia
Donald by phone at 480-283-4515 or by email to planres@earthlink.net
From: Jack Bartley
Date: December 12, Saturday
Definitely two, and possibly three, separate Rufous-Backed Robins were observed
feasting on pyracantha berries Saturday near the Herb Garden. A Brown Creeper
was in the Demonstration Garden, and so were two separate Bridled Titmice.
Western Bluebirds and Crissal Thrashers continue to be a fun surprise at
BTA this winter. Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Red-winged Blackbird
were at Ayer Lake, and other birds today were Red-tailed Hawk, Inca Dove,
Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern
"Red-shafted" Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's
Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit
Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,
Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Canyon
Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House
Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's note: volunteers
are welcome to help with the Superior Christmas Bird Count December 26,
which includes Boyce Thompson Arboretum. To sign up contact Cynthia Donald
by phone at 480-283-4515 or by email to planres@earthlink.net
From: Jim Burns
Date: December 6, Sunday
Crissal Thrashers were still at BTA this morning, we found at least five
on this morning's cold, rainy Sunday bird walk. A Fox Sparrow was notable,
so was the male Pyrrhuloxia seen near the Smith Building parking lot by
a staff member following the bird walk. One less Greater Roadrunner will
be hunting around the gardens -- we watched a Red-tailed Hawk glide west
from Ayer Lake across highway 60 to capture a Roadrunner -- returning to
a perch on a power pole with its prey. Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot
were also at Ayer Lake, but there was no sign of exciting rarities in the
myrtle shrubs below the dam. Other birds today were Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker,
Red-naped Sapsucker, Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren,
Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush,
American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling,
Phainopepla, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's
note: additional birds reported by Jmartin and Msequeira Saturday included
Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Common Raven, House Wren, Chipping Sparrow and
Black-throated Sparrow.
check out Jim
Burns Bird-Is-A-Verb column on AZCentral; lastly -- volunteers are
needed for the Superior Christmas Bird Count December 26. To sign up contact
Cynthia Donald by phone at 480-283-4515 or by email to planres@earthlink.net
From: Andree Tarby & Friends
Date: November 28, Saturday
New location to report for the Rufous-Backed
Robin -- Saturday morning one bird was found in the clump of coniferous
trees below the dam which impounds Ayer Lake. There's a myrtle bush with
fruit here, so this location may continue to be worth checking through the
first week of December. Loggerhead Shrike, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher American
Robin and Crissal thrasher were notable today, and others seen/heard around
the gardens were Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe,
Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit
Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's)
Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird and House Finch. Editor's
Note: Brendon
Grice photographed a coatimundi foraging near the Herb Garden around
9:00 a.m.
From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: November 22, Sunday
Two separate Rufous-Backed
Robins continue to forage furtively around the fruiting trees in
front of the Smith Building - both were seen Sunday on our guided birdwalk.
Western Bluebirds were in the Demonstration Garden, we had a Black-tailed
Gnatcatcher in the Cactus Garden and Red-winged Blackbirds. Crissal Thrasher,
Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Orange-crowned Warbler, Hutton's Vireo and Say's
Phoebe were found, too! Also seen/heard in the gardens were Red-tailed Hawk,
Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's
Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker,
Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren,
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,
Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Abert's
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch, House Sparrow, and Lesser Goldfinch.
Other visitors reported an American Robin in the Demo Garden, and one other
fun sighting was a Hog-nosed Skunk! Editor's Note: Brendon
Grice photographed a coatimundi foraging near the Herb Garden around
9:00 a.m. And BTA's final 2009 bird walk will be Dec. 6 (sunday) with Jim
Burns, there's also an 11:00 a.m. slideshow of "Birds of India"
by Anand Arya at 11:00 that same morning, please join us!
From: Richard Ditch
Date: November 21, Saturday
Rufous-Backed
Robin was seen again today in front of the Smith Building, alhough
furtively. Other birds today were American Coot, Anna’s Hummingbird,
Broad-billed Hummingbird, Greater Roadrunner, Mourning Dove, Common Raven,
Gila Woodpecker, Northern
(red-shafted) Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Cactus
Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Verdin, Hutton’s Vireo, Phainopepla,
Cedar Waxwing, Say’s Phoebe, Black Phoebe, Hermit Thrush, American
Robin, Rufous-backed Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-winged Blackbird,
Northern Cardinal, Abert’s Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Green-
tailed Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, White-crowned Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, House Finch, Lesser
Goldfinch, House Sparrow.
From: Karen Stucke
Date: November 14, Saturday
Rufous-Backed
Robin was a "life bird" for me today at the Arboretum,
while American Robin, Crissal Thrasher and Cooper's Hawk were also notable.
Others found today were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot,
Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit
Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling,
Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note:
Brendon Grice
photographed a coatimundi foraging near the Herb Garden around 9:00
a.m.
From: Marceline Vandewater
and Paul Kinslow -- with additional sightings
reported by Jim Scarlett
Date: November 10, Tuesday
The myrtle bush near the Smith Building bathrooms continues to have plenty
ripe fruit, Tuesday morning it still had one Rufous-Backed
Robin seen occasionally foraging for the dark blue fruits. Cassin's
Vireo was another good find today, along with Hutton's Vireo, Greater Roadrunner,
Say's Phoebe, Western Bluebird and Inca Dove; we found at least three Crissal
Thrashers and had good looks at a Green-tailed Towhee -- a total of 42 species
of birds and 16 species of butterflies -- not bad for a day in November!
Other birds seen and heard around the gardens today were Gambel's Quail,
Pied-billed Grebe, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted"
Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon
Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Black-tailed, Gnatcatcher, Hermit
Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped
(Audubon's) Warbler, Northern Mockingbird, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee,
Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Jim Scarlett shared a
checklist from Tuesday morning and added these species: Gilded Flicker,
Orange-crowned Warbler, Chipping Sparrow and Great-tailed Grackle. Editor's
Note: Marceline also reported these butterflies: Painted Lady, Cloudless
Sulphur, Gray Hairstreak, Queen, Pipevine Swallowtail, American Snout, Southern
Dogface, Orange Sulphur, Western Pygmy Blue, Common Buckeye, Common Checkered
Skipper, Marine Blue, Mormon Metalmark, Monarch, Ceraunus Blue and Mexican
Yellow.
From: Kathe Anderson -- with additional sightings reported by Pete Moulton
Date: November 8, Sunday
A Band-tailed Pigeon photographed by Pete Moulton near the pyracantha just
west of the Herb Garden was among the most notable birds today, and our
Sunday bird walk group was fortunate to see a previously reported Rufous-Backed
Robin foraging alongside Cedar Waxwings, Phainopepla, Northern Mockingbirds,
a Western Tanager and others in the myrtle bush which still has a wealth
of dark blue fruits and is located across the trail from bathrooms at the
west side of the Smith Building, just a short walk from the main visitor
center. Our walk began with great views of a Cooper's Hawk that cruised
overhead as we assembled behind the visitor center at 8:30, American Robin
was also present today, and its thrilling to see several Crissal Thrashers
kicking around in the leaf litter and foraging on both sides of the main
trail between the Herb Garden and the suspension bridge. Additional sightings
by Pete Moulton follow at the end of our list; other birds seen and heard
around the gardens today on the guided walk included Pied-billed Grebe,
American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe,
Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren,
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch
and Lesser Goldfinch. Pete Moulton was birding separately with friends and
added these to the Sunday report: Sharp-shinned Hawk (a juvenile above Ayer
Lake, headed north at high velocity); Mourning Dove, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
one Hutton's Vireo in the picnic area; European Starling, Dark-eyed Junco
(all of them Oregon types); Red-winged Blackbird and Great-tailed Grackle.
Pete also birded Oak Flat briefly after noon and reported Western Scrub-Jay
and Canyon Towhee.
From: Pierre Deviche, Brendon Grice, Joyce Goodman -- with additional
sightings from Heather Bateman
Date: November 7, Saturday
Here's a "tip of the hat" to Rich for the Friday report of two
Rufous-Backed
Robins feeding in the myrtle bush loaded with dark blue fruits just
outside the Smith Building bathrooms. Both birds were observed in the same
myrtle at the same time on numerous occasions Saturday -- a rare treat!
Other birds competing for the yrtle fruits today included American Robin,
Summer Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, at least a dozen Cedar Waxwings --
and also a possible Rose-breasted Grosbeak observed by Heather Bateman and
her ASU birding class. The other notable report was a possible Purple Finch
reported by Pierre Deviche; who reports this rarity may have been photographed
by Brendon Grice. Check the Arizona Field Ornithologists website AZFO.org
for more info. Common birds feeding at the myrtle included Phainopepla,
Gila Woodpecker, and Northern Mockingbird. This report combines two checklists
from Joyce adn Heather, and blends in a verbal account of sightings by Pierre
Deviche -- other birds seen and heard around the gardens today included
Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Red-tailed Hawk, Greater Roadrunner, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black
Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, House Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Crissal
Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler,
Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and House Sparrow.
