Local Birding with Jannie Blok, Superior, Pinal County, AZ

November 19, 2020 

Was it the Arboretum's new opening hour of 8:00 a.m. (Nov.-April) that made my prediction moot? I had promised Jannie lots of good songbirds in the Chinese Pistachio trees throughout the Gardens, but particularly in the picnic area. Guess again! Had the birds feasted since dawn and now they're full????  There was not a single bird in that first tree, nor did we find any in subsequent such trees!  Win some; Lose some!

Not yet knowing it, we would have a winning day!  Turning away from the picnic area, we turned back to the trails taking us east up toward Ayer Lake. Bird-wise it was very quiet. Knowing lots of little nooks and crannies, we checked out many such places and picked up a bird or two here and there until our list started growing.

When I heard an unfamiliar "pip" sound, I wondered aloud about the identity of the bird. But when I saw a Phainopepla, I surmised I had heard a part of its soft "Pew" call. More likely, it was the next bird we would see - the GREATER PEWEE, normally a high-elevation bird.

Eventually, we stuck to the main dirt trail leading up to Ayer Lake, I saw a flycatcher perch up on a single snag. It was distant and I couldn't identify it for certain, so I started snapping photos on different settings. That's one thing I really like about flycatchers; they sally out to catch an insect and return to the same perch. When they find another morsel, out they go again. Out and back - frequently to the very same perch as this one did.  Having not birded regularly for months, I was pondering the possibilities but did not ponder the unlikely species. We saw it at two different locations, not far removed from each other. 

GREATER PEWEE (above and below)

Usually, the GREATER PEWEE is seen up on Pinal Mountain ore down in Tucson on Mt. Lemmon.  I was certain I had never seen one at Boyce Thompson Arboretum before. So, I began to explore eBird's species lists. If you plug in a name of a bird and where you've seen it, the species list in eBird comes up with a chart extending out from that species with a column for each month. The month's you might see a bird at this location is marked with a green block - the thinner the green block, the fewer have been reported. There was NO green block for Boyce Thompson--just a gray block that indicated insufficient data. So, I contacted Doug Jenness who keeps the bird records for Pinal County and asked for his input. See below:

This is an accidental species in Pinal County. The Boyce Thompson bird is only the third known record of Greater Pewee in the county.. The first was 17 May 1980 in Aravaipa Canyon. The second report was earlier this year--21 April-- at Oracle State Park. The first sighting at Boyce Thompson was November 1st and several other birders have reported it since.

What a find! Glad it perched up for me as I didn't know it had been observed there (eBird had been down for two days of upgrading prior to today).  I usually take a glance at a few recent lists to see what I might expect. 

The other bird that had us scratching our heads - NORTHERN CARDINAL.  So very, very many of them. When I tried to list 21 on my eBird report, it indicated the count was high for this time of year.  Rather than defend my number, I just reduced the number to an accepted level and went on. But to have seven NORTHERN CARDINAL (male and female) on each side of us in an opening between the herb garden and Queen Creek was simply amazing. There were multiples at each location we found them -- including the picnic area. For those of you who say you never see Cardinals in the desert - go east!  It's still desert but so much more. 

This male was sipping water from a hose connection.

Two female NORTHERN CARDINAL below:

Another male NORTHERN CARDINAL

I can't finish up without posting the bird I'm always looking for out at the Arboretum. In its natural habitat, I missed seeing it the past few times I birded there.

ROCK WREN is proportionately balanced bird that calls attention to itself, curtsies a couple times, then flits over some rocks out of sight. Just when you think, it's "gone" - out it pops at another very nearby spot. I've seen it in dirt parking lots foraging on insects from parked cars! It moves fast but also gives just enough pause for a photo.

It might be another week or two before I go out again. So good birding to you if you're out and about.

Click on the link below for eBird report:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S76410016

Red Mountain Park, Mesa, Maricopa County, AZ

Thursday, November 12, 2020

After seeing a post by local birder, Lindsey Story, about a COMMON LOON being present at Red Mountain Park on Brown Road not terribly far from where I live, I managed to get away in the afternoon of the following day to see if the Loon was still present. 

