Huachuca Mts. &
other SE AZ birding magnets
18-21
Aug 2006
by
Henry Detwiler
Carol, David, and I toured some of the hummingbird hot-spots in SE
Arizona, and also did a little "owling", "sparrowing",
and "flycatchering". In between the birdwatching we looked at butterflies, herps,
and a few mammals.
128
species--bird list is at the bottom of the page
Click on
thumbnail pictures for full-sized photos. 
SUNDAY & MONDAY
|
Northern Beardless Tyrannulet
|
Wilson's Warbler, Patagonia Lake
At Patagonia Lake State Park we saw many striking Vermilion Flycatchers,
several young begging Bell's Vireos, a couple of cooperative Wilson's
Warblers, and this young Northern Beardless Tyrannulet. But no
Black-capped Gnatcatchers.
|
|
Immature Gray Hawk, Kino Springs |
At Kino Springs were three Black-bellied Whistling Ducks along with three
Tropical Kingbirds flycatching over the green slime of the sewage lagoon.
An immature Gray Hawk perched on the hillside, looking for all the world
like some little tropical falcon.
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks |
|
To escape the rising heat and humidity we beat a path to Madera
Canyon. Along Continental Road we made two stops to examine
the giant luber grasshoppers and a wayward Desert Tortoise along
the road.
Luber, Madera Canyon
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Desert Tortoise, Madera Canyon
|
|
Throughout our travels in SE AZ, these pretty Arizona Caltrops (or
Arizona Poppies) were blooming on the roadsides and
hills--Continental Road was no exception. At Proctor Road an
obliging Varied Bunting perched on an Ocotillo.
Northern Cardinal
|
Caltrop
A family of Northern Cardinals fed from a Choke Cherry, munching happily
on the juicy berries. |
|
|
Bordered Patch, Madera
Canyon
American Snout
David was wishing he'd brought along his
butterfly net! |
Dull Firetip
At the Proctor Road stream crossing we
were delighted to see a number of butterflies close-up.
Tiny Checkerspot |
|
Gray Hawk
Dinner were some burritos back in Green Valley, and then we returned once
more for a little night birding.
|
Just before we left this Gray Hawk flew overhead--a bird I don't usually
see in Madera Canyon! Off in the distance a large bird (Golden
Eagle?) soared over Mt. Wrightson. Up the canyon we checked a few
more locations, adding a calling Brown-crested Flycatcher--the only one we
heard during the trip.
Madera Canyon Sunset
|
|
We struck out on nighthawks, but did
witness a fine sunset and thunderstorm to the west. At the
Whitehall Picnic Area our patience was rewarded by the calls of an
Elf Owl. A little searching paid off with some fine looks at
this tiny creature. Farther up the canyon we also heard a
Whiskered Screech-Owl tooting, but it never revealed itself.
|
Elf Owl, Madera Canyon |
|
Berylline Tree,
Madera Canyon |
During our final morning we hiked up the Vault Mine Trail to the Berylline
Hummingbird nest. A friendly birder showed it to us, concealed in
this large sycamore. At one point we watched it gather more spider
webs and lichen for its nest. A nearby Red-faced Warbler was
fortuitous. From there we had to make a bee-line for the airport,
picking up a Zone-tailed Hawk on the way. It was a great trip;
hopefully Carol & David will come back again to get all the ones we
missed! |
Madera Canyon Sunset
Back to Page 1, Huachuca Mts. |