From: Joyce Goodman -- with additional sightings from Lois Lorenz --
and also Jack Bartley
Date: October 31, Saturday
An Eastern Phoebe was found and also photographed by Brendon Grice in the
Demonstration Garden, along with White-throated Sparrow. The Rufous-Backed
Robin was here as well -- one place to look is the myrtle bush loaded
with dark blue fruits just outside the Smith Building bathrooms. Also American
Robin, Crissal Thrasher, Western Tanager, Costa's Hummingbird and Hutton's
Vireo. Others seen heard around the gardens were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed
Grebe, American Coot, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Verdin, Rock
Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
Editor's Note: Lois Lorenz and Sandra added these species to the
list provided by Joyce: Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Northern (Red-shafted)
Flicker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Cactus Wren (by ear); Hermit Thrush,
Cedar Waxwing, Chipping Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco
and Great-tailed Grackle. Additional note: Jack Bartley also reported
these species around Whitlow Dam from October 29: Green-winged Teal, Sharp-shinned
Hawk, American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon, Greater Roadrunner, Gilded Flicker,
Red-breasted X. Red-naped Sapsucker and also Yellow-shafted X. Red-shafted
Sapsucker, Say's Pheobe, Plumbeous Vireo, Western-scrub Jay, Bushtit, Brown
Creeper, Western Bluebird, Black-throated Gray Warbler and Rufous-crowned
Sparrow.
From: Pete Moulton and Cynthia Donald - with a Queen Creek footnote
from Jack Bartley
Date: October 25, Sunday
The Rufous-Backed
Robin was still feeding on ripe pistachio fruits in the Picnic Area
trees, along with various other birds this morning -- and notable species
found on our guided bird walk included Brown Creeper, both Blue-gray and
Black-tailed Gnatcatchers, Chipping Sparrow, Western Meadowlark and Common
Ground-Dove -- four of these (!). Others seen heard around the gardens were
Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Cooper's Hawk, Greater
Roadrunner, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Common
Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Crissal Thrasher, European Starling, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler,
Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow (all Gambel's, as far as I could tell); Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-sided
and Gray-headed); Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed
Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note:
Jack Bartley birded Queen Creek upstream from the Arboretum Sunday and reported
these additional species not found on the Arboretum grounds: Hutton's Vireo,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, House Wren, Rock Wren, Rufous-crowned Sparrow,
Lincoln's Sparrow -- and Common Ground Dove at the old Pinal town site,
along with Plumbeous Vireo, Common Yellowthroat, Townsend's Warbler, Summer
Tanager, Orange-crowned Warbler, Bridled Titmouse, and Brown Creeper.
From: Richard Ditch
Date: October 21, Wednesday
I had a Rufous-Backed
Robin in the Chinese Pistachio tree in the picnic area. It was feeding
around eye level on the outside of the tree around 11:00 a.m. Other birds
at this tree included Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Gila Woodpecker,
Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, Northern Mockingbird, and White-crowned
Sparrow. There's fruit on this tree for a few more days; I had spent more
time at the Chinese Pistachio near the east end of
the Herb Garden looking for thrashers to see if I could find the suspected
LeConte's Thrasher from Saturday. I did not. Instead I had a Crissal Thrasher
there. There is a lot more fruit on this tree than the one in the picnic
area and many more birds feeding here. Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton will
lead the Arboretum bird walk Sunday, October 25, at 8:30 a.m.
From: Richard Ditch
Date: October 17, Saturday
In spite of the unwelcome high temperatures we had interesting birds: Crissal
Thrasher - one or more were active in and under the shrubs by the picnic
area near the dry creek when we finally got there around 11:00 am. A Curve-billed
Thrasher kept chasing the Crissal(s). We were surprised to have an Osprey
flying east along the main canyon, viewed against the mass of Picket Post
Mountain from the trail between Ayer Lake and the Picket Post House. Time
was probably 9:30 am. Bigger surprise was a meadowlark in the Demonstration
Garden around 10:30 am. It flew up from a small open area beneath the stucco
wall with the round "window" in it and flew over the the path
leading to the "Wildflower meadow' depression. We saw it some more
down in the meadow and finally watched it fly out towards the creek bed
carrying a dragonfly or other large insect. Finally, Brendon Grice and I
heard an unusual bit of bird song near a Chinese Pistachio tree with lots
of fruit in the main canyon a little east of the Herb Garden. Brendon was
able to get a partial view and determined it was a thrasher with a long
curved bill. At the time we wrote it off as another Crissal, but after listening
to recored calls at our respective homes we both decided it was very likely
a LeConte's Thrasher. Please be alert to this possible bird if you are birding
there in the next couple of days. Habitat at Boyce is nothing like the barren
open places I've seen them elsewhere so confirmation from another birder
would be appreciated. Also seen and heard were Gila Woodpecker, House Finch,
Pyrrhuloxia, Cedar Waxwing, Cactus Wren, Pine Siskin, House Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Black-throated Sparrow, Inca Dove, Phainopepla,
Common Raven, Lesser Goldfinch, Hermit Thrush, Abert’s Towhee, Northern
Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Northern (red-shafted) Flicker, Canyon Wren,
Cooper’s Hawk, Dark-eyed Junco, Verdin, Red-naped Sapsucker, Yellow-rumped
Warbler, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird,
Tree Swallow, European Starling, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Gambel’s
Quail, Brown Creeper, Spotted Towhee, Orange-crowned Warbler and Swainson’s
Thrush.
From: Troy Corman and Cindy Marple
Date: October 11, Sunday
Cindy Marple and I lead the Sunday bird walk at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
With assistance from Grant and Tyler Loomis, we managed to detect over 50
species, which is above average for these walks. Highlights included a VAUX'S
SWIFT with migrating VIOLET-GREEN and Northern ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS and
three GROUND-DOVES perched on rocks near the far side of the pond. They
appeared to be COMMON GROUND-DOVES based on size and shape, but only the
closest one could be positively identified due to the distance and without
a scope. Any ground-doves are rare visitors to the park. With the departure
of the summering Bell's Vireos, we still managed a four vireo morning with
WARBLING, HUTTON'S, PLUMBEOUS and CASSIN'S. The infamous Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird put on a good show for the
20+ participants on our walk along with numerous ANNA'S and BROAD-BILLED
HUMMINGBIRDS, and a single lingering RUFOUS/ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD. The only
irregular montane species that was detected was a single BRIDLED TITMOUSE
which I heard briefly during the walk, but relocated after to determine
it was alone and wandering all over. The fruiting shrubs and trees were
locally attracting many birds including numerous woodpeckers, at least three
WESTERN TANAGERS and a single juv. CEDAR WAXWING. The picnic area gave us
a surprisingly good view of a CRISSAL THRASHER in direct comparison with
the several CURVE-BILLED THRASHERS. We did not detect any robins or other
thrushes, but with the abundant and widespread fruit crop, I suspect the
arboretum should attract good numbers of them in the near future. Hope to
see you in the field...
From: Eric and Elaine Hough -- with a Sage Thrasher footnote by Pete
Moulton
Date: October 3, Saturday
Three Crissal Thrashers -- and also three Cedar Waxwings -- were particularly
notable today on our guided bird walk. Waxwings were first observed feeding
on ripe pistachio fruit near trail marker #42 as you approach the Herb Garden,
along with Northern "Red-shafted" Flickers, Warbling Vireos, Red-naped
Sapsuckers, Verdins and Gila Woodpeckers. Pete Moulton found a Sage Thrasher
(see his report after ours), and a Green- tailed Towhee was just west of
this spot, closer to the olive trees, along with a a Spotted Towhee. We
also found a brilliantly colored Wilson's Warbler in the Demonstration Garden,
and "El Catrin," the Arboretum's unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird in the hummingbird-butterfly
garden -- and a MacGillvray's Warbler. Other birds today include Gambel's
Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Inca Dove, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbirds,
Anna's Hummingbird, one female Broad-tailed Hummingbird, a female Rufous
Hummingbird, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Western
Kingbird, 2 Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo (many), Common Raven, Bewick's
Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Northern
Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Common Yellowthroat (in
Queen Creek, seen from the Demonstration Garden); Yellow-breasted Chat in
the hummingbird garden, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee,
Brewer's Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Don't miss the October 11 bird walk guided
by Troy Corman here at 8:30 a.m. Editor's Note: Pete Moulton and
Jack Follett were guiding a separate tour and found a Sage Thrasher about
200 yards above Ayer Lake, on the north side of the trail where the Black-throated
Sparrows usually hang out -- and also a female Blue Grosbeak at Ayer Lake;
they also found, Scott's Oriole, Cassin's Kingbird, Canyon Towhee, Rufous-crowned
Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-headed Growbeak,
Hermit Thrush, and Red-winged Blackbird. Pete's group headed to Oak Flats
after the Arboretum visit, where they added Wedtern Meadowlark and Western-scrub
Jay to this impressive list.
From: Brendon Grice
Date: September 27, Sunday
A pipit on the shore of Ayer Lake was notable today and I found the previously
reported Ovenbird at 12:30 and again at 2:00 in the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden, beneath the shady canopy just as you enter the garden to the left
beneath the persimmon tree which is loaded with fruit. Also notable today
were Olive-sided Flycatcher perched on the Eucalyptus Tree overhanging the
wash viewable as you look downstream from the white bridge over Silver King
Wash. Lark Sparrows were seen above Ayer lake where the "temporary
creek" is flowing; a Macgillivary's Warbler was in the Demonstratiron
Garden by the bowl water feature. Also observed a Greater Roadrunner by
the Bowl, then again on my way driving out of the picnic area by the entry
gate. A female Indigo Bunting was by the waterfall feature behind the demonstration
garden wall, and I had a Bewick's Wren there and in the
picnic area, too. If you bird BTA this week check the pistachio trees right
near the Herb Garden where the fruits are ripe and are trees loaded with
Warbling Vireos and Red-naped Sapsuckers and Northern Flickers. Also found
a Green- tailed Towhee in the Demonstration Garden.