Yes! Staying under water much longer than it stayed on the surface of the lake, I first spotted the COMMON LOON come up from a dive in front of a fisherman on the west side. Following the Loon toward the NW corner of the lake, I watched AMERICAN COOT, on the surface of the lake moving away from whatever it was doing to them underwater. Scooting the Coots, I think!

Hard to gauge exactly when the LOON would break the surface again, I stood my ground and took several quick photos of it before it dove again. I gave it a ratio of 5-1: down for 5 minutes; up for one!  Then I lost track of this large bird on this small pond.

COMMON LOONs are more readily found in Arizona at Lake Pleasant in Peoria, north of Phoenix. That lake is 10,000 acres with a depth of 170 feet.  In contrast this pond at Red Mountain Park is 8 acres with a maximum depth of 17 feet. Needing 24 yards to take off into the air again, I was concerned about the health and safety of the COMMON LOON on this local, stocked fishing pond.

Having hung out there for quite some time, I began walking in the direction of the east parking lot, still watching for any sign of the LOON. There! - On the east end of an island, I caught sight of it just as it dove again. But, good news, maybe?  It appeared to be heading my way.  I stayed very close to the edge of the lake waiting...waiting...

Whoop! Whoop! Almost directly in front of me, the COMMON LOON surfaced for a while, swimming around. The first two photos were caught when it surfaced briefly while foraging in the NW corner of the lake. On the final dive I saw it take, it DID swim toward my point on the shoreline, giving me the frontal view and a very close-up photo.  Had never been that close to a COMMON LOON!

Fortunately, I saw the Loon prior to its contact with a fishing hook the next day.  It's my understanding that it was rescued by Liberty Wildlife and may or may not be relocated to Lake Pleasant (or elsewhere).

Other birds, I managed to photograph while there included:

AMERICAN WIGEON

Canada goose

Two GAMBEL'S QUAIL: Foreground, Male; Background, Female

Two Drake RING-NECKED DUCK

Click on link below to view eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S76169606

North Tucson, Pima County, AZ Birding with Hinde Part 2

 Sunday, November 8, 2020

Due to road construction blocking our usual entrance to Sweetwater Wetlands in Tucson, it was 9 a.m. before we began birding there.

We would be looking for two rare birds for this area: TENNESSEE WARBLER and NORTHERN PARULA. Starting where they had been reported, we didn't find either but a GREEN HERON was startled up from the stream beside the cottonwoods.  We found it a bit later perching high on utility wires beside the small parking lot. It appears to be a first-summer bird still with a striped neck and other markings indicating it did not yet have the brown neck and chest of the adult.  

                                                      GREEN HERON - above and below

Many ducks were visible from the ramada area and other boardwalks that extended partially out into the waterway.

AMERICAN WIGEON

AMERICAN COOT

COMMON GALLINULE (formerly Common Moorhen)

The three photos above of the COMMON GALLINULE, formerly called the Common Moorhen, is Coot-like in appearance but its bill is much more colorful than the white of an American Coot shown above the gallinules. Colored like a piece of candy corn, the Common Gallinule hides in the shadows but will forage in lushly vegetated shorelines.

LESSER GOLDFINCH were coming in to a stream for a drink. This photo appears to be a family of male (with black head), female and a young.

GREEN-WINGED TEAL (above)

Drake GADWALL   (above)

As we worked our way back toward the parking lot a group of birders was focused on the cottonwood tree where the two rarities had been seen. Yay!  Saw both species but they were in a foraging frenzy that I could not photograph. Each species, the NORTHERN PARULA and the TENNESSEE WARBLER were flitting back and forth in the big tree, often close together. Photos below are from my files.

NORTHERN PARULA:  

Photo above taken at Sabine Woods, TX; the one below taken at Gilbert Riparian Preserve, AZ. 

