Bird Sightings -- Updated Monday, November 23
EDITOR'S NOTE: Have you heard about the Arboretum's one-of-a-kind
hybrid hummingbird, nicknamed "El Catrin?"
Back In November, 2006, Sheri Williamson and volunteers from Southeast Arizona
Bird Observatory captured, leg-banded and released our famous little resident
hybrid Violet-crowned x. Broad-billed Hummingbird, check
out Randy Forrest's Hybrid Hummingbird banding slideshow. Want to
see more photos? A Northern Saw-whet Owl perched in a shrub East of our
Herb Garden in March, 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 all across AZ in greater detail can be read at the excellent
website
http://www.birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/AZNM.html.
Recent Arboretum checklist reports include:
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 - we had both Sunday on the guided birdwalk.
Western Bluebirds were in the Demonstration Garden, we had a Black-tailed
Gnatcatcher in the Cactus Garden and Red-winged Blackirds. 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,
Orange-crowned Warbler, 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.
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, Deceember 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.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Sunday, December 21
The Brown Thrasher was observed again this morning in Queen Creek Canyon
and both Turkey hens were perched together in a pine tree between the Herb
Garden and the Suspension Bridge around 10:00 a.m., which were both highlights
for me Sunday morning. Three Towhees (Canyon, Spotted, Abert's) and five
Wren species (Marsh, House, Rock, Canyon and Cactus) were also found. Ayer
Lake had three Pied-billed Grebe, two American Coot, Marsh Wren and Black
Phoebe. Others on my checklist for today are the Arboretum's resident Anna's
and Broad-billed Hummingbirds and also the one-of-a-kind Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird in the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden. Also Cooper's Hawk (perched in a eucalyptus tree in the Demo Garden);
Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Plumbeous vireo,
Verdin, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Orange Crowned Warbler, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler ("Audubon's");
Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and
Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Gary Nunn (Phoenix, AZ)
Date: Sunday, December 7
A Brown Thrasher was found this past Sunday morning under the Japanese spindle-berry
near the Herb Garden. Editor's note: each of the past two Saturdays
park staff and volunteers have observed a group of three Harris Hawks circling
high over the Arboretum, flying over the saguaro cacti across highway 60
and north of the park; and our charismatic pair of Merriams' Turkey hens
continue to be seen just about daily. These birds first were reported November
4, and are most often observed late in the afternoon -- during the final
hours of the day after 3:00 p.m. -- foraging beneath the olive or palm trees,
or along the Queen Creek riparian area anywhere from the suspension bridge
to the eucalyptus forest. Check
out Tammy Knight's gallery of turkey photos!
From: Richard Ditch
Date: Sunday, November 23
Eighteen participants joined the season finale bird walk for 2008 and birds,
in the order found today, included Red-winged Blackbird (by entrance house),
House Finch, Yellow-rumped Warbler, White-crowned Sparrow, Verdin, Gila
Woodpecker, Curve-billed Thrasher, Cactus Wren (hillside above visitor center),
Phainopepla, Northern Cardinal, Broad-billed Hummingbird (male and female,
hummingbird garden), Anna’s Hummingbird, Northern Mockingbird, Canyon
Wren (demo garden creek bed), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern (red- shafted)
Flicker, Pied-billed Grebe (3), Black Phoebe, Marsh Wren,
Lark Sparrow (south side of trail east of lake), Hermit Thrush, Lesser Goldfinch,
Plumbeous Vireo. The charismatic birds were seen in this same area late
Friday afternoon by Arboretum staff. Check
out Tammy Knight's gallery of turkey photos from Saturday!
From: Cathy Wise and Kathe Anderson
Date: Saturday, November 15
Gusting, blustery wind made birding difficult Saturday morning, but we still
managed to find Cedar Waxwing, Pine Siskin, Plumbeous Vireo and a Northern
Harrier -- which is particularly notable and unusual for BTA. Two individual
Sora were seen at Ayer Lake, and two green heron as well -- along with Pied-billed
Grebe, Marsh Wren and American Coot. The Arboretum's unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, was in the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden along with the resident Anna's and Broad-billed Hummingbirds. Other
species today included Cooper's Hawk, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Northern
Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's
Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby
Crowned Kinglet, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, American Robin,
Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped
Warbler ("Audubon's"); Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House
Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's Note: this morning Jack Bartley found
the two previsously-reported Turkeys in the Queen Creek Canyon riparian
area -- below Picketpost Mansion. The charismatic birds were seen in this
same area late Friday afternoon by Arboretum staff. Check
out Tammy Knight's gallery of turkey photos from Saturday!
From: Charles J. Babbitt (Maricopa
Audubon Society)
Date: Tue, 11 Nov
( Editor's Note: this report was originally published at http://www.birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/AZNM.html
) "Sig Stangeland and I had a great morning birding at Boyce Thompson
Arboretum. The highlights were a Varied Thrush, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and
a Winter Wren. The Varied Thrush was in the large tree about 15 yards up
the trail from the last entrance to the herb garden. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak
((black and white striped head, with streaked breast showing a fair amount
of red color) was in the picnic area. The Winter Wren was found in a large
tangled mass of storm washed debris up in the natural riparian area. It
gave its characteristic call note from time to time but remained rather
shy and elusive. There are a lot of fruiting trees right now and I would
expect more good birds while the crop lasts. Besides the above, we also
had a singing Plumbeous Vireo, a Townsend’s Solitaire, and several
American Robins. At Oak Flat Campground we had lots of Pine Siskins, a flock
of (6) Cedar Waxwings, several mixed flocks of Juncos and several Crissal
Thrashers."
From: Troy Corman and Pete Moulton
Date: Sunday, November 9
Our Sunday birdwalk group owes a big "thanks" to Steve Ganley
for pointing out a young male Chestnut-sided Warbler in the picnic area
this morning shortly after we set out -- the bird was foraging around the
pistachio and tamarisk trees at the east end of the picnic area, in the
same area as Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Verdins. A Brown Creeper was seen
not far away, and we also had the season's first Dark-eyed Junco (an Oregon's)
and American Robin. 2 Sora were found at Ayer Lake along with 3 Marsh Wren,
1 Green Heron, 3 Pied-billed Grebe and an American Coot. One other notable
highlight was a Merlin! It has been a few years since this species was reported
at BTA. Other birds seen and heard around the gardens today include 1 Mourning
Dive, 6 Inca Dove, 1 White-throated Swift, 3 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 5
Anna's Hummingbird, the Arboretum's unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, 5 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Red-naped
Sapsucker, 1 Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, 3 Black Phoebe, 1
Say's Phoebe, 1 Plumbeous Vireo, 1 Hutton's Vireo, 2 Common Raven, 10 Verdin,
3 Canyon Wren, 2 Rock Wren, 1 Bewick's Wren, 2 Marsh Wren, 8 Ruby Crowned
Kinglet, 2 Hermit Thrush, 3 Northern Mockingbird, 2 Curve-billed Thrasher,
1 Phainopepla, 3 Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, 3 Abert's
Towhee, 1 Black-throated Sparrow, 1 Song Sparrow, 1 Lincoln's Sparrow, 25
White-crowned Sparrrow, 5 Northern Cardinal, 6 Red-winged Blackbird, 10
House Finch, 5 Lesser Goldfinch and 1 House Sparrow.
From: Tammy
Knight & Rick Byrd (BTA Park Staff
Date: Tuesday, November 4
Two Turkeys, probably hens, were seen and photographed Tuesday evening.
Arboretum resident park host volunteers Marlene and John spotted this pair
Tuesday morning, then we saw them late in the afternoon while working in
Queen Creek Canyon between the Herb Garden and the suspension bridge. Other
staff saw the again Wednesday morning perched in salt cedar trees ...and
a visitor reported seeing the turkeys in Queen Creek Canyon, near the "catwalk"
in that scrubby area above the south bank of queen creek. Standing at the
chain link fence at that narrow section of trail, looking south, thats where
she reported seeing them.
From: Richard Ditch and
Pierre Deviche
Date: Saturday, November 1
Sora at Ayer Lake, a Lark Sparrow pair between Ayer’s Lake and Picket
Post house,and also an American Kestrel were some of the notable species
seen Saturday morning on our bird walk. Two Plumbeous vireos and two Lincoln's
Sparrows were seen near the Herb Garden; other birds, in the order they
were seen Saturday, include Gambel’s Quail in the main parking lot,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Verdin,
Anna’s Hummingbird, Cactus Wren, Red-winged Blackbird, White-crowned
Sparrow, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
House Finch, Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Bewick’s Wren, Rock Wren, Phainopepla, American Coot, Marsh
Wren, Pied-billed Grebe, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Northern (red-shafted)
Flicker, Abert’s Towhee and Inca Dove, Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Grant & Tyler Loomis -- and Vera Walters
Date: Sunday, October 26
Most notable bird today was an Acorn Woodpecker (unusual for BTA) and our
group found the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird in the Hummingbird Garden,
and Orange-crowned Warbler in the Demonstration Garden. Other birds we found
around the gardens and trails included Pied-billed Grebe, Marsh Wren, Red-winged
Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle and American Coot at Ayer Lake, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin,
House Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby Crowned Kinglet,
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,
Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow,
White-crowned Sparrow (numerous); Northern Cardinal and House Finch.
From: Troy Corman and Richard Ditch
Date: Saturday, October 18
Two Sora at Ayer Lake were notable this morning, along with 12 Violet Green
Swallow a Chipping Sparrow and the season's first returning Black-chinned
Sparrow (other sparrows today included 2 Lincoln's, 2 Black-throated, Song,
and 15 White-crowneds. Also seen and heard today were Pied-billed Grebe,
Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, 5 Inca Dove, 3 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 5
Anna's Hummingbird, 4 Gila Woodpecker, 4 Red-naped Sapsucker, 6 Northern
Flicker, Black Phoebe, 3 Common Raven, 10 Verdin, 3 Cactus Wren, 2 Canyon
Wren, 3 Rock Wren, 2 Marsh Wren, 4 Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush,
2 Northern Mockingbird, 4 Curve-billed Thrasher, 6 Yellow-rumped "Audubon's"
Warbler, Spotted Towhee, 6 Northern Cardinal, 10 House Finch and 5 Lesser
Goldfinch.
From: Marceline Vandewater (and check out the postscript report from
DRAS "Big Sit" participants)
Date: Sunday, October 5
A Common Blackhawk soaring over Queen Creek canyon was exciting this morning
for our Sunday bird walk participants, and we also saw a Lincoln's Sparrow
above Ayer Lake, and a striking male Vermilion Flycatcher perched above
the lake, too. Read the "Big Sit" report at the end of my post
to see what other birders found -- its worth it! Our group saw the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird in the Hummingbird Garden shortly
after 8:30 a.m., and we saw White-throated Swifts and Violet-green Swallows
soaring overhead. Others seen and heard today include Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed
Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot,
Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Great-horned Owl (vocal in the pre-dawn hours
before the "official" start of our 8:30 walk); Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin,
House Wren, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby Crowned
Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee,
Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
Bewer's Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's
Note: Desert Rivers' Audubon Society volunteers conducting a "Big
Sit" fundraiser saw these additional species in the Demonstration Garden:
Black-and-White Warbler, Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Orange-crowned
Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Townsend's Warbler,
Black-throated Gray Warbler, Common Yellowthroat and Yellow-breasted Chat.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Saturday, October 4
A Black-and-White Warbler was in the large pistashio tree near trail marker
#43, just east of the olive grove as you approach the Herb Garden; ripe
fruit also attracted four Black-throated Gray Warblers, a Townsend's, and
Wilson's Warbler (the Black-and-White Warbler was eating moths while probing
aroudn the tree trunk). An empidonax flycatcher was in Queen Creek, and
an accipiter was observed hunting the picnic ground -- and a Sora and Belted
Kingfisher were seen at Ayer Lake. Also seen and heard were Pied-billed
Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Inca Dove, White-throated
Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern
Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Warbling
Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, House Wren, Bewick's Wren, Canyon
Wren, Rock Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher,
Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped
"Audubon's" Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Western
Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned
Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged
Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Dave Pearson
Date: Saturday, October 4
We saw/heard 41 bird species, of which the most unusual were four VAUX'S
SWIFT in among a large and fast-moving flock of White-throated Swifts and
Violet-green Swallows high overhead: also lingering late into the season
were a single Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Bell's Vireo and Warbling
Vireo. The Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird was back near the feeder again,
and other notable reports include Cedar Waxwings (their calls were audible
in the picnic area), both American and Lesser Goldfinch, Wilson's Warbler,
Common Yellowthroat (in the "meadow" area at the center of the
demonstration garden); and the season's first returning migrant Hermit Thrush
and Lincoln's Sparrow. Also on our checklist for the morning were Pied-billed
Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green
Swallow, Verdin, House Wren, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher,
Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Summer Tanager
(a striking male in full color at the entrance to the demo garden); Abert's
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal and House Finch.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Monday, September 29
A high-flying Great Egret passed overhead eastward before sunrise, soon
followed by a flock of 32 Red-winged Blackbirds. A solitary first-of-fall
American Coot had apparently arrived overnight at Ayer Lake, where 4 Barn
Swallows paused to drink on the wing on a blustery morning.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Sunday, September 28
Today's highlights included: 1 Zone-tailed Hawk, 2 Eurasian Collared-Doves,
3 Western Wood-Pewees, 1 Plumbeous and 1 Cassin's Vireo, 1 male Black-throated
Gray Warbler, 2 MacGillivray's Warblers, 2 Lazuli Buntings, and 2 "dark-lored"
White-crowned Sparrows. Two Brewer's Blackbirds and 21 Yellow-headed Blackbirds
flew over before sunrise. Three apparent family groups of Common Ground-Doves
and two Winter Wrens were found along Queen Creek west of the old Pinal
town site that is east of the arboretum.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Saturday, September 27
I birded before and after participating in the "Bye-Bye Buzzards Day"
program and bird walk today. In addition to most of the species reported
by Grant and Tyler Loomis, I noted 3 White-winged Doves, the hybrid Violet-crowned
x Broad-billed Hummingbird, 3 N. "Red-shafted" Flickers, 1 Say's
Phoebe, 6 Warbling Vireos, 3 Barn Swallows, 6 House Wrens, 1 infrequently
singing Marsh Wren, 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 5 Orange-crowned Warblers,
8 "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warblers, 3 Wilson's Warblers, 2 Green-tailed
Towhees, 3 Canyon Towhees, 3 Rufous-crowned Sparrows, 6 Black-throated Sparrows,
1 Chipping Sparrow, 3 Brewer's Sparrow, 9 Lark Sparrows, 1 Lincoln's Sparrow,
and 1 Varied Bunting. The bunting foraged on grasses among mesquite and
acacia thickets on the floodplain south of the Demo Garden. View
a video about the "Buzzard Day" event
From: Tyler and Grant Loomis also Tom Gaskill and Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday, September 27
Ayer Lake was productive this morning; participants on our "Bye Bye
Buzzards Day" bird walk saw a furtive Sora along the south shore near
a Green Heron, Black Phoebe and late-season Common Yellowthroat. We also
saw the Cooper's Hawk streak over the water chasing a dove, and a Belted
Kingfisher dive into the water after a minnow. A Blue-winged Teal was on
the water, too; and we had the season's first returning Red-naped Sapsucker.
Across from the Herb Garden we found a perched Western Wood Peewee and Warbling
Vireos, and just before the Suspension Bridge and on the same side of the
trail was a handsome male Summer Tanager. A female Vermilion Flycatcher
was across Queen Creek, near where the High trail is accessed from the Picnic
Grounds. Also seen and heard today were Zone-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail,
Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Prairie Falcon (soaring over Queen Creek
Canyon); Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,
Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo,
Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren , Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren,
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Phainopepla, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Crissal Thrasher (Tom Gaskill heard this along Queen Creek Canyon); Cedar
Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager, Abert's
Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern
Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. View
a video about the "Buzzard Day" event
From: Troy Corman, Marceline Vandewater and AZFO Board Members
Date: Sunday, September 14
An Indigo Bunting and a half-dozen Lazuli Buntings found along Queen Creek
east of the suspension bridge were highlights at the Arboretum this morning
prior to the fall, 2008 Arizona Field Ornithologists meeting Sunday afternoon.
A late-season Lucy's Warbler and autumn's first migrant Green-tailed Towhee
were also notable, along with two Great Horned Owls in the riparian habitat
along Queen Creek. Other birds seen or heard include Cooper Hawk, Zone-tailed
Hawk, American Kestrel, Gambel's Quail, Eurasian Collared Dove, 3 Mourning
Dove, 5 Inca Dove, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 2 Anna's Hummingbird, 5 Gila
Woodpecker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, 3 Black
Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, 5 Bell's Vireo,
Hutton's Vireo, 25 Warbling Vireo (everywhere!), 3 Common Raven, 6 Verdin,
3 Rock Wren, Cactus Wren , 3 Canyon Wren, 2 Bewick's Wren, 10 House Wren,
Phainopepla, 3 Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing,
Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, 3 Summer
Tanager, 30 Western Tanager, 1 Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Black-throated
Sparrow, 3 Black-headed Grosbeak (Demo Garden), 6 Northern Cardinal, 6 House
Finch and 15 Lesser Goldfinch and 2 House Sparrow.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Sunday, September 7
Transients were abundant and diverse this morning. Western Tanagers (80+),
Warbling Vireos (45+), and Black-headed Grosbeaks (30+) concentrated at
fruiting pistacios along the corridor and fed on desert hackberry fruit
in desert areas. I watched small groups of migrants drink and/or bathe along
Queen Creek: Orange-crowned (3), Nashville (2), Black-throated Gray (1),
Wilson's (15+), Yellow (20+), MacGillivray's (5) Warblers; Willow (1), Pacific-slope
(1), and Dusky-Hammond (1) Flycatchers; Lazuli Bunting (6); Lark Sparrow
(2), Brewer's Sparrow (3); Green-tailed Towhee (2). A singing Gray Vireo
moved up the north-facing slope south of the native riparian area into jojoba-oak
association, continuing to sing as it foraged low in shrubs. A solitary
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher moved along Silver King wash near the Chihuahuan trail.
