Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Events

Bird Sightings posted from
Aug. 2003 through December 2008

From: Craig Fischer
Date: Monday, December 29
This year we added three new species to the Christmas Bird Count list from Boyce Thompson Arboretum: Wild Turkey (walking on the main trail heading upriver), Swainson's Thrush (in a fruiting Pistache tree where the Australian section and the Canyon section begin) and Chestnut-sided Warbler (at the entrance to the Demonstration Gardens, later in the picnic area along the fence to the Demo Garden). Area 2 of Sunday's Superior CBC had 10 willing participants covering three different areas of the section; it was by far the most complete coverage of the section we've ever. Thanks to Curtis Burns, Linda and Dean Mason, and David Chapman who joined me in the park area. The birds and numbers below are only from Boyce Thompson Arboretum and do not include those birds found off the park trails, outside the park or on private property; they do include birds found in the park's residential area which is not accessible to the public. Birds tallied include 2 Merriam's Turkey, 27 Gambel's Quail, 3 Pied-billed Grebe, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 2 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Golden Eagle, 1 American Coot, 1 White-winged Dove, 18 Mourning Dove, 5 Inca Dove, 40 White-throated Swift, 3 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 19 Anna's Hummingbird, 1 Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, 33 Gila Woodpecker, 2 Red-naped Sapsucker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 3 Northern Flicker, 5 Black Phoebe, 7 Say's Phoebe, 5 Plumbeous Vireo, 2 Hutton's Vireo, 9 Common Raven, 86 Verdin, 4 Cactus Wren, 3 Rock Wren, 10 Canyon Wren, 1 Bewick's Wren, 4 House Wren, 5 Marsh Wren, 26 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 3 Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, 1 Swainson's Thrush, 8 Hermit Thrush, 12 Northern Mockingbird, 10 Curve-billed Thrasher, 4 Phainopepla, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler, 38 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Green-tailed Towhee, 6 Spotted Towhee, 7 Abert's Towhee, 1 Lark Sparrow, 5 Black-throated Sparrow, 2 Song Sparrow, 65 White-crowned Sparrow, 4 Dark-eyed Junco, 24 Northern Cardinal, 23 Red-winged Blackbird, 2 Brewer's Blackbird, 45 House Finch, 107 Lesser Goldfinch and 8 House Sparrow.

From: Diane Krpan
Date: Sunday, December 21
The Brown Thrasher was observed again this morning in Queen Creek Canyon and both Turkey hens were perched together in a pine tree between the Herb Garden and the Suspension Bridge around 10:00 a.m., which were both highlights for me Sunday morning. Three Towhees (Canyon, Spotted, Abert's) and five Wren species (Marsh, House, Rock, Canyon and Cactus) were also found. Ayer Lake had three Pied-billed Grebe, two American Coot, Marsh Wren and Black Phoebe. Others on my checklist for today are the Arboretum's resident Anna's and Broad-billed Hummingbirds and also the one-of-a-kind Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden. Also Cooper's Hawk (perched in a eucalyptus tree in the Demo Garden); Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Plumbeous vireo, Verdin, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Curve-billed Thrasher, Orange Crowned Warbler, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler ("Audubon's"); Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Gary Nunn (Phoenix, AZ)
Date: Sunday, December 7
A Brown Thrasher was found this past Sunday morning under the Japanese spindle-berry near the Herb Garden. Editor's note: each of the past two Saturdays park staff and volunteers have observed a group of three Harris Hawks circling high over the Arboretum, flying over the saguaro cacti across highway 60 and north of the park; and our charismatic pair of Merriams' Turkey hens continue to be seen just about daily. These birds first were reported November 4, and are most often observed late in the afternoon -- during the final hours of the day after 3:00 p.m. -- foraging beneath the olive or palm trees, or along the Queen Creek riparian area anywhere from the suspension bridge to the eucalyptus forest. Check out Tammy Knight's gallery of turkey photos!

From: Richard Ditch
Date: Sunday, November 23
Eighteen participants joined the season finale bird walk for 2008 and birds, in the order found today, included Red-winged Blackbird (by entrance house), House Finch, Yellow-rumped Warbler, White-crowned Sparrow, Verdin, Gila Woodpecker, Curve-billed Thrasher, Cactus Wren (hillside above visitor center), Phainopepla, Northern Cardinal, Broad-billed Hummingbird (male and female, hummingbird garden), Anna’s Hummingbird, Northern Mockingbird, Canyon Wren (demo garden creek bed), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern (red- shafted) Flicker, Pied-billed Grebe (3), Black Phoebe, Marsh Wren,
Lark Sparrow (south side of trail east of lake), Hermit Thrush, Lesser Goldfinch, Plumbeous Vireo. The charismatic birds were seen in this same area late Friday afternoon by Arboretum staff. Check out Tammy Knight's gallery of turkey photos from Saturday!

From: Cathy Wise and Kathe Anderson
Date: Saturday, November 15
Gusting, blustery wind made birding difficult Saturday morning, but we still managed to find Cedar Waxwing, Pine Siskin, Plumbeous Vireo and a Northern Harrier -- which is particularly notable and unusual for BTA. Two individual Sora were seen at Ayer Lake, and two green heron as well -- along with Pied-billed Grebe, Marsh Wren and American Coot. The Arboretum's unique Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, was in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden along with the resident Anna's and Broad-billed Hummingbirds. Other species today included Cooper's Hawk, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler ("Audubon's"); Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's Note: this morning Jack Bartley found the two previsously-reported Turkeys in the Queen Creek Canyon riparian area -- below Picketpost Mansion. The charismatic birds were seen in this same area late Friday afternoon by Arboretum staff. Check out Tammy Knight's gallery of turkey photos from Saturday!

From: Charles J. Babbitt (Maricopa Audubon Society)
Date: Tue, 11 Nov
( Editor's Note: this report was originally published at http://www.birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/AZNM.html ) "Sig Stangeland and I had a great morning birding at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. The highlights were a Varied Thrush, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and a Winter Wren. The Varied Thrush was in the large tree about 15 yards up the trail from the last entrance to the herb garden. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak ((black and white striped head, with streaked breast showing a fair amount of red color) was in the picnic area. The Winter Wren was found in a large tangled mass of storm washed debris up in the natural riparian area. It gave its characteristic call note from time to time but remained rather shy and elusive. There are a lot of fruiting trees right now and I would expect more good birds while the crop lasts. Besides the above, we also had a singing Plumbeous Vireo, a Townsend’s Solitaire, and several American Robins. At Oak Flat Campground we had lots of Pine Siskins, a flock of (6) Cedar Waxwings, several mixed flocks of Juncos and several Crissal Thrashers."

From: Troy Corman and Pete Moulton
Date: Sunday, November 9
Our Sunday birdwalk group owes a big "thanks" to Steve Ganley for pointing out a young male Chestnut-sided Warbler in the picnic area this morning shortly after we set out -- the bird was foraging around the pistachio and tamarisk trees at the east end of the picnic area, in the same area as Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Verdins. A Brown Creeper was seen not far away, and we also had the season's first Dark-eyed Junco (an Oregon's) and American Robin. 2 Sora were found at Ayer Lake along with 3 Marsh Wren, 1 Green Heron, 3 Pied-billed Grebe and an American Coot. One other notable highlight was a Merlin! It has been a few years since this species was reported at BTA. Other birds seen and heard around the gardens today include 1 Mourning Dive, 6 Inca Dove, 1 White-throated Swift, 3 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 5 Anna's Hummingbird, the Arboretum's unique Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, 5 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Red-naped Sapsucker, 1 Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, 3 Black Phoebe, 1 Say's Phoebe, 1 Plumbeous Vireo, 1 Hutton's Vireo, 2 Common Raven, 10 Verdin, 3 Canyon Wren, 2 Rock Wren, 1 Bewick's Wren, 2 Marsh Wren, 8 Ruby Crowned Kinglet, 2 Hermit Thrush, 3 Northern Mockingbird, 2 Curve-billed Thrasher, 1 Phainopepla, 3 Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, 3 Abert's Towhee, 1 Black-throated Sparrow, 1 Song Sparrow, 1 Lincoln's Sparrow, 25 White-crowned Sparrrow, 5 Northern Cardinal, 6 Red-winged Blackbird, 10 House Finch, 5 Lesser Goldfinch and 1 House Sparrow.

From: Tammy Knight & Rick Byrd (BTA Park Staff
Date: Tuesday, November 4
Two Turkeys, probably hens, were seen and photographed Tuesday evening. Arboretum resident park host volunteers Marlene and John spotted this pair Tuesday morning, then we saw them late in the afternoon while working in Queen Creek Canyon between the Herb Garden and the suspension bridge. Other staff saw the again Wednesday morning perched in salt cedar trees ...and a visitor reported seeing the turkeys in Queen Creek Canyon, near the "catwalk" in that scrubby area above the south bank of queen creek. Standing at the chain link fence at that narrow section of trail, looking south, thats where she reported seeing them.

From: Richard Ditch and Pierre Deviche
Date: Saturday, November 1
Sora at Ayer Lake, a Lark Sparrow pair between Ayer’s Lake and Picket Post house,and also an American Kestrel were some of the notable species seen Saturday morning on our bird walk. Two Plumbeous vireos and two Lincoln's Sparrows were seen near the Herb Garden; other birds, in the order they were seen Saturday, include Gambel’s Quail in the main parking lot, Curve-billed Thrasher, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Verdin, Anna’s Hummingbird, Cactus Wren, Red-winged Blackbird, White-crowned Sparrow, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Broad-billed Hummingbird, House Finch, Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Bewick’s Wren, Rock Wren, Phainopepla, American Coot, Marsh Wren, Pied-billed Grebe, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Northern (red-shafted) Flicker, Abert’s Towhee and Inca Dove, Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Grant & Tyler Loomis -- and Vera Walters
Date: Sunday, October 26
Most notable bird today was an Acorn Woodpecker (unusual for BTA) and our group found the Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird in the Hummingbird Garden, and Orange-crowned Warbler in the Demonstration Garden. Other birds we found around the gardens and trails included Pied-billed Grebe, Marsh Wren, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle and American Coot at Ayer Lake, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, House Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow (numerous); Northern Cardinal and House Finch.

From: Troy Corman and Richard Ditch
Date: Saturday, October 18
Two Sora at Ayer Lake were notable this morning, along with 12 Violet Green Swallow a Chipping Sparrow and the season's first returning Black-chinned Sparrow (other sparrows today included 2 Lincoln's, 2 Black-throated, Song, and 15 White-crowneds. Also seen and heard today were Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, 5 Inca Dove, 3 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 5 Anna's Hummingbird, 4 Gila Woodpecker, 4 Red-naped Sapsucker, 6 Northern Flicker, Black Phoebe, 3 Common Raven, 10 Verdin, 3 Cactus Wren, 2 Canyon Wren, 3 Rock Wren, 2 Marsh Wren, 4 Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, 2 Northern Mockingbird, 4 Curve-billed Thrasher, 6 Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, 6 Northern Cardinal, 10 House Finch and 5 Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Marceline Vandewater (and check out the postscript report from DRAS "Big Sit" participants)
Date: Sunday, October 5
A Common Blackhawk soaring over Queen Creek canyon was exciting this morning for our Sunday bird walk participants, and we also saw a Lincoln's Sparrow above Ayer Lake, and a striking male Vermilion Flycatcher perched above the lake, too. Read the "Big Sit" report at the end of my post to see what other birders found -- its worth it! Our group saw the Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird in the Hummingbird Garden shortly after 8:30 a.m., and we saw White-throated Swifts and Violet-green Swallows soaring overhead. Others seen and heard today include Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Great-horned Owl (vocal in the pre-dawn hours before the "official" start of our 8:30 walk); Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, House Wren, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Bewer's Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note: Desert Rivers' Audubon Society volunteers conducting a "Big Sit" fundraiser saw these additional species in the Demonstration Garden: Black-and-White Warbler, Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Common Yellowthroat and Yellow-breasted Chat.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Saturday, October 4
A Black-and-White Warbler was in the large pistashio tree near trail marker #43, just east of the olive grove as you approach the Herb Garden; ripe fruit also attracted four Black-throated Gray Warblers, a Townsend's, and Wilson's Warbler (the Black-and-White Warbler was eating moths while probing aroudn the tree trunk). An empidonax flycatcher was in Queen Creek, and an accipiter was observed hunting the picnic ground -- and a Sora and Belted Kingfisher were seen at Ayer Lake. Also seen and heard were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, House Wren, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Dave Pearson
Date: Saturday, October 4
We saw/heard 41 bird species, of which the most unusual were four VAUX'S SWIFT in among a large and fast-moving flock of White-throated Swifts and
Violet-green Swallows high overhead: also lingering late into the season were a single Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Bell's Vireo and Warbling Vireo. The Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird was back near the feeder again, and other notable reports include Cedar Waxwings (their calls were audible in the picnic area), both American and Lesser Goldfinch, Wilson's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat (in the "meadow" area at the center of the demonstration garden); and the season's first returning migrant Hermit Thrush and Lincoln's Sparrow. Also on our checklist for the morning were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, House Wren, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Summer Tanager (a striking male in full color at the entrance to the demo garden); Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal and House Finch.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Monday, September 29
A high-flying Great Egret passed overhead eastward before sunrise, soon followed by a flock of 32 Red-winged Blackbirds. A solitary first-of-fall American Coot had apparently arrived overnight at Ayer Lake, where 4 Barn Swallows paused to drink on the wing on a blustery morning.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Sunday, September 28
Today's highlights included: 1 Zone-tailed Hawk, 2 Eurasian Collared-Doves, 3 Western Wood-Pewees, 1 Plumbeous and 1 Cassin's Vireo, 1 male Black-throated Gray Warbler, 2 MacGillivray's Warblers, 2 Lazuli Buntings, and 2 "dark-lored" White-crowned Sparrows. Two Brewer's Blackbirds and 21 Yellow-headed Blackbirds flew over before sunrise. Three apparent family groups of Common Ground-Doves and two Winter Wrens were found along Queen Creek west of the old Pinal town site that is east of the arboretum.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Saturday, September 27
I birded before and after participating in the "Bye-Bye Buzzards Day" program and bird walk today. In addition to most of the species reported by Grant and Tyler Loomis, I noted 3 White-winged Doves, the hybrid Violet-crowned x Broad-billed Hummingbird, 3 N. "Red-shafted" Flickers, 1 Say's Phoebe, 6 Warbling Vireos, 3 Barn Swallows, 6 House Wrens, 1 infrequently singing Marsh Wren, 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 5 Orange-crowned Warblers, 8 "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warblers, 3 Wilson's Warblers, 2 Green-tailed Towhees, 3 Canyon Towhees, 3 Rufous-crowned Sparrows, 6 Black-throated Sparrows, 1 Chipping Sparrow, 3 Brewer's Sparrow, 9 Lark Sparrows, 1 Lincoln's Sparrow, and 1 Varied Bunting. The bunting foraged on grasses among mesquite and acacia thickets on the floodplain south of the Demo Garden. View a video about the "Buzzard Day" event

From: Tyler and Grant Loomis also Tom Gaskill and Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday, September 27
Ayer Lake was productive this morning; participants on our "Bye Bye Buzzards Day" bird walk saw a furtive Sora along the south shore near a Green Heron, Black Phoebe and late-season Common Yellowthroat. We also saw the Cooper's Hawk streak over the water chasing a dove, and a Belted Kingfisher dive into the water after a minnow. A Blue-winged Teal was on the water, too; and we had the season's first returning Red-naped Sapsucker. Across from the Herb Garden we found a perched Western Wood Peewee and Warbling Vireos, and just before the Suspension Bridge and on the same side of the trail was a handsome male Summer Tanager. A female Vermilion Flycatcher was across Queen Creek, near where the High trail is accessed from the Picnic Grounds. Also seen and heard today were Zone-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Prairie Falcon (soaring over Queen Creek Canyon); Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren , Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Phainopepla, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher (Tom Gaskill heard this along Queen Creek Canyon); Cedar Waxwing, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. View a video about the "Buzzard Day" event