From: Cathy Wise, with additional reports from Jack Holloway
Date: September 26, Saturday
Our group tallied 59 species on today's "Bye Bye Buzzards" bird
walk; among the most notable were two Green-tailed Towhees in the Demonstration
Garden (one molting and almost completely lacking a tail), as well as Blue-winged
Teal at Ayer Lake and interesting Sparrows up above the lake including Brewer's,
Verper and Black-throated -- also Song and the season's first returning
wintertime Lincoln's and White-crowneds. Oh, and a Killdeer at the shore
of Ayer Lake! Other birds seen and heard today were include Gambel's Quail,
Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, American Kestrel, Mourning
Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird,
El Catrin (BTA's unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird); Gila Woodpecker, Northern
(red-shafted) Flicker, Gilded Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Cassin's Kingbird, an
empidonax Flycatcher of undetermined species; Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo,
Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren,
Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet (first of the season!); Black-tailed Gnatcatcher,
Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher,
Phainopepla, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western
Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern
Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House
Sparrow. Jack Holloway added a few species including three Common Ground
Dove seen at Ayer Lake, Broad-tailed Hummingbird in the butterfly garden,
Dusky Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Rock Wren,
Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); and two Cinnamon
Teal at Ayer Lake.
From: Jim Burns
Date: September 18, Friday
Deva and I birded BTA yesterday, migratory birds on the wane, winter stuff
not in yet, but we still found 43 species -- including Greater Roadrunner
coming to the new "Australian seep" garden, the first roadrunner
I've ever seen at BTA in all these years! Others seen and heard include
Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Rock Pigeon, Inca Dove,
Broad-billed Hummingbird, El Catrin (BTA's unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird); Black-chinned Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern (red-shafted)
Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker (two --the first two I've seen this fall);
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific
Slope Flycatcher, Vermilion Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo (by far the most
numerous bird in the park-maybe 25 in the pistachio tree at trail marker
#40), Common Raven, Cliff Swallow, Verdin, House Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon
Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Nashville
Warbler (several), Wilson's Warbler (several), Summer Tanager, Western Tanager,
Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser
Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Vera Walters
Date: September 14, Monday
American Kestrel was notable today and so was Orange-crowned Warbler, Green-tailed
Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, Wilson's Warbler, Greater Roadrunner, Western
Wood Pe-wee, Cordilleran Flycatcher and the season's first returning migrant
Hermit Thrush. Also found today were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture,
Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,
Rufous Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe,
Western Kingbird, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin,
Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager,
Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Black-headed
Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow. Additionally, BTA staffer Paul Wolterbeek mentioned seeing
a Yellow-headed Blackbird which briefly stopped by at Ayer Lake.
From: Vera Walters --- with additional reports by Jack Holloway
Date: Monday, Labor Day, September 7
Common Ground Dove observed from the High Trail was a highlight today, along
with Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Barn Swallowand Ash-throated Flycatcher.
(Editor's note: Jack Holloway's list included some of the following birds
in common with Vera's, but added Lazuli Bunting, White-throated Swift, Warbling
Vireo and Western Kingbird. other birds seen today were Gambel's Quail,
Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird (also
Anna's, Rufous, Black-chinned and BTA's unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird); Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Vermilion Flycatcher,
Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon
Wren, Rock Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling,
Phainopepla, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal,
Red-winged Blackbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House
Sparrow.
From: Scott and Becky Allen
Date: Saturday August 29
We saw that Barn Owl again this morning, probably the same bird observed
when Dave Pearson guided the bird walk back in July. This morning it was
rousted from a perch near the Drover's Shed and flew over into the tall
thicket of trees at the entrance of the Demonstration Garden. Our other
highlight in this area was a Lazuli Bunting seen near the white bridge over
Silver King Wash. Becky photographed an immature female Hermit Warbler near
the Children's Garden Saturday, too. The morning was hot, so bird activity
was not -- other birds seen today were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's
Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird (also Anna's, Rufous
and BTA's unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird); Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo,
Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Canyon
Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern
Cardinal and Lesser Goldfinch. BTA staffer Paul also reported seeing a Western
Kingbird perched above Ayerk Lake and a lone Pied-billed Grebe on the water
- with Purple Martins and Northern Rough-winged Swallows swooping down to
the surface. Editor's Note: this week check out the row of ripe jujubes
just east of the Herb Garden -- Tuesday morning a Green-tailed Towhee was
observed feeding on crushed fruit on the main trail; others nearby included
Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Yellow-breasted Chat, Verdin and
Tanager.
From: Marceline
VandeWater
Date: Tuesday August 25
Saw a Crissal Thrasher today, I've heard them before at BTA but this marks
the first sighting -- also notable were Barn Swallows swooping over Ayer
Lake, a Dusky Flycatcher, one Wilson's Warbler and a small flock of Lark
Sparrows. Migrant Broad-tailed and Rufous Hummingbirds were competing at
the feeders with the Anna's, and flycatcher species included Vermilion,
Brown-crested, Black Phoebe and Western Kingbird. Also seen and heard were
Pied-billed Grebe (one at Ayer Lake); Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Inca
Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Warbling
Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Northern
Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow
Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Canyon Towhee,
Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak,
Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. Other
than birds, a Gila Monster found near the bridge over Silver King Wash was
a special treat today; butterflies were few and far between, but sightings
included one Sleepy Orange nectaring on Aster at Silver King Wash, two Acacia
Skippers, a Monarch in the Demonstration Garden and one Orange Skipperling
- also in the Demo Garden. Central Arizona Butterfly Association has our
annual count at BTA on September 12 - Join
us for the annual CAZBA.org butterfly count
From: Jim Burns
Date: Sunday August 16
We had the season's first migrant Rufous Hummingbird at the feeders this
morning along with "El Catrin," the famous Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird and also Anna's and Broad-billed
Hummingbirds. Purple Martins were flying over Ayer Lake, along with Barn
Swallow and Northern Rough-Winged Swallow, and one Pied-billed Grebe on
the water for the first time in several months. We saw both Cooper's and
Zone-tailed Hawk - and we had about 50 people along for this morning's guided
birdwalk, which was impressive! Other birds seen and heard were Gambel's
Quail, Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Greater
Roadrunner, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher,
Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin,
Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern
Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Nashville Warbler, Yellow
Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's
Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Black-throated Sparrpw, Northern Cardinal, Lazuli
Bunting, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.
Additionally, Terry Minks of Oro Valley reported seeing a turkey fly and
"gobble" in Queen Creek Canyon, but that wasn't seen by others
in our group. Interesting report, though, considering the resident turkeys
here at BTA from November-through-March. Editor's Note: Check
out Jim's "Bird Is A Verb" column on AZcentral.
From: Ron Bimrose and Paul Morris
Date: Monday August 3
A Green Heron at Ayer Lake and three hawk species (Cooper's, Zone-tailed
and Red-Tailed) were notable today - and we also found a small owl around
9:00 a.m. just east of the Herb Garden. It was perched and being mobbed
by other birds, I'm confident it was not an elf owl...this bird was bigger.
The head, the face and the markings down the front make me think it was
a Saw-whet, that matches up with all my guides, and it lacked the ear tufts
of a Western Screech.Other birds today included Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vultures,
Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-tailed Hummingbirds Gila
Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Verdin,
Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Lucy's
Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager, Abert's
Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow (east end of the High Trail); Northern Cardinal,
a Bunting (just a glimpse, species undetermined); Great-tailed Grackle,
Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Sunday August 2
Warm temps made for a quiet Sunday; still managed notable finds around BTA
including a juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron at Ayer Lake, where we also
saw an adult Great Blue Heron, with Purple Martins swooping down to the
lake surface for water. It was also encouraging to see a strong, healthy
juvenile Cooper's Hawk (probably this year's) perched above Ayer Lake and
also later hunting along the main trail near the Suspension Bridge. One
Zone-tailed Hawk was on the usual perch just above the High Trail, and Hummingbirds
today included Broad-billed (Hummingbird Garden, also the Demonstration
Garden) Anna's and also "El Catrin" the famous Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird. Also seen and heard today
were: Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vultures, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove,
Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common
Raven, Cliff Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's
Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's
Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow (High Trail); Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed
Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch and Lesser
Goldfinch. We might have also heard a Crissal Thrasher calling in the Queen
Creek Canyon riparian area - but were unable to confirm it. Sure called
like the Crissals you commonly hear up at Oak Flats and higher elevations,
though; wish we'd had a clear view.
From: Dave Pearson
Date: Saturday July 11
Three Purple Martins circling over Ayer Lake were a highlight on our guided
walk today; prior to that our entire group saw a Barn Owl after 9:00 a.m.
which circled over our group while we were in the Demonstration Garden.
We had about 20 people on the walk, and found an even 40 species including
Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-Winged
Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's
Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested
Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Cliff Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's
Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Lucy's
Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer
Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bronzed Cowbird,
Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday July 4
Most "exciting sighting" today was a Barn Owl that flew over the
visitor center and the hummingbird garden around 9:00 a.m., moving from
west to east and being harassed by other birds. Wow! Prescott College Prof.