A Mourning Dove brooding 2 nestlings was notable. Overall I noted 59 species,
including Zone-tailed and Cooper's Hawks, a few Phainopeplas and chats,
a single Northern Mockingbird, and the usual resident species.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Tuesday, September 3
A Great Egret visited Ayer Lake on Monday. I saw a Solitary Sandpiper today
at a pond near the Picket Post House, as well as a Great Blue Heron at Ayer.
An adult Peregrine Falcon perched on a cliff above Queen Creek; later a
Zone-tailed Hawk cruised overhead. Bell's Vireo fed a fledgling cowbird
near the Herb Garden; a few cardinals, Abert's Towhees, and a female Hooded
Oriole attended late broods. Transients included: Rufous Hummingbird, Olive-sided
Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow and Pacific-slope Flycatchers, Warbling
Vireo (20+), House Wren, MacGillivray's and Wilson's Warblers, Western Tanager
(30+), Black-headed Grosbeak (20+), Lazuli Bunting, Lark and Brewer's Sparrows,
and Bullock's Oriole.
From: Cindy West and Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday, August 30
Lark Sparrows and Canyon Towhees in the rocks near the trail above Ayer
Lake were notable Saturday, and we had great looks at the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird chasing others from the feeders
in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden (Broad-billeds and Anna's were also
present), Wilson's Warbler was also notable. Other birds today include Abert's
Towhee, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Mourning
Dove, Inca Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, White-winged Dove, Gila Woodpecker,
and Empid flycatcher species (in the Eucalyptus Forest); Brown-crested Flycatcher,
Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Bewick's
Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-breasted
Chat (heard only); Song Sparrow (Ayer Lake); Northern Cardinal, House Finches,
and Lesser Goldfinch. Prior to visiting the Arboretum we birded the Oak
Flats campground seven miles east and found Green-tailed towhee and a flock
of Bushtits with a Virginia's Warbler, too. Other birds found here were
Western Scrub Jay, Juniper Titmouse, Townsend's Warbler, Rock Wren, Yellow-breasted
chat, Ladder backed Woodpecker, Warbling Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Black-tailed
gnatcatcher (heard only), Phainopepla and Black-throated Sparrow.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday, August 23
Saturday was a good morning for raptors, I saw the resident Cooper's Hawk
and also two Zone-taileds. Other birds on my list include Gambel's Quail,
Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, the unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Cactus Wren, Canyon
Wren, Phainopepla, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted
Chat, Summer Tanager (female, observed and also calling in the Demo Garden),
Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch and Lesser
Goldfinch. After birding BTA from 6-8 a.m. I drove up to check the Oak Flat
campground area about seven miles east of the Arboretum (and 1,000 feet
higher elevation) from 8-9 a.m. and found additional species including Western
Wood Pe-wee, Western Kingbird, Plumbeous Vireo, Western Scrub-jay, Black-tailed
Gnatcatcher, Crissal Thrasher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow and Black-headed Grosbeak.
From: Marceline
VandeWater
Date: Tuesday, August 19
My Tuesday bird list is definitely incomplete -- my purpose this morning
was butterflies, so my list of birds is just incidental! Read my butterfly
list -- and here's what I also saw and heard while I was looking for butterflies:
Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-winged
Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird
(Demonstration Garden), Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Western-type
Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher (Picnic Area), Brown-crested
Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren
, Canyon Wren, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted
Chat, Summer Tanager (female, observed across from the Herb Garden), Abert's
Towhee, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak (Demo Garden), Northern Cardinal,
Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jim and Deva Burns (additional Saturday sightings by Cindy West
and Diane Krpan)
Date: Sunday, August 10
Sunday's guided bird walk group had a great opportunity to see a Zone-tailed
Hawk circling high over the Arboretum with a group of three Turkey Vultures
and demonstrating the hawk's adaptation of "behavioral mimicry."
BTA's own unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird was seen in the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden shortly after our walk began at 6:30 a.m., and we also had two Bell's
Vireos singing here, Inca Dove and Yellow-breasted Chat. One Purple Martin
and a Spotted Sandpiper swooped down over Ayer Lake when we arrived, and
we heard Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow and Verdin around the lake. Additional
species this morning rom 6:30 - 10:00 a.m. around the gardens included Mourning
Dove, White-winged Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher
(five individuals in Queen Creek, across from the Herb Garden); Bewick's
Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Phainopepla, Western Tanager, Summer Tanager,
Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak,
Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Deva and
I also found one Blue Grosbeak, but prior to the guided walk. Editor's note:
Cindy West emailed a checklist report from Saturday morning -- Cindy and
Diane Krpan added these to the weekend list of BTA birds: Eurasian Collared-dove,
Anna's Hummingbird, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Rock Wren, a gnatcatcher
(probably Blue-gray, the bird was vocal but unseen); Curve-billed Thrasher,
Yellow Warbler and Hooded Oriole.
From: Diane Krpan (with a few additional sightings by park staff)
Date: Sunday, August 3
An adult Zone-tailed Hawk flying directly over me along the High Trail was
a highlight today, along with a vocal Cooper's Hawk calling from the Pine
Loop area. Four doves were found today (Eurasian Collared, White-winged,
Mourning and Inca) in addition to a leg-banded white Rock Dove that was
perched inside the visitor center. That was different! A Tree Swallow was
also an unusual bird today, and Common Yellowthroats were calling at Ayer
lake, (the resident Black Phoebe was there, too, and a Vermilion Flycatcher).
Brown-crested Flycatchers were vocal in numerous gardens, and particularly
in Queen Creek near the suspension bridge. About 20 Turkey Vultures circled
skywards around 7:30 a.m. Also seen and heard around the Arboretum from
6:00 - 9:00 a.m. were Gambel's Quail, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Bewick's
Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren (lots of them echoing in the canyon riparian
area!); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's
Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat (listen for these in the Hummingbird
Garden); Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Orioles, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow. Sunday was a good one for lizards, too: Desert Spiny,
Greater Earless, Side-blotched Lizards, Tree and Western Whiptails were
throughout the park. If you visit soon, make sure to look for the Cereus
huntingtoniana, the cactus with vivid pink flowers in the cactus
garden.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Monday, July 21 (sightings from July 12-17)
During my field study at the Arboretum and vicinity July 12-17, a Peregrine
Falcon perched for over an hour on Magma Ridge overlooking the Cactus Garden
early morning on July 14. Several staff members enjoyed viewing it though
a spotting scope. A Spotted Sandpiper, still in breeding suits, foraged
at Ayer Lake on July 15; two visited on July 17. Solitary Barn Swallows
foraged over Ayer Lake on July 12 and 13 and two came on July 15. Two Tree
Swallows cruised by on July 16. The first migrant Black-headed Grosbeak
was present on July 12. Others were seen on July 16 and 17. Two stunning
surprises were found in the desert west of the gardens. In late morning
on July 15, a Cassin’s Sparrow suddenly broke into song for about 5
minutes. A singing male Varied Bunting and a female were found in arid riparian
thickets on July 14; perhaps another Varied Bunting sang about a half mile
further west on July 15. At least three singing Blue Grosbeaks were also
found that morning. Showers on July 10-11 yielded 1.70 inches of rain..
From: Dave Pearson
Date: Sunday, July 13
Participants in our guided bird walk this morning enjoyed a few good looks
at the the Arboretum's own unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird. We found him at the southwest
corner of the eucalyptus grove's Pine Loop trail, near the intersection
of Silver King Wash and Queen Creek, and perched in the same tree where
we had seen a young Zone-tailed Hawk about five minutes before. An adult
Zone-tailed Hawk was found a few hundreds yards farther east in Queen Creek
Canyon: perched in a mesquite above the High Trail approximately across
from the Herb Garden. Common Yellowthroats were vocal at Ayer Lake and a
Pied-billed Grebe was notable -- the first report of one since April. Other
Hummingbirds today included Broad-billed (great views of both male and female),
Black-chinned and Anna's. Other species seen and heard around the Arboretum
this morning included Eurasian Collared-Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove,
Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe,
Vermilion Flycatcher (look for the pair nesting for a second time this summer
in the Picnic Area); Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven,
Verdin, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat,
Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House
Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Chris & Melissa Rader
Date: Sunday, July 6
Despite the heat Sunday was a good morning for birds -- we had Blue-Gray
Gnatcatcher, Summer Tanager, Zone-tailed Hawk and four different types of
Hummingbirds (Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Anna's and Costa's). And a Brown-headed
Cowbird chick being fed by Bell's Vireo surrogate parents. Others seen and
heard today were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, a probable Cooper's Hawk,
White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Verdin,
Canyon Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted
Chat, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch and
Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Saturday, June 29
It pays to be here early now that the Arboretum has the summer "open
at 6:00 am" schedule; I saw a female Purple Martin dip over Aye Lake
for water, before cruising north across Highway 60. Common Yellowthroats
were calling at the Lake, as well as Red-wing Blackbirds, Great-taile Grackles,
Black Phoebe and Mourning Dove. Violet-green Swallows and Northern Rough-winged
Swallows were also swooping over the lake. Other birds seen and heard today
were: Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, White-winged Dove,
Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher,
Cassin's Kingbird (east of Ayer Lake); Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Verdin,
Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat,
Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow (heard just above
the High Trail); Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. I also walked upstream along Queen Creek
and found Great Horned Owl, Blue Grosbeak, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common
Ground-dove (by ear); and Brown Headed Cowbird.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday, June 21
Ayer lake was worth a visit early Saturday morning -- a Lesser Nighthawk
was flying above the water area and also a Barn Swallow (until the latter
was chased off by the Violet-green Swallows). A pair of Blue-winged Teal
were on a rock, and later seen circling above the lake, too. Both Cooper's
Hawk parents were near their nest at the east end of the pine loop -- didn't
see any activity in the nest but they're sticking close! a Broad-billed
Hummingbird was across Queen Creek from the Picnic Area, Summer Tanager
was in the Eucalyptus Grove, Brown-crested Flycatcher was calling from behind
the Smith Building, and the Turkey Vultures were late getting up, some remained
on the ridge even at 8 am! Other birds seen and heard include Gambel's Quail,
Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Anna's
Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ash-throated Flycatcher,
Bell's Vireo, Common Raven (on Magma Ridge); Verdin, Bewick's Wren (calling
and quite close, in a tree by the Herb Garden); Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren,
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler,
Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat (including one in the Demo Garden doing
a very good imitation of a Western Scrub Jay); Abert's Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird,
Hooded Orioles (including one male feeding one fledgling); House Finch and
Lesser Goldfinches. Lizards? Good day for lizards! Collard Lizards were
found in the Picnic Area and Cactus Garden, Desert Spiny and Greater Earless
were on the trail in numerous locations, Side-blotched Lizards and Whiptails
were also common and Tree Lizards were easily found in the Demo Garden.
Scanned Magma Ridge, but no sign of the chuckwalla reported on June 2. The
most exciting mammal today was a Bobcat seen near the aloe plants below
Magma Ridge (it trotted down the trail toward the Herb Garden); and this
one was more tawny/cinnamon than the usual bobcat color. Also saw a Coyote
in Silver King Wash coming from Ayer Lake toward Smith Building, Ground
squirrels, Rock Squirrels and Cottontail Rabbits.
From: Kathe Anderson & BTA Sunday Bird Walk Group
Date: Sunday, June 8
Green-tailed Towhee was a treat for participants in the Arboretum's first
summertime 6:30 a.m. birdwalk. Participants saw this elusive skulker at
the southeast end of the eucalyptus grove, as we were heading towards the
herb garden, it was on the right. Just before that we had a very cooperative
Cooper's hawk perched high in the trees just to the right of the old hawk
nest near the white bridge over Silver King Wash -- staying there even while
everyone trooped across the bridge and hung around right underneath it!
Later, another (or the same one) swooped into a tree further towards the
herb garden. The vermilion flycatchers at the picnic grounds were great,
and we got both Lucy's warbler and Bell's vireo singing! Sometimes it's
hard to see either. Other colorful species on our checklist today were Yellow-breasted
Chat, Summer Tanager, Yellow Warbler, Hooded Oriole, Northern Cardinal,
and four hummingbird species (Broad-billed, Anna's, Costas -- and also a
probable Black-chinned). Other birds seen and heard today include Turkey
Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove,
Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested
Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Canyon
Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Abert's Towhee, Great-tailed Grackle,
Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. PS,
I encouraged bird walk participants (and those of you reading this report)
to be here for the next one of these Sunday guided walks, which will be
lead by Dave Pearson on July 13.
From: Millie Billotta & Cindy West
Date: Monday, June 2
A daytime Barn Owl was an exciting surprise this morning, observed around
8:00 a.m. when it briefly flew into the open and perched just long enough
for a good view on a sunny branch before continuing off to and to better,
thicker cover across from the palm trees just east of the eucalyptus grove.
We also saw a Common Blackhawk soaring over Queen Creek Canyon. Lots of
birds with youngsters, too, such as an Abert's Towhee we observed feeding
juveniles, a mother Anna's Hummingbird tending a hatchling (less than a
day old!) in her nest in a mesquite tree in the picnic area, and many Yellow
Warblers with fledglings. Ash-throated Flycatchers were calling in Queen
Creek Canyon, and we also had a Common Yellowthroat near the artificial
stream in the cul-de-sac in the Demonstration Garden. Other sightings today
included Turkey Vulture, Eurasian Collared Dove, Mourning Dove, White-winged
Dove, Inca Dove, numerous hummingbirds around the Karoo Boer Bean trees
in the Desert Legume Garden (look for this one, with clusters of red flowers!);
Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's
Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren,
Bewick's Wren (all three wren reports are by ear); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher,
Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat,
Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Song Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
We also had a Striped Whipsnake near the suspension bridge and -- even more
notable -- a wary chuckwalla basking in the sun and silhouetted against
the blue sky at the top of magma ridge, near one of the rock columns on
the west side. It was above the open "playa" area -- right where
the turkey vultures roost after dawn. The chuckwalla was unmistakable, with
its large black body and contrastingly light-colored tail. Arboretum staff
report there hadn't been a confirmed sighting of one of these at BTA in
years!
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Sunday May 25
The Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron was at Ayer Lake this morning and
the pair of Zone-tailed Hawks were both easily found -- perched on the ridge
above the High Trail across from the Herb Garden. Does anyone know if the
Zone-tailed pair are nesting? Other birds today include Turkey Vulture,
Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird,
Costa's Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird (on walkway going down to
the Hummingbird Garden and Out Front of Main Building), Broad-billed Hummingbird,
the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird was in the Hummingbird Garden; Gila
Woodpecker, Western Wood Pe-wee (between Demo Garden and Main Building);
Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher (many pairs, in picnic
area and the Walk-a-bout); Brown-crested Flycatcher (up on ridge by the
waterfall); Bell's Vireo (many, with young); Cassin's Vireo (demo garden);
Common Raven, White-throated Swift (at Queen Creek); Violet-green Swallow
(many, at Ayer Lake); Verdin (nesting); Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren (most numerous
up near the house); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla (many, including young); Orange-crowned Warbler, Lucy's
Warbler, Yellow Warbler (with young, in the new Children's Garden and also
the Demo Garden); Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Wilson's
Warbler (in Demo Garden); Yellow-breasted Chat (In Hummingbird Garden and
Demo Garden); Western Tanager, Summer Tanager (female, nesting); Northern
Cardinal (many, with young); Abert's Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Black Throated
Sparrow (heard only); Hooded Oriole, Red-winged Blackbird (juvenile); Great-tailed
Grackle, Lesser Goldfinch (many, with young), House Finch and House Sparrow.
From: Marceline
VandeWater
Date: Saturday, May 24
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds were audible and unusually numerous today, with
at least two -- possibly three of them heard and seen between the visitor
center, the picnic area and the Demonstration Garden. White-throated Swifts
were soaring overhead and a Western Wood-pewee in Queen Creek, visible from
the demo garden, was another notable bird. Also on my checklist for an unusually
cool and pleasant late May day were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's
Hawk, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove,
Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Black-chinned
Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's
Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, 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, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bronzed
Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
Editor's Note: there were also two Black-crowned Night Herons at
Ayer Lake this morning, an adult in addition to the juvenile bird which
was first reported on May 4. Additionally, Jim and Betsy Walker added these
species to Saturday's report: Red-tailed Hawk, Common Yellowthroat (at least
two at Ayer Lake); Black-headed Grosbeak, and Great-tailed Grackle. Jim
and Betsy also spotted a Summer Tanager on her nest about seven feet above
the main trail in Queen Creek Canyon.
From: North American Migration Count Volunteers (see below)
Date: Saturday, May 10
A Grace's Warbler in the Desert Legume Garden was possibly the most surprising
bird found by volunteers with Saturday's North American Migration Count
around the gardens and trails. The juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron remained
at Ayer Lake this morning, and several participants saw the Arboretum's
unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird. Our combined checklists totalled
9 Gambel's Quail, 34 Turkey Vulture, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 2 Zone-tailed Hawk,
1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Rock Pigeon, 19 Mourning Dove, 4 Eurasian Collared
Dove, 23 White-winged Dove, 6 Inca Dove, 3 White-throated Swift, 1 Broad-billed
Hummingbird, 6 Anna's Hummingbird, 1 Costa's Hummingbird, 1 Broad-tailed
Hummingbird, 1 hybrid Violet-crowned x. Broad-billed Hummingbird, 9 Gila
Woodpecker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 4 Black Phoebe, 11 Vermilion Flycatcher,
1 Brown-crested Flycatcher, 3 Ash-throated Flycatcher, 5 Western Kingbird,
18 Bell's Vireo, 1 Cassin's Vireo, 1 Warbling Vireo, 3 Common Raven, 7 Violet-green
Swallow, 1 Purple Martin, 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 14 Verdin, 2
Bewick's Wren, 4 Cactus Wren, 1 Canyon Wren, 1 Northern Mockingbird, 6 Curve-billed
Thrasher, 20 Phainopepla, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, 6 Lucy's Warbler (two
nesting pairs confirmed); 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); 12 Yellow
Warbler, 6 Wilson's Warbler, 1 Common Yellowthroat, 5 Yellow-breasted Chat,
5 Summer Tanager, 10 Western Tanager, 4 Abert's Towhee, 6 Black-throated
Sparrow, 4 Song Sparrow, 7 White-crowned Sparrow, 4 Black-headed Grosbeak,
16 Northern Cardinal, 1 Pyrrhuloxia, 1 Red-winged Blackbird, 12 Great-tailed
Grackle, 1 Brown-headed Cowbird, 1 Bronzed Cowbird, 12 Hooded Oriole, 100+
House Finch, 2 Pine Siskin, 71 Lesser Goldfinch and 7 House Sparrow (and
also one empidonax flycatcher). Editor's Note: Kathe Anderson's bird class
this morning added 1 Black-chinned Hummingbird to the list of species found
here at the Arboretum. The migration count for this region was coordinated
by Marceline Vandewater; volunteers counting here at the Arboretum included
Grant and Tyler Loomis, Joy Dingley, Vera Walters, Herb Fibel and also Jim
and Betsy Walker. Marceline, Paul Kinslow and Joyce Peters surveyed for
a half-mile along Queen Creek east of the Arboretum and found Common Blackhawk
(nesting), a Dusky Flycatcher, Virginia
Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler and a Blue Grosbeak. Philip Lowe and Fred
Stewart surveyed Oak Flat and added Western Scrub Jay,
Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Brewer's
Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Bushtit, Townsend's Warbler and Gray Vireo to
the list.