From: Troy Corman, Marceline Vandewater and AZFO Board Members
Date: Sunday, September 14
An Indigo Bunting and a half-dozen Lazuli Buntings found along Queen Creek east of the suspension bridge were highlights at the Arboretum this morning prior to the fall, 2008 Arizona Field Ornithologists meeting Sunday afternoon. A late-season Lucy's Warbler and autumn's first migrant Green-tailed Towhee were also notable, along with two Great Horned Owls in the riparian habitat along Queen Creek. Other birds seen or heard include Cooper Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Gambel's Quail, Eurasian Collared Dove, 3 Mourning Dove, 5 Inca Dove, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 2 Anna's Hummingbird, 5 Gila Woodpecker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, 3 Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, 5 Bell's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, 25 Warbling Vireo (everywhere!), 3 Common Raven, 6 Verdin, 3 Rock Wren, Cactus Wren , 3 Canyon Wren, 2 Bewick's Wren, 10 House Wren, Phainopepla, 3 Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, 3 Summer Tanager, 30 Western Tanager, 1 Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, 3 Black-headed Grosbeak (Demo Garden), 6 Northern Cardinal, 6 House Finch and 15 Lesser Goldfinch and 2 House Sparrow.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Sunday, September 7
Transients were abundant and diverse this morning. Western Tanagers (80+), Warbling Vireos (45+), and Black-headed Grosbeaks (30+) concentrated at fruiting pistacios along the corridor and fed on desert hackberry fruit in desert areas. I watched small groups of migrants drink and/or bathe along Queen Creek: Orange-crowned (3), Nashville (2), Black-throated Gray (1), Wilson's (15+), Yellow (20+), MacGillivray's (5) Warblers; Willow (1), Pacific-slope (1), and Dusky-Hammond (1) Flycatchers; Lazuli Bunting (6); Lark Sparrow (2), Brewer's Sparrow (3); Green-tailed Towhee (2). A singing Gray Vireo moved up the north-facing slope south of the native riparian area into jojoba-oak association, continuing to sing as it foraged low in shrubs. A solitary Blue-gray Gnatcatcher moved along Silver King wash near the Chihuahuan trail. A Mourning Dove brooding 2 nestlings was notable. Overall I noted 59 species, including Zone-tailed and Cooper's Hawks, a few Phainopeplas and chats, a single Northern Mockingbird, and the usual resident species.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Tuesday, September 3
A Great Egret visited Ayer Lake on Monday. I saw a Solitary Sandpiper today at a pond near the Picket Post House, as well as a Great Blue Heron at Ayer. An adult Peregrine Falcon perched on a cliff above Queen Creek; later a Zone-tailed Hawk cruised overhead. Bell's Vireo fed a fledgling cowbird near the Herb Garden; a few cardinals, Abert's Towhees, and a female Hooded Oriole attended late broods. Transients included: Rufous Hummingbird, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow and Pacific-slope Flycatchers, Warbling Vireo (20+), House Wren, MacGillivray's and Wilson's Warblers, Western Tanager (30+), Black-headed Grosbeak (20+), Lazuli Bunting, Lark and Brewer's Sparrows, and Bullock's Oriole.

From: Cindy West and Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday, August 30
Lark Sparrows and Canyon Towhees in the rocks near the trail above Ayer Lake were notable Saturday, and we had great looks at the Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird chasing others from the feeders in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden (Broad-billeds and Anna's were also present), Wilson's Warbler was also notable. Other birds today include Abert's Towhee, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, White-winged Dove, Gila Woodpecker, and Empid flycatcher species (in the Eucalyptus Forest); Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-breasted Chat (heard only); Song Sparrow (Ayer Lake); Northern Cardinal, House Finches, and Lesser Goldfinch. Prior to visiting the Arboretum we birded the Oak Flats campground seven miles east and found Green-tailed towhee and a flock of Bushtits with a Virginia's Warbler, too. Other birds found here were Western Scrub Jay, Juniper Titmouse, Townsend's Warbler, Rock Wren, Yellow-breasted chat, Ladder backed Woodpecker, Warbling Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Black-tailed gnatcatcher (heard only), Phainopepla and Black-throated Sparrow.

From: Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday, August 23
Saturday was a good morning for raptors, I saw the resident Cooper's Hawk and also two Zone-taileds. Other birds on my list include Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, the unique Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Phainopepla, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager (female, observed and also calling in the Demo Garden), Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. After birding BTA from 6-8 a.m. I drove up to check the Oak Flat campground area about seven miles east of the Arboretum (and 1,000 feet higher elevation) from 8-9 a.m. and found additional species including Western Wood Pe-wee, Western Kingbird, Plumbeous Vireo, Western Scrub-jay, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Crissal Thrasher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow and Black-headed Grosbeak.

From: Marceline VandeWater
Date: Tuesday, August 19
My Tuesday bird list is definitely incomplete -- my purpose this morning was butterflies, so my list of birds is just incidental! Read my butterfly list -- and here's what I also saw and heard while I was looking for butterflies: Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird (Demonstration Garden), Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Western-type Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher (Picnic Area), Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren , Canyon Wren, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager (female, observed across from the Herb Garden), Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak (Demo Garden), Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Jim and Deva Burns (additional Saturday sightings by Cindy West and Diane Krpan)
Date: Sunday, August 10
Sunday's guided bird walk group had a great opportunity to see a Zone-tailed Hawk circling high over the Arboretum with a group of three Turkey Vultures and demonstrating the hawk's adaptation of "behavioral mimicry." BTA's own unique Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird was seen in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden shortly after our walk began at 6:30 a.m., and we also had two Bell's Vireos singing here, Inca Dove and Yellow-breasted Chat. One Purple Martin and a Spotted Sandpiper swooped down over Ayer Lake when we arrived, and we heard Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow and Verdin around the lake. Additional species this morning rom 6:30 - 10:00 a.m. around the gardens included Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher (five individuals in Queen Creek, across from the Herb Garden); Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Phainopepla, Western Tanager, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Deva and I also found one Blue Grosbeak, but prior to the guided walk. Editor's note: Cindy West emailed a checklist report from Saturday morning -- Cindy and Diane Krpan added these to the weekend list of BTA birds: Eurasian Collared-dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Rock Wren, a gnatcatcher (probably Blue-gray, the bird was vocal but unseen); Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow Warbler and Hooded Oriole.

From: Diane Krpan (with a few additional sightings by park staff)
Date: Sunday, August 3
An adult Zone-tailed Hawk flying directly over me along the High Trail was a highlight today, along with a vocal Cooper's Hawk calling from the Pine Loop area. Four doves were found today (Eurasian Collared, White-winged, Mourning and Inca) in addition to a leg-banded white Rock Dove that was perched inside the visitor center. That was different! A Tree Swallow was also an unusual bird today, and Common Yellowthroats were calling at Ayer lake, (the resident Black Phoebe was there, too, and a Vermilion Flycatcher). Brown-crested Flycatchers were vocal in numerous gardens, and particularly in Queen Creek near the suspension bridge. About 20 Turkey Vultures circled skywards around 7:30 a.m. Also seen and heard around the Arboretum from 6:00 - 9:00 a.m. were Gambel's Quail, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren (lots of them echoing in the canyon riparian area!); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat (listen for these in the Hummingbird Garden); Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Orioles, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Sunday was a good one for lizards, too: Desert Spiny, Greater Earless, Side-blotched Lizards, Tree and Western Whiptails were throughout the park. If you visit soon, make sure to look for the Cereus huntingtoniana, the cactus with vivid pink flowers in the cactus garden.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Monday, July 21 (sightings from July 12-17)
During my field study at the Arboretum and vicinity July 12-17, a Peregrine Falcon perched for over an hour on Magma Ridge overlooking the Cactus Garden early morning on July 14. Several staff members enjoyed viewing it though a spotting scope. A Spotted Sandpiper, still in breeding suits, foraged at Ayer Lake on July 15; two visited on July 17. Solitary Barn Swallows foraged over Ayer Lake on July 12 and 13 and two came on July 15. Two Tree Swallows cruised by on July 16. The first migrant Black-headed Grosbeak was present on July 12. Others were seen on July 16 and 17. Two stunning surprises were found in the desert west of the gardens. In late morning on July 15, a Cassin’s Sparrow suddenly broke into song for about 5 minutes. A singing male Varied Bunting and a female were found in arid riparian thickets on July 14; perhaps another Varied Bunting sang about a half mile further west on July 15. At least three singing Blue Grosbeaks were also found that morning. Showers on July 10-11 yielded 1.70 inches of rain..

From: Dave Pearson
Date: Sunday, July 13
Participants in our guided bird walk this morning enjoyed a few good looks at the the Arboretum's own unique Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird. We found him at the southwest corner of the eucalyptus grove's Pine Loop trail, near the intersection of Silver King Wash and Queen Creek, and perched in the same tree where we had seen a young Zone-tailed Hawk about five minutes before. An adult Zone-tailed Hawk was found a few hundreds yards farther east in Queen Creek Canyon: perched in a mesquite above the High Trail approximately across from the Herb Garden. Common Yellowthroats were vocal at Ayer Lake and a Pied-billed Grebe was notable -- the first report of one since April. Other Hummingbirds today included Broad-billed (great views of both male and female), Black-chinned and Anna's. Other species seen and heard around the Arboretum this morning included Eurasian Collared-Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher (look for the pair nesting for a second time this summer in the Picnic Area); Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Chris & Melissa Rader
Date: Sunday, July 6
Despite the heat Sunday was a good morning for birds -- we had Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Summer Tanager, Zone-tailed Hawk and four different types of Hummingbirds (Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Anna's and Costa's). And a Brown-headed Cowbird chick being fed by Bell's Vireo surrogate parents. Others seen and heard today were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, a probable Cooper's Hawk, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Saturday, June 29
It pays to be here early now that the Arboretum has the summer "open at 6:00 am" schedule; I saw a female Purple Martin dip over Aye Lake for water, before cruising north across Highway 60. Common Yellowthroats were calling at the Lake, as well as Red-wing Blackbirds, Great-taile Grackles, Black Phoebe and Mourning Dove. Violet-green Swallows and Northern Rough-winged Swallows were also swooping over the lake. Other birds seen and heard today were: Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Cassin's Kingbird (east of Ayer Lake); Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow (heard just above the High Trail); Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. I also walked upstream along Queen Creek and found Great Horned Owl, Blue Grosbeak, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Ground-dove (by ear); and Brown Headed Cowbird.

From: Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday, June 21
Ayer lake was worth a visit early Saturday morning -- a Lesser Nighthawk was flying above the water area and also a Barn Swallow (until the latter was chased off by the Violet-green Swallows). A pair of Blue-winged Teal were on a rock, and later seen circling above the lake, too. Both Cooper's Hawk parents were near their nest at the east end of the pine loop -- didn't see any activity in the nest but they're sticking close! a Broad-billed Hummingbird was across Queen Creek from the Picnic Area, Summer Tanager was in the Eucalyptus Grove, Brown-crested Flycatcher was calling from behind the Smith Building, and the Turkey Vultures were late getting up, some remained on the ridge even at 8 am! Other birds seen and heard include Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven (on Magma Ridge); Verdin, Bewick's Wren (calling and quite close, in a tree by the Herb Garden); Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat (including one in the Demo Garden doing a very good imitation of a Western Scrub Jay); Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Orioles (including one male feeding one fledgling); House Finch and Lesser Goldfinches. Lizards? Good day for lizards! Collard Lizards were found in the Picnic Area and Cactus Garden, Desert Spiny and Greater Earless were on the trail in numerous locations, Side-blotched Lizards and Whiptails were also common and Tree Lizards were easily found in the Demo Garden. Scanned Magma Ridge, but no sign of the chuckwalla reported on June 2. The most exciting mammal today was a Bobcat seen near the aloe plants below Magma Ridge (it trotted down the trail toward the Herb Garden); and this one was more tawny/cinnamon than the usual bobcat color. Also saw a Coyote in Silver King Wash coming from Ayer Lake toward Smith Building, Ground squirrels, Rock Squirrels and Cottontail Rabbits.

From: Kathe Anderson & BTA Sunday Bird Walk Group
Date: Sunday, June 8
Green-tailed Towhee was a treat for participants in the Arboretum's first summertime 6:30 a.m. birdwalk. Participants saw this elusive skulker at the southeast end of the eucalyptus grove, as we were heading towards the herb garden, it was on the right. Just before that we had a very cooperative Cooper's hawk perched high in the trees just to the right of the old hawk nest near the white bridge over Silver King Wash -- staying there even while everyone trooped across the bridge and hung around right underneath it! Later, another (or the same one) swooped into a tree further towards the herb garden. The vermilion flycatchers at the picnic grounds were great, and we got both Lucy's warbler and Bell's vireo singing! Sometimes it's hard to see either. Other colorful species on our checklist today were Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Yellow Warbler, Hooded Oriole, Northern Cardinal, and four hummingbird species (Broad-billed, Anna's, Costas -- and also a probable Black-chinned). Other birds seen and heard today include Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Abert's Towhee, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. PS, I encouraged bird walk participants (and those of you reading this report) to be here for the next one of these Sunday guided walks, which will be lead by Dave Pearson on July 13.

From: Millie Billotta & Cindy West
Date: Monday, June 2
A daytime Barn Owl was an exciting surprise this morning, observed around 8:00 a.m. when it briefly flew into the open and perched just long enough for a good view on a sunny branch before continuing off to and to better, thicker cover across from the palm trees just east of the eucalyptus grove. We also saw a Common Blackhawk soaring over Queen Creek Canyon. Lots of birds with youngsters, too, such as an Abert's Towhee we observed feeding juveniles, a mother Anna's Hummingbird tending a hatchling (less than a day old!) in her nest in a mesquite tree in the picnic area, and many Yellow Warblers with fledglings. Ash-throated Flycatchers were calling in Queen Creek Canyon, and we also had a Common Yellowthroat near the artificial stream in the cul-de-sac in the Demonstration Garden. Other sightings today included Turkey Vulture, Eurasian Collared Dove, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, numerous hummingbirds around the Karoo Boer Bean trees in the Desert Legume Garden (look for this one, with clusters of red flowers!); Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren (all three wren reports are by ear); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. We also had a Striped Whipsnake near the suspension bridge and -- even more notable -- a wary chuckwalla basking in the sun and silhouetted against the blue sky at the top of magma ridge, near one of the rock columns on the west side. It was above the open "playa" area -- right where the turkey vultures roost after dawn. The chuckwalla was unmistakable, with its large black body and contrastingly light-colored tail. Arboretum staff report there hadn't been a confirmed sighting of one of these at BTA in years!

From: Diane Krpan
Date: Sunday May 25
The Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron was at Ayer Lake this morning and the pair of Zone-tailed Hawks were both easily found -- perched on the ridge above the High Trail across from the Herb Garden. Does anyone know if the Zone-tailed pair are nesting? Other birds today include Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird (on walkway going down to the Hummingbird Garden and Out Front of Main Building), Broad-billed Hummingbird, the Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird was in the Hummingbird Garden; Gila Woodpecker, Western Wood Pe-wee (between Demo Garden and Main Building); Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher (many pairs, in picnic area and the Walk-a-bout); Brown-crested Flycatcher (up on ridge by the waterfall); Bell's Vireo (many, with young); Cassin's Vireo (demo garden); Common Raven, White-throated Swift (at Queen Creek); Violet-green Swallow (many, at Ayer Lake); Verdin (nesting); Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren (most numerous up near the house); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla (many, including young); Orange-crowned Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler (with young, in the new Children's Garden and also the Demo Garden); Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Wilson's Warbler (in Demo Garden); Yellow-breasted Chat (In Hummingbird Garden and Demo Garden); Western Tanager, Summer Tanager (female, nesting); Northern Cardinal (many, with young); Abert's Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Black Throated Sparrow (heard only); Hooded Oriole, Red-winged Blackbird (juvenile); Great-tailed Grackle, Lesser Goldfinch (many, with young), House Finch and House Sparrow.

From: Marceline VandeWater
Date: Saturday, May 24
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds were audible and unusually numerous today, with at least two -- possibly three of them heard and seen between the visitor center, the picnic area and the Demonstration Garden. White-throated Swifts were soaring overhead and a Western Wood-pewee in Queen Creek, visible from the demo garden, was another notable bird. Also on my checklist for an unusually cool and pleasant late May day were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bronzed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note: there were also two Black-crowned Night Herons at Ayer Lake this morning, an adult in addition to the juvenile bird which was first reported on May 4. Additionally, Jim and Betsy Walker added these species to Saturday's report: Red-tailed Hawk, Common Yellowthroat (at least two at Ayer Lake); Black-headed Grosbeak, and Great-tailed Grackle. Jim and Betsy also spotted a Summer Tanager on her nest about seven feet above the main trail in Queen Creek Canyon.

