Friday, March 5, 2021
With photographer, Jannie Blok along, we explored the bluff area before heading east along the Salt River. A chilly 38°F when we started it warmed up to 63° during our casual birding for three hours.
It's not every day COMMON MERGANZER swim the waters at Coon Bluff but it sure was great to see them. It appeared to be a day out for the ladies. See photos below:
Although a BALD EAGLE flew eastward up river, it was too high to catch a photo. Getting sneaky.
Getting photos on the ground within the mesquite bosque is tough with quick feeders like the DARK-EYED JUNCO we saw, but the female RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDs were more patient in their foraging. The first time I saw these birds, I clueless to their species. How different the female RED-WINGEDs are than the males!
Although I know at least one pair of NORTHERN CARDINAL live at this recreation site, they make themselves known only when they want to. Only the male called to us.
As always, though, the pair of VERMILLION FLYCATCHER, in addition to chasing one another from tree to tree, took time to pose for photos.
Trekking back through the mesquite toward the parking area from the distant east trail, we came upon five (5) JAVALINA, common name here in Arizona for the Collared Peccary (wild pig). It appeared to be a family group with one young (maybe born last year). A limb shadow crosses the snout of this first Javalina; it's not a part of it. The collar runs across its nape and under its chin.
Somedays are just made better by getting outside (we stay masked) but few people were around.
A very pleasant day out there and seeing 34 species of birds makes it even better for me!!
To see the eBird record for today, click on link below.
Until, I get antsy again and find myself outside. . .
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View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S82803654
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