From: Marceline VandeWater
Date: Sunday May 4
Green-tailed Towhee and Lazuli Bunting were both fun finds today, along
with an immature Black-crowned Night heron at Ayer Lake. A Zone-tailed Hawk
was flying with a group of Turkey Vultures, and a Common Yellowthroat was
singing at Aye Lake. Other birds on my BTA checklist Sunday were Gambel's
Quail, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared
Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned
Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher,
Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Warbling Vireo,
Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin,
Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern
Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Lucy's
Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Yellow Warbler,Wilson's Warbler,
Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed
Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle,
Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House
Sparrow.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Sunday May 4
A juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron was at Ayer Lake this morning (probably
only passing through) with gray on his back and a gray-streaked white breast
and red eyes. Another highlight today was a female Red Crossbill (who isn't
red at all, but yellow) in the legume garden doing her little chrip call.
Western Kingbirds were in the Picnic Area, at times harrassing a Common
Raven. The male Black-headed Grosbeak was singing up at the top of he hill,
by the Picketpost Mansion. And I noticed that someone yesterday posted about
the pair of Zone-tailed Hawks, which I saw this morning perched uphill and
above the High Trail -- visible from the main trail near the Herb Garden
as you look over across Queen Creek. Summer Tanager was in the palm area
across Queen Creek and the Western Tanagers were in the Demonstration Garden.
Lots of Anna's Hummingbirds today, and I saw one female Costa's. Also on
my checklist were: Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning
Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher,
Brown-crested Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's
Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-Green Swallow, Verdin, Cactus
Wren, Canyon Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow
Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed
Grackle, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Thursday May 1
The late Warren Jones, University of Arizona Professor of Landscape Architecture,
was recently honored here during a gathering in the Woodland Garden where
a memorial plaque now reminds us of his contributions to the Arboretum,
his students, and others. His vision for a richly aesthetic, educational
garden has become a reality under the gentle, persistent care of Horticulturalist
Steve Carter and assistants. This wonderful Demonstration Garden is a popular
birding site where numerous species can usually be observed in a relatively
short time. A burst of transients arrived this morning and residents are
well into breeding activities, so I spent 0745-0845 watching birds while
enjoying vibrant colors and avian music. Within 20 minutes I had noticed
over 30 species; when I left the total was 44 plus vultures, a raven, and
Rough-winged Swallows seen overhead. Highlights included a late Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, 3 Pine Siskins, and a colorful parade of 3 Black-headed Grosbeaks,
1 Summer and 4 Western Tanagers, 2 Hooded Orioles and a male Bullock's Oriole,
2 Lazuli Buntings 2 Green-tailed Towhees, a single Lark Sparrow, a Song
Sparrow, and a few White-crowned Sparrows (gambellii and oriantha). One
Orange-crowned, 4 "Audubon's", 1 MacGillivray's, 2 Wilson's, 1
Common Yellowthroat, 1 Yellow-breasted Chat, 2 Lucy's, and 4 Yellow Warblers
foraged along with singing Bell's, Cassin's, and Warbling Vireos. One Pacific-slope
Flycatcher, 1 Brown-crested Flycatcher, 1 Western Kingbird, 1 Vermilion
Flycatcher, and 1 Phainopepla darted about catching flying insects. An Anna's
Hummingbird fed a fledgling; 3 pairs of Lesser Goldfinches, 2 pairs of House
Finches, and a pair of Verdins tended their young. Finches were abundant.
Eurasian Collared-Doves, White-winged Doves, and Lucy's Warblers gathered
nest materials. Curve-billed Thrashers and Abert's Towhees carried food
to nestlings. A fuzzy-crested, yellow-beaked House Finch peered over the
rim of its nest as its mother perched slightly above. Numerous birds visited
water features to drink and/or bathe. What a tribute to Warren and Steve!
From: Tyler Loomis and Desert
Rivers Audubon "Early Birders Club"
Date: Saturday May 3
Today was the final meeting of the spring "Early Birders Club"
coordinated by Desert Rivers Audubon Society, and we had dramatic views
of two Golden Eagles soaring high over Queen Creek. Some of the more notable
sightings today were MacGillvray's Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Black-headed
Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting and Acorn Woodpecker. We also found a Lucy's Warbler
at her cavity nest high up the sycamore tree in the picnic area, near the
Vermilion Flycatcher nest which had been previsouly reported. We also saw
one Anna's Hummingbird tending her nest about twelve feet overhead near
the artificial stream in the cul-de-sac as you enter the Demonstration Garden
and walk to the left. Two Cooper's Hawks were seen, too, with the female
perched and feeding on a rodent. Also on our checklist for the day are Gambel's
Quail, Turkey Vulture, Zone-tailed Hawk (2 perched above the High Trail);
Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated
Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker,
Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher,
Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-Green
Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren,
Canyon Wren (the female has at least three tiny nestlings inside the Clevenger
House); Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-Rumped
Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager,
Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bronzed Cowbird (observed right
when it invaded an oriole nest); Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Pine Siskin,
Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Richard Ditch
Date: Sunday April 27
We found a Black-throated Gray Warbler in the Queen Creek riparian corridor
on this morning's bird walk; also Green Heron, Pine Siskin - and our group
had great views of an Anna's Hummingbird on her nest. Birds (in the order
seen) include Turkey Vulture, Northern Cardinal, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove,
White-winged Dove, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Bell's Vireo, Yellow Warbler,
Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Costa's Hummingbird, Lucy's Warbler,
House Sparrow, Vermilion Flycatcher, Violet-green Swallow, Green Heron,
Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Black Phoebe, Great-tailed Grackle, Marsh
Wren, Common Yellowthroat, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Rough-winged
Swallow, Abert's Towhee, Verdin, Black-throated Sparrow, Red-tailed Hawk,
Anna's Hummingbird, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Canyon Wren, an empidonax
flycatcher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Summer Tanager, Bewick's Wren, Common
Raven, Gila Woodpecker, Hooded Oriole, Mourning Dove, Yellow-rumped Warbler,
Phainopepla, Pine Siskin, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Western Tanager.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Monday April 21
After teaching at Tucson Audubon’s Institute of Desert Ecology, I surveyed
the Arb where its gardens were vibrant with color and bird songs. Wintering
species included the Brown Thrasher (still near the herb garden), 1 Western
Scrub-Jay, a few Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 2 solitary Hermit Thrushes, a scattering
of White-crowned Sparrows, and numerous Pine Siskins. I found 2 late Cassin’s
Finches in willows along Queen Creek near Apache Tears Road east of the
Arb. I noted several transients: 1 Sora, 1 Killdeer, 1 male Broad-tailed
Hummingbird, several Empidonax flycatchers (Hammond’s, Gray, Dusky,
and Pacific-slope), a couple Cassin’s and Warbling Vireos, 5 Orange-crowned
Warblers, 1 Black-throated Gray Warbler, 10+ Yellow-rumped Warblers (1 Myrtle);
2 Wilson’s Warblers, 2 Black-headed Grosbeaks, 2 male Lazuli Buntings,
3 Green-tailed Towhees, 19 Lark Sparrows, 6 Chipping Sparrows, and several
Lincoln’s Sparrows. A Brown-crested Flycatcher calling east of the
herb garden and a Yellow-breasted Chat singing in the hummingbird garden
were this spring’s first sightings. Song rates of all wrens, Lucy’s
Warblers, and cardinals were low, suggesting they are actively nesting.
Lesser Goldfinches and House Finches were nest-building, brooding, and/or
feeding young (ranging from just-fledged to older still-begging young birds).
A female House Finch hunched low in a Hooded Oriole nest in a palm north
of the ramada in the Demonstration Garden. White-winged and Mourning Doves
gathered nests materials. Eurasian Collared-Doves may breed in the gardens
this year, since a few pairs displayed and cooed intensely from the Eucalyptus
grove to the residential area and in conifers below the dam. Numerous juvenile
Anna’s and Costa’s Hummingbirds were evident; females of these
species and Black-chinned attended nests. Several pairs of Abert’s
Towhees fed fledglings, a pair of thrashers tended nestlings, and several
Verdin nests held audible nestlings. Some Phainopeplas incubated eggs while
others carried nest material. A symphony of sound filled the air throughout
the morning.
From: Steve & Joan Hosmer
Date: Sunday, April 20
Lawrence's Goldfinch and a Common Blackhawk were the notable birds Sunday,
and we also had American Goldfinch and Lesser, too. Black-chinned Hummingbird,
Cassin's Vireo, and 5 Summer Tanager also made for a great morning! Other
species and total counts today include 4 Gambel's Quail, 1 Pied-Billed Grebe,
3 Turkey Vulture, 1 American Coot, 2 Mourning Dove, 5 White-winged Dove,
3 White-throated Swift, 1 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 3 Costa's Hummingbird,
many Anna's Hummingbird, 2 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
2 Western Kingbird, many Bell's Vireo, 1 Plumbeous Vireo, many Verdin, Violet-Green
Swallow, 1 Bewick's Wren, 2 Cactus Wren, 2 Canyon Wren, 1 Curve-billed Thrasher,
2 Phainopepla, 2 Lucy's Warbler, 2 Yellow Warbler, 1 Wilson's Warbler, 1
Common Yellowthroat, 3 Abert's Towhee, 3 Song Sparrow, 2 White-crowned Sparrow,
many Northern Cardinal, 12 Great-tailed Grackle, 1 Hooded Oriole and numerous
House Finch and Pine Siskin.
From: Kathe Anderson (additional sightings by Diane Krpan and Paul Wolterbeek)
Date: Saturday, April 19
Participants in Saturday's guided bird walk this morning had a rare chance
to see the elusive Sora lurking in the cattails on the opposite shore of
Ayer Lake around 9:30 a.m. Our groups also had great views of the female
Vermilion Flycatcher on her nest in the picnic area, with the male flying
around the benches and hawking insects nearby. We saw three Anna's hummingbird
nests and also the Canyon Wren nest inside the Clevenger House (the bird
was outside). Pine Siskins were seen and heard near the Rose Garden close
to the Smith Building, and also vocal in the Demo Garden and the Picnic
Area, and an Ash-throated Flycatcher was across the wash from the picnic
area. Other sightings/heards today include Gambel's Quail, Pied-Billed Grebe,
American Coot, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove,
White-winged Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird (in the
Demonstration Garden); Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe
(at Ayer Lake); Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo (seen in
Picnic Area); Western Scrub Jay (heard, across from the Herb Garden); Violet-Green
Swallow, White-throated swift (seen above Magma Ridge); Verdin, Bewick's
Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (on the other side
of Queen Creek, seen from the suspension bridge); Curve-billed Thrasher,
Verdin, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Yellow Warbler,
Wilson's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song
Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow (heard only, along the trail above Ayer
Lake); White-crowned Sparrow (seen in Picnic Area); Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed
Grackle, Hooded Oriole (across from Herb Garden, also in Demonstration Garden);
House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Finch.
From: Richard Ditch
Date: Friday and Wednesday (April 16, 18)
Friday morning at the Demonstration Garden we saw a Northern Beardless Tyrannulet
and also a male Lawrence's Goldfinch. Highlights on Wednesday morning included
Pine Siskin near the Herb Garden, and hummingbird included Rufous, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, and the Violet-crowned
x Broad-billed
Hybrid. Other birds (listed in the order seen and heard) were Gambel’s
Quail, Mourning Dove, House Sparrow, Great-tailed Grackle, Northern Cardinal,
Bell’s Vireo, Yellow Warbler, White-winged Dove, Ash-throated Flycatcher,
House Finch, Abert’s Towhee, Turkey Vulture, Hooded Oriole, White-crowned
Sparrow, Phainopepla, Lesser Goldfinch, Red-winged Blackbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Anna’s Hummingbird, Lucy’s Warbler, Vermilion Flycatcher, and
Cooper’s Hawk.
From: Millie Billotta & Cindy West
Date: Monday, April 14
Late for the season, the Brown Thrasher is still here - we saw it clearly
beneath the dwarf pomegranate hedge on the righthand side of the main trail
near the Herb Garden (righthand side as you're walking east, deeper into
Queen Creek Canyon). We also had the Arboretum's first returning Wilson's
Warbler, and later Monday morning an Ash-throated Flycatcher was in trees
above the Crider Garden (out front of the Smith building entrance patio)
around noon. We saw the female Vermilion Flycatcher on her nest in the picnic
area, with the male flying around the benches and hawking insects nearby.
Two Anna's Hummingbird nests are easy to find near the west entrance to
the High Trail -- just wait by the picnic bench nearby and scan the lowest
branches of the tamarisk trees. Monday we also found a Bewick's Wren nest
in a tree cavity near the jujubes (west of the Herb Garden) and saw the
Canyon Wren nesting inside the Clevenger House. Other sightings today were
Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, White-winged Dove, Costa's
Hummingbird, the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Western Scrub Jay, Verdin,
Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,
Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, House Finch,
and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Marceline
VandeWater
Date: Sunday, April 13
We had great views of a male Summer Tanager perched high in a mesquite above
the Smith Building -- the first of these migrants returned to the Arboretum
for the season. Our guided birdwalk group also found two separate Vermilion
Flycatcher nests (one in the picnic area, the other near the Drover's Shed);
and four separate Anna's Hummingbird nests -- one of them with two babies
being tended by mom). Broad-billed and Costa's Hummingbirds were also seen.
Other birds on today's checklist include Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe,
Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe,
Say's Phoebe, Western Kingbird (two perched high in the sycamore tree in
the picnic area); Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin,
Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren (one is nesting in the Clevenger House); Northern
Mockingbird, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped
"Audubon's" Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow,
White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Hooded Oriole
(male and female nesting in the palm tree near the Herb Garden), House Finch,
and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Sunday, April 6
Highlights of today's observations included a pair of Mallards, a Green
Heron, a female Belted Kingfisher, and 2 Common Yellowthroats at Ayer Lake.
I was surprised to find a Common Ground-Dove cooing in dense cover near
the Hummingbird Garden. A pair of Verdins fed nestlings nearby. The wintering
Brown Thrasher sang softly in a dense hackberry thicket southwest of the
herb garden.
From: Troy Corman, Pete Moulton and Cynthia Donald
Date: Saturday, April 5
A Scott's Oriole singing in Queen Creek Canyon was a highlight today, and
also the season's first BTA record of migrant Rufous Hummingbirds passing
through. A Swainson's Hawk circled over the visitor center along with 25
Turkey Vultures -- a memorable way to begin our guided bird walk, and Saturday
morning we also found 15 Anna's Hummingbirds (and confirmed four nests);
5 Broad-billed Hummingbirds, 3 Black-chinned Hummingbirds and 4 Costa's
Hummingbird. Also seen and heard around the trails were 2 Pied-billed Grebe,
Cooper's Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, American Coot, 5 White-winged Dove, 10
Inca Dove, 3 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 3 Black Phoebe,
1 Say's Phoebe (building a nest near the Herb Garden), 4 Vermilion Flycatcher
(nesting pair); 5 Ash-throated Flycatcher, 10+ Bell's Vireo, Cassin's Vireo,
Western Scrub Jay, Common Raven, 15 Violet-green Swallow, 3 Northern Rough-winged
Swallow, 8 Verdin, 2 Bewick's Wren, 2 Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, 5 Curved-billed Thrasher,
6 Phainopepla (one pair nesting near the Smith Building entrance); 2 Orange-crowned
Warbler, 25+ Lucy's Warbler, 15 Yellow-rumped Warbler ("Audubon's");
8 Yellow Warbler, 10 Abert's Towhee, 5 Black-throated Sparrow, 2 Song Sparrow,
10+ White-crowned Sparrow, 10 Northern Cardinal, 15 Red-winged Blackbird,
8 Great-tailed Grackle, 2 Hooded Oriole, 15 House Finch, Pine Siskin, 30+
Lesser Goldfinch and 3 House Sparrow.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Monday, March 31
Two male Hooded Orioles (the first 2008 sighting at BTA) were perched in
trees at the west end of the main parking lot when I arrived this morning
at 8:00 a.m. as the Arboretum opened. Later in the morning a Zone-tailed
Hawk was circling with the Turkey Vultures, and a few other highlights today
were Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, and also Pine Siskins
-- audible with their "zzzzzsheeeeEEEP" calls along Queen Creek.
Other birds (listed in their BTA checklist order) Monday were Gambel's Quail,
Pied-billed Grebe (three of them at Aye Lake!); Mourning Dove, White-winged
Dove, Inca Dove, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo,
Western Scrub Jay, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged
Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Northern Mockingbird,
Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, "Audubon's"
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed
Junco, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: March 29-30 (Saturday-Sunday)
Yellow Warblers are back this weekend! Watch and listen for them foraging
high in the eucalyptus trees surrounding the Picnic Area parking lot; they
are back this week, audible and active. Saturday I found a Yellow-rumped
Warbler of the "Myrtle" race near the Drover's Shed. Pine Siskins
were singing from the tamarisk trees near the olive grove, and a Zone-tailed
Hawk was audible somewhere along Queen Creek. A Red-tailed Hawk circled
overhead. Also seen and heard around the gardens were Gambel's Quail (singing);
Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Mourning
Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,
Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black
Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher (a pair were in the Picnic Area
both days); Bell's Vireo, Western Scrub Jay, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged
Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren (audible
at Ayer Lake); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush,
Curved-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler
(Audubon's); Lucy's Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco (picnic area);
Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch,
and Lesser Goldfinch. Saw my first Western Whiptail lizard for 2008 on Saturday,
too, and a small Collared Lizard on Sunday -- in addition to the Greater
Earless and Ornate Tree lizards which have been active for the past month.