From: North American Migration Count Volunteers (see below)
Date: Saturday, May 10
A Grace's Warbler in the Desert Legume Garden was possibly the most surprising bird found by volunteers with Saturday's North American Migration Count around the gardens and trails. The juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron remained at Ayer Lake this morning, and several participants saw the Arboretum's unique Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird. Our combined checklists totalled 9 Gambel's Quail, 34 Turkey Vulture, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 2 Zone-tailed Hawk, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Rock Pigeon, 19 Mourning Dove, 4 Eurasian Collared Dove, 23 White-winged Dove, 6 Inca Dove, 3 White-throated Swift, 1 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 6 Anna's Hummingbird, 1 Costa's Hummingbird, 1 Broad-tailed Hummingbird, 1 hybrid Violet-crowned x. Broad-billed Hummingbird, 9 Gila Woodpecker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 4 Black Phoebe, 11 Vermilion Flycatcher, 1 Brown-crested Flycatcher, 3 Ash-throated Flycatcher, 5 Western Kingbird, 18 Bell's Vireo, 1 Cassin's Vireo, 1 Warbling Vireo, 3 Common Raven, 7 Violet-green Swallow, 1 Purple Martin, 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 14 Verdin, 2 Bewick's Wren, 4 Cactus Wren, 1 Canyon Wren, 1 Northern Mockingbird, 6 Curve-billed Thrasher, 20 Phainopepla, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, 6 Lucy's Warbler (two nesting pairs confirmed); 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); 12 Yellow Warbler, 6 Wilson's Warbler, 1 Common Yellowthroat, 5 Yellow-breasted Chat, 5 Summer Tanager, 10 Western Tanager, 4 Abert's Towhee, 6 Black-throated Sparrow, 4 Song Sparrow, 7 White-crowned Sparrow, 4 Black-headed Grosbeak, 16 Northern Cardinal, 1 Pyrrhuloxia, 1 Red-winged Blackbird, 12 Great-tailed Grackle, 1 Brown-headed Cowbird, 1 Bronzed Cowbird, 12 Hooded Oriole, 100+ House Finch, 2 Pine Siskin, 71 Lesser Goldfinch and 7 House Sparrow (and also one empidonax flycatcher). Editor's Note: Kathe Anderson's bird class this morning added 1 Black-chinned Hummingbird to the list of species found here at the Arboretum. The migration count for this region was coordinated by Marceline Vandewater; volunteers counting here at the Arboretum included Grant and Tyler Loomis, Joy Dingley, Vera Walters, Herb Fibel and also Jim and Betsy Walker. Marceline, Paul Kinslow and Joyce Peters surveyed for a half-mile along Queen Creek east of the Arboretum and found Common Blackhawk (nesting), a Dusky Flycatcher, Virginia
Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler and a Blue Grosbeak. Philip Lowe and Fred Stewart surveyed Oak Flat and added Western Scrub Jay,
Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Bushtit, Townsend's Warbler and Gray Vireo to the list.

From: Marceline VandeWater
Date: Sunday May 4
Green-tailed Towhee and Lazuli Bunting were both fun finds today, along with an immature Black-crowned Night heron at Ayer Lake. A Zone-tailed Hawk was flying with a group of Turkey Vultures, and a Common Yellowthroat was singing at Aye Lake. Other birds on my BTA checklist Sunday were Gambel's Quail, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Yellow Warbler,Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Diane Krpan
Date: Sunday May 4
A juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron was at Ayer Lake this morning (probably only passing through) with gray on his back and a gray-streaked white breast and red eyes. Another highlight today was a female Red Crossbill (who isn't red at all, but yellow) in the legume garden doing her little chrip call. Western Kingbirds were in the Picnic Area, at times harrassing a Common Raven. The male Black-headed Grosbeak was singing up at the top of he hill, by the Picketpost Mansion. And I noticed that someone yesterday posted about the pair of Zone-tailed Hawks, which I saw this morning perched uphill and above the High Trail -- visible from the main trail near the Herb Garden as you look over across Queen Creek. Summer Tanager was in the palm area across Queen Creek and the Western Tanagers were in the Demonstration Garden. Lots of Anna's Hummingbirds today, and I saw one female Costa's. Also on my checklist were: Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-Green Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Thursday May 1
The late Warren Jones, University of Arizona Professor of Landscape Architecture, was recently honored here during a gathering in the Woodland Garden where a memorial plaque now reminds us of his contributions to the Arboretum, his students, and others. His vision for a richly aesthetic, educational garden has become a reality under the gentle, persistent care of Horticulturalist Steve Carter and assistants. This wonderful Demonstration Garden is a popular birding site where numerous species can usually be observed in a relatively short time. A burst of transients arrived this morning and residents are well into breeding activities, so I spent 0745-0845 watching birds while enjoying vibrant colors and avian music. Within 20 minutes I had noticed over 30 species; when I left the total was 44 plus vultures, a raven, and Rough-winged Swallows seen overhead. Highlights included a late Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 3 Pine Siskins, and a colorful parade of 3 Black-headed Grosbeaks, 1 Summer and 4 Western Tanagers, 2 Hooded Orioles and a male Bullock's Oriole, 2 Lazuli Buntings 2 Green-tailed Towhees, a single Lark Sparrow, a Song Sparrow, and a few White-crowned Sparrows (gambellii and oriantha). One Orange-crowned, 4 "Audubon's", 1 MacGillivray's, 2 Wilson's, 1 Common Yellowthroat, 1 Yellow-breasted Chat, 2 Lucy's, and 4 Yellow Warblers foraged along with singing Bell's, Cassin's, and Warbling Vireos. One Pacific-slope Flycatcher, 1 Brown-crested Flycatcher, 1 Western Kingbird, 1 Vermilion Flycatcher, and 1 Phainopepla darted about catching flying insects. An Anna's Hummingbird fed a fledgling; 3 pairs of Lesser Goldfinches, 2 pairs of House Finches, and a pair of Verdins tended their young. Finches were abundant. Eurasian Collared-Doves, White-winged Doves, and Lucy's Warblers gathered nest materials. Curve-billed Thrashers and Abert's Towhees carried food to nestlings. A fuzzy-crested, yellow-beaked House Finch peered over the rim of its nest as its mother perched slightly above. Numerous birds visited water features to drink and/or bathe. What a tribute to Warren and Steve!

From: Tyler Loomis and Desert Rivers Audubon "Early Birders Club"
Date: Saturday May 3
Today was the final meeting of the spring "Early Birders Club" coordinated by Desert Rivers Audubon Society, and we had dramatic views of two Golden Eagles soaring high over Queen Creek. Some of the more notable sightings today were MacGillvray's Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting and Acorn Woodpecker. We also found a Lucy's Warbler at her cavity nest high up the sycamore tree in the picnic area, near the Vermilion Flycatcher nest which had been previsouly reported. We also saw one Anna's Hummingbird tending her nest about twelve feet overhead near the artificial stream in the cul-de-sac as you enter the Demonstration Garden and walk to the left. Two Cooper's Hawks were seen, too, with the female perched and feeding on a rodent. Also on our checklist for the day are Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Zone-tailed Hawk (2 perched above the High Trail); Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-Green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren (the female has at least three tiny nestlings inside the Clevenger House); Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bronzed Cowbird (observed right when it invaded an oriole nest); Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Richard Ditch
Date: Sunday April 27
We found a Black-throated Gray Warbler in the Queen Creek riparian corridor on this morning's bird walk; also Green Heron, Pine Siskin - and our group had great views of an Anna's Hummingbird on her nest. Birds (in the order seen) include Turkey Vulture, Northern Cardinal, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, White-winged Dove, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Bell's Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Costa's Hummingbird, Lucy's Warbler, House Sparrow, Vermilion Flycatcher, Violet-green Swallow, Green Heron, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Black Phoebe, Great-tailed Grackle, Marsh Wren, Common Yellowthroat, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Abert's Towhee, Verdin, Black-throated Sparrow, Red-tailed Hawk, Anna's Hummingbird, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Canyon Wren, an empidonax flycatcher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Summer Tanager, Bewick's Wren, Common Raven, Gila Woodpecker, Hooded Oriole, Mourning Dove, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Phainopepla, Pine Siskin, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Western Tanager.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Monday April 21
After teaching at Tucson Audubon’s Institute of Desert Ecology, I surveyed the Arb where its gardens were vibrant with color and bird songs. Wintering species included the Brown Thrasher (still near the herb garden), 1 Western Scrub-Jay, a few Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 2 solitary Hermit Thrushes, a scattering of White-crowned Sparrows, and numerous Pine Siskins. I found 2 late Cassin’s Finches in willows along Queen Creek near Apache Tears Road east of the Arb. I noted several transients: 1 Sora, 1 Killdeer, 1 male Broad-tailed Hummingbird, several Empidonax flycatchers (Hammond’s, Gray, Dusky, and Pacific-slope), a couple Cassin’s and Warbling Vireos, 5 Orange-crowned Warblers, 1 Black-throated Gray Warbler, 10+ Yellow-rumped Warblers (1 Myrtle); 2 Wilson’s Warblers, 2 Black-headed Grosbeaks, 2 male Lazuli Buntings, 3 Green-tailed Towhees, 19 Lark Sparrows, 6 Chipping Sparrows, and several Lincoln’s Sparrows. A Brown-crested Flycatcher calling east of the herb garden and a Yellow-breasted Chat singing in the hummingbird garden were this spring’s first sightings. Song rates of all wrens, Lucy’s Warblers, and cardinals were low, suggesting they are actively nesting. Lesser Goldfinches and House Finches were nest-building, brooding, and/or feeding young (ranging from just-fledged to older still-begging young birds). A female House Finch hunched low in a Hooded Oriole nest in a palm north of the ramada in the Demonstration Garden. White-winged and Mourning Doves gathered nests materials. Eurasian Collared-Doves may breed in the gardens this year, since a few pairs displayed and cooed intensely from the Eucalyptus grove to the residential area and in conifers below the dam. Numerous juvenile Anna’s and Costa’s Hummingbirds were evident; females of these species and Black-chinned attended nests. Several pairs of Abert’s Towhees fed fledglings, a pair of thrashers tended nestlings, and several Verdin nests held audible nestlings. Some Phainopeplas incubated eggs while others carried nest material. A symphony of sound filled the air throughout the morning.

From: Steve & Joan Hosmer
Date: Sunday, April 20
Lawrence's Goldfinch and a Common Blackhawk were the notable birds Sunday, and we also had American Goldfinch and Lesser, too. Black-chinned Hummingbird, Cassin's Vireo, and 5 Summer Tanager also made for a great morning! Other species and total counts today include 4 Gambel's Quail, 1 Pied-Billed Grebe, 3 Turkey Vulture, 1 American Coot, 2 Mourning Dove, 5 White-winged Dove, 3 White-throated Swift, 1 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 3 Costa's Hummingbird, many Anna's Hummingbird, 2 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 Western Kingbird, many Bell's Vireo, 1 Plumbeous Vireo, many Verdin, Violet-Green Swallow, 1 Bewick's Wren, 2 Cactus Wren, 2 Canyon Wren, 1 Curve-billed Thrasher, 2 Phainopepla, 2 Lucy's Warbler, 2 Yellow Warbler, 1 Wilson's Warbler, 1 Common Yellowthroat, 3 Abert's Towhee, 3 Song Sparrow, 2 White-crowned Sparrow, many Northern Cardinal, 12 Great-tailed Grackle, 1 Hooded Oriole and numerous House Finch and Pine Siskin.

From: Kathe Anderson (additional sightings by Diane Krpan and Paul Wolterbeek)
Date: Saturday, April 19
Participants in Saturday's guided bird walk this morning had a rare chance to see the elusive Sora lurking in the cattails on the opposite shore of Ayer Lake around 9:30 a.m. Our groups also had great views of the female Vermilion Flycatcher on her nest in the picnic area, with the male flying around the benches and hawking insects nearby. We saw three Anna's hummingbird nests and also the Canyon Wren nest inside the Clevenger House (the bird was outside). Pine Siskins were seen and heard near the Rose Garden close to the Smith Building, and also vocal in the Demo Garden and the Picnic Area, and an Ash-throated Flycatcher was across the wash from the picnic area. Other sightings/heards today include Gambel's Quail, Pied-Billed Grebe, American Coot, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-winged Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird (in the Demonstration Garden); Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe (at Ayer Lake); Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo (seen in Picnic Area); Western Scrub Jay (heard, across from the Herb Garden); Violet-Green Swallow, White-throated swift (seen above Magma Ridge); Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (on the other side of Queen Creek, seen from the suspension bridge); Curve-billed Thrasher, Verdin, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-Rumped Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow (heard only, along the trail above Ayer Lake); White-crowned Sparrow (seen in Picnic Area); Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole (across from Herb Garden, also in Demonstration Garden); House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Finch.

From: Richard Ditch
Date: Friday and Wednesday (April 16, 18)
Friday morning at the Demonstration Garden we saw a Northern Beardless Tyrannulet and also a male Lawrence's Goldfinch. Highlights on Wednesday morning included Pine Siskin near the Herb Garden, and hummingbird included Rufous, Broad-billed Hummingbird, and the Violet-crowned x Broad-billed
Hybrid. Other birds (listed in the order seen and heard) were Gambel’s Quail, Mourning Dove, House Sparrow, Great-tailed Grackle, Northern Cardinal, Bell’s Vireo, Yellow Warbler, White-winged Dove, Ash-throated Flycatcher, House Finch, Abert’s Towhee, Turkey Vulture, Hooded Oriole, White-crowned Sparrow, Phainopepla, Lesser Goldfinch, Red-winged Blackbird, Gila Woodpecker, Anna’s Hummingbird, Lucy’s Warbler, Vermilion Flycatcher, and Cooper’s Hawk.

From: Millie Billotta & Cindy West
Date: Monday, April 14
Late for the season, the Brown Thrasher is still here - we saw it clearly beneath the dwarf pomegranate hedge on the righthand side of the main trail near the Herb Garden (righthand side as you're walking east, deeper into Queen Creek Canyon). We also had the Arboretum's first returning Wilson's Warbler, and later Monday morning an Ash-throated Flycatcher was in trees above the Crider Garden (out front of the Smith building entrance patio) around noon. We saw the female Vermilion Flycatcher on her nest in the picnic area, with the male flying around the benches and hawking insects nearby. Two Anna's Hummingbird nests are easy to find near the west entrance to the High Trail -- just wait by the picnic bench nearby and scan the lowest branches of the tamarisk trees. Monday we also found a Bewick's Wren nest in a tree cavity near the jujubes (west of the Herb Garden) and saw the Canyon Wren nesting inside the Clevenger House. Other sightings today were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, White-winged Dove, Costa's Hummingbird, the Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Western Scrub Jay, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Marceline VandeWater
Date: Sunday, April 13
We had great views of a male Summer Tanager perched high in a mesquite above the Smith Building -- the first of these migrants returned to the Arboretum for the season. Our guided birdwalk group also found two separate Vermilion Flycatcher nests (one in the picnic area, the other near the Drover's Shed); and four separate Anna's Hummingbird nests -- one of them with two babies being tended by mom). Broad-billed and Costa's Hummingbirds were also seen. Other birds on today's checklist include Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Western Kingbird (two perched high in the sycamore tree in the picnic area); Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren (one is nesting in the Clevenger House); Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Hooded Oriole (male and female nesting in the palm tree near the Herb Garden), House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Sunday, April 6
Highlights of today's observations included a pair of Mallards, a Green Heron, a female Belted Kingfisher, and 2 Common Yellowthroats at Ayer Lake. I was surprised to find a Common Ground-Dove cooing in dense cover near the Hummingbird Garden. A pair of Verdins fed nestlings nearby. The wintering Brown Thrasher sang softly in a dense hackberry thicket southwest of the herb garden.