The TENNESSEE WARBLER (below), I first identified at Lowville Park, Ontario, in September 2012 on my own. Now I know what is meant by Warbler neck. There were a pair and it took me over an hour to get good enough looks to identify the species foraging like mad at the very top of the tree. Specific birding was new to me at the time but I managed to get it right!

To top off our day, a male Vermilion Flycatcher perched up for us.

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Click the link below to view our eBird list:

 https://ebird.org/checklist/S76004911

North Tucson, Birding with Hinde Silver, Pima County, AZ PART 1

 Sunday, November 8, 2020

    Leaving AJ at 6 a.m., we were out of the car ready to bird at 8:00. Thanks to previous birders reporting on a parking spot and where to find the bird, we followed the directions to the south-facing side of Ina Road Bridge over the Santa Cruz River. 

    As we viewed the flowing stream from the sidewalk on the bridge, Hinde spotted it first. Why was I looking to the east when reports said it favored the west side? Still, the bird was a distance out and we had protective fencing above the guard rail. Despite the sun, the air seemed hazy. Our Arizona summer had gone immediately into winter, or so it seemed, as the temp at 8 a.m. was 45°F - much colder than we've been experiencing for months on end.

    But there it was: a  NORTHERN JACANA walking through and somewhat on top of the small-leaf vegetation. This was a first sighting of this bird for each of us - a Life Bird, or "Lifer". The Jacana is a Mexican and Central American species. It's yellow bill made it obvious and easy to find. Above the bill is a yellow frontal shield being distorted in my photos by the rising sun. 

NORTHERN JACANA heading back toward the reeds - photo below.

If you thought American Coots had large feet and even larger toes, take a look at this:

Internet Photo

    The above photo also shows the NORTHERN JACANA'S true coloring: black head, neck and breast; chestnut brown on back and beneath with long yellow legs supported on four very long yellow-green toes with claws at the end.

    This tropical bird has been here for weeks. I was amazed that when I had time to work in a visit south, this gem was still hanging out so close to the bridge on Ina Road.

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Click the link below to view our eBird Report that includes one of Hinde's photos.

 https://ebird.org/checklist/S76004911

Coon Bluff Recreation Site at the Lower Salt River, Maricopa County, AZ

 Wednesday,  November 4, 2020

Knowing the temperature was usually cooler by the Salt River birding sites, I finished up outdoor chores again before setting out to see what birds might be around at Coon Bluff Recreation Site. 

Getting my first sighting (Gila Woodpecker) at 8:31 a.m., the temperature stood at 65°F; the clear blue sky held a gibbous moon high on the horizon.

Considering the sun was already warming the air, birds were sparse for my usual approach to this location. But, by the time I turned my back on the bluff to head east, up river, I had already tallied six (6) species: GILA WOODPECKER, ABERT’S TOWHEE, SAY’S PHOEBE, VERDIN, BLACK-TAILED GNATCATCHER, and a ROCK WREN. Looking like a good day, after all.

Within the mesquite bosque, PHAINOPEPLA were showing up in good numbers again. But, each time I looked for perching birds, they were HOUSE FINCH!  Very abundant today.

PHAINOPEPLA:  female above; male sillhouette below

HOUSE FINCH (male) above and below

A number of BLACK PHOEBE were flitting from shore to catch insects over the river and returning to enjoy the meal.  

When I was scanning for a BELTED KINGFISHER that had rattled from a hidden area near me, I found something else - a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (with its back to me). Very similar to the Cooper’s Hawk, but different in that it appeared to have a more rounded head, shorter neck and shorter and squared off tail than Cooper’s.  (eBird reviewer’s will let me know if they don’t agree.)

The Salt was running low today, wild horses only ankle deep in many places.

I saw only one duck - flying overhead - that I couldn’t identify.  Putting on some miles to catch up with the usual shorebirds, I happened upon a GREATER ROADRUNNER before dipping down into what may have been a boat launch at an earlier time, then heading farther east through the loose sand.