Carl Tomoff was also here this morning, also saw the Barn owl, and he mentioned
seeing a male Indigo Bunting in the Desert Legume Garden on several different
days this week (with a second Indigo Bunting -- one lacking uniform blue
plumage -- near the Herb Garden), and also a Blue grosbeak. I missed out
on those, but other birds today include Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture,
Cooper's Hawk (Eucalyptus grove area); Mourning Dove, White-Winged Dove,
Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,
Hybrid Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested
Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat,
Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Hooded
Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow. I didn't check out
Ayer Lake, but BTA staffer Paul told me there was a Common yellowthroat
calling at Ayer Lake most of the morning, and a Purple martin was observed
swooping over the water -- with Black Phoebe and Song Sparrow lurking around
the cattails.
From: Gary Nunn
Date: Thursday June 18
Almost the first bird heard this morning at BTA was a calling YELLOW-BILLED
CUCKOO somewhere in the Demonstration Garden. It showed well at 6:15 a.m.
flying up into a low eucalyptus tree right over the entrance to the Demonstration
Garden and in front of me, talk about luck. It sat in the morning sun for
a few minutes and then flew off east over the arboretum. I did not hear
it call again over the next couple hours. Good numbers of birds around the
arboretum, Yellow-breasted Chat singing up a storm all over the place, a
nest with several large young inside and parent feeding was a nice sight.
Other species included Summer Tanager, Lazuli Bunting (female), Black-headed
Grosbeak (male), two very drab looking Violet-green Swallows, families of
Phainopepla, Black-throated Sparrow, Lucy's Warbler, Canyon Wren, Vermilion
Flycatcher. Good numbers around of regulars such as Hooded Oriole, Lesser
Goldfinch, Broad-billed and Costa's Hummingbird. Impressed by the number
of roosting Turkey Vulture on the south rocky hillside I made a quick count,
71 individuals in view, there almost certainly were more on the hillside
across Queen Creek that I could not see. Sitting at the back of this unruly
gaggle a Zone-tailed Hawk on it's usual twiggy roost perch until 7:00 a.m.
From: Cindy West & Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday June 13
Saturday was fantastic -- one highlight was seeing three chicks in the Cooper's
Hawk nest. The Cooper's Hawk babies are much bigger than we first thought
when they were spotted June 7! I looked at that one sitting up in the nest
and thought it was the adult at first, but then saw the fuzzy feathers on
its head. They'll probably fledge within the next two weeks, I'll bet. And
we may have also heard a Pygmy owl -- it was hooting from around the palm
tree area. We first heard it from the overlook over by the "seep,"
then walked down to see if we could spot it. But there is so much brush
in there it could easily hide. The Hybrid
Hummingbird showed off for us and others on a branch in the Hummingbird
area, it looked like he had just taken a bath and was fluffed up and preening.
Here's our list of species seen Saturday, including herps (skip to the end
for the reptile report): Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk,
Zone-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Pygmy-owl
(heard only), White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,
Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe,
Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Cliff Swallow,
Verdin (families), Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Northern
Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler (families),
Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch,
Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow. "Herps" seen were Greater Earless
Lizard, Side-blotched Lizard, Whiptail, Clark's Spiny Lizard, Collared Lizard,
Tree Lizard, Chuckwalla, Sonoran Whipsnake and Black-tailed Rattlesnake.
The Black-tailed Rattlesnake was in the herb garden. I was watching a Canyon
Wren that was fussing and as I followed it along the cliff face, there,
hanging from some little tree branches, was a Black-tailed Rattlesnake!
The other snake we saw, the Sonoran Whipsnake, was lovely. About four feet
long, and going across the trail as we walked up the hill from the Queen
Creek side. We could see segments of it as it rested amongst the rocks and
grass on the left side of the trail. Besides the snakes, we had all the
herps (including a lovely view of the chuckwalla up on the ridge). We even
had a great view of a Clark's Spiny Lizard on a tree across from the Herb
Garden (on a tree across from the bench). He had vibrant turquoise on his
throat and his belly.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Sunday June 7
The Arboretum's resident Cooper's Hawk has a nest with at least one fledgling
-- in the Eucalyptus Grove, just past "Mr. Big" as you walk down
the Pine Loop trail, look west and high up, the nest is camoflaged on a
leafy eucalyptus branch which crosses sideways over a tall pine tree. Other
birds Sunday include Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Zone-tailed Hawk, Red-tailed
Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird (found a female on her nest west of the Herb Garden right
on the Main Trail near a bench); Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe (two at Ayer
Lake); Brown-crested Flycatcher (across from the Suspension Bridge); Cassin's
Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's
Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray gnatcatcher (across from the Suspension
Bridge); Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat
(at Ayer Lake); Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's
Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle,
Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch. "Herps" seen today
include an Eastern Collared Lizard (on the trail above Ayer Lake); Greater
Earless Lizard (multiple locations); Ornate Tree Lizard (multiple locations);
Common Side-blotched lizard (Cactus Garden); Desert Spiny Lizard (multiple
locations); Clark's Spiny Lizard (in a tree along trail at Queen Creek near
the "Cave") and Various Whiptail species found in multiple locations.
Editor's Note: after Diane found this nest, three fledglings were observed
a day later.
From: Gary Nunn
Date: Tuesday, June 2
A Common Blackhawk flew over Queen Creek today, and a female Rose-breasted
Grosbeak was feeding at the very far end of the Demonstration Garden on
June 2. It was moving around in tops of fruiting acacia trees chomping on
the unripe pods. Much paler than female Black-headed Grosbeak and with no
buff at all in the plumage. Pale uniform bill color was also noticeable.
Also found a Yellow-breasted Chat nest in the Demonstration Garden near
the small water fall (with two chairs). Look to the pond at the bottom with
the few goldfish. Keep looking to the left and you will see a small Bay
Laurel tree, at least that what it looked like to me, it is only 10-20 feet
maybe from the goldfish pond. The nest is about six feet up in the center
of the Bay Laurel. Female was sitting very tight on Tuesday morning and
the male came to feed her, must be incubating. You could probably get some
amazing photos if you put a small hide up and found a good vantage point
to look into the small tree. Also notable were Bronzed Cowbird, and Lazuli
Bunting; other birds seen and heard today were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vultures,
Zone-tailed Hawk, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-Billed Hummingbird,
Costa's Hummingbird, the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion
Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Northern
Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Phainopepla (a family); Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler,
Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle,
Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House
Sparrow.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Sunday May 31
It was worth checking Ayer Lake early Sunday morning - had a great look
at an immature Black-crowned Night Heron circling high overhead, Violet-green
Swallow and Northern Rough-winged Swallows (and Black Phoebe) swooping around
the lake, with Common Yellowthroat and Song Sparrow in the cattails. Also
had a great view of a Zone-tailed Hawk perched on a flowering Agave chrysantha
up on the ridge overlooking the lake. Walking the High Trail we found a
Canyon Towhee and a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher family, and heard a Rufous-crowned
Sparrow calling below the trail. Also seen and heard today were: Gambel's
Quail, Turkey Vultures, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove,
Inca Dove, White-throated swift (above Ayer Lake), Broad-Billed Hummingbird,
Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Hybrid Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher,
Bell's Vireo, Common Raven , Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Northern
Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow
Warbler, Common Yellowthroat (at Ayer Lake), Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer
Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak,
Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird (In Demo Garden);
Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow. By the waym
wow long has it been since anyone saw pied-billed grebes or coots at Ayer
Lake? I haven't seen them in quite some time. Very strange.
From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Saturday May 23
Ayer Lake had a Spotted Sandpiper this morning, which is unusual for BTA.
We had great looks at vivid Broad-billed Hummingbirds (also Anna's, Costa's
and a possible Black-chinned); Western Wood Pe-wee and Bronzed Cowbird,
along with both Summer and Western Tanager. Also seen or heard today were:
Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested
Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged
Swallow, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher,
Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Yellow Warbler,
Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat (we had great looks right in the
Hummingbird Garden at the start of our walk); Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow,
Black-headed Gorsbeak, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Bullock's
Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Saturday May 16
A Swainson's Thrush was lurking by the artificial stream in the Demonstration
Garden on Saturday morning; other notable birds included Ash-throated Flycatcher,
Plumbeous Vireo, an audible Greater Roadrunner -- and Cooper's Hawk. Also
seen and heard around the Arboretum were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture,
Zone-tailed Hawk, Spotted Sandpiper, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove
(heard); White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's
Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo,
Verdin, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Canyon Wren,
Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler,
Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Wilson's Warbler, Common
Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed
Gorsbeak, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House
Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: NAMC bird count (Dan, Paul, Scott & Becky, Cathy, Ray)
Date: Saturday May 9
A handsome male Indigo Bunting was the most notable find Saturday during
the annual North American Migrant Count; he flew sorties back and forth
across Queen Creek near the suspension bridge, both upstream and downstream.