From: Troy Corman, Pete Moulton and Cynthia Donald
Date: Saturday, April 5
A Scott's Oriole singing in Queen Creek Canyon was a highlight today, and also the season's first BTA record of migrant Rufous Hummingbirds passing through. A Swainson's Hawk circled over the visitor center along with 25 Turkey Vultures -- a memorable way to begin our guided bird walk, and Saturday morning we also found 15 Anna's Hummingbirds (and confirmed four nests); 5 Broad-billed Hummingbirds, 3 Black-chinned Hummingbirds and 4 Costa's Hummingbird. Also seen and heard around the trails were 2 Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, American Coot, 5 White-winged Dove, 10 Inca Dove, 3 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 3 Black Phoebe, 1 Say's Phoebe (building a nest near the Herb Garden), 4 Vermilion Flycatcher (nesting pair); 5 Ash-throated Flycatcher, 10+ Bell's Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, Western Scrub Jay, Common Raven, 15 Violet-green Swallow, 3 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 8 Verdin, 2 Bewick's Wren, 2 Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, 5 Curved-billed Thrasher, 6 Phainopepla (one pair nesting near the Smith Building entrance); 2 Orange-crowned Warbler, 25+ Lucy's Warbler, 15 Yellow-rumped Warbler ("Audubon's"); 8 Yellow Warbler, 10 Abert's Towhee, 5 Black-throated Sparrow, 2 Song Sparrow, 10+ White-crowned Sparrow, 10 Northern Cardinal, 15 Red-winged Blackbird, 8 Great-tailed Grackle, 2 Hooded Oriole, 15 House Finch, Pine Siskin, 30+ Lesser Goldfinch and 3 House Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Monday, March 31
Two male Hooded Orioles (the first 2008 sighting at BTA) were perched in trees at the west end of the main parking lot when I arrived this morning at 8:00 a.m. as the Arboretum opened. Later in the morning a Zone-tailed Hawk was circling with the Turkey Vultures, and a few other highlights today were Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, and also Pine Siskins -- audible with their "zzzzzsheeeeEEEP" calls along Queen Creek. Other birds (listed in their BTA checklist order) Monday were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe (three of them at Aye Lake!); Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Western Scrub Jay, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Diane Krpan
Date: March 29-30 (Saturday-Sunday)
Yellow Warblers are back this weekend! Watch and listen for them foraging high in the eucalyptus trees surrounding the Picnic Area parking lot; they are back this week, audible and active. Saturday I found a Yellow-rumped Warbler of the "Myrtle" race near the Drover's Shed. Pine Siskins were singing from the tamarisk trees near the olive grove, and a Zone-tailed Hawk was audible somewhere along Queen Creek. A Red-tailed Hawk circled overhead. Also seen and heard around the gardens were Gambel's Quail (singing); Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, the Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher (a pair were in the Picnic Area both days); Bell's Vireo, Western Scrub Jay, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren (audible at Ayer Lake); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Curved-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Lucy's Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco (picnic area); Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. Saw my first Western Whiptail lizard for 2008 on Saturday, too, and a small Collared Lizard on Sunday -- in addition to the Greater Earless and Ornate Tree lizards which have been active for the past month.

From: Kurt and Cindy Radamaker
Date: Sunday, March 23
Notable species today included a Red-tailed Hawk soaring above Magma Ridge and one of the resident pair of Cooper's Hawks -- up in a tree along Queen Creek and eating a rabbit (not into the Easter spirit, obviously!). Other birds that we saw on today's guided bird walk included 10 Turkey Vultures (which had already had lifted off by the time we started the walk) also Pied-billed Grebe, 2 American Coot, 4 Inca Dove, 2 White-throated Swifts (Magma Ridge); 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 4 Anna's Hummingbird (including a male doing a courtship flight pattern); 2 Costa's Hummingbird, 6 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Dusky Flycatcher (probable); 1 Black Phoebe, 1 Vermilion Flycatcher (a male in the Picnic Area); 8 Bell's Vireo, Western Scrub Jay (two of them duking it out with some phainopeplas over territory); 4 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 6 Verdin, 4 Bewick's Wren, 1 Cactus Wren, 1 Canyon Wren, 6 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 2 Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, 1 Hermit Thrush, 4 Curved-billed Thrasher, 4 Phainopepla, 4 European Starling, 2 Orange-crowned Warbler, 10 Lucy's Warbler, 1 Black-throated Gray Warbler, 1 Painted Redstart (across the road from Ayer Lake, in the cottonwood trees); 4 Northern Cardinal, 8 Abert's Towhee, 2 Spotted Towhee, 4 Song Sparrow, 2 Lincoln's Sparrow (across the road from Ayer Lake); 4 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon); 1 Pink-sided Junco, 10 Red-winged Blackbird, 6 Brown-headed cowbird, 20 House Finch, 50 Lesser Goldfinch, 2 House Sparrow (building a nest in a saguaro cactus across from Ayer Lake). PLUS: one handsome Gila Monster outside of the collections, under some dead prickly pear pads. It was probably full sized and the yellow/black variety.

From: Tom Gaskill, Jon Mann, Diane Krpan and Paul Wolterbeek
Date: Saturday, March 22
Diane spotted the Brown Thrasher just west of the Herb Garden and on the south side of the trail Saturday morning and we also saw the season's first Zone-tailed Hawk perched above the High Trail. Other highlights include the Black-throated Gray Warbler which Jon's group spotted between the picnic area and the drover's shed, and a Gray Vireo that Jon's group saw in the Demonstration Garden. Tom's group found the Green Heron at Ayer Lake, and also one American Goldfinch near the Desert Legume Garden. We counted more than 20 Turkey Vultures and other birds (in checklist order) included Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Green Heron, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Eurasian collared dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird; Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, White-throated Swift, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Troy Corman, Pete Moulton and Cynthia Donald (and see the additional report at the end by Eric Hough)
Date: Saturday, March 15
Three Fox Sparrows were found on the guided bird walk Saturday: two of the Slate-colored race were found in the Demonstration Garden (furtively lurking in dense shrubs just past the wooden entrance ramada -- righthand, or west, side of the trail) and one possible "altivagans-type," with characteristics that are a mixture of both Slate-colored and Red Fox Sparrows, near the upper end of Ayer Lake. One Black-throated Gray Warbler, an American Goldfinch and a Pine Siskin were also highlights today, and we counted 18 Turkey Vultures, too. Other birds (in checklist order) include 10 Gambel's Quail, 2 Pied-billed Grebe, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 4 Inca Dove, 1 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 5 Costa's Hummingbird, 8 Anna's Hummingbird, 2 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Red-naped Sapsucker, 3 Black Phoebe, 2 Bell's Vireo, 1 Hutton's Vireo, 2 Common Raven, 12 Violet-green Swallow, 15 Verdin, 1 House Wren, 3 Cactus Wren, 2 Canyon Wren, 1 Marsh Wren, 10 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 3 Hermit Thrush, 1 Curve-billed Thrasher, 3 Phainopepla, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, 8 Lucy's Warbler, 20 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 10 Abert's Towhee, 5 Spotted Towhee, 3 Black-throated Sparrow, 6 Lincoln's Sparrow, 6 Song Sparrow, 8 White-crowned Sparrow, 10 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon, Pink-sided); 10 Northern Cardinal, 10 Red-winged Blackbird, 2 Great-tailed Grackle, 25 House Finch, 1 Pine Siskin (Demonstration Garden) and 25 Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's note: Eric and Elaine Hough shared their Saturday checklist, adding these species: Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Western Scrub-Jay, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher -- and eight Red Crossbills which were calling as they flew overhead.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, March 13
Ten Turkey Vultures were sunbathing on the cliffs, back just in time for the Arboretum's annual "Welcome Back Buzzards" day on Saturday March 22. Violet-green Swallows and Northern Rough-winged Swallows were notable, along with Green Heron (Ayer Lake, along with Marsh Wren, Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot); Eurasian Collared Dove, the season's first Bell's Vireo, and a Lincoln's Sparrow. Others today included Gambel's Quail, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa'sHummingbird (Demonstration Garden); Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Western-scrub Jay, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Marceline Vandewater and Cindy Marple
Date: Sunday, March 9
A Western Flycatcher was a highlight today, along with the season's first Lucy's Warbler sighting (in the Picnic Area) at BTA and also four different hummingbird species ( Broad-billed, Costa's, Anna's and the Arboretum's unique Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird). Hutton's Vireo and Ruby-crowned Kinglets are both still present (a Hutton's was singing near the Smith Building) and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were observed near the suspension bridge over Queen Creek. Also on our checklist were Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot at Ayer Lake (a pair of each); Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Western-scrub Jay, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Butterflies seen today included Spring Azure, Mourning Cloak, Sleepy Orange, two Monarchs, three Sara Orangetips and four Pipevine Swallowtails. Editor's Note: Kathe Anderson also reprted Pine Siskins in the tamarisk trees in the picnic area Saturday.

From: Cynthia Donald & Peter Moulton
Date: Saturday, March 3
The season's first Turkey Vulture soared over the Smith Building shortly after our bird walk began this morning, and -- despite gusty winds -- today was a good one for hummingbirds. Our Saturday bird walk group found a migrating Rufous Hummingbird in addition to Broad-billed, Anna's, Costa's and also the Arboretum's singular hybrid hummingbird. This previously-reported Violet-crowned x. Broad-billed crossbreed was found in the Cactus Garden, where it perched near the main trail and posed allowing photographs for a few minutes. Winds hindered our count today, but some other highlights included a Red-tailed Hawk, Black-throated Sparrow, Hutton's Vireo and two swallow speciess (Violet-green and Northern Rough-winged). We also found a Marsh Wren at Ayer Lake, and numerous Hermit Thrush. Also seen and heard around the gardens were Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Birders: watch for a second possible hybrid hummingbird, we saw what appeared to be a male Broad-billed, but with white under the tail and lower belly.

From: Dave Powell and Kurt Radamaker
Date: Saturday, March 2
A Golden Eagle soaring over the cliffs was a highlight today, along with an early Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, and the season's first Turkey Vulture (perched in a huge eucalyptus tree in the Demonstration Garden at opening hour. Also on our checklist today were Pied-billed Grebe, 2 Cooper's Hawks, American Coot, 5 Inca Doves, 3 Broad-billed Hummingbirds, 6 Costa's Hummingbirds, 20 Anna's Hummingbirds, the Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird, 4 Gila Woodpeckers, 1 Northern Flicker (Red-shafted); 2 Red-naped Sapsuckers, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, 2 Hutton's Vireos, 2 Western-scrub Jay, 3 Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Common Raven, 14 Verdins, 1 Bewick's Wren, 3 Cactus Wrens, 1 Canyon Wren, 1 Marsh Wren, 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 2 Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, 10 Yellow-rumped Warblers (Audubon's), 2 Canyon Towhee, 4 Spotted Towhee, 6 Abert's Towhee, 1 Lincoln's Sparrow, 1 Song Sparrow, 5 White-crowned Sparrows, 14 Dark-eyed Juncos, 6 Northern Cardinals, 4 Red-winged Blackbirds, 1 Great-tailed Grackle, 4 House Finches, 20 Lesser Goldfinches and 8 House Sparrows. We also had several species of butterflies, including Sleepy Orange, Sara Orangetip, Snout, Pipevine Swallowtail, Mourning Cloak and two Monarchs.

From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Sunday, February 24
Vera Walters and I lead the bird walk Sunday morning, dividing into two smaller groups. We enjoyed good looks at both Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds and the Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird; others on the checklist today were Cooper's Hawk, Pied-billed Grebe, American
Coot, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern Mockingbird, Western-scrub Jay, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Wednesday, February 20
American Robin, Orange-crowned Warbler and Hutton's Vireo were all found Wednesday along with Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Western-scrub Jay, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Rich Ditch
Date: Saturday, February 16
The most notable bird today was a Sage Thrasher found in the Cactus Garden, approximately across from the Desert Legume Garden and in shrubs at the west end below Magma Ridge (near the "puya" plant which blooms occasionally). Others seen and heard, in order, were Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hummingbird; Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Sage Thrasher, Hutton's Vireo, Canyon Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Pine Siskin, House Sparrow.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Wednesday, February 13
After attending the Arizona Botanists/Arizona Native Plant Society annual conference at the Desert Botanical Gardens over the weekend, I visited the Arb
and vicinity from February 10-13. In addition to the usual residents, wintering sapsuckers, Western Scrub-Jays, Bridled Titmice, House and Marsh Wrens, Hermit Thrushes, only a few Phainopeplas and mockingbirds, the Brown Thrasher, Hutton’s Vireos, Spotted Towhees, White-crowned Sparrows, and “Oregon” Juncos were noted. The Brown Thrasher may be detected by listening for soft, almost inaudible guttural singing coming from dense thickets or other dense foliage between the herb garden and the olive grove, where it fed on fallen olives. Red-winged Blackbirds provided one of the highlights of the trip, singing and “tchecking” in choruses throughout the morning in and near the residential area where they fed on seed provided by volunteers living there. Periodically some flew to Ayer Lake, settled in the marsh, and then returned to feed later. Many roosted in the marsh overnight along with Brewer’s Blackbirds that arrived from the west. A few Pine Siskins joined throngs of goldfinches at thistle feeders. Other highlights included a Green Heron at Ayer Lake, a few White-throated Swifts briefly swirling about cliffs in Queen Creek Canyon, a flock of 18 Red Crossbills that probed at pine cones in the residential area, 4 Western Bluebirds feeding on mistletoe berries along Queen Creek below the Picket Post House, and the first Violet-green Swallows of the spring. Pied-billed Grebes have begun courtship, Inca Doves started nest construction, and some House Sparrows occupied saguaro cavities. Others apparently forming or reinforcing pair bonds and courting include: House Finches, Lesser Goldfinches, Northern Cardinals, Abert’s Towhees, Canyon Towhees.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Monday, February 11
Both the "Myrtle" and the "Audubon's" races of Yellow-rumped Warbler were here Monday, along with Orange-crowned Warbler, Pyrrhuloxia, Costa's Hummingbird (also Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird and the Hybrid Hummingbird. Wrens were also numerous, with Bewick's, Cactus and Canyon Wren in various gardens and Marsh Wrens at Ayer Lake. Others today were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Western-scrub Jay, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird (about 200 of them perched on the telephone wires near the entry gate at 8:00); House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cindy Marple
Date: Sunday, February 10
Bird-of-the-day was a White-throated Swift which flew over us in Queen Creek Canyon, and we also had a great look at one of the resident Cooper's Hawks flying over the Demonstration Garden. Other birds (in checklist order) today include Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Hybrid Hummingbird (the Arboretum's unique Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned); Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped ( "Audubon's" ) Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Scott Burge & Bob Witzeman (Maricopa Audubon Society)
Date: Saturday, February 9
Pine Siskin was a notable find today and we also had four hummingbird species (Black-chinneds are back and we had Anna's, Broad-billed and also the Arboretum's unique Hybrid Hummingbird). Others this morning included Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, February 7
A Rufous-crowned Sparrow along the Magma Ridge Trail on the north flank of the ridge my notable bird today, along with Orange-crowned Warbler, Bridled Titmouse and Dark-eyed Junco. Ayer Lake had a pair of Pied-billed Grebes and a pair of American Coots, Red-winged Blackbirds and vocal Marsh Wrens (other wrens today included Bewick's, Cactus, Rock and Canyon). Also present Thursday were Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, the Hybrid Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped ("Audubon's") Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cathy Wise (Arizona Audubon)
Date: Saturday, February 2
You couldn't ask for a better bird walk than we had Saturday; Jennifer Martin assisted me with leading the tour and 17 great participants and perfect weather. No rarities, but our group did find Orange-crowned Warbler, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher and the first 2008 report of a Black-chinned Hummingbird here at BTA. We also found Anna's Hummingbirds, and we had excellent looks at the handsome male Hybrid Hummingbird. Western Scrub-Jays continue to be at this lower elevation for the winter, and other wintering migrants included Red-naped Sapsucker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Hermit Thrush. We tallied 37 species, including five wrens: Bewick's, Cactus, Rock, Canyon and Marsh). Others -- in checklist order -- were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Friday, February 1
Green Heron at Ayer Lake was the most notable bird today, along with Bridled Titmouse and Dark-eyed Junco. Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Black Phoebe and Red-winged Blackbird were also at the lake. Others today include Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, the Hybrid Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Verdin, House Wren, Bewick's, Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped ("Audubon's") Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Marceline Vandewater and Paul Kinslow
Date: Tuesday, January 29
Perfect, beautiful weather today between 9:15 a.m. and noon, but the birding was slow. We did find one male Pyrrhuloxia and had good looks at both Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds. Red-tailed Hawk was notable and we found four Wren species (Bewick's, Cactus, Rock and Marsh). Others on our checklist include Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin (many of these - and vocal!); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler ( "Audubon's"); Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Bill and Beth Clark
Date: Monday, January 28
Queen Creek is running strong and loud, making birding-by-ear a bit more of a challenge, still we found the Arboretum's unique male Hybrid Hummingbird and also can report the season's first sighting of a Turkey Vulture soaring overhead. Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds were also found in the hummingbird garden, and birds at Aye Lake included 2 Pied-billed Grebes, American Coot, and Black Phoebe. Canyon Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow and White-winged Dove were notable, too. Here's what else we had (in BTA checklist order): Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Jane Wicklund and Judy Johnson
Date: Thursday, Jan. 17
Today was cold and windy, with no sign of the Saw-whet Owl today, but we did find a Greater Roadrunner in the Demonstration Garden and also five different species of wrens (House, Bewick's, Cactus, Rock and Canyon). Western Scrub-Jay and wintering Bridled Titmouse continue to be present Thursday, and the handsome male Hybrid Hummingbird was easily seen on numerous occasions in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden. Also on our checklist were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Monday, Jan. 14
The Saw-whet owl reported Friday was still here on Monday, found in about the same area (high up in the salt cedars behind trail marker #43) and easily seen silhouetted against the sky in the midafternoon. Also notable were Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Bridled Titmouse, Western Scrub-Jay and the Hybrid Hummingbird. Others on my checklist include Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Rich Ditch
Date: Friday, January 11
I spent a pleasant 3 hours at BTA on Friday morning. Not a lot of birds, but good quality. A Bridled Titmouse near the start of the steep trail to the PP House; the Brown Thrasher high in a tree near marker 43; a Northern Saw-whet Owl that the thrasher was exited about. I showed the owl to one girl with a cart working over in the picnic area. Location: 50 feet south of main trail between white bridge and herb garden near marker #43 opposite a bench. bout 50 feet up in a big salt cedar. My bird list (in order seen): Common Raven, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, House Finch, House Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Gambel’s Quail, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Abert’s Towhee, Verdin, Anna’s Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker, Cactus Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Rock Wren, Black Phoebe, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Marsh Wren, Song Sparrow, Bridled Titmouse, Hermit Thrush, Gila Woodpecker, White-crowned
Sparrow, Red-shafted Flicker, Northern Cardinal, Brown Thrasher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Orange-crowned Warbler, Phainopepla, Broad-billed Hummingbird.