From: Kurt and Cindy Radamaker
Date: Sunday, March 23
Notable species today included a Red-tailed Hawk soaring above Magma Ridge
and one of the resident pair of Cooper's Hawks -- up in a tree along Queen
Creek and eating a rabbit (not into the Easter spirit, obviously!). Other
birds that we saw on today's guided bird walk included 10 Turkey Vultures
(which had already had lifted off by the time we started the walk) also
Pied-billed Grebe, 2 American Coot, 4 Inca Dove, 2 White-throated Swifts
(Magma Ridge); 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 4 Anna's Hummingbird (including
a male doing a courtship flight pattern); 2 Costa's Hummingbird, 6 Gila
Woodpecker, 1 Dusky Flycatcher (probable); 1 Black Phoebe, 1 Vermilion Flycatcher
(a male in the Picnic Area); 8 Bell's Vireo, Western Scrub Jay (two of them
duking it out with some phainopeplas over territory); 4 Northern Rough-winged
Swallow, 6 Verdin, 4 Bewick's Wren, 1 Cactus Wren, 1 Canyon Wren, 6 Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 2 Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, 1 Hermit Thrush,
4 Curved-billed Thrasher, 4 Phainopepla, 4 European Starling, 2 Orange-crowned
Warbler, 10 Lucy's Warbler, 1 Black-throated Gray Warbler, 1 Painted Redstart
(across the road from Ayer Lake, in the cottonwood trees); 4 Northern Cardinal,
8 Abert's Towhee, 2 Spotted Towhee, 4 Song Sparrow, 2 Lincoln's Sparrow
(across the road from Ayer Lake); 4 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon); 1 Pink-sided
Junco, 10 Red-winged Blackbird, 6 Brown-headed cowbird, 20 House Finch,
50 Lesser Goldfinch, 2 House Sparrow (building a nest in a saguaro cactus
across from Ayer Lake). PLUS: one handsome Gila Monster outside of the collections,
under some dead prickly pear pads. It was probably full sized and the yellow/black
variety.
From: Tom Gaskill, Jon Mann, Diane Krpan and Paul Wolterbeek
Date: Saturday, March 22
Diane spotted the Brown Thrasher just west of the Herb Garden and on the
south side of the trail Saturday morning and we also saw the season's first
Zone-tailed Hawk perched above the High Trail. Other highlights include
the Black-throated Gray Warbler which Jon's group spotted between the picnic
area and the drover's shed, and a Gray Vireo that Jon's group saw in the
Demonstration Garden. Tom's group found the Green Heron at Ayer Lake, and
also one American Goldfinch near the Desert Legume Garden. We counted more
than 20 Turkey Vultures and other birds (in checklist order) included Gambel's
Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Green Heron, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning
Dove, Inca Dove, Eurasian collared dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned
Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird; Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern
Rough-winged Swallow, White-throated Swift, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's
Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher,
Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,
Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser
Goldfinch.
From: Troy Corman, Pete Moulton and Cynthia Donald (and see the additional
report at the end by Eric Hough)
Date: Saturday, March 15
Three Fox Sparrows were found on the guided bird walk Saturday: two of the
Slate-colored race were found in the Demonstration Garden (furtively lurking
in dense shrubs just past the wooden entrance ramada -- righthand, or west,
side of the trail) and one possible "altivagans-type," with characteristics
that are a mixture of both Slate-colored and Red Fox Sparrows, near the
upper end of Ayer Lake. One Black-throated Gray Warbler, an American Goldfinch
and a Pine Siskin were also highlights today, and we counted 18
Turkey Vultures, too. Other birds (in checklist order) include 10
Gambel's Quail, 2 Pied-billed Grebe, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 4 Inca Dove, 1 Broad-billed
Hummingbird, 5 Costa's Hummingbird, 8 Anna's Hummingbird, 2 Gila Woodpecker,
1 Red-naped Sapsucker, 3 Black Phoebe, 2 Bell's Vireo, 1 Hutton's Vireo,
2 Common Raven, 12 Violet-green Swallow, 15 Verdin, 1 House Wren, 3 Cactus
Wren, 2 Canyon Wren, 1 Marsh Wren, 10 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher, 3 Hermit Thrush, 1 Curve-billed Thrasher, 3 Phainopepla, 1
Orange-crowned Warbler, 8 Lucy's Warbler, 20 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 10 Abert's
Towhee, 5 Spotted Towhee, 3 Black-throated Sparrow, 6 Lincoln's Sparrow,
6 Song Sparrow, 8 White-crowned Sparrow, 10 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon, Pink-sided);
10 Northern Cardinal, 10 Red-winged Blackbird, 2 Great-tailed Grackle, 25
House Finch, 1 Pine Siskin (Demonstration Garden) and 25 Lesser Goldfinch.
Editor's note: Eric and Elaine Hough shared their Saturday checklist, adding
these species: Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Western
Scrub-Jay, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher -- and eight Red Crossbills which were calling as they flew overhead.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, March 13
Ten Turkey Vultures were sunbathing on the cliffs, back just in time for
the Arboretum's annual "Welcome Back Buzzards"
day on Saturday March 22. Violet-green Swallows and Northern Rough-winged
Swallows were notable, along with Green Heron (Ayer Lake, along with Marsh
Wren, Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot); Eurasian Collared Dove, the
season's first Bell's Vireo, and a Lincoln's Sparrow. Others today included
Gambel's Quail, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove,
Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa'sHummingbird (Demonstration Garden); Gila
Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Western-scrub Jay, Common
Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee,
Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and
House Sparrow.
From: Marceline
Vandewater and Cindy
Marple
Date: Sunday, March 9
A Western Flycatcher was a highlight today, along with the season's first
Lucy's Warbler sighting (in the Picnic Area) at BTA and also four different
hummingbird species ( Broad-billed, Costa's, Anna's and the Arboretum's
unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird). Hutton's Vireo and Ruby-crowned
Kinglets are both still present (a Hutton's was singing near the Smith Building)
and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were observed near the suspension bridge over
Queen Creek. Also on our checklist were Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot
at Ayer Lake (a pair of each); Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Inca Dove,
White-throated Swift, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe,
Western-scrub Jay, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin,
Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped
Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed
Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow. Butterflies seen today included Spring Azure, Mourning
Cloak, Sleepy Orange, two Monarchs, three Sara Orangetips and four Pipevine
Swallowtails. Editor's Note: Kathe Anderson also reprted Pine Siskins in
the tamarisk trees in the picnic area Saturday.
From: Dave Powell and Kurt
Radamaker
Date: Saturday, March 2
A Golden Eagle soaring over the cliffs was a highlight today, along with
an early Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, and the season's
first Turkey Vulture (perched in a huge eucalyptus tree in the Demonstration
Garden at opening hour. Also on our checklist today were Pied-billed Grebe,
2 Cooper's Hawks, American Coot, 5 Inca Doves, 3 Broad-billed Hummingbirds,
6 Costa's Hummingbirds, 20 Anna's Hummingbirds, the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird, 4 Gila Woodpeckers, 1 Northern Flicker
(Red-shafted); 2 Red-naped Sapsuckers, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black
Phoebe, 2 Hutton's Vireos, 2 Western-scrub Jay, 3 Northern Rough-winged
Swallows, Common Raven, 14 Verdins, 1 Bewick's Wren, 3 Cactus Wrens, 1 Canyon
Wren, 1 Marsh Wren, 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 2 Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed
Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, 10 Yellow-rumped
Warblers (Audubon's), 2 Canyon Towhee, 4 Spotted Towhee, 6 Abert's Towhee,
1 Lincoln's Sparrow, 1 Song Sparrow, 5 White-crowned Sparrows, 14 Dark-eyed
Juncos, 6 Northern Cardinals, 4 Red-winged Blackbirds, 1 Great-tailed Grackle,
4 House Finches, 20 Lesser Goldfinches and 8 House Sparrows. We also had
several species of butterflies, including Sleepy Orange, Sara Orangetip,
Snout, Pipevine Swallowtail, Mourning Cloak and two Monarchs.
From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Sunday, February 24
Vera Walters and I lead the bird walk Sunday morning, dividing into two
smaller groups. We enjoyed good looks at both Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds
and the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird; others on the checklist today were
Cooper's Hawk, Pied-billed Grebe, American
Coot, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern Mockingbird, Western-scrub Jay, Common
Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler,
Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed
Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, and Lesser
Goldfinch.
From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Wednesday, February 20
American Robin, Orange-crowned Warbler and Hutton's Vireo were all found
Wednesday along with Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Western-scrub Jay, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Northern
Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee,
Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Rich Ditch
Date: Saturday, February 16
The most notable bird today was a Sage Thrasher found in the Cactus Garden,
approximately across from the Desert Legume Garden and in shrubs at the
west end below Magma Ridge (near the "puya" plant which blooms
occasionally). Others seen and heard, in order, were Pied-billed Grebe,
Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird; Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren,
Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Sage Thrasher, Hutton's Vireo, Canyon Towhee, Spotted Towhee,
Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow,
Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal,
Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Pine Siskin, House
Sparrow.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Wednesday, February 13
After attending the Arizona Botanists/Arizona Native Plant Society annual
conference at the Desert Botanical Gardens over the weekend, I visited the
Arb
and vicinity from February 10-13. In addition to the usual residents, wintering
sapsuckers, Western Scrub-Jays, Bridled Titmice, House and Marsh Wrens,
Hermit Thrushes, only a few Phainopeplas and mockingbirds, the Brown Thrasher,
Hutton’s Vireos, Spotted Towhees, White-crowned Sparrows, and “Oregon”
Juncos were noted. The Brown Thrasher may be detected by listening for soft,
almost inaudible guttural singing coming from dense thickets or other dense
foliage between the herb garden and the olive grove, where it fed on fallen
olives. Red-winged Blackbirds provided one of the highlights of the trip,
singing and “tchecking” in choruses throughout the morning in
and near the residential area where they fed on seed provided by volunteers
living there. Periodically some flew to Ayer Lake, settled in the marsh,
and then returned to feed later. Many roosted in the marsh overnight along
with Brewer’s Blackbirds that arrived from the west. A few Pine Siskins
joined throngs of goldfinches at thistle feeders. Other highlights included
a Green Heron at Ayer Lake, a few White-throated Swifts briefly swirling
about cliffs in Queen Creek Canyon, a flock of 18 Red Crossbills that probed
at pine cones in the residential area, 4 Western Bluebirds feeding on mistletoe
berries along Queen Creek below the Picket Post House, and the first Violet-green
Swallows of the spring. Pied-billed Grebes have begun courtship, Inca Doves
started nest construction, and some House Sparrows occupied saguaro cavities.
Others apparently forming or reinforcing pair bonds and courting include:
House Finches, Lesser Goldfinches, Northern Cardinals, Abert’s Towhees,
Canyon Towhees.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Monday, February 11
Both the "Myrtle" and the "Audubon's" races of Yellow-rumped
Warbler were here Monday, along with Orange-crowned Warbler, Pyrrhuloxia,
Costa's Hummingbird (also Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird and
the Hybrid Hummingbird.
Wrens were also numerous, with Bewick's, Cactus and Canyon Wren in various
gardens and Marsh Wrens at Ayer Lake. Others today were Gambel's Quail,
Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker,
Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Western-scrub
Jay, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned
Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird (about 200 of them perched on the telephone
wires near the entry gate at 8:00); House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House
Sparrow.
From: Cindy Marple
Date: Sunday, February 10
Bird-of-the-day was a White-throated Swift which flew over us in Queen Creek
Canyon, and we also had a great look at one of the resident Cooper's Hawks
flying over the Demonstration Garden. Other birds (in checklist order) today
include Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Hybrid
Hummingbird (the Arboretum's unique Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned);
Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Verdin,
Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush,
Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped
( "Audubon's" ) Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Abert's
Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal,
Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Scott Burge & Bob Witzeman (Maricopa
Audubon Society)
Date: Saturday, February 9
Pine Siskin was a notable find today and we also had four hummingbird species
(Black-chinneds are back and we had Anna's, Broad-billed and also the Arboretum's
unique Hybrid Hummingbird).
Others this morning included Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American
Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Common
Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern
Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, "Audubon's"
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House
Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, February 7
A Rufous-crowned Sparrow along the Magma Ridge Trail on the north flank
of the ridge my notable bird today, along with Orange-crowned Warbler, Bridled
Titmouse and Dark-eyed Junco. Ayer Lake had a pair of Pied-billed Grebes
and a pair of American Coots, Red-winged Blackbirds and vocal Marsh Wrens
(other wrens today included Bewick's, Cactus, Rock and Canyon). Also present
Thursday were Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,
the Hybrid Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European
Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped ("Audubon's") Warbler, Canyon
Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Cathy Wise (Arizona Audubon)
Date: Saturday, February 2
You couldn't ask for a better bird walk than we had Saturday; Jennifer Martin
assisted me with leading the tour and 17 great participants and perfect
weather. No rarities, but our group did find Orange-crowned Warbler, Black-tailed
Gnatcatcher and the first 2008 report of a Black-chinned Hummingbird here
at BTA. We also found Anna's Hummingbirds, and we had excellent looks at
the handsome male Hybrid
Hummingbird. Western Scrub-Jays continue to be at this lower elevation
for the winter, and other wintering migrants included Red-naped Sapsucker,
Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Hermit Thrush. We tallied 37 species, including
five wrens: Bewick's, Cactus, Rock, Canyon and Marsh). Others -- in checklist
order -- were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Inca Dove,
Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin,
Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, "Audubon's"
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged
Blackbird, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Friday, February 1
Green Heron at Ayer Lake was the most notable bird today, along with Bridled
Titmouse and Dark-eyed Junco. Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Black Phoebe
and Red-winged Blackbird were also at the lake. Others today include Gambel's
Quail, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, the Hybrid
Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Verdin, House
Wren, Bewick's, Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped
("Audubon's") Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Marceline
Vandewater and Paul Kinslow
Date: Tuesday, January 29
Perfect, beautiful weather today between 9:15 a.m. and noon, but the birding
was slow. We did find one male Pyrrhuloxia and had good looks at both Broad-billed
and Anna's Hummingbirds. Red-tailed Hawk was notable and we found four Wren
species (Bewick's, Cactus, Rock and Marsh). Others on our checklist include
Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove,
Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin (many of these - and vocal!); Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European
Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler ( "Audubon's"); Abert's
Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow.
From: Bill and Beth Clark
Date: Monday, January 28
Queen Creek is running strong and loud, making birding-by-ear a bit more
of a challenge, still we found the Arboretum's unique male Hybrid
Hummingbird and also can report the season's first sighting of a
Turkey Vulture soaring overhead. Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds were
also found in the hummingbird garden, and birds at Aye Lake included 2 Pied-billed
Grebes, American Coot, and Black Phoebe. Canyon Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow
and White-winged Dove were notable, too. Here's what else we had (in BTA
checklist order): Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker,
Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren,
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted
Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch
and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jane Wicklund and Judy Johnson
Date: Thursday, Jan. 17
Today was cold and windy, with no sign of the Saw-whet Owl today, but we
did find a Greater Roadrunner in the Demonstration Garden and also five
different species of wrens (House, Bewick's, Cactus, Rock and Canyon). Western
Scrub-Jay and wintering Bridled Titmouse continue to be present Thursday,
and the handsome male Hybrid
Hummingbird was easily seen on numerous occasions in the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden. Also on our checklist were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American
Coot, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,
"Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee,
Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern
Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House
Sparrow.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Monday, Jan. 14
The Saw-whet owl reported Friday was still here on Monday, found in about
the same area (high up in the salt cedars behind trail marker #43) and easily
seen silhouetted against the sky in the midafternoon. Also notable were
Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Bridled Titmouse, Western
Scrub-Jay and the Hybrid
Hummingbird. Others on my checklist include Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed
Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird,
Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Verdin,
Rock Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird,
Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, "Audubon's"
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House
Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Rich Ditch
Date: Friday, January 11
I spent a pleasant 3 hours at BTA on Friday morning. Not a lot of birds,
but good quality. A Bridled Titmouse near the start of the steep trail to
the PP House; the Brown Thrasher high in a tree near marker 43; a Northern
Saw-whet Owl that the thrasher was exited about. I showed the owl to one
girl with a cart working over in the picnic area. Location: 50 feet south
of main trail between white bridge and herb garden near marker #43 opposite
a bench. bout 50 feet up in a big salt cedar. My bird list (in order seen):
Common Raven, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, House Finch,
House Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Gambel’s Quail, Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
Abert’s Towhee, Verdin, Anna’s Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Cactus Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Rock Wren, Black Phoebe, Pied-billed
Grebe, American Coot, Marsh Wren, Song Sparrow, Bridled Titmouse, Hermit
Thrush, Gila Woodpecker, White-crowned
Sparrow, Red-shafted Flicker, Northern Cardinal, Brown Thrasher, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Orange-crowned Warbler, Phainopepla, Broad-billed
Hummingbird.
From: Eric Hough
Date: Thursday, January 10
Near the easternmost corner of the main trail (below Picketpost Mansion)
I found at least 2 Golden-crowned Kinglets near the bench. Between this
point and the bridge as I was walking under the big rock overhang (area
with Texas mulberry, Arizona walnut and African sumacs) I heard at least
two Bridled Titmice foraging along the creek. A highlight at BTA was a juvenile
(almost adult plumage) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in the honey locust next
to the holly oak along the Main Trail - between the pine grove and the olives.
I could see no trace of red on its nape. Also, I saw a bird fly over that
had the flight pattern of a TUVU. I was looking at the bird with bad lighting,
so I could not see if there were any bands on the tail that would indicate
a ZTHA. Furthermore, I saw the Hybrid
Hummingbird in his usual area. This was interesing: as I watched he
attempted to sing the Anna's Hummingbird song. It would sing the same song
as an Anna's up to the part with a high note, but not carry on with the
grating ending ("pt-chee-chee chee, ptchee-chee chee, "prrt-chu-WEET!").