The bird was first reported in this general location back on May 4, and
was still here as of Sunday morning. A MacGillvray's Warbler skulking in
thickets along the diagonal trail behind the palm trees at around 2:00 p.m.
was also a welcome find with today's tally. Other birds Saturday include
7 Gambel's Quail, 17 Turkey Vulture, 2 Zone-tailed Hawk, 1 Spotted Sandpiper,
5 White-winged Dove, 11 Mourning Dove, 3 Inca Dove, 5 White-throated Swift,
3 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 1 Black-chinned Hummingbird, 5 Anna's Hummingbird,
2 Costa's Hummingbird -- also the unique Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned
Hybrid Hummingbird -- 5 Gila Woodpecker, 4 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 1 unidentified
empidonax flycatcher, 2 Black Phoebe, 7 Vermilion Flycatcher, 5 Brown-crested
Flycatcher, 6 Bell's Vireo, 1 Common Raven, 11 Verdin, 1 Violet-green Swallow,
3 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 3 Canyon Wren, 3 Cactus Wren, 2 Bewick's
Wren, 2 Rock Wren, 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 8 Phainopepla, 1 Northern Mockingbird,
2 Curve-billed Thrasher, 4 Lucy's Warbler, 6 Yellow Warbler, 5 Yellow-rumped
Warbler (Audubon's), 2 Wilson's Warbler, 2 Common Yellowthroat, 3 Yellow-breasted
Chat, 6 Summer Tanager, 4 Western Tanager, 2 Green-tailed Towhee, 2 Abert's
Towhee, 1 Rufous-crowned Sparrow, 3 Song Sparrow, 1 White-crowned Sparrow,
11 Northern Cardinal, 19 Black-headed Grosbeak (the Eucalyptus Forest is
a great place to see these, along with both Tanager species); 3 Great-tailed
Grackle, 1 Red-winged Blackbird, 6 Hooded Oriole, 19 House Finch, 25+ Lesser
Goldfinch and 1 House Sparrow. Volunteers on this county included Dan Walters,
Scott and Becky Allen, Cathy Madsen, and Ray. Editor's Note: Section
coordinator for this region of the Pinal NAMC was Marceline Vandewater -
if you want to volunteer and help with the 2010 NAMC please email marceline@ermaroni.net
or else Doug Jenness at d_jenness@hotmail.com
From: Herb Fibel (with additional sightings by Cynthia Donald, Pete
Moulton, Diane Krpan and Paul Wolterbeek)
Date: Saturday May 2
Editor's Correction: This report originally stated that a male Hooded Warbler
was observed -- Herb clarified this report May 3, reporting the bird he
found in the Demonstration Garden Saturday morning was a Hermit Warbler.
Also seen were Wilson's Warbler, and both male and female Summer Tanagers
-- in fact at one point a male summer tanager and a male vermilion flycatcher
were in the same tree sizing each other up! Look for the pair of Vermilion
Flycatchers near the Picnic area and in the Demonstration Garden, and spend
some quiet time at the new "Aboriginal Seep" garden behind the
Swagman's Camp in the Eucalyptus forest for a chance to see Lazuli Buntings
and Green-tailed Towhee. Brown-crested Flycatchers are vocal throughout
the park, along with Yellow-breasted Chats (check the Hummingbird Garden
for these). Other birds seen and heard Saturday include Pied-billed Grebe
(Ayer Lake), Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, White-winged Dove, Mourning
Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird,
and the Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird; Gila Woodpecker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Common
Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher,
Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Abert's
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak (Eucalyptus Forest), Great-tailed Grackle,
Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton also
reported a Black-crowned Night Heron, Green Heron, Common Yellowthroat and
Violet-green Swallows observed around Ayer Lake.
From: Kathe Anderson and Diane Krpan
Date: Sunday April 26
Guided bird walk participants this morning enjoyed great views of a Broad-billed
Hummingbird feeding her two fledglings right near the entrance to the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden -- and the chance to learn Yellow-Breasted Chat calls from two elusive
males setting up territories and calling repeatedly and loudly around this
garden. Great looks at Summer Tanager pairs above the Pine Loop trail at
the southeast end of the eucalyptus forest, with a Western Tanager in the
canopy overhead. Diane reported Lazuli Bunting, both male and female, over
by the new seep area in back of the "Swagman's Camp", and our
group saw a probable Golden Eagle streaked high overhead, too far for a
positive I.D. Also seen and heard today were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail,
White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Eurasian Collard-Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black
Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's
Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Canyon
Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren (one appears to be building a nest in the
trunk of a shaggy eucalyptus tree in the eucalyptus forest); House Wren,
Northern Mockingbird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, European Starling, Phainopepla,
Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Abert's
Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed
Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch,
and House Sparrow. PS, join me on Saturday, May 23, for a 6:30 a.m. guided
bird walk -- the Arboretum changes to Summer hours in May and will be open
from 6:00 a.m. til 3:00 p.m. daily through the end of August.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Monday April 20
This morning most of the Empidonax flycatchers appeared to have left, but
a surge of other transients was evident. I saw a male Western Tanager, 4
Townsend’s Warblers, more Orange-crowned, Black-throated Gray and Wilson’s
Warblers, grosbeaks and buntings, as well as many other species reported
yesterday.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Sunday April 19
I birded at the Arboretum Sunday afternoon after teaching at Tucson Audubon’s
Institute of Desert Ecology. Lesser Goldfinches, House Finches, Lucy’s
and Yellow Warblers, and many others filled the air with songs and calls.
Empidonax flycatchers were evident along the Queen Creek corridor: 8 Dusky,
3 Hammond’s, 2 “Western”, and 1 Gray. Other transients included
vireos (4 Plumbeous, 4 Cassin’s, and 1 Warbling), warblers: (5 Orange-crowned,
1 Nashville, 2 Virginia’s, 2 Black-throated Gray, 1 Hermit, 1 MacGillivray’s,
1 Common Yellowthroat along Queen Creek and 1M at Ayer Lake, 2 Wilson’s,
1M “Myrtle” and over 40 Yellow-rumped); 2 male Summer Tanagers;
at least 6M Lazuli Buntings, 2M and 1F Black-headed Grosbeaks, 7 Green-tailed
Towhees. A Yellow-breasted Chat (first noted by BTA Groundskeeper Becky
Noth on April 15) sang briefly from the Hummingbird Garden. Later I watched
the Brown Thrasher probe at fallen olives, a late Hermit Thrush dart about,
and the tan-striped White-throated Sparrow forage in the olive grove. I
was surprised to see an early Swainson’s Thrush near the herb garden.
A White-throated Swift swooped over Ayer Lake and a Marsh Wren called while
2 Lark Sparrows drank at Ayer Lake’s shoreline and blackbirds assembled
to roost in the marsh; 50-55 Red-winged, over 125 Brewer’s, 1M and
3F Great-tailed Grackles, 48 Brown-headed Cowbirds, and 3 European Starlings
eventually settled in. Poor-wills called from the slopes at dusk. I also
observed: a pair of Pied-billed Grebes, dozens of Turkey Vultures returning
to roost in the eucalyptus grove, Gambel's Quail, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk,
a pair of Cooper's Hawks, 1 Zone-tailed Hawk, an adult Red-tailed Hawk,
Eurasian Collared Dove, White-winged Dove (NB), Mourning Dove, Inca Dove,
Hummingbirds: (Broad-billed (ON), Black-chinned (ON), Anna's (FY), Costa's
(FY), 1 male Broad-tailed Hummingbird); Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe (N2Y), 1 Say’s Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated
Flycatcher, 1 Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, 12 Violet-green
Swallows, 3 Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Verdin (FY, NY), Bewick's Wren,
Cactus Wren (FY, NY), Canyon Wren (NY), and 1 Marsh Wren, 3 rather late
Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla (FY), Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee (FY), Rufous-crowned
Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow (FY), White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, 2 Pine Siskins, and House Sparrow.
N.B. Abbreviations are codes used in the Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas project:
ON = occupied nest; NY = nest with young; FY = feeding young.
From: Pete Moulton, Cynthia Donald and Marceline Vandewater
Date: Saturday April 18
The season's first Black-headed Grosbeak was a highlight of our walk today,
along with great looks at a Zone-tailed Hawk circling with the Turkey Vultures
and a Common Yellowthroat at Ayer Lake. We also found a male "Myrtle
race" of the Yellow-rumped Warbler near the entrance to the
Demonstration Garden -- the same location one was reported back on March
21. Summer Tanager and Wilson's Warber were separately confirmed by Randy
and Susan Forrest, who also observed the resident pair of Cooper's Hawks
together in the "Pine Loop" area of the Eucalyptus grove. Other
birds on today's checklist from our walk were Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's
Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated
Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird (a female on her nest in the Hummingbird
Garden); Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird
(female on her nest in the conifer near trail marker #43); also Gila Woodpecker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher,
Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern
Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's
Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler,
Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler
(Audubon's), Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House
Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note: Marceline
coordinates the North American Migration Count here at BTA and also Oak
Flats, Whitlow Dam and along Queen Creek on May 9 - -she needs experienced
birders to help! To sign up and help count birds email marceline@ermaroni.net
From: Nancy Woods and Sun City West Birders
Date: Tuesday April 14
Ash-throated, Brown-crested and Vermilion Flycatchers were all found today,
along with a Cinnamon Teal and the season's first Common Yellowthroat. Also
seen and heard today were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed
Hawk, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, and the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird; also.Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin,
Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped
Warbler (Audubon's), Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Lesser Goldfinch and House
Sparrow.
