Bird Photos from Two Local Visits to Hot Spots, Maricopa County, AZ

 October 10, 2021

It's hard to believe I haven't posted since mid-September! But when family comes to visit, I need to first clean and organize my cozy little house that seldom draws my first attention. Then, enjoy myself entirely with my son, Andy, and his wife, Carmen, which I did.

When Andy and Carmen arrived the last week of September, we took off for the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, a good view of the Painted Desert, and Wupatki Ruins. (My favorite Tribal preserved ruin. )

Although I carried my binoculars and camera during our excursion, few birds grabbed my attention.  

Now that our temperatures are dropping into a civilized range, I've been heading out locally and will drop below some photos from the Lower Salt River and from the higher elevation of Oak Flat.

GREAT BLUE HERON with fish; Granite Reef Rec Area at Salt River 10/07/21

Also at Granite Reef that day was a BALD EAGLE foraging on the ground (rare to see)

Usually perched high on limbs, the BALD EAGLE today, was at river's edge

If I see it, I take a picture. Love this bright little VERMILLION FLYCATCHER  10/7/21

LESSER GOLDFINCH observed today at Oak Flat with Hinde Silver (10/10/21)

    

Oak Flat is at a slightly higher elevation, providing a different variety of birds. 

So, until next time, check out the birdies in your spare time!  

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View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S95718839

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/checklist/S95928060