I guess he's trying to emulate the sounds of the Anna's since they are more
common and since there are no Violet-crowned around (and few Broad-billeds).
I am not really sure what to make of it! I also heard several Red Crossbills
fly over the BTA. Here is the full list of confirmed sightings: Pied-billed
Grebe (2), Peregrine Falcon (1 flew over Queen Creek upstream from BTA),
American Coot (1), hybrid Violet-crowned X Broad-billed Hummingbird, Broad-billed
Hummingbird (1 female), Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker (1), Red-naped Sapsucker (2), Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black
Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo (2 along Main Trail near olive grove),
Western Scrub-Jay (1 along Queen Creek), Common Raven, Bridled Titmouse
(2), Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Golden-crowned
Kinglet (2+ along Queen Creek), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird (heard
flying over arboretum), Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher
(1 at trail marker 43 near intersection of trail that mostly parallels Main
Trail), Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler (1 in
Chihuahuan Desert garden, 1 along Queen Creek), Yellow-rumped "Audubon's"
Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Myrtle" Warbler (1), Spotted Towhee, Canyon
Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon and Pink-sided), Northern Cardinal, Red-winged
Blackbird, House Finch, Red Crossbill (heard several fly over arboretum),
Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jane Wicklund and Judy Johnson
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 8
A Fox Sparrow north of Ayer Lake was a highlight Tuesday, also Gilded Flicker,
Dusky Flycatcher and two Western Scrub-Jays in the Demonstration Garden.
We also found Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Red-winged Blackbird and
Black Phoebe at Ayer Lake; Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Red-
naped Sapsucker, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, four wren species (Rock,
Canyon, Cactus, Marsh); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird,
Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's"
Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow,
Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco,
Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Craig Fischer & Christmas Bird Count Participants
Date: Friday, January 4
The Brown Thrasher was found near the Herb Garden during Friday's annual
Superior Christmas Bird Count, and a few other notable sightings included
a Peregrine Falcon, White-throated Sparrow, 33 Anna's Hummingbirds and one
Pyrrhuloxia. It's important to note that some of the birds in the following
list were counted west of the park, including 58 of the Black-throated Sparrows
and many of the desert birds (cactus wren, etc.). It was nice to have such
a large contingent of people in our area which allowed some of the group
to cover the desert, as our section of the Superior county includes the
desert west of Gonzales Pass almost as far as the Whitlow Dam turnoff. Species
see at the Arboretum included 2 Pied-billed Grebe, 2 Marsh Wren and 2 American
Coot; also counted were 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 3 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Red-tailed
Hawk, 76 Gambel's Quail, 33 Inca Dove, 3 Mourning Dove, 3 Broad-billed Hummingbird,
1 Costa's Hummingbird, 1 Hybrid (Violet-crowned x Broad-billed) Hummingbird,
16 Gila Woodpecker, 11 Northern Flicker, 4 Gilded Flicker, 8 Red-naped Sapsucker,
4 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 8 Black Phoebe, 8 Say's Phoebe, 2 Hutton's Vireo,
2 Western Scrub-Jay, 10 Common Raven, 29 Verdin, 17 Canyon Wren, 16 Cactus
Wren, 12 Rock Wren, 9 Bewick's Wren, 25 Hermit Thrush, 1 Black-tailed Gnatcatcher,
80 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 15 Northern Mockingbird, 31 Curve-billed Thrasher,
6 European Starling, 6 Phainopepla, 47 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 10 Orange-crowned
Warbler, 34 Northern Cardinal, 27 Spotted Towhee, 4 Canyon Towhee, 32 Abert's
Towhee, 2 Brewer's Sparrow, 64 Black-throated Sparrow, 1 White-throated
Sparrow, 141 White-crowned Sparrow, 3 Song Sparrow, 25 Dark-eyed Junco,
100 Red-winged Blackbird, 7 Brewer's Blackbird, 66 House Finch, 2 Cassin's
Finch, 139 Lesser Goldfinch and 33 House Sparrow. These tallies above include
some species counted along Queen Creek for about a half-mile just east of
the Arboretum -- and a few of the notable species seen in this area off
the Arboretum grounds included a Bridled Titmouse, 11 Golden-crowned Kinglet,
1 Loggerhead Shrike, 1 Painted Redstart, 1 Black-chinned Sparrow and 25
Red Crossbill which perched in ocotillos above the canyon for about 10 minutes
before continuing through.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Saturday, December 15
Cassin's Vireo, Green Heron, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Thrasher and American
Robin were the notable species on Saturday. Other birds on my checklist
include Pied-billed Grebe, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern
Flicker (Red-shafted); Red- naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe,
Western Scrub-Jay, Verdin, five wren species (Marsh, House, Bewick's, Rock
and Canyon!); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Canyon Towhee,
Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White- crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed
Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Pine Siskin
(by ear); and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Eric Hough
Date: Sunday, November 25
Among our most interesting finds today was a Bridled Titmouse foraging high
up in the cottonwoods along the Queen Creek riparian area, just before the
ascent to Ayer Lake. We heard Cedar Waxwings fly over the Eucalyptus trees
in the Demonstratin Garden, and also heard Red Crossbills fly over the canyon
along Queen Creek. Others seen and heard today include Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, a female hummingbird, possibly Costa's; Anna's Hummingbird,
Hybrid Hummingbird
(the Broad-billed X Violet-crowned); Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted"
Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, an Empidonax flycatcher
(acted kind of like a warbler; was foraging in pine trees in Demonstration
Garden); Western Scrub-Jay (Demo. Garden), Common Raven, Verdin, House Wren,
Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Yellow-rumped Warbler (both Myrtle and Audubon's), Canyon Towhee, Abert's
Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, FOX SPARROW (Slate-colored--in
shrubs on the hillside past the Clevenger House (going towards the bridge)
near the Jujube trees); Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco
(Gray-headed, Oregon); Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch
and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's Note: BTA bird walk guide Marceline Vandewater
was here Saturday and reported the Brown Thrasher was right near the boulder
on the south side of the path near yellow trail marker #42 as you approach
the Herb Garden.
From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Saturday, November 17
Participants on the final guided bird walk of the season were rewarded with
great views of the Hybrid
Hummingbird (Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned) shortly after the start
of our walk on Saturday. The best place, overall, was along the main trail
closer to the Herb Garden where pistachio trees are loaded with rip fruit;
here we had Western Scrub-Jay, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker,
Gila Woodpecker and Hermit Thrush. A Red-breasted Nuthatch was audible in
this area, too. Ayer Lake birds included Marsh Wren, Pied-billed Grebe and
American Coot. Also on our checklist were Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove,
Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds; Black Phoebe and Say's Phoebe (both
in the picnic area); Common Raven, Verdin, Rock wren, Canyon Wren, House
Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped
Warbler ("Audubon's"), Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Canyon
Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco (picnic area); Northern Cardinal
and Red-winged Blackbird.
From: Cindy
Marple and Marceline
Vandewater
Date: Sunday, November 11
The Brown Thrasher was seen late this morning when it hopped up into plain
view for all to see in a pistachio tree on the north (left) side of the
trail just east of the Herb Garden. The main trail between markers #36 and
#43 was our most productive area Sunday, with Northern Red-shafted Flickers,
Gila Woodpeckers, Red-naped Sapsuckers and more all feeding on ripe pistachio
berries (White-throated Sparrow, Hermit Thrush, Hutton's Vireo, Red-breasted
Nuthatch, Fox Sparrow and Western-scrub Jay were also found here). Our bird
walk group had a chance to see two White-winged Doves perched on snags visible
west of the Demonstration Garden, and great looks at a Chipping Sparrow
perched in Queen Creek from here, too. A Green Heron was at Ayer Lake (also
Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Black Phoebe and Marsh Wren). The Hybrid
Hummingbird (Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned) zipped through the Hummingbird-butterfly
Garden around 8:45, and we also saw Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds.
Others species on our checklist today were Mourning Dove, Say's Phoebe,
Common Raven, Verdin, Rock wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren,
House Wren (six wren species today); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's"
Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser
Goldfinch. Also, Cindy was here Nov. 10 and found a Brown Creeper in the
Demonstration Garden.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Thursday, Nov. 8
During my research trip to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum Important Bird Area
November 1-7, I surveyed the botanic gardens, as well as desert and riparian
habitats in the vicinity, and observed 97 species of birds. On Nov 3, 14
species of emberizids (including 1 Green-tailed Towhee, and 1 Black-chinned,
2 Brewer's, 1 White-throated (brown-striped), and 7 Fox Sparrows - 4 south
of the herb garden) and 6 species of cardueline finches (Evening Grosbeak,
Cassin's Finch, Pine Siskin, Lawrence's Goldfinch) were noted. Pistacio
trees loaded with fruit attracted a myriad of species such as woodpeckers
(many "Red-shafted" and a female "Yellow-shafted" Flicker,
Gilded Flicker, resident woodpeckers, sapsuckers), winter-time berry-eaters
(solitaires, thrushes, robins, mockingbirds, Phainopeplas), and others.
Mixed species flocks, some containing "mountain species", foraged
among deciduous trees along Queen Creek (Mountain Chickadee, Bridled Titmouse,
Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned
and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Hutton's and Cassin's Vireos, Orange-crowned,
"Audubon's", and Black-throated Gray Warblers).
Other significant species were: 1 Great Egret stalking fish at Ayer on Nov
4; 3 American Wigeons on Nov 2; a late White-winged Dove on Nov 2; a Poorwill
foraging at dusk Nov 4, 5, and 7; Western Scrub-Jays, resident throughout
the fall; 1 Brown Thrasher, first noted near the herb garden on Oct 15;
and rarely seen American Pipits (Nov. 3: 1 fly-over; & Nov 5:1 along
wet Ayer Lake shoreline). A Western Screech-Owl that perched within 6m of
me at dusk on Nov. 6 may have been the bird that responded to Troy Corman
in that area on Nov 3. An Olive Warbler replied to my whistles, breaking
into partial song and uttering 3 different call sequences from cottonwood
canopy along the creek on Nov. 3. A solitary Red Crossbill flew over calling
loudly before wheeling about and settling into conifers at the Pine Loop/Eucalyptus
grove on Nov 6. A female American Goldfinch foraged with siskins and Lesser
Goldfinches on Nov 1. Additional birds of interest included: Green Heron,
Sora, Belted Kingfisher at Ayer; Dusky Flycatcher, Violet-green Swallow,
Cedar Waxwing, and a late Lazuli Bunting.
From: Pete Moulton & Troy Corman (additional reports by Cynthia Donald)
Date: Saturday, Nov. 3
This report combines two checklists: the report from Cynthia Donald's birding
class guided walk Saturday, and the second from our own Arboretum guided
bird walk lead by Pete Moulton and Troy Corman, who reported a "female
Yellow-shafted Flicker was found eating pistachio berries with other flickers,
which was probably the rarest bird we noted. We observed the brown on the
face and throat, the red v-shaped nape patch, and the golden hue of the
wing-lining which is much deeper and darker yellow than observed on a Gilded."
Also, a Brown Creeper found late in the morning in the Demonstration Garden
("Woodland Garden" near the artificial stream) by Cynthia's group
was notable, along with a Red-breasted Nuthatch audible along Queen Creek.
It was a good day for wrens: with three Rock, Canyon, House and Cactus Wrens,
4 Bewick's and 2 Marsh found in the gardens. A Cassin's Vireo was notable,
and the pistachio trees are loaded with ripe fruit -- and a great place
to look for Northern "Red-shafted" Flickers (10 of these were
found), Gila Woodpeckers (6), and a Gilded Flicker. Red-naped Sapsuckers
(3) were also found, and other birds seen and heard today include 2 Pied
Billed Grebe, American Coot and a Green Heron at Ayer Lake; 2 Cooper's Hawk,
1 Red-tailed Hawk, 25 Gambel's Quail, Western Screech Owl ("audible
only, it responded briefly to my whistled owl imitation along the native
riparian area," report Troy); Broad-billed Hummingbird, Hybrid
Hummingbird (Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned); 5 Anna's Hummingbird,
3 Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, 2 Hutton's Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay, 3 Common
Raven, 3 Violet-green Swallow, 15 Verdin, 20 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-crowned
Sparrow, 10 Hermit Thrush, American Robin, 4 Northern Mockingbird, 2 Curve-billed
Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing (one fly-over); 5 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's);
5 Spotted Towhee, 8 Abert's Towhee, Canyon Towhee (in the Cactus Garden);
Black-throated Sparrow, 2 Song Sparrow, 3 Lincoln's Sparrow, 25 White-crowned
Sparrow, 8 Northern Cardinal, 2 Red-winged Blackbird, 2 House Finch, 3 Lesser
Goldfinch and 2 House Sparrow. Editor's Note: Cynthia's class visited the
Oak Flat campground seven miles east of the Arboretum from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
and also reported Brown Thrasher, Bridled Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch
and numerous Bushtits and Dark-eyed Juncos.
From: Richard Ditch, Cynthia Donald
and Pete Moulton
Date: Sunday, Oct. 28
In addition to the expected Red-naped Sapsuckers, the birdwalk led by Pete
Moulton, Cynthia Donald, and me on Sunday Oct 28 turned up one adult Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker at the south end of the eucalyptus grove. There was a Canyon Towhee
between the picnic area and the drover's shed, and a single American Robin
in the main canyon. The Hybrid
Hummingbird (Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned) showed briefly in the small
hummingbird garden down the walk from the visitor center, and we found a
Dark-eyed Junco. Other birds seen and heard today include Broad-billed Hummingbird,
White-crowned Sparrow, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Verdin, Hutton's Vireo,
Bewick's Wren, Song Sparrow, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, House Sparrow,
Northern Mockingbird, Abert's Towhee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Northern Cardinal,
Common Raven, Spotted Towhee, Cactus Wren, Red-shafted Flicker, Rock Wren,
Gila Woodpecker, Canyon Wren, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Marsh
Wren.
From: Bob Witzeman & Maricopa
Audubon Society field trip participants
Date: Saturday, Oct. 27
Red-breasted Nuthatch was the species of interest, and our group was pleased
to find this bird! We also had a Loggerhead Shrike and both Say's and Black
Phoebe, three Towhee species (Spotted, Canyon and Abert's) and the seaon's
first record of a Dark-eyed Junco back at BTA for the winter. Completing
our checklist for the day were Pied-billed Grebe, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove,
Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern "red-shafted"
Flicker, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Vera Walters & Cathy Wise
Date: Saturday, Oct. 20
Our guided bird walk group found the Brown Thrasher just past the herb garden
where it sat on a branch for some time, letting everyone get good looks.
Cathy had one late-season male Summer Tanager in the eucalyptus grove. Red-tailed
Hawk was another highlight (in addition to the resident Cooper's). Our only
warbler was an Audubon's Yellow-rumped, and other Autumn migrants included
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern (red-shafted) Flicker, White-crowned Sparrow,
and Spotted Towhee. Ayer Lake birds included Pied-billed Grebe, American
Coot and vocal Marsh Wrens. Other birds today were Gambel's Quail, Inca
Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Hybrid
Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red- naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay,
Common Raven, Verdin, Red-breasted Nuthatch (by ear); Rock wren, Cactus
Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Northern Mockingbird,
Phainopepla, Western Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Rufous- crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Cathy also
emailed this follow-up, a possible Western Wood-pewee report "PS: I
thought I heard a Western Wood-pewee calling a ways down the stream bed
in Queen Creek, but then a black phoebe appeared calling loudly, and I didn't
hear the pewee again. May have mistaken that faraway Phoebe for a Pewee--but
I know that a pewee has been recently observed."
From: Paul Wolterbeek, Diane Krpan & the BTA Sunday Bird Walk group
Date: Sunday, October 14
A late-season Common Yellowthroat working the cattails at the South edge
of Ayer Lake was among the more notable species today; also at the Lake
were two Green Heron (circling together), a Pied-billed Grebe, an American
Coot, Marsh Wrens and two swallows which circled overhead too quickly for
a positive identification. If you visit this next week check the conifer
trees just below the lake: we saw two Red-breasted Nuthatch here along with
a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, House Finch and a probable Western Tanager that
was too high up and too backlit by the sun to determine the species for
sure. A Western Wood Pe-wee perched on a snag in Queen Creek (observed from
the Picnic area) and our group had dramatic views of a Cooper's Hawk just
west of the Herb Garden near the Pistachio tree loaded with ripening fruit
(Warbling Vireos were feeding here, also Northern "Red-shafted"
Flicker and Northern Mockingbird). Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,
and the Hybrid Hummingbird
(Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned) were all found in the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden. Others on our group checklist were Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock wren, Canyon Wren,
Cactus Wren, House Wren, 2 Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,
Abert's Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Northern Cardinal and Lesser Goldfinch. **
Other visitors reported a Belted Kingfisher at Ayer Lake.
From: Steve & Joan Hosmer
Date: Sunday, October 7
A Western Wood Pe-wee was still here Sunday along with a dozen Warbling
Vireos, 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 2 Spotted Towhees, and 30 White-crowned
Sparrows (most numerous of all birds we counted Sunday). We also found 2
Pied-billed Grebe, 5 Turkey Vulture, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 10 Anna's
Hummingbird, 1 Hybrid
Hummingbird (Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned); 1 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Red-naped
Sapsucker, 3 Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, 1 Black Phoebe, 2
Common Raven, 10 Verdin, 1 Rock wren, 1 Canyon Wren, 3 Cactus Wren, 1 House
Wren, 2 Marsh Wren, 1 Northern Mockingbird, 3 Curve-billed Thrasher, 1 Phainopepla,
1 Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, 9 Western Tanager,1 Abert's
Towhee, 6 Northern Cardinal, 20 House Finch and 20 Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's
Note: Diane Krpan also reported two Zone-tailed Hawks today and Green
Heron, Gambel's Quail, Say's Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, Western
Scrub-Jay, Red-breasted Nuthatch (on the Gum Bark Trail); Bewick's Wren
and Black-throated Sparrow.