A GREAT EGRET was poised on the opposite shore looking for a quick meal.

It barely budged when a feral horse came close.

At the most eastern point of my walk (2.2 mi. from parking lot), a NORTHERN CARDINAL was chipping lightly. It gave me a break, flying and perching just right with the light for what I thought would be my final photo.  

Almost back to the parking lot, I turned to check the sky one more time.  What?  They aren't Turkey Vulture, what are they?  It looked like two BALD EAGLE!!  The birds were circling wide and high over the river and did not appear to be going anywhere else. A bit tired at this point, I leaned against the new rail fence for stability and started taking photos. 

Then I realized the circle was getting more narrow and that one bird had changed direction. Could I get both in one frame???  Patience...patience...not my strong suit...yes, here they come can I catch them just right???

Returned home, a very happy birder! Photos are the exclamation point to what I feel as I experience these birds.

Clink the link for the full eBird list:

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S75824586

Four Birding Ventures since last Blog, Pinal & Maricopa Counties, AZ

Thursday, October 22, 2020 

Beginning at 7:12 a.m. in the parking lot of the Arboretum in Superior, Hinde Silver and I  managed to explore new and well-known areas of the desert habitat for more than three hours over 3.5 miles of walking. Temperatures between 59-81°F were welcome after a very hot and long summer.

With the Chinese Pistachio tree berries not quite ripe, we did not expect the congregation of birds that filled the tree.  Next visit, I'll bring a chair!!  Not the only ones delighted to see so many songbirds in the tree, a HARRIS'S HAWK tried its best to camouflage itself.

The several HERMIT THRUSH, an AMERICAN ROBIN and other songbirds were well aware of the hawk's presence and were circumspect about their positions in the tree. It was when Hinde and I walked up that the HARRIS'S HAWK took off to perch beyond the picnic area across Queen Creek.

Meanwhile the displaced HARRIS'S HAWK looked none too happy out on its perch:

Spending much time at the "berry" tree in the picnic area, we decided to expand our time in that direction to cover the Demonstration Garden and introduce Hinde to the Wallace Garden.  

Hinde went ahead while I checked the west side of the Demo Garden for some reported birds. The TOWNSEND'S WARBLER showed itself, but I wasn't quick enough with the camera before it took off. I had little hope of locating the reported CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD. But as I approached the entrance to the Wallace Garden -OMG! - exploding from a bed of flowering ground cover, a very small hummingbird zipped up and across the Demo Garden faster than I could say, "CALLIOPE"!  It's dark green back and small size - slightly longer than my little finger -  identified it: smaller than an Anna's, or Broad-Billed, or Rufous Hummingbird, the beautiful CALLIOPE is in a class by itself around here. A male had been reported in the Demo Garden; I didn't see its gorgeous gorget.

   CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD (male) [file photo taken 2016, Portal, AZ]

We continued to see more birds throughout the remainder of our wanderings but I held back on photos of more common species. We did see many HERMIT THRUSH in various places so it felt good to see them again. 

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S75222935

Saturday, October 24, 2020

While Lois Lorenz and I had planned to go to the River, a rare and beautiful bird had just been reported at Gilbert Water Ranch, so we chose that location. Lois grew up seeing that bird in New Jersey so she was less persistent than I in wanting to see and photograph the male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER. [The first time I saw it in Canada with Glenda, I almost fainted! It was at eye level with the sun shining on it and it just perched and looked directly at us.] 

More birders arrived prepared with long-lens cameras that would capture the great shots; I could only hope for "decent" with the BLACK-THROATED BLUE foraging from one limb to another in a large Cottonwood tree. I didn't even manage that: all I got were leaves. With it having just been reported, I convinced myself the bird would hang around until it filled up to continue its migration and I rejoined Lois in covering a bit more of the Water Ranch. 

Best birds I found:

1). OSPREY

2)  female NORTHERN HARRIER flying low over the dry areas of one of the ponds.