From: Eric Hough
Date: Thursday, January 10
Near the easternmost corner of the main trail (below Picketpost Mansion) I found at least 2 Golden-crowned Kinglets near the bench. Between this point and the bridge as I was walking under the big rock overhang (area with Texas mulberry, Arizona walnut and African sumacs) I heard at least two Bridled Titmice foraging along the creek. A highlight at BTA was a juvenile (almost adult plumage) Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in the honey locust next to the holly oak along the Main Trail - between the pine grove and the olives. I could see no trace of red on its nape. Also, I saw a bird fly over that had the flight pattern of a TUVU. I was looking at the bird with bad lighting, so I could not see if there were any bands on the tail that would indicate a ZTHA. Furthermore, I saw the Hybrid Hummingbird in his usual area. This was interesing: as I watched he attempted to sing the Anna's Hummingbird song. It would sing the same song as an Anna's up to the part with a high note, but not carry on with the grating ending ("pt-chee-chee chee, ptchee-chee chee, "prrt-chu-WEET!"). I guess he's trying to emulate the sounds of the Anna's since they are more common and since there are no Violet-crowned around (and few Broad-billeds). I am not really sure what to make of it! I also heard several Red Crossbills fly over the BTA. Here is the full list of confirmed sightings: Pied-billed Grebe (2), Peregrine Falcon (1 flew over Queen Creek upstream from BTA), American Coot (1), hybrid Violet-crowned X Broad-billed Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird (1 female), Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1), Red-naped Sapsucker (2), Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo (2 along Main Trail near olive grove), Western Scrub-Jay (1 along Queen Creek), Common Raven, Bridled Titmouse (2), Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet (2+ along Queen Creek), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird (heard flying over arboretum), Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher (1 at trail marker 43 near intersection of trail that mostly parallels Main Trail), Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler (1 in Chihuahuan Desert garden, 1 along Queen Creek), Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Myrtle" Warbler (1), Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon and Pink-sided), Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Red Crossbill (heard several fly over arboretum), Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Jane Wicklund and Judy Johnson
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 8
A Fox Sparrow north of Ayer Lake was a highlight Tuesday, also Gilded Flicker, Dusky Flycatcher and two Western Scrub-Jays in the Demonstration Garden. We also found Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Red-winged Blackbird and Black Phoebe at Ayer Lake; Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Red- naped Sapsucker, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, four wren species (Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Marsh); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Craig Fischer & Christmas Bird Count Participants
Date: Friday, January 4
The Brown Thrasher was found near the Herb Garden during Friday's annual Superior Christmas Bird Count, and a few other notable sightings included a Peregrine Falcon, White-throated Sparrow, 33 Anna's Hummingbirds and one Pyrrhuloxia. It's important to note that some of the birds in the following list were counted west of the park, including 58 of the Black-throated Sparrows and many of the desert birds (cactus wren, etc.). It was nice to have such a large contingent of people in our area which allowed some of the group to cover the desert, as our section of the Superior county includes the desert west of Gonzales Pass almost as far as the Whitlow Dam turnoff. Species see at the Arboretum included 2 Pied-billed Grebe, 2 Marsh Wren and 2 American Coot; also counted were 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 3 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 76 Gambel's Quail, 33 Inca Dove, 3 Mourning Dove, 3 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 1 Costa's Hummingbird, 1 Hybrid (Violet-crowned x Broad-billed) Hummingbird, 16 Gila Woodpecker, 11 Northern Flicker, 4 Gilded Flicker, 8 Red-naped Sapsucker, 4 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 8 Black Phoebe, 8 Say's Phoebe, 2 Hutton's Vireo, 2 Western Scrub-Jay, 10 Common Raven, 29 Verdin, 17 Canyon Wren, 16 Cactus Wren, 12 Rock Wren, 9 Bewick's Wren, 25 Hermit Thrush, 1 Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, 80 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 15 Northern Mockingbird, 31 Curve-billed Thrasher, 6 European Starling, 6 Phainopepla, 47 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 10 Orange-crowned Warbler, 34 Northern Cardinal, 27 Spotted Towhee, 4 Canyon Towhee, 32 Abert's Towhee, 2 Brewer's Sparrow, 64 Black-throated Sparrow, 1 White-throated Sparrow, 141 White-crowned Sparrow, 3 Song Sparrow, 25 Dark-eyed Junco, 100 Red-winged Blackbird, 7 Brewer's Blackbird, 66 House Finch, 2 Cassin's Finch, 139 Lesser Goldfinch and 33 House Sparrow. These tallies above include some species counted along Queen Creek for about a half-mile just east of the Arboretum -- and a few of the notable species seen in this area off the Arboretum grounds included a Bridled Titmouse, 11 Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1 Loggerhead Shrike, 1 Painted Redstart, 1 Black-chinned Sparrow and 25 Red Crossbill which perched in ocotillos above the canyon for about 10 minutes before continuing through.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Saturday, December 15
Cassin's Vireo, Green Heron, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Thrasher and American Robin were the notable species on Saturday. Other birds on my checklist include Pied-billed Grebe, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (Red-shafted); Red- naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Western Scrub-Jay, Verdin, five wren species (Marsh, House, Bewick's, Rock and Canyon!); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White- crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Pine Siskin (by ear); and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Eric Hough
Date: Sunday, November 25
Among our most interesting finds today was a Bridled Titmouse foraging high up in the cottonwoods along the Queen Creek riparian area, just before the ascent to Ayer Lake. We heard Cedar Waxwings fly over the Eucalyptus trees in the Demonstratin Garden, and also heard Red Crossbills fly over the canyon along Queen Creek. Others seen and heard today include Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, a female hummingbird, possibly Costa's; Anna's Hummingbird, Hybrid Hummingbird (the Broad-billed X Violet-crowned); Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, an Empidonax flycatcher (acted kind of like a warbler; was foraging in pine trees in Demonstration Garden); Western Scrub-Jay (Demo. Garden), Common Raven, Verdin, House Wren, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler (both Myrtle and Audubon's), Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, FOX SPARROW (Slate-colored--in shrubs on the hillside past the Clevenger House (going towards the bridge) near the Jujube trees); Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed, Oregon); Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's Note: BTA bird walk guide Marceline Vandewater was here Saturday and reported the Brown Thrasher was right near the boulder on the south side of the path near yellow trail marker #42 as you approach the Herb Garden.

From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Saturday, November 17
Participants on the final guided bird walk of the season were rewarded with great views of the Hybrid Hummingbird (Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned) shortly after the start of our walk on Saturday. The best place, overall, was along the main trail closer to the Herb Garden where pistachio trees are loaded with rip fruit; here we had Western Scrub-Jay, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Gila Woodpecker and Hermit Thrush. A Red-breasted Nuthatch was audible in this area, too. Ayer Lake birds included Marsh Wren, Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot. Also on our checklist were Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds; Black Phoebe and Say's Phoebe (both in the picnic area); Common Raven, Verdin, Rock wren, Canyon Wren, House Wren Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler ("Audubon's"), Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Canyon Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco (picnic area); Northern Cardinal and Red-winged Blackbird.

From: Cindy Marple and Marceline Vandewater
Date: Sunday, November 11
The Brown Thrasher was seen late this morning when it hopped up into plain view for all to see in a pistachio tree on the north (left) side of the trail just east of the Herb Garden. The main trail between markers #36 and #43 was our most productive area Sunday, with Northern Red-shafted Flickers, Gila Woodpeckers, Red-naped Sapsuckers and more all feeding on ripe pistachio berries (White-throated Sparrow, Hermit Thrush, Hutton's Vireo, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Fox Sparrow and Western-scrub Jay were also found here). Our bird walk group had a chance to see two White-winged Doves perched on snags visible west of the Demonstration Garden, and great looks at a Chipping Sparrow perched in Queen Creek from here, too. A Green Heron was at Ayer Lake (also Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Black Phoebe and Marsh Wren). The Hybrid Hummingbird (Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned) zipped through the Hummingbird-butterfly Garden around 8:45, and we also saw Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds. Others species on our checklist today were Mourning Dove, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren (six wren species today); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Also, Cindy was here Nov. 10 and found a Brown Creeper in the Demonstration Garden.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Thursday, Nov. 8
During my research trip to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum Important Bird Area November 1-7, I surveyed the botanic gardens, as well as desert and riparian habitats in the vicinity, and observed 97 species of birds. On Nov 3, 14 species of emberizids (including 1 Green-tailed Towhee, and 1 Black-chinned, 2 Brewer's, 1 White-throated (brown-striped), and 7 Fox Sparrows - 4 south of the herb garden) and 6 species of cardueline finches (Evening Grosbeak, Cassin's Finch, Pine Siskin, Lawrence's Goldfinch) were noted. Pistacio trees loaded with fruit attracted a myriad of species such as woodpeckers (many "Red-shafted" and a female "Yellow-shafted" Flicker, Gilded Flicker, resident woodpeckers, sapsuckers), winter-time berry-eaters (solitaires, thrushes, robins, mockingbirds, Phainopeplas), and others. Mixed species flocks, some containing "mountain species", foraged among deciduous trees along Queen Creek (Mountain Chickadee, Bridled Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Hutton's and Cassin's Vireos, Orange-crowned, "Audubon's", and Black-throated Gray Warblers).
Other significant species were: 1 Great Egret stalking fish at Ayer on Nov 4; 3 American Wigeons on Nov 2; a late White-winged Dove on Nov 2; a Poorwill foraging at dusk Nov 4, 5, and 7; Western Scrub-Jays, resident throughout the fall; 1 Brown Thrasher, first noted near the herb garden on Oct 15; and rarely seen American Pipits (Nov. 3: 1 fly-over; & Nov 5:1 along wet Ayer Lake shoreline). A Western Screech-Owl that perched within 6m of me at dusk on Nov. 6 may have been the bird that responded to Troy Corman in that area on Nov 3. An Olive Warbler replied to my whistles, breaking into partial song and uttering 3 different call sequences from cottonwood canopy along the creek on Nov. 3. A solitary Red Crossbill flew over calling loudly before wheeling about and settling into conifers at the Pine Loop/Eucalyptus grove on Nov 6. A female American Goldfinch foraged with siskins and Lesser Goldfinches on Nov 1. Additional birds of interest included: Green Heron, Sora, Belted Kingfisher at Ayer; Dusky Flycatcher, Violet-green Swallow, Cedar Waxwing, and a late Lazuli Bunting.

From: Pete Moulton & Troy Corman (additional reports by Cynthia Donald)
Date: Saturday, Nov. 3
This report combines two checklists: the report from Cynthia Donald's birding class guided walk Saturday, and the second from our own Arboretum guided bird walk lead by Pete Moulton and Troy Corman, who reported a "female Yellow-shafted Flicker was found eating pistachio berries with other flickers, which was probably the rarest bird we noted. We observed the brown on the face and throat, the red v-shaped nape patch, and the golden hue of the wing-lining which is much deeper and darker yellow than observed on a Gilded." Also, a Brown Creeper found late in the morning in the Demonstration Garden ("Woodland Garden" near the artificial stream) by Cynthia's group was notable, along with a Red-breasted Nuthatch audible along Queen Creek. It was a good day for wrens: with three Rock, Canyon, House and Cactus Wrens, 4 Bewick's and 2 Marsh found in the gardens. A Cassin's Vireo was notable, and the pistachio trees are loaded with ripe fruit -- and a great place to look for Northern "Red-shafted" Flickers (10 of these were found), Gila Woodpeckers (6), and a Gilded Flicker. Red-naped Sapsuckers (3) were also found, and other birds seen and heard today include 2 Pied Billed Grebe, American Coot and a Green Heron at Ayer Lake; 2 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 25 Gambel's Quail, Western Screech Owl ("audible only, it responded briefly to my whistled owl imitation along the native riparian area," report Troy); Broad-billed Hummingbird, Hybrid Hummingbird (Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned); 5 Anna's Hummingbird, 3 Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, 2 Hutton's Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay, 3 Common Raven, 3 Violet-green Swallow, 15 Verdin, 20 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-crowned Sparrow, 10 Hermit Thrush, American Robin, 4 Northern Mockingbird, 2 Curve-billed Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing (one fly-over); 5 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); 5 Spotted Towhee, 8 Abert's Towhee, Canyon Towhee (in the Cactus Garden); Black-throated Sparrow, 2 Song Sparrow, 3 Lincoln's Sparrow, 25 White-crowned Sparrow, 8 Northern Cardinal, 2 Red-winged Blackbird, 2 House Finch, 3 Lesser Goldfinch and 2 House Sparrow. Editor's Note: Cynthia's class visited the Oak Flat campground seven miles east of the Arboretum from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. and also reported Brown Thrasher, Bridled Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch and numerous Bushtits and Dark-eyed Juncos.

From: Richard Ditch, Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton
Date: Sunday, Oct. 28
In addition to the expected Red-naped Sapsuckers, the birdwalk led by Pete Moulton, Cynthia Donald, and me on Sunday Oct 28 turned up one adult Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at the south end of the eucalyptus grove. There was a Canyon Towhee between the picnic area and the drover's shed, and a single American Robin in the main canyon. The Hybrid Hummingbird (Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned) showed briefly in the small hummingbird garden down the walk from the visitor center, and we found a Dark-eyed Junco. Other birds seen and heard today include Broad-billed Hummingbird, White-crowned Sparrow, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Verdin, Hutton's Vireo, Bewick's Wren, Song Sparrow, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, House Sparrow, Northern Mockingbird, Abert's Towhee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Common Raven, Spotted Towhee, Cactus Wren, Red-shafted Flicker, Rock Wren, Gila Woodpecker, Canyon Wren, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Marsh Wren.