From: Cindy Marple & Kathe Anderson
Date: Saturday, October 6
Notable species on our guided bird walk today were Western Wood Pe-wee,
Cedar Waxwing, White-throated Swift, Red-breasted Nuthatch, a Cordilleran
Flycatcher and the
Hybrid Hummingbird (Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned). Returning Fall/Winter
birds included White-crowned Sparrow and Red-naped Sapsucker. Also seen
and heard were Pied-billed Grebe at Ayer Lake, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's
Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Say's
Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock wren,
Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Western Tanager,
Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and
Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Sunday, September 30
Good day for warblers and some of the first Winter migrants; MacGillivray's,
Black-throated Gray, Orange-crowned, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) and Wilson's
Warbler were all found today - along with Northern (red-shafted) Flicker,
White-crowned Sparrow, House Wren and Lincoln's Sparrow. Pied-billed Grebe,
Common Yellowthroat and Black Phoebe were all at Ayer Lake, Turkey Vultures
were still present, and Great-horned Owl along Queen Creek was my other
notable sighting. Also seen and heard were Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Gilded Flicker, Willow Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo,
Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Red-breasted Nuthatch (by ear); Rock wren, Cactus
Wren, Canyon Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager,
Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. -billed
Grebe and Green Heron.
From: John Ray
Date: Tuesday, September 25
Common Yellowthroat can still be found at Ayer Lake (along with Black Phoebe
and Pied-billed Grebe). An immature Common Black-hawk was a highlight today,
along with Cooper's Hawk. Others on my checklist were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's
Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Woodpecker, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven,
Verdin, White-breasted Nuthatch, Rock wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, House
Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Orange-crowned
Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee,
Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow.
From: Rich Ditch, Pete Moulton
& Cynthia Donald
Date: Sunday, September 23
The Arboretum's own singular
Hybrid Hummingbird was easily found early this morning in the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden, and other Hummingbirds Sunday included Broad-billed and Anna's.
A Zone-tailed Hawk was seen on two separate occasions circling high above
with the Turkey Vultures; Green Heron and Pied-billed Grebe were at Ayer
Lake, numerous Warbling Vireos were feeding on ripening fruit in the Chinese
pistachio trees -- and Western Tanager was another highlight. Our one notable
migrant warbler of the morning was an Orange-crowned seen in the Demonstration
Garden. birds seen and heard during our guided birdwalk were (in order)
Turkey Vulture, Curve-billed Thrasher, House Wren, Bell's Vireo, Anna's
Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Inca Dove, Gambel's Quail, Summer
Tanager, Gila Woodpecker, House Sparrow, Abert's Towhee, Western Tanager,
Red-naped Sapsucker, Rock Wren, Northern Cardinal, Verdin, Zone-tailed Hawk,
Black Phoebe, Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, gnatcatcher species, Pied-billed
Grebe and Green Heron.
From: Tom Gaskill (with additional sightings by Diane Krpan)
Date: Saturday, September 22
Our "Bye Bye Buzzards" day guided walk was a quiet morning for
birds at BTA Saturday, but a fun morning nonetheless. Here's the list of
what I saw Saturday (in the order seen): Common Raven, Great-tailed Grackle,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Phainopepla, Bell's
Vireo, Verdin, Gila Woodpecker, Zone-tailed Hawk, Pied-billed Grebe, Black
Phoebe, Marsh Wren (two calling across the water from each other and hidden
in the cattails at Ayer Lake); House Finch, Abert's Towhee, Hermit Thrush,
Western Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Editor's note:
Arboretum annual member Diane checked the Demonstration Garden and Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden on Saturday and added these sightings: Warbling Vireo, a male Summer
Tanager; Lesser Goldfinch, Cooper's Hawk (adult, probably the female). In
the Butterfly Garden were Anna's Hummingbird and Broad-billed Hummingbird,
and along the path to the Suspension Bridge past the Herb Garden were Bewick's
Wren (by ear only), House Finches...and a beautiful Whiptail Lizard.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Sunday, Sept. 16
In the spirit of the previous day’s BioBlitz, this morning’s bird
walk became a natural history stroll. As we began, a young naturalist spotted
a Zone-
tiled Hawk circling within a kettle of rising vultures. After seeing the
beautiful hybrid hummingbird and listening to Bell’s Vireos singing,
we enjoyed watching a myriad of colorful butterflies at a variety of plants
and looked closely at some flowers. We listened to distinguish between similar
calls of resident Bewick’s and newly-arrived House Wrens. We also saw
lizards and mammal tracks, and we discussed how to conduct a basic ecological
study.
One enthusiastic participant said she had never really looked at butterflies,
flowers, or lizards so carefully. Birds noted were: Turkey Vulture, Zone-tailed
Hawk, Gambel’s Quail, Inca Dove, Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers,
Black Phoebe, 3 vireos (Bell’s, Cassin’s and Warbling), Verdin,
5 wrens (Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick’s, and House), Curve-billed Thrasher,
Phainopepla, Yellow and Wilson’s Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer
and Western Tanagers, Abert’s Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed
Grosbeak, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Saturday, Sept. 15
Over a dozen scientists, some assisted by volunteers or co-workers, participated
in the Arb’s first BioBlitz, a survey of as many species as possible
at Ayer Lake and along a section of Queen Creek during a 24-hour period.
We searched for and recorded all organisms in our particular specialties,
vertebrates and some invertebrates, as well as lichens and flowering plants.
The energy and enthusiasm throughout the day and night were palpable. I
began owling at 5:00 a.m. and was rewarded by a Great Horned Owl’s
response 20 minutes later. Kathe Anderson and Lois Lorenz also birded throughout
the morning. Birding was rather slow for much of the day, especially because
the wind picked up in the afternoon, depressing bird detectability. We found
relatively few transients except for dozens of Western Tanagers and numerous
Warbling Vireos. Of 47 kinds of birds encountered, the most common were:
quail, both finches, Abert’s Towhees, Northern Cardinals, Verdins,
and vireos. I ended my evening listening for owls and nightjars at 11:00
p.m. These are our findings: Turkey Vulture 125+, Cooper’s Hawk (1ad,
1 imm), Common Black-Hawk (1 ad), Zone-tailed Hawk 1, Gambel’s Quail
62, Mourning Dove 8, Inca ove 4, Great Horned Owl 1, Broad-billed Hummingbird
4, Violet-crowned x Broad-billed hybrid 1, Anna’s Hummingbird 5, Gila
Woodpecker 12, Red-naped Sapsucker 2, Ladder-backed Woodpecker 6, Willow
Flycatcher 3, Black Phoebe 7, Say’s Phoebe 1, Vermilion Flycatcher
1, Bell’s Vireo 18, Plumbeous Vireo , Cassin’s Vireo 1, Warbling
Vireo 22, Verdin 27, Bewick’s Wren 12, House Wren 6, Curve-billed Thrasher
4, Phainopepla 5, Orange-crowned Warbler 1, Yellow Warbler 7, Common Yellowthroat
9, Wilson’s Warbler 9, Yellow-breasted Chat 2, Summer Tanager 10, Western
Tanager 54, Green-tailed Towhee 1, Canyon Towhee 1, Abert’s Towhee
34, Song Sparrow 8, White-crowned Sparrow 2, Northern Cardinal 31, Black-headed
Grosbeak 8, Lazuli Bunting 2, Yellow-headed Blackbird 2, Hooded Oriole 5,
Bullock’s Oriole 1, House Finch 73, Lesser Goldfinch 47. Four Vaux’s
Swift and 2 Common Ravens flew over the study area. Rock, Canyon, and Cactus
Wrens, and Rufous-crowned and Black-throated Sparrows were noted in adjacent
arid habitat.
From: Brian L. Sullivan, eBird/AKN
Project Leader Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Date: Saturday, Sept. 15
Editor's Note, this report was shared by Mark Stevenson; read the complete
report posted at the Birdingonthenet website linked above. "This morning
while birding at Boyce Thompson Arboretum I had a brief, but conclusive,
view of a Dickcissel. I birded the entire place, saw and photographed a
Red-naped Sapsucker (early I thought) and a Willow Flycatcher. After getting
a drink and heading out toward the parking lot I heard the bird calling
from a treetop right over my vehicle giving its flight call. As soon as
I lifted my binoculars to look at it the bird flew over my head, gave it's
low, flat, fart-like flight call, and disappeared over the visitor's center.
It was not a great look, but in flight it looked typical of Dickcissel,
being about the size of a Blue Grosbeak, with pale underparts. I couldn't
see any black on its breast.I'm quite familiar with the bird. Growing up
in the East we listen for its distinctive flight call during fall migration,
as most are fly-overs at migrant traps like Cape May. Living in California
now I've only seen a few, but typically I find one or two each fall. I don't
know what their status in in AZ, but I suspect it's a pretty good bird.
Thanks
From: Tice Supplee
Date: Friday, Sept. 14
Peregrine Falcon observed from the High Trail was our most notable specie
today, along with Townsend's Solitaire and White-breasted Nuthatch. This
checklist was compiled with help from participants in a workshop sponsored
by Tucson Audubon, and other species seen and heard: were Phainopepla, Rock,
Wren, Northern Cardinal, Canyon Wren, Verdin, Curve-billed Thrasher, House
Finch, Bell's Vireo, Black-throated Sparrow, Western Tanager, Gila Woodpecker,
Cactus Wren, Abert's Towhee, Lesser Goldfinch, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove,
Towhee sp.; Summer Tanager, Common Raven, Turkey Vulture, Great-taile Grackle,
Bewick's Wren, Black Phoebe and American Coot.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, August 30
MacGillivray's Warbler, Lark Sparrow, Willow Flycatcher, Western Wood-pewee,
Western Scrub Jay and a Pacific Slope Flycatcher were among the most notable
species on the Arboretum grounds Thursday. The Jay was calling near the
gazebo above Ayer Lake (near the water tank on the hill). Others seen and
heard, in the order they're listed on the Arboretum checklist, include Great
Blue Heron, Green Heron, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove,
Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black
Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher (female); Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling
Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, House Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted
Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal,
Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak,
Lazuli Bunting, Bronzed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, House
Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. One other highlight was the Bobcat observed
at 12:10 when it bolted from beneath the "strawberry trees" east
of the Herb Garden; I would probably have walked right by if the Bobcat
remained still, but it allowed me within 15 feet, then bolted. Looked like
a young one. My first stop today was Whitlow Dam in Queen Valley, but that
was a mess from storm water runoff, so I birded the Arboretum this morning
and also Queen Creek east of the Arboretum. A Northern Waterthrush was halfway
up Queen Creek, where I also flushed a Great Horned Owl, and saw numerous
Lazuli Buntings and Western Tanagers.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday, August 26
Ayer Lake was the place to be this morning -- I saw a female Belted Kingfisher
and also a Green Heron (the latter was perched in the tree). Rufous, Black-chinned,
Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds were all seen, and one Zone-tailed
Hawk was perched on the magma cliffs inside Queen Creek Canyon just as you
approach the Herb Garden. Lazuli Bunting and Bullock's Oriole were highlights,
too. Others on my checklist today were Turkey Vulture, White-winged Dove,
Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo,
Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-breasted
Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak
and House Finch.
From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Sunday, August 19
It was a hot morning for our final summer Sunday bird walk, but we had a
few surprises such as the Barn Swallow over Ayer Lake, and Rufous Hummingbirds
are still present - along with Anna's and Black-chinned. Birds seen and
heard (in the order they appear on the checklist) include Turkey Vulture,
Zone-tailed Hawk (two seen by Diane perched in a tree along Queen Creek
prior to the start of the guided walk); Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove,
Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black
Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren,
Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Summer
Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House
Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Eric Hough
Date: Tuesday, August 14
Birds of interest today were Zone-tailed Hawk, Blue Grosbeak, and Lazuli
Bunting. At the point where the trail below the Picketpost House intersects
the riparian area, I saw a silent "Western" type flycatcher (Pacific-slope
is probably more likely than Cordilleran right now). Also, I saw a juvenile
Broad-billed Hummingbird with a dark, curved bill - I guess the orange hasn't
developed on the bill yet. Phainopeplas were the most often-encountered
species, followed by Bell's Vireos and Turkey Vultures. Migrants were the
above-mentioned "Western" flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Rufous Hummingbirds,
Black-headed Grosbeak (female), and Wilson's Warblers. Here's my complete
list: Pied-billed Grebe (1 juvenile); Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Zone-tailed
Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Black-chinned Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, "Western"
Flycatcher (1); Black Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo,
Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler,
Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak (1 female in the bed of Queen creek
-- seen from the High Trail); Blue Grosbeak (1 male in the Demonstration
Garden); Lazuli Bunting (male and female above Ayer Lake); Brown-headed
Cowbird, Hooded Oriole (1 male near Smith Building); House Finch and Lesser
Goldfinch.
From: Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton (additional sightings by Jack Bartley,
also Diane Krpan)
Date: Saturday, August 4
The previously reported
Hybrid Hummingbird was in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden this morning
and other Hummingbirds found today were Rufous, Broad-billed, Black-chinned
and Anna's. A pair of Purple Martins (male and female) stopped by Ayer Lake,
where Common Yellowthroat, Pied-billed Grebe, Black Phoebe, Great-tailed
Grackle and Red-winged Blackbird were also observed. Saturday we also found
Turkey Vulture, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Bell's
Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed
Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
Additional species separately reported by Jack Bartley on Saturday included
Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove (by ear); Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Flycatcher, Western Kingbird (by ear);
Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Canyon Towhee, Summer
Tanager, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak (by ear), Hooded
Oriole and Bullock's Oriole. Jack also reported the call of a bunting, most
likely a lazuli but possibly a painted - Jack suggests birders be on the
lookout for the latter during August migration. Editor's Note: Arboretum
annual member Diane Krpan emailed these additional Saturday sightings: "three
Zone-tailed Hawks, all either perched or flying around the ridge across
from the Herb Garden and also Western Tanager (male and female flying in
the area just before you walk up the hill from the stream) above Ayer Lake...
and a Warbling Vireo was by the stream."
From: Jack Bartley (additional sightings by Kurt & Cindy Radamaker
and Dave Powell)
Date: Saturday, July 28
Rufous Hummingbirds are on their southbound migration and can be seen at
the flowers and nectar feeders in the Demonstration Garden and also the
Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden. Look for colorful male Broad-billed Hummingbirds
in both spots, too! Zone-tailed Hawk and Cooper's Hawk were found Saturday,
along with Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, both Summer and
Western Tanager and both Bullock's and Hooded Oriole. Also seen or heard
today were Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged
Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo,
Purple Martin, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren,
Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler,
Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Following their guided butterfly
walk this morning tour guides Kurt & Cindy Radamaker and Dave Powell
added these bird species: Common Black-Hawk, Black-chinned Hummingbird,
Costa's Hummingbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated
Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting and Great-tailed Grackle (and also
lizards including Collared, Greater Earless, Western Whiptail, Side-blotched,
Desert Spiny, Clark's Spiny and a Black-tailed Rattlesnake.)
From: Kurt & Cindy Radamaker and Kathe Anderson
Date: Sunday, July 15
This was a fine morning for birds at the Arboretum, but our most memorable
sightings probably weren't even birds! Early this morning we found a striped
skunk sunbathing in the Demonstration Garden, then an hour later observed
a Trantula Hawk near the Herb Garden dragging away its victim - a freshly
paralyzed tarantula. Shortly after that our group saw a handsome male Collared
Lizard in full color farther along the main trail -- and Kathe found a Gila
Monster in the Demonstration Garden, and she saw deer as well. Notable birds
this morning included a Rufous Hummingbird and also a Black-chinned at the
nectar feeders in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden, and the juvenile Cooper's
Hawk was perched in a eucalyptus tree tearing into a freshly killed Brown-crested
Flycatcher brought in by one of the parents. We all got to see a colorful
male Vermilion Flycatcher flying short sorties to hawk insects from a low
perch at the southwest corner of the Picnic area. Also on our today's checklist
were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Mourning Dove, Eurasian
Collared Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove (by ear); Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Costa's Hummingbird, and the previously
reported Hybrid Hummingbird; Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Violet-green
Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted
Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle,
Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's
Note: a photographer also reported observing an adult Bobcat climb up into
the large cottonwood tree on the South side of Ayer Lake, and then the animal
was seen again later on the opposite side of Magma Ridge, amongst the saguaro
cacti along Queen Creek, just east of the herb Garden.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Saturday, July 14
I thoroughly enjoyed co-leading a "Learn Your Lizards" walk today.
There were almost as many excited kids as there were Greater Earless Lizards!
What enthusiastic, inquisitive, and sharp spotters they were! My birding
was once again enjoyable and fruitful. Saguaro fruits continued to open
and prickly pears ripen, inviting ever more species and individuals to spread
their seeds. More evident than last week, migrants included: Spotted Sandpiper,
still mostly in breeding plumage; Barn, Cliff, and Tree Swallows, as well
as a few Violet-green and N. Rough-winged Swallows (summer-resident family
groups have departed); a few Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Bullock's
Orioles; and a flock of 13 Lark Sparrows that visited Ayer's waterline.
Troy Corman and I watched a "Rufous-Allen" immature at feeders
along with Broad-billed, the hybrid
Violet-crown x Broad-bill, and Costa's. Later I saw Black-chinned and
Anna's. I was surprised to see a wandering immature Pyrrhuloxia near the
Curandero Trail moving toward the Chihuahuan Garden. In addition to those
birds reported by Jack Bartley, I noted: Zone-tailed Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk,
Eurasian Collared-Dove, Inca Dove, Lesser Nighthawk, Ash-throated Flycatcher,
Purple Martin, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Mockingbird, Black-headed
Grosbeak, Canyon Towhee, Great-tailed Grackle, Bronzed Cowbird, and House
Sparrow for a day's total of 64 kinds.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Saturday, July 14
Lark Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, and Barn Swallow were notable today - and also
a Bobcat observed this morning on the volcanic cliffs above Ayer Lake (near
the pumphouse on the hill). Species at the lake included Common Yellowthroat,
Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Pied-billed Grebe and
Black Phoebe….with Cooper's Hawk seen elsewhere. Others today were
Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Gilded Flicker (by ear);
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher,
Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus
Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler,
Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned
Sparrow (by ear); Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's
Note: later in the morning Carl Tomoff and Troy Corman also reported a Spotted
Sandpiper and Purple Martin at Ayer Lake.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Sunday, July 8
Hummingbirds, virtually absent in the desert now, are sparse in the Arboretum
away from feeders. Broad-billed are the most widespread, ranging from Ayer
Lake through the gardens and along Queen Creek to the riparian area. At
the Hummingbird Garden, the hybrid Violet-crown x Broad-bill, male and female
Broad-bills, a brightly plumaged Anna's, a single female Black-chinned,
and a couple immature Costa's all visited during a half-hour spell in early
afternoon. At other times, the feeders seemed abandoned, with little visitation.
