South
of Yuma
Jan 28,
2001, Cool & P.
Cloudy, 55-60
Henry
Detwiler
An afternoon trip to hunt
for Mountain Plovers, which have been reported s. of the
city in past years. Success!
40 species total
Western Bluebird -
Yuma
|
It was a
cool but sunny afternoon, and I wanted to search for the elusive
Mountain Plovers. I was also looking for a reliable spot for
LeConte's Thrasher. |
| After spotting a
Greater Roadrunner, I pulled into a lemon grove on the s. side of
County 18th St. A flock of 120+ Western Bluebirds magically appeared
as I was photographing the roadrunner.
|
Female House Finch
|
Male Lawrence's Goldfinch |
And that wasn't
all. There were sparrows everywhere: Dark-eyed juncos, Abert's
and a Green-tailed Towhee, Brewer's, White-crowned, Lark, Chipping, and
Vesper. |
| |
| (All
the photos on this page were made using a Sony digital camera
held up to a Swarovski spotting scope. Click
here to find out how.) |
|
Western Bluebird - Yuma
Male Lawrence's Goldfinch |
A really
surprising and exciting find was a flock of 8 Lawrence's
Goldfinches. Two males and 6 females moved through the
weeds and the trees, giving me excellent views. |
|
I spent
about two hours in the grove taking photos through my scope and
through my Canon SLR. Then I headed further south and east
of Ave 1E.
|
Western Bluebird -
Yuma |
Mountain Plover s.
of Yuma
(blurry scope shot) |
At the edge of
a circular alfalfa field was a single Mountain Plover! It
was soon joined by its mate, and then a 2nd pair! |
| Soon I had
spotted seven pairs, and got some excellent shots with my
Canon. Alas, they just wouldn't sit still long enough
for a "scope" photo. |
Mountain Bluebird s. of Yuma |
|