From: Bob Witzeman & Maricopa Audubon Society field trip participants
Date: Saturday, Oct. 27
Red-breasted Nuthatch was the species of interest, and our group was pleased to find this bird! We also had a Loggerhead Shrike and both Say's and Black Phoebe, three Towhee species (Spotted, Canyon and Abert's) and the seaon's first record of a Dark-eyed Junco back at BTA for the winter. Completing our checklist for the day were Pied-billed Grebe, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern "red-shafted" Flicker, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Vera Walters & Cathy Wise
Date: Saturday, Oct. 20
Our guided bird walk group found the Brown Thrasher just past the herb garden where it sat on a branch for some time, letting everyone get good looks. Cathy had one late-season male Summer Tanager in the eucalyptus grove. Red-tailed Hawk was another highlight (in addition to the resident Cooper's). Our only warbler was an Audubon's Yellow-rumped, and other Autumn migrants included Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern (red-shafted) Flicker, White-crowned Sparrow, and Spotted Towhee. Ayer Lake birds included Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and vocal Marsh Wrens. Other birds today were Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Hybrid Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red- naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Verdin, Red-breasted Nuthatch (by ear); Rock wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Western Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Rufous- crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Cathy also emailed this follow-up, a possible Western Wood-pewee report "PS: I thought I heard a Western Wood-pewee calling a ways down the stream bed in Queen Creek, but then a black phoebe appeared calling loudly, and I didn't hear the pewee again. May have mistaken that faraway Phoebe for a Pewee--but I know that a pewee has been recently observed."

From: Paul Wolterbeek, Diane Krpan & the BTA Sunday Bird Walk group
Date: Sunday, October 14
A late-season Common Yellowthroat working the cattails at the South edge of Ayer Lake was among the more notable species today; also at the Lake were two Green Heron (circling together), a Pied-billed Grebe, an American Coot, Marsh Wrens and two swallows which circled overhead too quickly for a positive identification. If you visit this next week check the conifer trees just below the lake: we saw two Red-breasted Nuthatch here along with a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, House Finch and a probable Western Tanager that was too high up and too backlit by the sun to determine the species for sure. A Western Wood Pe-wee perched on a snag in Queen Creek (observed from the Picnic area) and our group had dramatic views of a Cooper's Hawk just west of the Herb Garden near the Pistachio tree loaded with ripening fruit (Warbling Vireos were feeding here, also Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker and Northern Mockingbird). Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, and the Hybrid Hummingbird (Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned) were all found in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden. Others on our group checklist were Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, House Wren, 2 Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Abert's Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Northern Cardinal and Lesser Goldfinch. ** Other visitors reported a Belted Kingfisher at Ayer Lake.

From: Steve & Joan Hosmer
Date: Sunday, October 7
A Western Wood Pe-wee was still here Sunday along with a dozen Warbling Vireos, 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 2 Spotted Towhees, and 30 White-crowned Sparrows (most numerous of all birds we counted Sunday). We also found 2 Pied-billed Grebe, 5 Turkey Vulture, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 10 Anna's Hummingbird, 1 Hybrid Hummingbird (Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned); 1 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Red-naped Sapsucker, 3 Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, 1 Black Phoebe, 2 Common Raven, 10 Verdin, 1 Rock wren, 1 Canyon Wren, 3 Cactus Wren, 1 House Wren, 2 Marsh Wren, 1 Northern Mockingbird, 3 Curve-billed Thrasher, 1 Phainopepla, 1 Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, 9 Western Tanager,1 Abert's Towhee, 6 Northern Cardinal, 20 House Finch and 20 Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's Note: Diane Krpan also reported two Zone-tailed Hawks today and Green Heron, Gambel's Quail, Say's Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay, Red-breasted Nuthatch (on the Gum Bark Trail); Bewick's Wren and Black-throated Sparrow.

From: Cindy Marple & Kathe Anderson
Date: Saturday, October 6
Notable species on our guided bird walk today were Western Wood Pe-wee, Cedar Waxwing, White-throated Swift, Red-breasted Nuthatch, a Cordilleran Flycatcher and the Hybrid Hummingbird (Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned). Returning Fall/Winter birds included White-crowned Sparrow and Red-naped Sapsucker. Also seen and heard were Pied-billed Grebe at Ayer Lake, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Sunday, September 30
Good day for warblers and some of the first Winter migrants; MacGillivray's, Black-throated Gray, Orange-crowned, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) and Wilson's Warbler were all found today - along with Northern (red-shafted) Flicker, White-crowned Sparrow, House Wren and Lincoln's Sparrow. Pied-billed Grebe, Common Yellowthroat and Black Phoebe were all at Ayer Lake, Turkey Vultures were still present, and Great-horned Owl along Queen Creek was my other notable sighting. Also seen and heard were Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Gilded Flicker, Willow Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Red-breasted Nuthatch (by ear); Rock wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. -billed Grebe and Green Heron.

From: John Ray
Date: Tuesday, September 25
Common Yellowthroat can still be found at Ayer Lake (along with Black Phoebe and Pied-billed Grebe). An immature Common Black-hawk was a highlight today, along with Cooper's Hawk. Others on my checklist were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Verdin, White-breasted Nuthatch, Rock wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Rich Ditch, Pete Moulton & Cynthia Donald
Date: Sunday, September 23
The Arboretum's own singular Hybrid Hummingbird was easily found early this morning in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden, and other Hummingbirds Sunday included Broad-billed and Anna's. A Zone-tailed Hawk was seen on two separate occasions circling high above with the Turkey Vultures; Green Heron and Pied-billed Grebe were at Ayer Lake, numerous Warbling Vireos were feeding on ripening fruit in the Chinese pistachio trees -- and Western Tanager was another highlight. Our one notable migrant warbler of the morning was an Orange-crowned seen in the Demonstration Garden. birds seen and heard during our guided birdwalk were (in order) Turkey Vulture, Curve-billed Thrasher, House Wren, Bell's Vireo, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Inca Dove, Gambel's Quail, Summer Tanager, Gila Woodpecker, House Sparrow, Abert's Towhee, Western Tanager, Red-naped Sapsucker, Rock Wren, Northern Cardinal, Verdin, Zone-tailed Hawk, Black Phoebe, Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, gnatcatcher species, Pied-billed Grebe and Green Heron.

From: Tom Gaskill (with additional sightings by Diane Krpan)
Date: Saturday, September 22
Our "Bye Bye Buzzards" day guided walk was a quiet morning for birds at BTA Saturday, but a fun morning nonetheless. Here's the list of what I saw Saturday (in the order seen): Common Raven, Great-tailed Grackle, Curve-billed Thrasher, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Phainopepla, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Gila Woodpecker, Zone-tailed Hawk, Pied-billed Grebe, Black Phoebe, Marsh Wren (two calling across the water from each other and hidden in the cattails at Ayer Lake); House Finch, Abert's Towhee, Hermit Thrush, Western Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Editor's note: Arboretum annual member Diane checked the Demonstration Garden and Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden on Saturday and added these sightings: Warbling Vireo, a male Summer Tanager; Lesser Goldfinch, Cooper's Hawk (adult, probably the female). In the Butterfly Garden were Anna's Hummingbird and Broad-billed Hummingbird, and along the path to the Suspension Bridge past the Herb Garden were Bewick's Wren (by ear only), House Finches...and a beautiful Whiptail Lizard.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Sunday, Sept. 16
In the spirit of the previous day’s BioBlitz, this morning’s bird walk became a natural history stroll. As we began, a young naturalist spotted a Zone-
tiled Hawk circling within a kettle of rising vultures. After seeing the beautiful hybrid hummingbird and listening to Bell’s Vireos singing, we enjoyed watching a myriad of colorful butterflies at a variety of plants and looked closely at some flowers. We listened to distinguish between similar calls of resident Bewick’s and newly-arrived House Wrens. We also saw lizards and mammal tracks, and we discussed how to conduct a basic ecological study.
One enthusiastic participant said she had never really looked at butterflies, flowers, or lizards so carefully. Birds noted were: Turkey Vulture, Zone-tailed Hawk, Gambel’s Quail, Inca Dove, Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Black Phoebe, 3 vireos (Bell’s, Cassin’s and Warbling), Verdin, 5 wrens (Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick’s, and House), Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow and Wilson’s Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer and Western Tanagers, Abert’s Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Saturday, Sept. 15
Over a dozen scientists, some assisted by volunteers or co-workers, participated in the Arb’s first BioBlitz, a survey of as many species as possible at Ayer Lake and along a section of Queen Creek during a 24-hour period. We searched for and recorded all organisms in our particular specialties, vertebrates and some invertebrates, as well as lichens and flowering plants. The energy and enthusiasm throughout the day and night were palpable. I began owling at 5:00 a.m. and was rewarded by a Great Horned Owl’s response 20 minutes later. Kathe Anderson and Lois Lorenz also birded throughout the morning. Birding was rather slow for much of the day, especially because the wind picked up in the afternoon, depressing bird detectability. We found relatively few transients except for dozens of Western Tanagers and numerous Warbling Vireos. Of 47 kinds of birds encountered, the most common were: quail, both finches, Abert’s Towhees, Northern Cardinals, Verdins, and vireos. I ended my evening listening for owls and nightjars at 11:00 p.m. These are our findings: Turkey Vulture 125+, Cooper’s Hawk (1ad, 1 imm), Common Black-Hawk (1 ad), Zone-tailed Hawk 1, Gambel’s Quail 62, Mourning Dove 8, Inca ove 4, Great Horned Owl 1, Broad-billed Hummingbird 4, Violet-crowned x Broad-billed hybrid 1, Anna’s Hummingbird 5, Gila Woodpecker 12, Red-naped Sapsucker 2, Ladder-backed Woodpecker 6, Willow Flycatcher 3, Black Phoebe 7, Say’s Phoebe 1, Vermilion Flycatcher 1, Bell’s Vireo 18, Plumbeous Vireo , Cassin’s Vireo 1, Warbling Vireo 22, Verdin 27, Bewick’s Wren 12, House Wren 6, Curve-billed Thrasher 4, Phainopepla 5, Orange-crowned Warbler 1, Yellow Warbler 7, Common Yellowthroat 9, Wilson’s Warbler 9, Yellow-breasted Chat 2, Summer Tanager 10, Western Tanager 54, Green-tailed Towhee 1, Canyon Towhee 1, Abert’s Towhee 34, Song Sparrow 8, White-crowned Sparrow 2, Northern Cardinal 31, Black-headed Grosbeak 8, Lazuli Bunting 2, Yellow-headed Blackbird 2, Hooded Oriole 5, Bullock’s Oriole 1, House Finch 73, Lesser Goldfinch 47. Four Vaux’s Swift and 2 Common Ravens flew over the study area. Rock, Canyon, and Cactus Wrens, and Rufous-crowned and Black-throated Sparrows were noted in adjacent arid habitat.

From: Brian L. Sullivan, eBird/AKN Project Leader Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Date: Saturday, Sept. 15
Editor's Note, this report was shared by Mark Stevenson; read the complete report posted at the Birdingonthenet website linked above. "This morning while birding at Boyce Thompson Arboretum I had a brief, but conclusive, view of a Dickcissel. I birded the entire place, saw and photographed a Red-naped Sapsucker (early I thought) and a Willow Flycatcher. After getting a drink and heading out toward the parking lot I heard the bird calling from a treetop right over my vehicle giving its flight call. As soon as I lifted my binoculars to look at it the bird flew over my head, gave it's low, flat, fart-like flight call, and disappeared over the visitor's center. It was not a great look, but in flight it looked typical of Dickcissel, being about the size of a Blue Grosbeak, with pale underparts. I couldn't see any black on its breast.I'm quite familiar with the bird. Growing up in the East we listen for its distinctive flight call during fall migration, as most are fly-overs at migrant traps like Cape May. Living in California now I've only seen a few, but typically I find one or two each fall. I don't know what their status in in AZ, but I suspect it's a pretty good bird. Thanks

From: Tice Supplee
Date: Friday, Sept. 14
Peregrine Falcon observed from the High Trail was our most notable specie today, along with Townsend's Solitaire and White-breasted Nuthatch. This checklist was compiled with help from participants in a workshop sponsored by Tucson Audubon, and other species seen and heard: were Phainopepla, Rock, Wren, Northern Cardinal, Canyon Wren, Verdin, Curve-billed Thrasher, House Finch, Bell's Vireo, Black-throated Sparrow, Western Tanager, Gila Woodpecker, Cactus Wren, Abert's Towhee, Lesser Goldfinch, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Towhee sp.; Summer Tanager, Common Raven, Turkey Vulture, Great-taile Grackle, Bewick's Wren, Black Phoebe and American Coot.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, August 30
MacGillivray's Warbler, Lark Sparrow, Willow Flycatcher, Western Wood-pewee, Western Scrub Jay and a Pacific Slope Flycatcher were among the most notable species on the Arboretum grounds Thursday. The Jay was calling near the gazebo above Ayer Lake (near the water tank on the hill). Others seen and heard, in the order they're listed on the Arboretum checklist, include Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher (female); Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, House Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Bronzed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. One other highlight was the Bobcat observed at 12:10 when it bolted from beneath the "strawberry trees" east of the Herb Garden; I would probably have walked right by if the Bobcat remained still, but it allowed me within 15 feet, then bolted. Looked like a young one. My first stop today was Whitlow Dam in Queen Valley, but that was a mess from storm water runoff, so I birded the Arboretum this morning and also Queen Creek east of the Arboretum. A Northern Waterthrush was halfway up Queen Creek, where I also flushed a Great Horned Owl, and saw numerous Lazuli Buntings and Western Tanagers.

From: Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday, August 26
Ayer Lake was the place to be this morning -- I saw a female Belted Kingfisher and also a Green Heron (the latter was perched in the tree). Rufous, Black-chinned, Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds were all seen, and one Zone-tailed Hawk was perched on the magma cliffs inside Queen Creek Canyon just as you approach the Herb Garden. Lazuli Bunting and Bullock's Oriole were highlights, too. Others on my checklist today were Turkey Vulture, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak and House Finch.

From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Sunday, August 19
It was a hot morning for our final summer Sunday bird walk, but we had a few surprises such as the Barn Swallow over Ayer Lake, and Rufous Hummingbirds are still present - along with Anna's and Black-chinned. Birds seen and heard (in the order they appear on the checklist) include Turkey Vulture, Zone-tailed Hawk (two seen by Diane perched in a tree along Queen Creek prior to the start of the guided walk); Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Eric Hough
Date: Tuesday, August 14
Birds of interest today were Zone-tailed Hawk, Blue Grosbeak, and Lazuli Bunting. At the point where the trail below the Picketpost House intersects the riparian area, I saw a silent "Western" type flycatcher (Pacific-slope is probably more likely than Cordilleran right now). Also, I saw a juvenile Broad-billed Hummingbird with a dark, curved bill - I guess the orange hasn't developed on the bill yet. Phainopeplas were the most often-encountered species, followed by Bell's Vireos and Turkey Vultures. Migrants were the above-mentioned "Western" flycatcher, Warbling Vireo, Rufous Hummingbirds, Black-headed Grosbeak (female), and Wilson's Warblers. Here's my complete list: Pied-billed Grebe (1 juvenile); Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, "Western" Flycatcher (1); Black Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak (1 female in the bed of Queen creek -- seen from the High Trail); Blue Grosbeak (1 male in the Demonstration Garden); Lazuli Bunting (male and female above Ayer Lake); Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole (1 male near Smith Building); House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton (additional sightings by Jack Bartley, also Diane Krpan)
Date: Saturday, August 4
The previously reported Hybrid Hummingbird was in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden this morning and other Hummingbirds found today were Rufous, Broad-billed, Black-chinned and Anna's. A pair of Purple Martins (male and female) stopped by Ayer Lake, where Common Yellowthroat, Pied-billed Grebe, Black Phoebe, Great-tailed Grackle and Red-winged Blackbird were also observed. Saturday we also found Turkey Vulture, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Additional species separately reported by Jack Bartley on Saturday included Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove (by ear); Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Flycatcher, Western Kingbird (by ear); Warbling Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Canyon Towhee, Summer Tanager, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak (by ear), Hooded Oriole and Bullock's Oriole. Jack also reported the call of a bunting, most likely a lazuli but possibly a painted - Jack suggests birders be on the lookout for the latter during August migration. Editor's Note: Arboretum annual member Diane Krpan emailed these additional Saturday sightings: "three Zone-tailed Hawks, all either perched or flying around the ridge across from the Herb Garden and also Western Tanager (male and female flying in the area just before you walk up the hill from the stream) above Ayer Lake... and a Warbling Vireo was by the stream."