From: Richard Ditch
Date: Sunday April 12 (Easter)
Thirteen participants on the bird walk today - a bit of a surprise for Easter
Sunday. Weather was as close to perfect as we get, with mild temperatures,
clear skies, and occasional breezes with low humidity. Birds were abundant
and many were easy to see - a real treat for everybody. I just wish I'd
had my camera gear handy for many of the opportunities we had. Birds seen
(in the order encountered): Cactus Wren, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Cardinal
(abundant and always a crowd pleaser), Bell's Vireo (vocalizing everywhere),
Lesser Goldfinch (including a nest along the trail just outside the Visitor
Center), Inca Dove, House Sparrow, Turkey Vulture, White-winged Dove, Verdin,
Yellow Warbler, Costa's Hummingbird (more than I've seen before at Boyce),
House Finch, Cooper's Hawk (male and female in aerial courtship maneuvers),
Anna's Hummingbird, Phainopepla, Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Hooded Oriole, Vermilion Flycatcher, Yellow- rumped
Warbler (good numbers in variable plumage), Broad-tailed
Hummingbird, empidonax flycatcher (two of them, likely Hammond's or Dusky),
White-crowned Sparrow, Black-crowned Night-Heron (a surprise at Ayer Lake),
Great-tailed GRackle, Pied-billed Grebe, Common Yellowthroat, Black Phoebe
(nesting at the gazebo), Rock Wren, Common Raven, Canyon Wren, Song Sparrow,
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Bewick's Wren, Abert's Towhee, and
Brown-headed Cowbird (unfortunately).
From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Friday April 10
Birds seen in the order we found them today were Pied-billed Grebe, Anna's,
Costa's, and probably Black-Chinned and Broad-Billed Hummers; Verdin, a
probable Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Lucy's
Warbler, Canyon Wren, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Black Phoebe,
Vermilion Flycatcher, Cooper's Hawk, Turkey Vulture, Northern Cardinal,
Hooded Oriole, Great-tailed Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, Gambel's Quail,
Mourning and Inca doves; Abert's towhee, Phainopepla, Common Raven, House
Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow. Also heard: Bell's vireo, Northern
Flicker, Gila Woodpecker and Song Sparrow. PS, join me on Saturday, May
23, for a 6:30 a.m. guided bird walk -- the Arboretum changes to the Summer
schedule in May and will be open from 6:00 a.m. til 3:00 p.m. daily through
the end of August.
From: Cindy West and Cindy Marple
Date: Saturday April 4
We had a great group of people for today's guided walk, and notable birds
found include the season's first Yellow Warbler and also Cassin's Vireo,
which was in Queen Creek Canyon, Green-tailed Towhee in the Demonstration
Garden, an empidonax flycatcher (silent, so the species remains a mystery);
and one Anna's Hummingbird mom tending two hungry chicks in her nest. Others
seen and heard Saturday were: Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey
Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Black-chinned Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher,
Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin,
Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler,
Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole,
House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Pine Siskin, House Sparrow.
From: Jerry and Shary Hammon -- and Jane Wicklund
Date: Tuesday March 31
Winter birds such as Hermit Thrush and White-crowned and Lincoln's Sparrows
remain here, but Hooded Oriole and migrant vireos are back! Yesterday we
found a Cassin's Vireo at the back end of the Demonstration Garden, and
on today's guided walk we had Bell's, Plumbeous and Hutton's Vireo. Also
seen and heard today were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk,
Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Common Raven, Violet-green
Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Abert's Towhee,
Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Pine
Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday and Sunday - March 28 and 29
I was pleased to see the Brown Thrasher both days this weekend, easily found
right near yellow trail marker #43 as you're walking past the olive grove
and towards the flowering aloes enroute to the Herb Garden. Saturday he
was on the north (or left, if you're walking up into the canyon) side of
the trail, but Sunday flew across and foraged on the south side. Two days
in a row! Also saw the season's first Rufous Hummingbird (in the Hummingbird
Garden along with Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Costa's, and Anna's Hummingbird
-- and the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird). Here is combined weekend
bird list for both days: Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture,
Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated
swift, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black
Phoebe, Vermillion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green
Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren,
Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit
Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,
Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) Abert's Towhee, Spotted
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Pine
Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow.
From: Troy Corman and Richard Ditch
Date: Saturday, March 21
The previously reported Brown Thrasher was still here, but found later in
the morning following our guided bird walk. The male Townsend’s Warbler
was found in the palm tree near the Herb Garden, and another unusual find
was a Common Ground Dove pair at the west edge of the Demonstration Garden.
A few "first of 2009" Spring migrants included Hooded Oriole and
Ash-throated Flycatcher, and a lone "Myrtle" race individual of
the Yellow-rumped Warbler was found near the entrance to the Demonstration
Garden. Other birds seen and heard today were 2 Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's
Quail, 30 Turkey Vulture, 2 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Harris Hawk, 2 White-winged
Dove, 2 Mourning Dove, 3 Inca Dove, Eurasian Collared
Dove,5 White-throated Swift, 1 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 12 Anna's Hummingbird,
15 Costa’s Hummingbirds, the Arboretum's Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, 3 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Red-naped
Sapsucker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 Black Phoebe, 1 Say's Phoebe, 2
Vermilion Flycatcher, 8 Bell’s Vireo, 2 Violet-green Swallow, 1 Northern
Rough-winged Swallow, 15 Verdin, Rock Wren, 3 Canyon Wren, 3 Bewick’s
Wren, Cactus Wren, House Wren, Marsh Wren, 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue
Gray Gnatcatcher, 2 Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, 3 Phainopepla,
Orange-crowned Warbler, 12 Lucy’s Warbler, 6 Yellow-rumped Warbler
(Audubon's), 3 Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, 3 Lincoln's Sparrow, 10 White-crowned
Sparrow, 12 Northern Cardinal, 10 Red-winged Blackbird,10 House Finch, 25
Pine Siskin, 50 Lesser Goldfinch and 10 House Sparrow. Troy reported finding
interesting species farther up Queen Creek canyon including Common Black-hawk,
Sharp-shinned Hawk, Black-chinned Hummingbird, and Common Raven -- along
with two Sonoran Mud Turtles. Canyon Treefrogs, were observed, too, possibly
in amplexus.
From: Jerry & Shary Hammon (additional sightings at the end –
Jane Wicklund)
Date: Tuesday, March 17
Black-chinned and also Costa’s Hummingbirds were notable, we found
the Townsend’s Warbler and also saw Cooper’s Hawk, Golden Eagle
and Northern Rough-winged Swallow. Also seen and heard today were Turkey
Vulture, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher,
Bell’s Vireo Verdin, Canyon Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Spotted
Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged
Blackbird, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
Arboretum volunteer Jane Wicklund found both hens (Merriam’s Turkey)
and reported these additional species Tuesday: Pied-billed Grebe, Red-tailed
Hawk, Gambel’s Quail, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, the
Arboretum's Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, Black Phoebe,
Common Raven, Cactus Wren, Marsh Wren, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird,
Phainopepla and Song Sparrow.
From: Judy & Janet Johnson
Date: Monday, March 16
Townsend’s Warbler was seen again today, and winter migrants still
here include Marsh Wren at Ayer Lake and also Hermit Thrush, Red-naped Sapsucker,
and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Recent spring migrants who have returned are Lucy’s
Warbler and Bell’s Vireo. Aso notable were European Starling and three
dove species (White-winged, Mourning and Inca). We counted between 18-24
Turkey Vultures, and also found Pied-billed Grebe, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, the Arboretum's Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid
Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Common Raven, Verdin,
Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped
Warbler (Audubon's), Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged
Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Eric and Elaine Hough
Date: Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15
Spring migration is picking up, we found 2009's first reported Wilson's
and Lucy's Warblers which have returned to the Arboretum, along with Bell's
Vireo, Black-chinned and Rufous Hummingbirds and Green-tailed Towhee. Pyrrhuloxia,
Townsend's Warbler and both races of Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle and Audubon's)
were also notable, along with Golden Eagle, American Robin and BTA's singular
Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned
Hybrid Hummingbird and both of the previously reported
hen turkeys. Other birds on our checklist include 2 Pied-billed
Grebe, 35 Turkey Vultures (back in time for BTA's March 21 "Welcome
Back Buzzards" day event); 2 Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's
Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Common Raven,
Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's
Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal,
Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Pine Siskin (more than 30 of them); Lesser
Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Jane Wicklund -- Tuesday Guided Bird Walk
Date: Tuesday, March 10
The previously-reported male Townsend's Warbler was in the Herb Garden again
this morning, seen foraging in the large hackberry tree up agains the cliffs
-- to the left of the big pecan tree and the yellow Lady Banks Rose which
is covered with blossoms this week. Two in our group also found the Brown
Thrasher, which they observed across the trail and west of the Herb Garden
in the same area where I saw this bird back in January. We found two individual
male Vermilion Flycatchers: one near the Picnic Area (paired with a female)
and another male seen simultaneously closer to the Desert Legume Garden
near Silver King Wash. Other birds that we saw and heard include were Red-tailed
Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,
Costa's Hummingbird, the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common
Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Pine Siskin,
Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Also -- we didn't see the turkeys, but
two birders who crossed our paths reported both
hen turkeys were in Queen Creek Canyon this morning, too! Editor's
note: a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was observed near the suspension bridge a
few hours after the guided walk.