Many more species of birds in this habitat that has been attracting migrants all season can be viewed by clicking on my eBird link below.

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S75299594

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

A return visit to the Water Ranch was important to me. The BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER was still being reported at the same general location I had viewed it briefly on Saturday. Today, I was arriving late, after an appointment in Phoenix and hoped the bird would have conquered its early-morning hunger and make itself more available to visitors, as others' photos suggested.

Whoa! Such indescribable luck! The bird was not only low in the trees, it appeared to be playing our game:  "Here's looking at you!"  We looked; it looked.  Sometimes it flew; other birders gasped when it aimed for my head!  I was the only one not aware! Soon, I just sat down on the dusty trail to be at a level with the BLACK-THROATED BLUE.  [I can't hold myself stable enough anymore with kneeling and squatting.]  What fun!

Where it walked right up to my shoe

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S75489173

Thursday, October 29, 2020 

Hinde had also made a special trip to the Water Ranch to photograph the BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER as it was a LIFE BIRD for her, meaning the first time she ever saw it.

So, we chose Phon D. Sutton, along the Lower Salt River that I rarely cover in my birding ventures as it can be risky with loose gravel, etc., etc.  With someone along to bird, it worked well. While we saw a number of distant birds that I didn't photograph, they were still memorable.

There was one SORA swimming; two ROADRUNNERS being curious; three WILSON'S SNIPE foraging in the muddy area, and I suppose I should add: one AMERICAN KESTREL on top of a Mesquite tree!

The first GREATER ROADRUNNER we spotted was very close to a chipper truck where the grinder was taking brush from the workers and sending the chips up into the truck. Whether it was noise or the action that attracted the bird, I'm not certain. But I found it trying to look into the truck (too high) and then looking under it. I mentioned to the two men talking on the opposite side of the truck about the Roadrunner and when they also looked, it wandered off just a bit and then just a bit more. Often, they are very skittish.

We had already birded the Salt River and were on our way to the west-side Nature Trail that took us across two parking lots. At the first large one, two young women were talking with one another and I noticed what appeared to be a young GREATER ROADRUNNER standing with them!  As we got closer, I asked Hinde to stop but she proceeded. It made no difference; the Roadrunner didn't move!

It had begged food from the two young women. I reinforced to them feeding wild birds/animals is not a good idea but was informational about it, not rejecting their good intentions.  

When a ROADRUNNER is cold, it will drop its wings to allow the sun to heat up its downy feathers.

All warmed up and toasty, the GREATER ROADRUNNER provided us with an excellent photo 

To view our full list of birds at Phon D Sutton Rec area, click on the link below:

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S75561775

Monday, November 2, 2020

Having completed my outdoor chores and not wanting to stay inside all morning, I decided to check out the birds at our city park in AJ, Prospector Park.  Good choice!

One of the first birds I saw were a pair of WESTERN BLUEBIRDS. The female liked the shadows of the wash and hung out there so it was the male that came up to check me out while it foraged. It was overcast at that hour (8:30-9:30 a.m.), so pictures are what they are.

I could almost hear the brakes squealing on this turn. Did it hear the female? 

No whole flocks of migrating sparrows remained, but a few individuals were out and about.

SAVANNAH SPARROW - above & below

When I was photographing a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, who should wander out from under a bush but a BLACK-THROATED SPARROW, another one of my favs.  Both species below.

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's subspecies)

Black-throated Sparrow

Numerous CACTUS WRENS, GILA WOODPECKER, GAMBEL'S QUAIL and other birds were present as well. I like to check the nearby parks to be sure our birds are still visiting and doing okay. It's probably just us humans that are wigged out right now as we deal with the knowns and unknowns of the Covid-19 pandemic and an Election Day tomorrow to decide whether we will have a stable mature man (Biden) as President or the volatile, decadent, narcissistic man that currently holds that position. Nature is always my salve in tough times; and it has taught me much.  Gracias.

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View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S75741559