From: Jack Bartley (additional sightings by Kurt & Cindy Radamaker and Dave Powell)
Date: Saturday, July 28
Rufous Hummingbirds are on their southbound migration and can be seen at the flowers and nectar feeders in the Demonstration Garden and also the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden. Look for colorful male Broad-billed Hummingbirds in both spots, too! Zone-tailed Hawk and Cooper's Hawk were found Saturday, along with Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, both Summer and Western Tanager and both Bullock's and Hooded Oriole. Also seen or heard today were Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Purple Martin, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Following their guided butterfly walk this morning tour guides Kurt & Cindy Radamaker and Dave Powell added these bird species: Common Black-Hawk, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting and Great-tailed Grackle (and also lizards including Collared, Greater Earless, Western Whiptail, Side-blotched, Desert Spiny, Clark's Spiny and a Black-tailed Rattlesnake.)

From: Kurt & Cindy Radamaker and Kathe Anderson
Date: Sunday, July 15
This was a fine morning for birds at the Arboretum, but our most memorable sightings probably weren't even birds! Early this morning we found a striped skunk sunbathing in the Demonstration Garden, then an hour later observed a Trantula Hawk near the Herb Garden dragging away its victim - a freshly paralyzed tarantula. Shortly after that our group saw a handsome male Collared Lizard in full color farther along the main trail -- and Kathe found a Gila Monster in the Demonstration Garden, and she saw deer as well. Notable birds this morning included a Rufous Hummingbird and also a Black-chinned at the nectar feeders in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden, and the juvenile Cooper's Hawk was perched in a eucalyptus tree tearing into a freshly killed Brown-crested Flycatcher brought in by one of the parents. We all got to see a colorful male Vermilion Flycatcher flying short sorties to hawk insects from a low perch at the southwest corner of the Picnic area. Also on our today's checklist were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove (by ear); Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, and the previously reported Hybrid Hummingbird; Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's Note: a photographer also reported observing an adult Bobcat climb up into the large cottonwood tree on the South side of Ayer Lake, and then the animal was seen again later on the opposite side of Magma Ridge, amongst the saguaro cacti along Queen Creek, just east of the herb Garden.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Saturday, July 14
I thoroughly enjoyed co-leading a "Learn Your Lizards" walk today. There were almost as many excited kids as there were Greater Earless Lizards! What enthusiastic, inquisitive, and sharp spotters they were! My birding was once again enjoyable and fruitful. Saguaro fruits continued to open and prickly pears ripen, inviting ever more species and individuals to spread their seeds. More evident than last week, migrants included: Spotted Sandpiper, still mostly in breeding plumage; Barn, Cliff, and Tree Swallows, as well as a few Violet-green and N. Rough-winged Swallows (summer-resident family groups have departed); a few Western Tanagers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Bullock's Orioles; and a flock of 13 Lark Sparrows that visited Ayer's waterline. Troy Corman and I watched a "Rufous-Allen" immature at feeders along with Broad-billed, the hybrid Violet-crown x Broad-bill, and Costa's. Later I saw Black-chinned and Anna's. I was surprised to see a wandering immature Pyrrhuloxia near the Curandero Trail moving toward the Chihuahuan Garden. In addition to those birds reported by Jack Bartley, I noted: Zone-tailed Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Inca Dove, Lesser Nighthawk, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Purple Martin, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Mockingbird, Black-headed Grosbeak, Canyon Towhee, Great-tailed Grackle, Bronzed Cowbird, and House Sparrow for a day's total of 64 kinds.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Saturday, July 14
Lark Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, and Barn Swallow were notable today - and also a Bobcat observed this morning on the volcanic cliffs above Ayer Lake (near the pumphouse on the hill). Species at the lake included Common Yellowthroat, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Pied-billed Grebe and Black Phoebe….with Cooper's Hawk seen elsewhere. Others today were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Gilded Flicker (by ear); Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow (by ear); Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's Note: later in the morning Carl Tomoff and Troy Corman also reported a Spotted Sandpiper and Purple Martin at Ayer Lake.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Sunday, July 8
Hummingbirds, virtually absent in the desert now, are sparse in the Arboretum away from feeders. Broad-billed are the most widespread, ranging from Ayer Lake through the gardens and along Queen Creek to the riparian area. At the Hummingbird Garden, the hybrid Violet-crown x Broad-bill, male and female Broad-bills, a brightly plumaged Anna's, a single female Black-chinned, and a couple immature Costa's all visited during a half-hour spell in early afternoon. At other times, the feeders seemed abandoned, with little visitation. Migrants included 2 Tree Swallows and 1 Violet-green Swallow at Ayer (where a pair of Rough-winged fed young on the wing and while perched on the railing at the dam), several Bullock's Orioles, a few Black-headed Grosbeaks, and a single Lark Sparrow. Saguaro fruits are opening as the last few flowers unfurl. White-winged and Mourning Doves, Gila Woodpeckers, Brown-crested Flycatchers, Verdins, Cactus Wrens, Curve-billed Thrashers, a flock of 5 Phainopeplas, Lucy's Warblers, Hooded Orioles, and House Finches all fed at the reddish treasure. Many of these species also probed at the giant's white blossoms.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Saturday, July 7
After Friday's prolonged sprinkling (0.02") that provided a double rainbow before sunset, the desert seemed to surge with new energy this morning. Songs and calls were louder and more frequent; previously silent species resumed singing. Two Blue Grosbeaks sang back and forth in mesquites along Queen Creek south of the picnic and demonstration gardens. Western Kingbirds, Yellow Warblers, and Summer Tanagers continued feeding young and Bell's Vireo songs increased. I noted more dispersal of Lucy Warbler immatures along with louder begging calls from recently fledged cardinals and second brood Abert's Towhees. Signs of migration included 2 Barn Swallows that swooped to drink at Ayer, a male Western Tanager and at least 5 Black-headed Grosbeaks plucking pistacio fruit, 3 Lark Sparrows, a few Bullock's Orioles, and small flocks of White-winged Doves passing overhead intermittently throughout the day. The surviving young Cooper's Hawk expanded its exploring range by visiting the demo garden and picnic area more than once, always returning to its familiar home eucalyptus grove; it even went almost to the herb garden. But the real treat came as I approached Ayer from the Cactus Garden. Suddenly a large bluish bullet lifted up ahead of me and, as it gained altitude, suddenly released its prey briefly before re-grasping it in its talons and passing overhead. I watched this gorgeous Peregrine as it flew northwestward out of my sight, as if heading toward a well-known destination.

From: Karen Stucke, Charles Saffell, Millie Billotta, Tyler & Grant Loomis (Desert Rivers Audubon Society)
Date: Sunday, July 1
A handsome male Blue Grosbeak was observed near the Herb Garden (and another, later, in the Picnic Area) and we also had great views of a pair of Summer Tanagers in the eucalyptus grove at the east side near the palm trees. We found one immature Cooper's Hawk, which appears to be the only one of four siblings remaining here at the Arboretum (staff report they found evidence that predators killed two other subadults during the past week). One Zone-tailed Hawk was seen circling over Magma Ridge while about a dozen Turkey Vultures flew in a group farther West, and a Yellow-breasted Chat was quite vocal near the Herb Garden. Others on our checklist this morning were several Pied-billed Grebe (an adult and several young) at Ayer Lake, where a Purple Martin and Violet-green Swallows swooped in to drink. Great-tailed Grackles serenaded our group, too. Also: Great Blue Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Eurasian Collared Dove, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird (a pair near the Lake); Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Abert’s Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow (tending a nest in the waterfall creek thicket above Ayer Lake); Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's note: the Hybrid Hummingbird was not included with this checklist, but bird walk participants separately reported this singular bird was observed at flowers in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden around 10:00 a.m.; also Gant and Tyler Loomis reported while driving to the Arboretum they saw a Harris' Hawk near the windmill just West of the Arboretum, near the Arizona Trail.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Saturday and Sunday, June 23-24
On June 23, I was stunned to see a strikingly beautiful adult male Little Blue Heron, the Arb's first record. Hutton's Vireo and Bullock's Oriole (pair feeding 3 immatures) were also found that day. In the desert surrounding the park's gardens, I found Crissal Thrasher, Pyrrhuloxia, and a single Black-tailed Gnatcatcher. I have been puzzled by these gnatcatchers' apparent absence throughout spring despite extensive field work. A "Western" Flycatcher (probably Pacific-slope) foraging in the shady demo garden was the only new species noted on June 24.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Thursday and Friday, June 21-22
On June 21 and 22, I observed 60 species, many with young. Chats and finches sang throughout the day, though less frequently at 108 degrees. Highlights included a Yellow-billed Cuckoo that flew from thick cover near the olive stand to the eucalyptus grove, a male Black-headed Grosbeak in fruiting pistacio trees, a female Blue Grosbeak in the demo garden, and 3 transient Yellow-headed Blackbirds (M, F, Im roosted at Ayer Lake marsh). Others included: Pied-billed Grebe (feeding crayfish and fishes to 6 moderately large young); Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk (with 3 fledglings), Zone-tailed Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Gambel's Quail (coveys of recently hatched and older chicks), Eurasian Collared-Dove; White-winged, Mourning, and Inca Doves; Greater Roadrunner, Great Horned Owl, Lesser Nighthawk, Common Poorwill, White-throated Swift; Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Anna's, and Costa's Hummingbirds (the most common now); Gila Woodpecker (feeding fledglings), Ladder-backed Woodpeckers (with immatures), Black Phoebe (with 1 nestling), Ash-throated and Brown-crested Flycatchers, Western Kingbird (with immatures), Bell's Vireo (fledglings), Common Raven (pair accompanied by 2 immatures), Purple Martin (drinking at Ayer Lake); N. Rough-winged and Violet-green Swallows (few);Verdin (feeding nestlings and recently fledged young); Cactus, Canyon, and Bewick's Wrens (all feeding young); Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird (a family group feeding on Desert Hackberry fruit), Curve-billed Thrasher (with older young), Phainopepla (family groups gorging on Desert Hackberry fruit); Lucy's and Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroat, and Yellow-breasted Chat (all warblers feeding young); Summer Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee (feeding recently fledged and older young); Rufous-crowned and Black-throated Sparrows (some with young); Northern Cardinal (feeding young), Great-tailed Grackle (recent fledglings), Brown-headed Cowbird (fledglings fed by Bell's Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Yellow Warbler); Hooded Oriole (with older young); House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow (all feeding young).

From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Sunday, June 17
Our group enjoyed excellent views of a male Vermilion Flycatcher early this morning right in the Picnic area parking lot, and the female was tending a nest with young nearby. All four immature Cooper's Hawks were easily seen in the nest (stand on the flat white bridge over Silver King Wash and look east directly above the bridge, look up where the Australian trees meet the sky). Zone-tailed Hawk was observed flying high over Magma Ridge, and Yellow-breasted Chat and Bell's Vireo were vocal throughout the Arboretum. Others birds seen and heard were Pied-billed Grebe at Ayer Lake, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Verdin, Bewick’s Wren, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert’s Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Jack Bartley (with additional sightings by Reed Peters)
Date: Saturday, June 16
Four fledglings were seen in the Cooper's Hawk nest, and a parent was observed bringing fresh prey (it appeared to be a woodpecker) to the young at around 9:00 a.m. Red-tailed Hawk was notable Saturday, also a Purple Martin seen flying over Ayer Lake along with Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow. Also at Aye Lake were Pied-billed Grebes, a Great Blue Heron, Great-tailed Grackle and Black Phoebe (these have an active nest with young in the circular shade ramada near the lake). Also seen and heard Saturday were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, White-throated Swift, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert’s Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. ** Additional sightings reported later Saturday morning by Reed Peters include Anna's and Black-chinned Hummingbird at the feeders in the Hummingbird Garden, Vermilion Flycatcher, Inca Dove, and Ladder-backed Woodpecker.

From: Tyler and Grant Loomis (with additional sightings by Vera Walters)
Date: Sunday, June 3
The Cooper's Hawk has at least one chick in her nest; the parent was observed perched on the rim of the nest this morning, with a baby just barely visible as it tested its wings below her. The Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird was in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden around 9:15 a.m., and Western Wood-pewee was near the entrance to the Demonstration Garden. A few other notable species included Red-tailed Hawk, Barn Swallow (swooping over Ayer Lake), three vireo species (Hutton's, Warbling and Bell's), Vermilion Flycatcher and also Costa's Hummingbird doing flight displays, and both male and female Hooded Oriole. A Pied-billed Grebe parent was sharing crayfish with her half-grown chicks on Ayer Lake, and also on our Sunday morning checklist were Turkey Vulture, Zone-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert’s Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. ** Additional sightings reported by Arboretum bird walk leader and volunteer Vera Walters include a Green Heron at Ayer Lake, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Cassin's Kingbird, Rock Wren, Northern Mockingbird and Bronzed Cowbird.

From: Virginia Reynolds, Memphis TN (some additional sightings by Cathy Wise and Paul Wolterbeek)
Date: Monday, May 28 (with a few extra Memorial Day Weekend reports from Saturday and Sunday)
The previously reported Hybrid Hummingbird (Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned) was here this morning, unmistakable in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden when I saw him around 9:00 a.m. Pyrrhuloxia was a highlight, and also Common Yellowthroat at Ayer Lake. Lucy's Warbler was a life bird for me today! Others on my checklist include White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell’s Vireo, European Starling, Black-throated Sparrow, Hooded Oriole and Lesser Goldfinch. ** Editor's Note: Cathy Wise from AZ Audubon was conducting research here May 26 (Saturday) and also reported a Western Wood Pewee in Queen Creek just across from the Picnic Area. Arboretum employee Paul Wolterbeek added this, too: "the Arboretum's resident pair of Cooper's Hawks have increased activity around their nest, bringing in fresh-caught prey items. Haven't spotted a nestling yet, but the mom appears to be feeding a youngster. Best views of the hawk nest are when you're standing halfway along the white bridge over Silver King Wash and facing east - look skyward directly above the bridge and into the top of the eucalyptus trees on the East bank. Also notable this weekend was a vocal male Scott's Oriole, taking advantage of perfect acoustics in Queen Creek Canyon to serenade trail walkers during the first few hours each morning; listen for his musical whistle if you visit this week. Fledgling Lucy's Warblers were pestering their parents for food below the Quincho structure North of Ayer Lake, a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was gleaning insects along the stream bank just downstream from the suspension bridge, and Zone-tailed Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk and Great Blue Heron were each observed flying through Queen Creek Canyon. Other species seen over the past few days included Turkey Vulture, Gambel’s Quail, Mourning Dove, White-throated Swift, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat (you'll hear them calling all along Quen Creek); Abert’s Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow and Song Sparrow.