From: Cindy Marple
Date: Sunday, March 8
Hummingbirds are nesting - we observed Anna's and also Costa's female hummingbirds
tending nests Sunday. We saw a female Broad-billed Hummingbird near the
Herb Garden and the Arboretum's unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, too, which appears to zip
from a perch near the Smith Building into the Hummingbird Garden for furtive
feeder sorties. Wintering Hermit Thrush and Dark-eyed Junco (in the picnic
area) were still here Sunday and White-throated Swifts were notable. Plumbeous
Vireo was in the Picnic area and Hutton's Vireo past the Herb Garden. Five
wren species today included Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's and Marsh --
look for the Rock Wren pair building a nest in a cavity just below Pick
Post House wall. Also seen and heard were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture,
Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker,
Vermilion Flycatcher ((in picnic area and behind Australian Building-are
they nesting); Common Raven, Verdin (lots of nest-building going on with
them), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's),
Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Pine Siskin,
and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Saturday, March 7
A White-throated Sparrow was still at BTA this weekend, observed in the
Queen Creek riparian area approximately below the easternmost wooden interpretive
ramada. White-throated Swifts were soaring overhead (also both Violet-green
and Northern Rough-winged Swallows) and one of the Pied-billed Grebes is
tending a nest platform in the cattails which surround Ayer Lake. Six different
wren species were found, too: Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's, House and
Marsh. Other birds Saturday and Sunday were Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk,
Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion
Flycatcher, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Spotted
Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird,
House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow.
From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Saturday, March 7
Oddly quiet this morning, but we had a great look at a male Costa's Hummingbird
perched above the flowering aloes on the path right hehind the visitor center
-- also lovely views of a female Anna's Hummingbird on her nest near Silver
King Wash, and a lone Turkey Vulture circling over the eucalyptus forest.
. At the back of the Demonstration Garden, where you have the view over
Queen Creek, we saw Lincoln's Sparrow and a pair of Vermilion Flycatchers.
Also seen and heard today were Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Gambel's
Quail, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's
Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren,
Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren (nesting); Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped
Warbler (Audubon's), Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird,
House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow. If you visit
this week and want to see butterflies, the best nectar plant (by far!) is
the Buddleia, or "Butterfly Bush" blooming right at the entrance
to the Children’s Garden just east of the Smith Buidling. Butterflies
found today around BTA included 21 Pipevine Swallowtail, 2 Sara Orangetip,
Gray Hairstreak, Great Purple Hairstreak, 2 Spring Azure, Fatal Metalmark,
3 American Snout, 2 Tiny Checkerspot, 3 Mourning Cloak, 6 Red Admiral, Painted
Lady, Empress Leilia, Common Checkered Skipper and Golden-headed Scallopwing.
From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Wednesday, March 4
Vermilion Flycatchers and Townsend's Warbler were our highlights today --
along with three hummingbird species (Anna's, Costa's and Broad-billed)
and four wren species (Cactus Rock, Canyon and Marsh). Marsh Wrens were
heard in the cattails at Ayer Lake along with American Coot and Red-winged
Blackbird. Other birds today were Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove,
Gila Woodpecker, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Phainopepla,
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed
Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch and
House Sparrow.
From: Judy Johnson and Mory Houchins
Date: Tuesday, March 3
Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, and a Golden Eagle soaring high
off the cliffs east of the Arboretum were notable Tuesday, along with Red-naped
Sapsucker, Plumbeous Vireo, Vermilion Flycatcher and the unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird. Other birds today included
Cooper's Hawk, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Gambel's Quail, Mourning
Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren,
Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow,
White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch,
Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow.
From: Jerry Hammon
Date: Tuesday, March 3
Vermilion Flycatchers were found near the Picnic Area this morning and Pine
Siskins are calling from high in the eucalyptus trees near the Picnic Area
and Smith Building. We also got Red-naped Sapsucker, Cooper's Hawk and Plumbeous
Vireo on our Tuesday guided bird walk. Also seen and heard today were Inca
Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Phainopepla,
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow.
From: Cindy West
Date: Saturday, February 28
Got a late start this morning birding with friends, but our timing was right
to find a male Townsend's Warbler just west of the Herb Garden around noon;
possibly the same one reported January 10 and again just this past week
by Herb Fibel. Saturday the bird was foraging in the big eucalyptus tree
on the right side of the trail, between the mail trail and Queen Creek,
just past the olive trees. Other birds today included Red-winged Blackbird,
American Coot, Marsh Wren and Pied-billed Grebe at Ayer Lake; Red-tailed
Hawk, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Cactus Wren, Rock
Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped
Warbler (Audubon's), Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated
Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch,
Pine Siskin (lots) and Lesser Goldfinch. After lunch we drove up to Oak
Flat; not the ideal time of day, but we did see a small group of Western
Bluebirds and also a Juniper Titmouse.
From: Pete and Cynthia Donald
Date: Sunday, February 22
Today marked the first Violet-green Swallow of 2009 for BTA, and we also
found a Green-tailed Towhee and Pine Siskins; a good variety of butterflies,
too (skip to the end of this report if you want to read our butterfly sightings).
Birds today included Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Eurasian
Collared-Dove, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Cactus
Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit
Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Plumbeous Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler (all
Audubon's); Northern Cardinal, , Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Didn't
see any dragonfliess yet, but a good number of butterflies including Pipevine
Swallowtail, Dainty Sulphur, Mourning Cloak, Painted Lady, Texan Crescent,
and the like -- though no Queens, which
surprised me.
From: Pierre Deviche and Cathy Wise
Date: Saturday, February 21
Our most dramatic sighting Saturday was a pair of Golden Eagles soaring
and offering great views for several minutes. We found the two turkeys along
Queen Creek, and several Plumbeous Vireos; also several Ladder-backed Woodpeckers
and quite a few butterflies (including Tropical Buckeye, which may be common
but was a lifer for me); but not a single odonate. We found a total of 37
species, here's our checklist for the day: American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe,
Red-tailed Hawk, the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna’s Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say’s Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo (2-3 of them,
silent); Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, 2 Bewick’s
Wren, Cactus Wren (singing); Rock Wren, Canyon Wren (1 singing), 3 or more
Ruby-crowned Kinglet; 2 Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, 5 Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Several Northern Cardinal,
2 Spotted Towhee, 2 Abert’s Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, between
5-10 White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow (one, and silent); 2 Lincoln’s
Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch (Several singing); and many Lesser
Goldfinch.
From: Jane Wicklund (with additional sightings by Eldon Archer, Jim
Rittenhouse and Ken Linker)
Date: Tuesday, February 17
Rain Tuesday failed to deter a group who drove up to attend the Arboretum's
new Tuesday morning 8:30 AM bird walk; participants were rewarded with views
of both Hutton's and Plumbeous Vireo. The big news is that Turkey Vultures
are back, or at least one of them has returned and was seen at BTA both
Monday and Tuesday this week. Other interesting finds include White-winged
Dove, Pine Siskin, and Dark-eyed Junco. Eldon, Jim and Ken reported finding
a Downy Woodpecker and also a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Both Merriam's Turkeys
were found and the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird was seen along with Anna's,
Broad-billed and Costa's Hummingbirds. Ayer Lake had the resident Pied-billed
Grebe, American Coot, Marsh Wren and Red-winged Blackbirds. Others found
Tuesday include Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, Inca
Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Bushtit, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus
Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's
Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Friday, February 13
Despite the ominous "Friday the 13th" date I had good luck at
BTA this morning - seeing both Hutton's Vireo and Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Both Merriam's Turkeys were found as well as BTA's one-of-a-kind Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird. Seen and heard around Ayer
Lake were Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Marsh Wren and Red-winged Blackbirds;
other birds throughout the gardens included Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove,
Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe,
Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren,
Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped
"Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow.
From: Troy Corman
Date: Sunday, February 8
Rufous-crowned Sparrow was a notable find this morning, and the White-throated
Sparrow reported Saturday was found Sunday as well. Despite occasional rain
showers we also found a good variety of birds including the two Merriam's
Turkey hens and also the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird. Also seen or heard today were
2 Pied-billed Grebe, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 American Coot, 2 Broad-billed
Hummingbird, 6 Anna's Hummingbird, 1 Costa's Hummingbird, 3 Gila Woodpecker,
2 Red-naped Sapsucker, 3 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 Black Phoebe, 1 Common
Raven, 7 Verdin, 2 Rock Wren, 3 Canyon Wren, 3 Cactus Wren, 4 Bewick's Wren,
1 Marsh Wren, 8 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 3 Hermit Thrush, 3 Northern Mockingbird,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Spotted
Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, 1 Curve-billed
Thrasher, 2 Phainopepla, 1 Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler,
7 Abert's Towhee, 5 Black-throated Sparrow, 1 Song Sparrow, 3 Lincoln's
Sparrow, 8 White-crowned Sparrow, 5 Northern Cardinal, 15 Red-winged Blackbird,
12 House Finch, 4 Pine Siskin (flying over the picnic area, and calling
in flight); 6 Lesser Goldfinch and 6 House Sparrow.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Friday-through-Sunday, February 6, 7, 8
In addition to most expected species, I saw the spring's first Rough-winged
Swallow near the Picket Post House and a male Vermilion Flycatcher calling
from the hilltop east of Ayer Lake. I noted a Sora at Ayer Lake, a Golden
Eagle soaring over Picket Post Mountain at sunset , a Sharp-shinned Hawk
and a Green-tailed Towhee along Queen Creek near the picnic area, one White-throated
Sparrow in the Olive Grove, as well as a solitary "Oregon" Junco
and one Orange-crowned Warbler near the Smith Building. I enjoyed studying
intricate details of the turkeys' feathers at close range while admiring
their exquisite iridescence. Plumbeous and Hutton's Vireos continue in the
Smith-picnic-demo areas. Sapsuckers, "Red-shafted" Flickers, Hermit
Thrushes, mockingbirds, and Phainopeplas were scarce.