Migrants included 2 Tree Swallows and 1 Violet-green Swallow at Ayer (where
a pair of Rough-winged fed young on the wing and while perched on the railing
at the dam), several Bullock's Orioles, a few Black-headed Grosbeaks, and
a single Lark Sparrow. Saguaro fruits are opening as the last few flowers
unfurl. White-winged and Mourning Doves, Gila Woodpeckers, Brown-crested
Flycatchers, Verdins, Cactus Wrens, Curve-billed Thrashers, a flock of 5
Phainopeplas, Lucy's Warblers, Hooded Orioles, and House Finches all fed
at the reddish treasure. Many of these species also probed at the giant's
white blossoms.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Saturday, July 7
After Friday's prolonged sprinkling (0.02") that provided a double
rainbow before sunset, the desert seemed to surge with new energy this morning.
Songs and calls were louder and more frequent; previously silent species
resumed singing. Two Blue Grosbeaks sang back and forth in mesquites along
Queen Creek south of the picnic and demonstration gardens. Western Kingbirds,
Yellow Warblers, and Summer Tanagers continued feeding young and Bell's
Vireo songs increased. I noted more dispersal of Lucy Warbler immatures
along with louder begging calls from recently fledged cardinals and second
brood Abert's Towhees. Signs of migration included 2 Barn Swallows that
swooped to drink at Ayer, a male Western Tanager and at least 5 Black-headed
Grosbeaks plucking pistacio fruit, 3 Lark Sparrows, a few Bullock's Orioles,
and small flocks of White-winged Doves passing overhead intermittently throughout
the day. The surviving young Cooper's Hawk expanded its exploring range
by visiting the demo garden and picnic area more than once, always returning
to its familiar home eucalyptus grove; it even went almost to the herb garden.
But the real treat came as I approached Ayer from the Cactus Garden. Suddenly
a large bluish bullet lifted up ahead of me and, as it gained altitude,
suddenly released its prey briefly before re-grasping it in its talons and
passing overhead. I watched this gorgeous Peregrine as it flew northwestward
out of my sight, as if heading toward a well-known destination.
From: Karen Stucke, Charles Saffell, Millie Billotta, Tyler & Grant
Loomis (Desert Rivers Audubon Society)
Date: Sunday, July 1
A handsome male Blue Grosbeak was observed near the Herb Garden (and another,
later, in the Picnic Area) and we also had great views of a pair of Summer
Tanagers in the eucalyptus grove at the east side near the palm trees. We
found one immature Cooper's Hawk, which appears to be the only one of four
siblings remaining here at the Arboretum (staff report they found evidence
that predators killed two other subadults during the past week). One Zone-tailed
Hawk was seen circling over Magma Ridge while about a dozen Turkey Vultures
flew in a group farther West, and a Yellow-breasted Chat was quite vocal
near the Herb Garden. Others on our checklist this morning were several
Pied-billed Grebe (an adult and several young) at Ayer Lake, where a Purple
Martin and Violet-green Swallows swooped in to drink. Great-tailed Grackles
serenaded our group, too. Also: Great Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's
Quail, Eurasian Collared Dove, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove,
Broad-billed Hummingbird (a pair near the Lake); Gila Woodpecker, Black
Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird,
Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus
Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Abert’s
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow (tending a nest in the waterfall creek thicket
above Ayer Lake); Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird,
Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's
note: the Hybrid Hummingbird
was not included with this checklist, but bird walk participants separately
reported this singular bird was observed at flowers in the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden around 10:00 a.m.; also Gant and Tyler Loomis reported while driving
to the Arboretum they saw a Harris' Hawk near the windmill just West of
the Arboretum, near the Arizona Trail.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Saturday and Sunday, June 23-24
On June 23, I was stunned to see a strikingly beautiful adult male Little
Blue Heron, the Arb's first record. Hutton's Vireo and Bullock's Oriole
(pair feeding 3 immatures) were also found that day. In the desert surrounding
the park's gardens, I found Crissal Thrasher, Pyrrhuloxia, and a single
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher. I have been puzzled by these gnatcatchers' apparent
absence throughout spring despite extensive field work. A "Western"
Flycatcher (probably Pacific-slope) foraging in the shady demo garden was
the only new species noted on June 24.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Thursday and Friday, June 21-22
On June 21 and 22, I observed 60 species, many with young. Chats and finches
sang throughout the day, though less frequently at 108 degrees. Highlights
included a Yellow-billed Cuckoo that flew from thick cover near the olive
stand to the eucalyptus grove, a male Black-headed Grosbeak in fruiting
pistacio trees, a female Blue Grosbeak in the demo garden, and 3 transient
Yellow-headed Blackbirds (M, F, Im roosted at Ayer Lake marsh). Others included:
Pied-billed Grebe (feeding crayfish and fishes to 6 moderately large young);
Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk (with 3 fledglings), Zone-tailed
Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Gambel's Quail (coveys of recently
hatched and older chicks), Eurasian Collared-Dove; White-winged, Mourning,
and Inca Doves; Greater Roadrunner, Great Horned Owl, Lesser Nighthawk,
Common Poorwill, White-throated Swift; Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Anna's,
and Costa's Hummingbirds (the most common now); Gila Woodpecker (feeding
fledglings), Ladder-backed Woodpeckers (with immatures), Black Phoebe (with
1 nestling), Ash-throated and Brown-crested Flycatchers, Western Kingbird
(with immatures), Bell's Vireo (fledglings), Common Raven (pair accompanied
by 2 immatures), Purple Martin (drinking at Ayer Lake); N. Rough-winged
and Violet-green Swallows (few);Verdin (feeding nestlings and recently fledged
young); Cactus, Canyon, and Bewick's Wrens (all feeding young); Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird (a family group feeding on Desert Hackberry
fruit), Curve-billed Thrasher (with older young), Phainopepla (family groups
gorging on Desert Hackberry fruit); Lucy's and Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroat,
and Yellow-breasted Chat (all warblers feeding young); Summer Tanager, Canyon
Towhee, Abert's Towhee (feeding recently fledged and older young); Rufous-crowned
and Black-throated Sparrows (some with young); Northern Cardinal (feeding
young), Great-tailed Grackle (recent fledglings), Brown-headed Cowbird (fledglings
fed by Bell's Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Yellow Warbler); Hooded Oriole
(with older young); House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow (all
feeding young).
From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Sunday, June 17
Our group enjoyed excellent views of a male Vermilion Flycatcher early this
morning right in the Picnic area parking lot, and the female was tending
a nest with young nearby. All four immature Cooper's Hawks were easily seen
in the nest (stand on the flat white bridge over Silver King Wash and look
east directly above the bridge, look up where the Australian trees meet
the sky). Zone-tailed Hawk was observed flying high over Magma Ridge, and
Yellow-breasted Chat and Bell's Vireo were vocal throughout the Arboretum.
Others birds seen and heard were Pied-billed Grebe at Ayer Lake, Turkey
Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird,
Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher,
Verdin, Bewick’s Wren, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted
Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert’s Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed
Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jack Bartley (with additional sightings by Reed Peters)
Date: Saturday, June 16
Four fledglings were seen in the Cooper's Hawk nest, and a parent was observed
bringing fresh prey (it appeared to be a woodpecker) to the young at around
9:00 a.m. Red-tailed Hawk was notable Saturday, also a Purple Martin seen
flying over Ayer Lake along with Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged
Swallow. Also at Aye Lake were Pied-billed Grebes, a Great Blue Heron, Great-tailed
Grackle and Black Phoebe (these have an active nest with young in the circular
shade ramada near the lake). Also seen and heard Saturday were Turkey Vulture,
Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, White-throated Swift,
Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo,
Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat,
Summer Tanager, Abert’s Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch and
Lesser Goldfinch. ** Additional sightings reported later Saturday morning
by Reed Peters include Anna's and Black-chinned Hummingbird at the feeders
in the Hummingbird Garden, Vermilion Flycatcher, Inca Dove, and Ladder-backed
Woodpecker.
From: Tyler and Grant Loomis (with additional sightings by Vera Walters)
Date: Sunday, June 3
The Cooper's Hawk has at least one chick in her nest; the parent was observed
perched on the rim of the nest this morning, with a baby just barely visible
as it tested its wings below her. The Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid
Hummingbird was in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden around 9:15 a.m.,
and Western Wood-pewee was near the entrance to the Demonstration Garden.
A few other notable species included Red-tailed Hawk, Barn Swallow (swooping
over Ayer Lake), three vireo species (Hutton's, Warbling and Bell's), Vermilion
Flycatcher and also Costa's Hummingbird doing flight displays, and both
male and female Hooded Oriole. A Pied-billed Grebe parent was sharing crayfish
with her half-grown chicks on Ayer Lake, and also on our Sunday morning
checklist were Turkey Vulture, Zone-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged
Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe,
Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow,
Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Bewick’s Wren,
Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Lucy's
Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert’s Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed
Cowbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. ** Additional
sightings reported by Arboretum bird walk leader and volunteer Vera Walters
include a Green Heron at Ayer Lake, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Cassin's Kingbird,
Rock Wren, Northern Mockingbird and Bronzed Cowbird.
From: Virginia Reynolds, Memphis TN (some additional sightings by Cathy
Wise and Paul Wolterbeek)
Date: Monday, May 28 (with a few extra Memorial Day Weekend reports from
Saturday and Sunday)
The previously reported Hybrid
Hummingbird (Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned) was here this morning,
unmistakable in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden when I saw him around 9:00
a.m. Pyrrhuloxia was a highlight, and also Common Yellowthroat at Ayer Lake.
Lucy's Warbler was a life bird for me today! Others on my checklist include
White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion
Flycatcher, Bell’s Vireo, European Starling, Black-throated Sparrow,
Hooded Oriole and Lesser Goldfinch. ** Editor's Note: Cathy Wise from AZ
Audubon was conducting research here May 26 (Saturday) and also reported
a Western Wood Pewee in Queen Creek just across from the Picnic Area. Arboretum
employee Paul Wolterbeek added this, too: "the Arboretum's resident
pair of Cooper's Hawks have increased activity around their nest, bringing
in fresh-caught prey items. Haven't spotted a nestling yet, but the mom
appears to be feeding a youngster. Best views of the hawk nest are when
you're standing halfway along the white bridge over Silver King Wash and
facing east - look skyward directly above the bridge and into the top of
the eucalyptus trees on the East bank. Also notable this weekend was a vocal
male Scott's Oriole, taking advantage of perfect acoustics in Queen Creek
Canyon to serenade trail walkers during the first few hours each morning;
listen for his musical whistle if you visit this week. Fledgling Lucy's
Warblers were pestering their parents for food below the Quincho structure
North of Ayer Lake, a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was gleaning insects along the
stream bank just downstream from the suspension bridge, and Zone-tailed
Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk and Great Blue Heron were each observed flying through
Queen Creek Canyon. Other species seen over the past few days included Turkey
Vulture, Gambel’s Quail, Mourning Dove, White-throated Swift, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Violet-green Swallow,
Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick’s
Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted
Chat (you'll hear them calling all along Quen Creek); Abert’s Towhee,
Black-throated Sparrow and Song Sparrow.
From: Herb Fibel, Cynthia Donald & Peter moulton
Date: Sunday, May 20
Sunday was a productive one for our birding group: at Ayer Lake was saw
the Pied-billed Grebe parent with 6 babies! The Cooper’s Hawk was on
her nest and we also saw a Common Black Hawk soaring over Queen Creek. Also
on our Sunday checklist were Turkey Vulture, Gambel’s Quail, White-winged
Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Anna’s Hummingbird,
Costa’s Hummingbird (both male and female, with the male doing a courtship
display); Gila Woodpecker, Western Wood Pewee, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher
(male and female); Ash-throated Flycatcher (there's a nest hole in the sycamore
in the picnic area, we observed the bird entering this nest hole); Bell’s
Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon
Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European
Starling, Phainopepla, Lucy’s Warbler (many, in family groups); Yellow
Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon’s" Warbler, Yellow-breasted
Chat (very visible in tree tops, singing); Summer Tanager, Western Tanager,
Abert’s Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak (male and female, numerous
of each); Great-tailed Grackle, Bronzed Cowbird (male and female); Hooded
Oriole (male and female); House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Tice Supplee, Marceline Vandewater and Vera Walters
Date: Saturday, May 12 (International Migratory Bird Day)
We had more than 100 participants for the 6:30 a.m. guided bird walks at
the start of the Arboretum's Migratory Bird Day event, and this checklist
reflects combined reports from our three separate groups. A few of the most
notable reports include a flock of 15 Cedar Waxwing, a Bronzed Cowbird,
Spotted Sandpiper, Greater Roadrunner, Northern Tyrranulet, Purple Martin,
Scott's Oriole and three Eurasian Collared Dove. One Common Blackhawk was
seen along the Apache Tears trail, and the nesting Cooper's Hawk appears
to have hatchlings (to see the nest stand halfway across the white bridge
over Silver King Wash, face East, and look into the eucalyptus trees on
the Eastern horizon, just over the bridge). Ayer Lake had one Green Heron
and two adult Pied-billed Grebes with six little chicks. Also on today's
checklist were 11 Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, 19 Gambel's Quail, 9
White-winged Dove, 2 Mourning Dove, 4 Inca Dove, 3 White-throated Swift,
2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 5 Anna's Hummingbird, 3 Costa's Hummingbird,
5 Gila Woodpecker, 4 Woodpecker, 4 Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, 3 Vermilion
Flycatcher, 2 Ash-throated Flycatcher, 1 Cassin's Kingbird, 2 Western Kingbird,
11 Bell's Vireo, 2 Plumbeous Vireo, Hutton's Vireo (on a nest); 2 Warbling
Vireo, 2 Common Raven, 2 Violet-green Swallow, 6 Northern Rough-winged Swallow,
8 Verdin, Rock Wren, 3 Canyon Wren, 5 Cactus Wren, 3 Bewick's Wren, Hermit
Thrush, 2 Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, 5 Curve-billed Thrasher, 4
European Starling, 8 Phainopepla, 12 Lucy's Warbler, 9 Yellow Warbler, 4
Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, 5 Common
Yellowthroat, 4 Wilson's Warbler, 7 Yellow-breasted Chat, 6 Summer Tanager,
6 Western Tanager, 8 Abert's Towhee, 7 Black-throated Sparrow, 6 Song Sparrow,
White-crowned Sparrow, 12 Northern Cardinal, 5 Black-headed Grosbeak, 16
Great-tailed Grackle, 5 Hooded Oriole, 7 Bullock's Oriole, 25 House Finch,
35 Lesser Goldfinch and 12 House Sparrow.
From: Bob Ohmart & Ken Haefner
Date: Monday, April 30
We saw a Common Black-hawk along Queen Creek and the Cooper's Hawk on her
nest high up in a eucalyptus tree just East of the bridge over Silver King
Wash. Western Wood Pe-wee was calling in Queen Creek near the suspension
bridge, and we may have seen the season's first Blue Grosbeak (not certain,
though, it was a fleeting glimpse). Others today include Turkey Vulture,
Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird,
Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher,
Bell's Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus
Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler,
Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, House Finch, Lesser
Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Monday, April 30
"Bird-of-the-day" was a Western Wood Pe-wee making short flights
to hawk insects from a perch in Queen Creek near the Western crossing of
the High Trail. Colorful Anna's Hummingbirds were common, and others seen
on today's MCC Bird Walk were (in their BTA checklist order) Turkey Vulture,
Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, White-winged
Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's
Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren,
Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Wilson's Warbler,
Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-headed
Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow.
From: Carl Tomoff, Prescott College
Date: Saturday, April 28
I enjoyed a nice burst of transients today as well as our local residents
between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. Some warbler highlights included 15+ Black-throated
Gray, 6 Townsend's, 1 Hermit, at least 15 MacGillivray's, 35-40 Wilson's,
1 Nashville, 3 Virginia's, 9 Orange-crowned, at least 75 Yellow-rumped "Audubon's"
Warbler, with a few “Myrtles” as well. Migrant flycatchers included
Hammond's, Gray, and Dusky, with one Northern Tyrannulet vocalizing in the
Eucalyptus grove and along Queen Creek Canyon. Vireos included Bell's, Plumbeous,
Cassin's and Warbling. Sparrows visiting Ayer Lake were 23 Chipping, 15
Lark, and 8 Brewer's. Rufous-crowned, Black-throated, Song, Lincoln's and
White-crowned (dark-lored and light-lored races) were also present. The
Brown Thrasher was still here this morning, found in the usual spot between
the Herb Garden and the suspension bridge. Other noteworthy observations
were a Killdeer at Aye Lake, a Greater Roadrunner in the Cactus Garden,
a pair of Zone-tailed Hawks in the Eucalyptus grove, and an adult Golden
Eagle. Completing my checklist are: Pied-billed Grebe, 1 Great Blue Heron,
Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, 1 pair of Eurasian Collared-Doves,
White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird,
1 Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black
Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher (a pair nesting in the Picnic Area and a second
male singing near the Legume Garden), Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested
Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern
Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's
Wren, House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 1 Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, a Crissal Thrasher singing in mesquite south of the Demonstration
Garden, European Starling, Phainopepla, numerous Lucy's and Yellow Warblers,
Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, 3 Western Tanager,
6 Green-tailed Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal,
8 Black-headed Grosbeak, 20+ Lazuli Bunting, 3 Brewer's Blackbird, 29 Great-tailed
Grackle, both male and female Bronzed Cowbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded
Oriole, 2 male Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House
Sparrow.
From: Carl Tomoff, Prescott College
Date: 23 April 2007
Today was a rich day for birding…a wave of transients had arrived.
