Babs' Birding Experiences : Goldfield Recreation Area along the Lower Salt River, Maricopa County, AZ

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

With Hinde S., Judy C. and Karen M., we set out early for Coon Bluff only to discover a gate closing off the area right at the turn into the entrance area. A man standing nearby told us it had been and continues to be closed for repaving the parking lot. Oh, well.

Neither Judy nor Karen had visited Goldfield. That was the closest and best site next to Coon Bluff. We ended up spending a good three hours there, starting at 7:10.

From the rocky shoreline, a GREAT EGRET perched high above the river and scrub desert of the area.

Foraging at the edge of the river was a GREAT BLUE HERON.

In the shrubs behind us, we heard a HOUSE WREN. Searching for it, though, left us without having found it. It probably snuck out while we snuck up on it.

High in another snag tree on the north side of the Salt, a NORTHERN FLICKER was checking out the bushes, trees and shrubs. Possibly, it was snagging big insects that flew past.

Normally, I don't photograph the very common birds like the GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE below, but this is not a normal bird for everyone. It differs from the Common and Boat-tailed Grackle in size and feather color.

Standing in awe as a BALD EAGLE flew downstream, I missed catching a photo. But, we would see another later, perched not far from our trail.

Within a tangle of branches lying high on the ground, we spied the BEEP-BEEP! Bird.

GREATER ROADRUNNER

With our eyes scouring the ground, river and sky, I caught a GREAT EGRET flying downstream.

Then, right next to us flitting around between limbs and nearby trees were two BLACK-TAILED GNATCATCHERS. Love those little gray birds.

Unable to get enough definition from my temporary and cheaper binoculars (others getting repaired) of some birds out from shore on extended "beach", I think it was Karen who finally called it. AMERICAN PIPIT. First I've seen for the season. Grabbed one distant photo but the other was closer to shore. So, two pipits to add to the ongoing list of sightings.

Not finished birding, I turned the camera on our team.

Hinde, Judy, Karen (L-R)

NORTHERN CARDINALs can show up at the strangest places. Not necessarily expected along the river, one perched high in a snag giving us a great view.

Surprising me out on the sandstone bluffs across the river from us was a PEREGRINE FALCON. Peregrines are more likely found there during nesting season. Today, one stayed just inside a slot in the rocks. I always look for whitewash (bird poop) to search those areas first. Again, it was either Karen or Judy that spotted our bird first along that long stretch of sandstone.