From: Richard Ditch and Cindy
West
Date: Saturday, February 7
Birds seen on our Saturday walk -- in the order seen along the trails --
include Verdin, Cactus Wren, House Sparrow, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch,
Northern Cardinal, Plumbeous Vireo, Gambel’s Quail, Phainopepla, Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Northern Mockingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Dark-eyed Junco, Canyon Wren,
Cassin’s Vireo, Gila Woodpecker, White-crowned Sparrow, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Red-naped Sapsucker, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Red-winged
Blackbird, Marsh Wren, Black-throated Sparrow, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Rock Wren, Black Phoebe, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert’s
Towhee, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Curve-billed Thrasher,
House Wren, Common Raven, Spotted Towhee. In addition a Northern Flicker
and a White-throated Sparrow were seen by a few partcipants.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Wednesday, February 4
The Arboretum's Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird. was there in the Hummingbird
Garden to greet me first thing Wednesay morning, but it wasn't until around
10:30 that I found the pair of Merriam's Turkey hens just west of the Herb
Garden. Two Red-tailed Hawks were circling and calling high over Queen Creek
and male Phainopeplas are doing their seasonal "Pretty Bird" courtship
call. Ayer Lake had three Pied-billed Grebe, an American Coot, Marsh Wren
and at least two dozen Red-winged Blackbirds. Also seen and heard today
were Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Common Raven,
Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch Lesser
Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Jerry & Shary Hammon
Date: Tuesday, February 3
This morning was the first of our new series of weekly guided Tuesday bird
walks and we had a nice, small group of six people -- and the opportunity
to see both Merriam's Turkey hens in Queen Creek Canyon. Pine Siskin was
another notable find today, and we also had a good look at the Arboretum's
unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird. Other birds found today, in
order you'll find see them on the BTA bird checklist, were Gambel's Quail,
Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Plumbeous Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's);
Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, House Finch Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Cathy Wise & National Audubon Society Directors' field trip
Date: Sunday, February 1
Members of the National Audubon Society visited BTA with me Sunday for a
quick lunchtime birding trip while they were in the valley for a meeting
-- we saw a myrtle race of the Yellow-rumped Warbler right in the picnic
area (Audubon's race later as well) close to our table. Others seen and
heard in the gardens ncluded Red-naped sapsucker, Canyon wren, Bewick's
wren, Harris's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch, Northern
Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, House
Sparrow, American Coot, Black-throated Sparrow, Phainopepla, Lesser Goldfinch,
Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Verdin,
Pied-billed Grebe, Red-winged Blackbird, Ruby-crowned kinglet, Black Phoebe,
and Red-shafted Flicker. I'm guiding the weekend walk at BTA Feb. 21 along
with Pierre Deviche -- maybe I'll see you then?
From: John Ray (with a few additional sightings -- see Editor's Note
at the end)
Date: Saturday, January 31
A Green-tailed Towhee kicking around leaf litter in the center of the Picnic
Area was a highlight this morning, and other notable birds included a Summer
Tanager which flew over, Harris Hawk, and Plumbeous Vireo. Our group didn't
see the Turkey hens, but bird walk participant Alison from Liberty Wildlife
reported seeing them near the Herb Garden prior to the 8:30 a.m. start of
our walk (she also added Costa's Hummingbird to our list). Others seen and
heard today were Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Inca
Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Say's Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird,
Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's
Note: resident volunteers Gerry and Shary Hammon reported that around noon
two Golden Eagles circled over the main parking lot and Highway 60 being
dive-bombed and hazed by a Cooper's Hawk and a Common Raven.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, January 29
A "Myrtle" race of the Yellow-rumped Warbler was the most intersting
bird found Thursday, along with both of the Turkeys, Marsh Wren at Ayer
Lake, Black-throated Sparrow, Hutton's Vireo, Red-tailed Hawk and the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird . My checklist from Thursday
also included Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning
Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren,
Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch Lesser Goldfinch and
House Sparrow.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Sunday, January 25
Arboretum groundskeeper Becky reported both Merriam's Turkey hens were near
the Herb Garden around 9:00 a.m.; otherwise Sunday was unremarkable except
for finding five wren species (Marsh Wren at Ayer Lake while Rock, Canyon,
Cactus and Bewick's were throughout the gardens) and the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird was huddling on a chilly day
in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden. Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbird
were here, too. One other notable sighting was a Red-tailed Hawk perched
on the power pole as you uproach the best viewpoint of Picketpost Mansion
-- with a small flock of Brewer's Blackbirds lined up on the wire not far
away. Others seen and heard today were Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail,
American Coot, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe,
Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and
Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Friday, January 23
Brown Thrasher was a highlight this morning, along with five different wrens
(Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's and Marsh); the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird and also Broad-billed and Anna's
(all found in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden). Others on my Friday checklist
include Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Inca Dove, Gila
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern
Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird,
House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Tuesday, January 13
So far in 2009 I have enjoyed birding at BTA twice, but the numbers of birds
and species seem to be down from past years. Still, was pleasantly surprised
to see
the two turkeys at 9:00 am Tuesday near the herb garden. Also on
my checklist for this week were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American
Coot, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird (all of them found in the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden); Gila Woodpecker, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Canyon,
Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, European Starling, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's"
Warbler, Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, and Lesser
Goldfinch.
From: Scott Burge and Bob Witzeman (Maricopa
Audubon Society)
Date: Saturday, January 10
A handsome male Townsend's Warbler foraging around the Herb Garden was our
surprising bird-of-the-day on an otherwise quiet Saturday morning. Two additional
warblers today were Orange-crownd and Yellow-rumped (Audubon's), we found
the season's first returning migrant Costa's Hummingbird for the Arboreum,
we saw the pair of Merriam's Turkey hens, and also a soaring Harris Hawk.
Others on our checklist include Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American
Coot, the Arboretum's resident Anna's and Broad-billed Hummingbirds and
also the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird in the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden. Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby Crowned
Kinglet, Bewick's Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, and Marsh Wren; Northern
Mockingbird, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged
Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Friday, January 9
Inca Dove, Hutton's Vireo, and four Wren species (Cactus, Rock, Canyon and
Marsh) were notable; also found Friday were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed
Grebe, American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, the
Arboretum's unique resident Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird (in the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden); Gila Woodpecker, Common Raven, Verdin, Hermit Thrush, Northern
Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Abert's Towhee,
Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Craig Fischer
Date: Monday, December 29
This year we added three new species to the Christmas Bird Count
list from Boyce Thompson Arboretum: Wild Turkey (walking on the main trail
heading upriver), Swainson's Thrush (in a fruiting Pistache tree where the
Australian section and the Canyon section begin) and Chestnut-sided Warbler
(at the entrance to the Demonstration Gardens, later in the picnic area
along the fence to the Demo Garden). Area 2 of Sunday's Superior CBC had
10 willing participants covering three different areas of the section; it
was by far the most complete coverage of the section we've ever. Thanks
to Curtis Burns, Linda and Dean Mason, and David Chapman who joined me in
the park area. The birds and numbers below are only from Boyce Thompson
Arboretum and do not include those birds found off the park trails, outside
the park or on private property; they do include birds found in the park's
residential area which is not accessible to the public. Birds tallied include
2 Merriam's Turkey, 27 Gambel's Quail, 3 Pied-billed Grebe, 1 Cooper's Hawk,
2 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Golden Eagle, 1 American Coot, 1 White-winged Dove,
18 Mourning Dove, 5 Inca Dove, 40 White-throated Swift, 3 Broad-billed Hummingbird,
19 Anna's Hummingbird, 1 Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, 33 Gila Woodpecker, 2 Red-naped
Sapsucker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 3 Northern Flicker, 5 Black Phoebe,
7 Say's Phoebe, 5 Plumbeous Vireo, 2 Hutton's Vireo, 9 Common Raven, 86
Verdin, 4 Cactus Wren, 3 Rock Wren, 10 Canyon Wren, 1 Bewick's Wren, 4 House
Wren, 5 Marsh Wren, 26 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 3 Black-tailed Gnatcatcher,
1 Swainson's Thrush, 8 Hermit Thrush, 12 Northern Mockingbird, 10 Curve-billed
Thrasher, 4 Phainopepla, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler,
38 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Green-tailed Towhee, 6 Spotted Towhee, 7 Abert's
Towhee, 1 Lark Sparrow, 5 Black-throated Sparrow, 2 Song Sparrow, 65 White-crowned
Sparrow, 4 Dark-eyed Junco, 24 Northern Cardinal, 23 Red-winged Blackbird,
2 Brewer's Blackbird, 45 House Finch, 107 Lesser Goldfinch and 8 House Sparrow.
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