A spectacular surprise was an adult Broad-winged Hawk in native riparian
woodland east of the gardens. A raucous Common Raven, tightly followed by
a Red-tailed Hawk, pursued an adult Golden Eagle over the ridgeline along
Queen Creek. A Common Black-Hawk soared low over Queen Creek. An immature
and two adult Harris’s Hawks apparently roosted in the Eucalyptus grove,
since they circled among vultures exiting for their warming cliffs. These
once regular birds have been noted only infrequently in recent years. Other
highlights included: 2 Eurasian Collared-Doves, 1 Greater Roadrunner, 1
Gilded Flicker, 1 Olive-sided Flycatcher, 1 Crissal Thrasher, 2 Cedar Waxwings,
1 Hutton’s Vireo, 1 Warbling Vireo, 1 Virginia’s Warbler, 1 Nashville
Warbler, 4 Townsend’s Warblers, 1 Hermit Warbler, 3 MacGillivray’s
Warblers, and 2 Rufous-crowned Sparrows. I also noted most of the species
seen over the weekend, except for Great Blue Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, “Western”
Flycatcher, American Robin, Hermit Thrush, Brown Thrasher, Bullock’s
Oriole, American Goldfinch, totaling 94 species for the day.
From: Carl Tomoff, Prescott College
Date: 22 April 2007
I visited the Arb late Sunday afternoon after teaching at Tucson Audubon’s
Institute of Desert Ecology. The spring atmosphere was as glorious here
as it had been at Catalina State Park. Desert plants were lush, still refreshed
by Saturday morning’s shower. I observed some species not reported
previously over the weekend: Dusky, Hammond’s, and Gray Flycatchers,
2 Brown-crested Flycatchers, a few House Wrens, a rather late Rudy-crowned
Kinglet, 1 male Nashville Warbler, 2 male Black-headed Grosbeaks, 5 Lark
Sparrows, 2 Lincoln’s Sparrows, and Brown-headed Cowbirds. After sunset
when Red-winged and Brewer’s Blackbirds settled into the marsh, a Lesser
Nighthawk glided over the lake.
From: Cathy Wise, Arizona Audubon Society
Date: Sunday, April 22
Sunday morning offered my bird walk group a fine variety of hummingbirds,
we found the previously-reported Hybrid
Hummingbird guarding trees between the Desert Legume Garden and the
wooden ramada in the Cactus Garden, and also saw and heard Broad-billed,
Black-chinned, Anna's and Costa's. We were also rewarded with sightings
of a Lazuli Bunting along Queen Creek (search for this bird by walking the
brand new "detour" trail just East of the suspension bridge);
both male and female Hooded Orioles, Summer Tanagers and also a male Western
Tanager. Black-tailed Gnarcatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Sharp-shinned Hawk,
White-throated Swift, Vermilion Flycatcher and Common Yellowthroat were
also noteworthy. Completing today's checklist were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey
Vulture, Cooper Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove,
Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe (nesting in the ramada at Ayer
Lake); Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged
Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren,
Marsh Wren (at Ayer Lake); American Robin, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,
Orange-crowned Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's)
Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird,
Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. **
I was here Saturday banding birds as part of an ongoing Arizona Audubon
research project and we saw the Brown Thrasher near the suspension bridge
-- frustratingly close to our mist-net! We will band birds again at the
Arboretum and volunteers are welcome to join me and help. Arizona Audubon
will band here again May 12, if you'd like to observe, assist or photograph
the birds that morning email me at cwise@audubon.org.
Banding on May 12 will be part of the Arboretum's "World
Migratory Bird Day" event -- come join me!
From: Randy & Susan Forrest
Date: Sunday, April 22
We enjoyed Cathy's walk, but got caught up in a beautiful serenade by a
Black-throated Sparrow up on the hill, and decided to hang back to take
lots of photos. We stayed at the Arboretum until about 4:00 p.m., I think,
and saw a total of 56 speciess - our first great birding day so far this
year! We saw the Bullock's Oriole flying over Silver King Wash at the Western
edge of the eucalyptus trees, and we did manage to spot one solitary Green-tailed
Towhee scratching in the brush just south of Queen Creek, up the little
hill from the new detour foot bridge -- on the right hand side of the trail.
We had just a quick glimpse of a Chat back along the new detour part of
the trail, too, and our complete list also included: Turkey Vultures, Hooded
Oriole, House Finch, Yellow-rumped Warblers (Audubon – many); numerous
Lesser Goldfinch, Mourning Dove, Gambel’s Quail, Ash-throated Flycatcher,
many Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler,
Abert’s Towhees, tons of Phainopepla, Yellow warblers, White Crowned
Sparrow, Ladderbacked Woodpecker, Gila Woodpecker, Great Blue Heron, Belted
Kingfisher, Pied Bill Grebe, Black Phoebe, Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, Cactus Wren, Verdin, Vermillion Flycatcher, Plumbeous
Vireo, Sharp Shinned Hawk, Zone Tailed Hawk, Red Tailed Hawk, House Sparrow,
Hybrid hummingbird, Anna’s, Broad Billed, Costas & Black Chinned
hummingbirds, White throated swift, Northern Rough Winged Swallows, Cooper’s
Hawk, Black Throated sparrow, Brewer’s sparrow (pair), Black throated
gray warbler, Orange Crowned warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher,
Cordilleran Flycatcher, Green Tailed Towhee, Lazuli Bunting, Hermit Thrush,
Curve Bill Thrasher, Bullock’s Oriole, Cassin’s Vireo (we think!
In a loud, noisy tizzy in the tall firs next to the suspension bridge –
might have been Plumbeous, but appeared a bit more yellowish), Inca Dove,
and White Winged Dove. We also checked Oak Flat and added Crissal Thrasher
and Junco to our total list for the day.
From: Marceline Vandewater (CLICK
HERE to see more of Marceline's photography)
Date: Saturday, April 21
First-of-the-season Summer Tanagers are back; soon after the morning rain
ended tanagers were singing and calling this morning in the Demonstration
Garden and also the eucalyptus forest. Our guided bird walk group also had
excellent looks at both male and female Hooded Orioles, and a handsome Bullock's
Oriole in the bottlebrush tree right where the main trail crosses Silver
King Wash. The pair of Cooper's Hawks were flying through the eucalyptus
trees. Yellow-breasted Chats are back, too, and vocal. Also on our checklist
for Saturday were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning
Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's
Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow,
Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, American Robin,
Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow
Warbler, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal,
House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Glen Walsberg & ASU Birding Group
Date: Saturday, April 21
American Goldfinch was the most interesting species found today; Pied-billed
Grebe and Spotted Sandpiper were at Ayer Lake, and Belted Kingfisher was
notable, too. Others (in the order they appear on the BTA bird checklist)
were: Turkey Vulture, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager, Western
Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle,
Scott's Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jim & Betsy Walker
Date: Tuesday, April 10
Brown Thrasher was still here today (!), seen just West of the Herb Garden.
A Zone-tailed Hawk flew over while we were resting in a shady ramada below
the Picket Post Mansion, and a few others worth mentioning were Vermilion
Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Green-tailed Towhee and a Black-throated Gray
Warbler. Others on our checklist include: Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture,
Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's
Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged
Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern
Mockingbird, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler,
Common Yellowthroat, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Monday, April 9
Yellow Warbler, Brown-headed Cowbird, Spotted Towhee and Black-throated
Sparrow were all notable today -- three dove speciess, too: White-winged,
Mourning and Inca. Also seen and heard around the gardens Monday were Pied-billed
Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's
Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion
Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged
Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren (at
Ayer Lake); Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling,
Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Lincoln's
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird,
Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House
Sparrow.
From: Cindy Marple
Date: Sunday, April 8
A lone Osprey flying over Aye Lake was among our most exciting birds today,
and we also had Belted Kingfisher, four different Vireos (Bell's, Cassin's,
Hutton's and Warbling), and Common Yellowthroat calling at Ayer Lake, too.
Others on our Sunday Birdwalk checklist today were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey
Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove,
Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbirds, Costa's Hummingbirds,
Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Common Raven, Northern
Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Hermit
Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Lucy's
Warbler, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow,
Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed
Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow.
From: Pete Moulton and Cynthia Donald
Date: Saturday, April 7
Numerous Hummingbirds today, including Broad-billed, Anna's, Costa's and
the previsouly-reported Hybrid
Hummingbird. Be on the lookout for a Broad-billed with unusual white
plumage on the belly, we saw that unusual individual today as well. Today
also had the season's first Common Yellowthroat, and White-throated Swifts
were seen, too. Also seen and heard today were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey
Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove,
Belted Kingfisher (flying upstream along Queen Creek); Gila Woodpecker,
Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher,
Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged
Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's
Warbler, Yellow 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, Brown-headed Cowbird, House
Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Marceline & Eric Vandewater
Date: Thursday, March 29
Green-tailed Towhee was notable in the Demonstration Garden Thursday (only
a few isolated reports of them this past Winter); a Sharp-shinned Hawk flew
over Silver King Wash near the white bridge and we saw a Hammond's Flycatcher
as well. Sparrows today included Brewer's, Black-throated, Song, Lincoln's
and White-crowned -- and we also got four different Warblers: Orange-crowned,
Lucy's Yellow and Yellow-rumped (Audubon's). Also seen and heard today were
Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove,
Black-chinned Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila
Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher,
Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged
Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit
Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling,
Phainopepla, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole,
House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Tuesday, March 27
Despite a breezy Tuesday morning we had great looks at a variety of hummingbirds
(Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Anna's, Costa's) and the Hybrid
Hummingbird was quickly found at one of the feeders in the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden. Numerous Lucy's Warblers were calling throughout the grounds (Yellow
and Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warblers were also present), and
both male and female Vermilion Flycatchers were in the Picnic area again
today. Also on our checklist were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's
Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow,
Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren (at Ayer Lake);
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House
Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note: Jane Wicklund
and Judy Johnson spent the morning birding and added European Starling,
Brown-headed Corbird and Violet-green Swallow to this list; Tom Gatz also
reported Zone-tailed Hawk and Canyon Towhee were present Tuesday.
From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Sunday, March 25
Sunday was a good morning for warblers and hummingbirds; for warblers we
found Lucy's, Yellow, Wilson's, Black-throated Gray and the Audubon's race
of Yellow-rumped. Hummingbirds we saw included Broad-billed, Black-chinned,
Anna's and Costa's. Brown Thrasher was notable, Hutton's Vireo and both
male and female Vermilion Flycatchers were also found. Ayer Lake had Pied-billed
Grebe and American Coot; other birds today include Turkey Vulture, Cooper's
Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow,
Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch,
Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Tom Gaskill and Rich Ditch (see recent photos at http://home.earthlink.net/~richditch
)
Date: Saturday, March 24
More than 40 Turkey Vultures were counted on this morning's "Welcome
Back Buzzards" day guided bird walk, along with one Zone-tailed Hawk
that flew from the Picnic Area past our group while we were in the Cactus
Garden watching the vultures, and then up to Aye Lake around 8:00 a.m. A
Cooper's Hawk was observed perched near the bridge over Silver King Wash,
and other highlights included a Hooded Oriole near the Picnic Area. The
previously-reported Hybrid
Hummingbird was seen in the Cactus Garden, too. Also seen and heard
around the gardens were Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Great Blue Heron
(2); Gambel's Quail, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Broad-tailed
Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, a
young male Vermilion Flycatcher near the picnic area; Bell's Vireo, Violet-green
Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren,
Marsh Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler,
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's race); Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee,
Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle,
House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note: Tom remained
after the guided bird walk exploring Arboretum collections for a few hours
with other visitors; he emailed this addendum: Red-naped Sapsucker, Hammonds
Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Crissal Thrasher, Canyon
Towhee, Red-winged Blackbird.
From: Eric Hough
Date: Tuesday, March 20
One Common Black-Hawk and a male Hooded Oriole were notable Tuesday, also
Rufous Hummingbird, a female Broad-billed gathering nest material from the
Lady Banks Rose in the Herb Garden, a Dusky Flycatcher and also a Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher. Brown Thrasher was present; also in the gardens today were
3 Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Anna's Hummingbird,
Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, 1 unidentified Sapsucker, Black Phoebe,
Say's Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus
Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern
Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler,
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's and Myrtle); Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee,
Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Kathe Anderson and Troy Corman
Date: Saturday, March 17
Brown Thrasher was still near the Herb Garden today, the Hybrid Hummingbird
was seen (also Anna's, Costa's Broad-billed and Black-chinned); and a Common
Merganser was at Ayer Lake along with a Pied-billed Grebe, two Green Heron
and two audible Marsh Wren. The season's first Vermilion Flycatcher was
seen in the Demonstration Garden near Queen Creek, a Townsend's Solitaire
was downstream an perched in the shade of shrubs on the South bank near
the suspension bridge and a female Lawrence's Goldfinch was observed here,
too. Other birds seen and heard on today's guided bird walks included (in
their checklist order): 6 Turkey Vulture, 2 Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk,
Inca Dove, 3 Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, 4 Black Phoebe, Bell's
Vireo, 2 Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, 8 Northern Rough-winged Swallow,
8 Violet-green Swallow, 10 Verdin, Canyon Wren, 3 Cactus Wren, 6 Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 2 Hermit Thrush, 2 Northern Mockingbird,
Cedar Waxwing, 6 Phainopepla, 8 Lucy's Warbler, 20 Yellow-rumped Warbler
(Audubon's); Black-throated Gray Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Spotted Towhee,
8 Abert's Towhee, 2 Brewer's Sparrow, 3 Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow,
15 White-crowned Sparrow, 8 Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, 18
House Finch, 25+ Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. * Editor's Note: bird
walk participant Jane Wicklund later reported seeing a Painted Redstart
near the suspension bridge following the guided bird walk.
From: Richard Ditch
Date: Saturday, March 17
Birds seen today (in chronological order they were seen or heard while walking
the trails) include: House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Northern Cardinal, Yellow-rumped
Warbler, Hermit Thrush, Gambel’s Quail, Abert’s Towhee, Turkey
Vulture, Spotted Towhee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Lincoln’s Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Lawrence’s Goldfinch (across wash at south end of picnic area),
Lucy’s Warbler, American Kestrel, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Verdin,
Brown Thrasher (south of main trail just east of herb garden); Canyon Wren,
Bewick’s Wren, flicker speciess, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Phainopepla,
Bell’s Vireo (near Ayer Lake), Pied-billed Grebe, Black Phoebe, Common
Merganser (female), Marsh Wren, Song Sparrow, Gila Woodpecker, Anna’s
Hummingbird.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, March 15
Common Black-Hawk, Rufous Hummingbird, Wilson's and Orange-crowned Warbler
were among the notable speciess today; also on my checklist were Pied-billed
Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, the Hybrid Hummingbird
(Broad-billed Hummingbird x. Violet-crowned); Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo,
Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European
Starling, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted
Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow.
From: Judy Johnson, Janet & Jack Porter
Date: Tuesday, March 13
A Common Merganser at Ayer Lake was the most exciting bird today; Pied-billed
Grebe and Marsh Wren were also present there. A few other notable speciess
were American Robin in the Demonstration Garden, Cassin's Vireo and Rufous-crowned
Sparrow (our first for the year). Also on our checklist from Tuesday were
Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus
Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,
Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Spotted Towhee,
Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser
Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Vera Walters & Cindy Marple
Date: Sunday, March 11
Brown Thrasher was found again today, along with the season's first Yellow
Warbler -- and the previously reported Sapsucker which is a probable hybrid
of Red-naped x. Red-breasted. This striking bird with a mostly red head
was seen working sapsucker wells near the Drover's Shed, just West of the
picnic area. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was also present, along with Red-naped
Sapsucker and Gila Woodpecker. Also seen and heard around the gardens and
trails on our guided bird walk were Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, Turkey
Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Inca Dove, the hybrid
hummingbird (Violet-crowned x. Broad-billed); Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common
Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Rock
Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, House Wren, Marsh Wren (at Ayer Lake); Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler,
Yellow-rumped Warbler (both Audubon's and Myrtle); Spotted Towhee, Abert's
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Monday, March 5
The Northern Saw-whet
Owl reported on Sunday was found on the very same perch Monday morning
-- the mesquite tree in Queen Creek Canyon, approximtely between the Herb
Garden and the suspension bridge, on the North (uphill) side of the trail.
A Crissal Thrasher was nearby, observed at the reeds by the suspension bridge,
and the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was in the Demonstration Garden again today.
Other notable birds were Hutton's Vireo, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk
and also three Dark-eyed Juncos (Pink-sided race) seen in Silver King Wash
"upstream" of the white bridge. Monday's checklist also includes
Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's
Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin,
Marsh Wren (at Ayer Lake); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's
Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow.
From: Jack Holloway, Tom Rawles and Richard Anderson
Date: Sunday, March 4
For at least six hours a Northern Saw-whet Owl perched in a mesquite tree
near the main trail in Queen Creek Canyon, allowing many visitors a great
view, and also giving photographers a chance to get some prized pictures.
Sunday from about 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the bird perched just a few short
yards North (uphill) of the main trail in a mesquite tree. We found the
owl about 20 yards West of the new suspension bridge (across the trail from
the "biodiversity" sign), perched about three feet above the ground
and occasionally feasting on a rodent it had just caught. A Cassin's Vireo
was on the South side of the main trail across from the Desert Legume Garden.
Other birds seen and heard today include 1 Turkey Vulture, 2 Pied-billed
Grebe, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 3 Gambel's Quail, 1 Sora (Ayer Lake), 2 American
Coot, 1 Inca Dove, 1 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 10 Anna's Hummingbird, 1
Costa's Hummingbird, 3 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Gray Flycatcher, 4 Black Phoebe,
2 Common Raven, 7 Violet-green Swallows, 10 Verdin, 2 Canyon Wren, 2 Cactus
Wren, 1 Bewick's Wren, 2 Marsh Wren, 8 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 4 Hermit Thrush,
6 American Robin, 1 Northern Mockingbird, 1 Curve-billed Thrasher, 2 Phainopepla,
20 Yellow-rumped Warblers ( "Audubon's"); 5 Spotted Towhee, 1
Canyon Towhee, 3 Abert's Towhee, 1 Black-throated Sparrow, 3 Song Sparrow,
15 White-crowned Sparrow,1 Dark-eyed Junco, 6 Northern Cardinal, 10 Red-winged
Blackbird, 6 House Finch, 20 Lesser Goldfinch and 5 House Sparrow.
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