From: Herb Fibel, Cynthia Donald & Peter moulton
Date: Sunday, May 20
Sunday was a productive one for our birding group: at Ayer Lake was saw the Pied-billed Grebe parent with 6 babies! The Cooper’s Hawk was on her nest and we also saw a Common Black Hawk soaring over Queen Creek. Also on our Sunday checklist were Turkey Vulture, Gambel’s Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Anna’s Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird (both male and female, with the male doing a courtship display); Gila Woodpecker, Western Wood Pewee, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher (male and female); Ash-throated Flycatcher (there's a nest hole in the sycamore in the picnic area, we observed the bird entering this nest hole); Bell’s Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Lucy’s Warbler (many, in family groups); Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon’s" Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat (very visible in tree tops, singing); Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert’s Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak (male and female, numerous of each); Great-tailed Grackle, Bronzed Cowbird (male and female); Hooded Oriole (male and female); House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Tice Supplee, Marceline Vandewater and Vera Walters
Date: Saturday, May 12 (International Migratory Bird Day)
We had more than 100 participants for the 6:30 a.m. guided bird walks at the start of the Arboretum's Migratory Bird Day event, and this checklist reflects combined reports from our three separate groups. A few of the most notable reports include a flock of 15 Cedar Waxwing, a Bronzed Cowbird, Spotted Sandpiper, Greater Roadrunner, Northern Tyrranulet, Purple Martin, Scott's Oriole and three Eurasian Collared Dove. One Common Blackhawk was seen along the Apache Tears trail, and the nesting Cooper's Hawk appears to have hatchlings (to see the nest stand halfway across the white bridge over Silver King Wash, face East, and look into the eucalyptus trees on the Eastern horizon, just over the bridge). Ayer Lake had one Green Heron and two adult Pied-billed Grebes with six little chicks. Also on today's checklist were 11 Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, 19 Gambel's Quail, 9 White-winged Dove, 2 Mourning Dove, 4 Inca Dove, 3 White-throated Swift, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 5 Anna's Hummingbird, 3 Costa's Hummingbird, 5 Gila Woodpecker, 4 Woodpecker, 4 Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, 3 Vermilion Flycatcher, 2 Ash-throated Flycatcher, 1 Cassin's Kingbird, 2 Western Kingbird, 11 Bell's Vireo, 2 Plumbeous Vireo, Hutton's Vireo (on a nest); 2 Warbling Vireo, 2 Common Raven, 2 Violet-green Swallow, 6 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 8 Verdin, Rock Wren, 3 Canyon Wren, 5 Cactus Wren, 3 Bewick's Wren, Hermit Thrush, 2 Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, 5 Curve-billed Thrasher, 4 European Starling, 8 Phainopepla, 12 Lucy's Warbler, 9 Yellow Warbler, 4 Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, 5 Common Yellowthroat, 4 Wilson's Warbler, 7 Yellow-breasted Chat, 6 Summer Tanager, 6 Western Tanager, 8 Abert's Towhee, 7 Black-throated Sparrow, 6 Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, 12 Northern Cardinal, 5 Black-headed Grosbeak, 16 Great-tailed Grackle, 5 Hooded Oriole, 7 Bullock's Oriole, 25 House Finch, 35 Lesser Goldfinch and 12 House Sparrow.

From: Bob Ohmart & Ken Haefner
Date: Monday, April 30
We saw a Common Black-hawk along Queen Creek and the Cooper's Hawk on her nest high up in a eucalyptus tree just East of the bridge over Silver King Wash. Western Wood Pe-wee was calling in Queen Creek near the suspension bridge, and we may have seen the season's first Blue Grosbeak (not certain, though, it was a fleeting glimpse). Others today include Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Monday, April 30
"Bird-of-the-day" was a Western Wood Pe-wee making short flights to hawk insects from a perch in Queen Creek near the Western crossing of the High Trail. Colorful Anna's Hummingbirds were common, and others seen on today's MCC Bird Walk were (in their BTA checklist order) Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Carl Tomoff, Prescott College
Date: Saturday, April 28
I enjoyed a nice burst of transients today as well as our local residents between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. Some warbler highlights included 15+ Black-throated Gray, 6 Townsend's, 1 Hermit, at least 15 MacGillivray's, 35-40 Wilson's, 1 Nashville, 3 Virginia's, 9 Orange-crowned, at least 75 Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, with a few “Myrtles” as well. Migrant flycatchers included Hammond's, Gray, and Dusky, with one Northern Tyrannulet vocalizing in the Eucalyptus grove and along Queen Creek Canyon. Vireos included Bell's, Plumbeous, Cassin's and Warbling. Sparrows visiting Ayer Lake were 23 Chipping, 15 Lark, and 8 Brewer's. Rufous-crowned, Black-throated, Song, Lincoln's and White-crowned (dark-lored and light-lored races) were also present. The Brown Thrasher was still here this morning, found in the usual spot between the Herb Garden and the suspension bridge. Other noteworthy observations were a Killdeer at Aye Lake, a Greater Roadrunner in the Cactus Garden, a pair of Zone-tailed Hawks in the Eucalyptus grove, and an adult Golden Eagle. Completing my checklist are: Pied-billed Grebe, 1 Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, 1 pair of Eurasian Collared-Doves, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, 1 Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher (a pair nesting in the Picnic Area and a second male singing near the Legume Garden), Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 1 Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, a Crissal Thrasher singing in mesquite south of the Demonstration Garden, European Starling, Phainopepla, numerous Lucy's and Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, 3 Western Tanager, 6 Green-tailed Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, 8 Black-headed Grosbeak, 20+ Lazuli Bunting, 3 Brewer's Blackbird, 29 Great-tailed Grackle, both male and female Bronzed Cowbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, 2 male Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Carl Tomoff, Prescott College
Date: 23 April 2007
Today was a rich day for birding…a wave of transients had arrived. A spectacular surprise was an adult Broad-winged Hawk in native riparian woodland east of the gardens. A raucous Common Raven, tightly followed by a Red-tailed Hawk, pursued an adult Golden Eagle over the ridgeline along Queen Creek. A Common Black-Hawk soared low over Queen Creek. An immature and two adult Harris’s Hawks apparently roosted in the Eucalyptus grove, since they circled among vultures exiting for their warming cliffs. These once regular birds have been noted only infrequently in recent years. Other highlights included: 2 Eurasian Collared-Doves, 1 Greater Roadrunner, 1 Gilded Flicker, 1 Olive-sided Flycatcher, 1 Crissal Thrasher, 2 Cedar Waxwings, 1 Hutton’s Vireo, 1 Warbling Vireo, 1 Virginia’s Warbler, 1 Nashville Warbler, 4 Townsend’s Warblers, 1 Hermit Warbler, 3 MacGillivray’s Warblers, and 2 Rufous-crowned Sparrows. I also noted most of the species seen over the weekend, except for Great Blue Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, “Western” Flycatcher, American Robin, Hermit Thrush, Brown Thrasher, Bullock’s Oriole, American Goldfinch, totaling 94 species for the day.

From: Carl Tomoff, Prescott College
Date: 22 April 2007
I visited the Arb late Sunday afternoon after teaching at Tucson Audubon’s Institute of Desert Ecology. The spring atmosphere was as glorious here as it had been at Catalina State Park. Desert plants were lush, still refreshed by Saturday morning’s shower. I observed some species not reported previously over the weekend: Dusky, Hammond’s, and Gray Flycatchers, 2 Brown-crested Flycatchers, a few House Wrens, a rather late Rudy-crowned Kinglet, 1 male Nashville Warbler, 2 male Black-headed Grosbeaks, 5 Lark Sparrows, 2 Lincoln’s Sparrows, and Brown-headed Cowbirds. After sunset when Red-winged and Brewer’s Blackbirds settled into the marsh, a Lesser Nighthawk glided over the lake.

From: Cathy Wise, Arizona Audubon Society
Date: Sunday, April 22
Sunday morning offered my bird walk group a fine variety of hummingbirds, we found the previously-reported Hybrid Hummingbird guarding trees between the Desert Legume Garden and the wooden ramada in the Cactus Garden, and also saw and heard Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Anna's and Costa's. We were also rewarded with sightings of a Lazuli Bunting along Queen Creek (search for this bird by walking the brand new "detour" trail just East of the suspension bridge); both male and female Hooded Orioles, Summer Tanagers and also a male Western Tanager. Black-tailed Gnarcatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Sharp-shinned Hawk, White-throated Swift, Vermilion Flycatcher and Common Yellowthroat were also noteworthy. Completing today's checklist were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe (nesting in the ramada at Ayer Lake); Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Marsh Wren (at Ayer Lake); American Robin, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. ** I was here Saturday banding birds as part of an ongoing Arizona Audubon research project and we saw the Brown Thrasher near the suspension bridge -- frustratingly close to our mist-net! We will band birds again at the Arboretum and volunteers are welcome to join me and help. Arizona Audubon will band here again May 12, if you'd like to observe, assist or photograph the birds that morning email me at cwise@audubon.org. Banding on May 12 will be part of the Arboretum's "World Migratory Bird Day" event -- come join me!

From: Randy & Susan Forrest
Date: Sunday, April 22
We enjoyed Cathy's walk, but got caught up in a beautiful serenade by a Black-throated Sparrow up on the hill, and decided to hang back to take lots of photos. We stayed at the Arboretum until about 4:00 p.m., I think, and saw a total of 56 speciess - our first great birding day so far this year! We saw the Bullock's Oriole flying over Silver King Wash at the Western edge of the eucalyptus trees, and we did manage to spot one solitary Green-tailed Towhee scratching in the brush just south of Queen Creek, up the little hill from the new detour foot bridge -- on the right hand side of the trail. We had just a quick glimpse of a Chat back along the new detour part of the trail, too, and our complete list also included: Turkey Vultures, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Yellow-rumped Warblers (Audubon – many); numerous Lesser Goldfinch, Mourning Dove, Gambel’s Quail, Ash-throated Flycatcher, many Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Abert’s Towhees, tons of Phainopepla, Yellow warblers, White Crowned Sparrow, Ladderbacked Woodpecker, Gila Woodpecker, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Pied Bill Grebe, Black Phoebe, Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Cactus Wren, Verdin, Vermillion Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Sharp Shinned Hawk, Zone Tailed Hawk, Red Tailed Hawk, House Sparrow, Hybrid hummingbird, Anna’s, Broad Billed, Costas & Black Chinned hummingbirds, White throated swift, Northern Rough Winged Swallows, Cooper’s Hawk, Black Throated sparrow, Brewer’s sparrow (pair), Black throated gray warbler, Orange Crowned warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Green Tailed Towhee, Lazuli Bunting, Hermit Thrush, Curve Bill Thrasher, Bullock’s Oriole, Cassin’s Vireo (we think! In a loud, noisy tizzy in the tall firs next to the suspension bridge – might have been Plumbeous, but appeared a bit more yellowish), Inca Dove, and White Winged Dove. We also checked Oak Flat and added Crissal Thrasher and Junco to our total list for the day.

From: Marceline Vandewater (CLICK HERE to see more of Marceline's photography)
Date: Saturday, April 21
First-of-the-season Summer Tanagers are back; soon after the morning rain ended tanagers were singing and calling this morning in the Demonstration Garden and also the eucalyptus forest. Our guided bird walk group also had excellent looks at both male and female Hooded Orioles, and a handsome Bullock's Oriole in the bottlebrush tree right where the main trail crosses Silver King Wash. The pair of Cooper's Hawks were flying through the eucalyptus trees. Yellow-breasted Chats are back, too, and vocal. Also on our checklist for Saturday were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, American Robin, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Glen Walsberg & ASU Birding Group
Date: Saturday, April 21
American Goldfinch was the most interesting species found today; Pied-billed Grebe and Spotted Sandpiper were at Ayer Lake, and Belted Kingfisher was notable, too. Others (in the order they appear on the BTA bird checklist) were: Turkey Vulture, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Scott's Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Jim & Betsy Walker
Date: Tuesday, April 10
Brown Thrasher was still here today (!), seen just West of the Herb Garden. A Zone-tailed Hawk flew over while we were resting in a shady ramada below the Picket Post Mansion, and a few others worth mentioning were Vermilion Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Green-tailed Towhee and a Black-throated Gray Warbler. Others on our checklist include: Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Monday, April 9
Yellow Warbler, Brown-headed Cowbird, Spotted Towhee and Black-throated Sparrow were all notable today -- three dove speciess, too: White-winged, Mourning and Inca. Also seen and heard around the gardens Monday were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren (at Ayer Lake); Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cindy Marple
Date: Sunday, April 8
A lone Osprey flying over Aye Lake was among our most exciting birds today, and we also had Belted Kingfisher, four different Vireos (Bell's, Cassin's, Hutton's and Warbling), and Common Yellowthroat calling at Ayer Lake, too. Others on our Sunday Birdwalk checklist today were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbirds, Costa's Hummingbirds, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Pete Moulton and Cynthia Donald
Date: Saturday, April 7
Numerous Hummingbirds today, including Broad-billed, Anna's, Costa's and the previsouly-reported Hybrid Hummingbird. Be on the lookout for a Broad-billed with unusual white plumage on the belly, we saw that unusual individual today as well. Today also had the season's first Common Yellowthroat, and White-throated Swifts were seen, too. Also seen and heard today were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Belted Kingfisher (flying upstream along Queen Creek); Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Marceline & Eric Vandewater
Date: Thursday, March 29
Green-tailed Towhee was notable in the Demonstration Garden Thursday (only a few isolated reports of them this past Winter); a Sharp-shinned Hawk flew over Silver King Wash near the white bridge and we saw a Hammond's Flycatcher as well. Sparrows today included Brewer's, Black-throated, Song, Lincoln's and White-crowned -- and we also got four different Warblers: Orange-crowned, Lucy's Yellow and Yellow-rumped (Audubon's). Also seen and heard today were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Tuesday, March 27
Despite a breezy Tuesday morning we had great looks at a variety of hummingbirds (Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Anna's, Costa's) and the Hybrid Hummingbird was quickly found at one of the feeders in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden. Numerous Lucy's Warblers were calling throughout the grounds (Yellow and Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warblers were also present), and both male and female Vermilion Flycatchers were in the Picnic area again today. Also on our checklist were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren (at Ayer Lake); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note: Jane Wicklund and Judy Johnson spent the morning birding and added European Starling, Brown-headed Corbird and Violet-green Swallow to this list; Tom Gatz also reported Zone-tailed Hawk and Canyon Towhee were present Tuesday.

From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Sunday, March 25
Sunday was a good morning for warblers and hummingbirds; for warblers we found Lucy's, Yellow, Wilson's, Black-throated Gray and the Audubon's race of Yellow-rumped. Hummingbirds we saw included Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Anna's and Costa's. Brown Thrasher was notable, Hutton's Vireo and both male and female Vermilion Flycatchers were also found. Ayer Lake had Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot; other birds today include Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Tom Gaskill and Rich Ditch (see recent photos at http://home.earthlink.net/~richditch )
Date: Saturday, March 24
More than 40 Turkey Vultures were counted on this morning's "Welcome Back Buzzards" day guided bird walk, along with one Zone-tailed Hawk that flew from the Picnic Area past our group while we were in the Cactus Garden watching the vultures, and then up to Aye Lake around 8:00 a.m. A Cooper's Hawk was observed perched near the bridge over Silver King Wash, and other highlights included a Hooded Oriole near the Picnic Area. The previously-reported Hybrid Hummingbird was seen in the Cactus Garden, too. Also seen and heard around the gardens were Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Great Blue Heron (2); Gambel's Quail, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, a young male Vermilion Flycatcher near the picnic area; Bell's Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's race); Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note: Tom remained after the guided bird walk exploring Arboretum collections for a few hours with other visitors; he emailed this addendum: Red-naped Sapsucker, Hammonds Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Crissal Thrasher, Canyon Towhee, Red-winged Blackbird.

From: Eric Hough
Date: Tuesday, March 20
One Common Black-Hawk and a male Hooded Oriole were notable Tuesday, also Rufous Hummingbird, a female Broad-billed gathering nest material from the Lady Banks Rose in the Herb Garden, a Dusky Flycatcher and also a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Brown Thrasher was present; also in the gardens today were 3 Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, 1 unidentified Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's and Myrtle); Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Kathe Anderson and Troy Corman
Date: Saturday, March 17
Brown Thrasher was still near the Herb Garden today, the Hybrid Hummingbird was seen (also Anna's, Costa's Broad-billed and Black-chinned); and a Common Merganser was at Ayer Lake along with a Pied-billed Grebe, two Green Heron and two audible Marsh Wren. The season's first Vermilion Flycatcher was seen in the Demonstration Garden near Queen Creek, a Townsend's Solitaire was downstream an perched in the shade of shrubs on the South bank near the suspension bridge and a female Lawrence's Goldfinch was observed here, too. Other birds seen and heard on today's guided bird walks included (in their checklist order): 6 Turkey Vulture, 2 Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Inca Dove, 3 Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, 4 Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, 2 Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, 8 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 8 Violet-green Swallow, 10 Verdin, Canyon Wren, 3 Cactus Wren, 6 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 2 Hermit Thrush, 2 Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, 6 Phainopepla, 8 Lucy's Warbler, 20 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Black-throated Gray Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Spotted Towhee, 8 Abert's Towhee, 2 Brewer's Sparrow, 3 Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, 15 White-crowned Sparrow, 8 Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, 18 House Finch, 25+ Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. * Editor's Note: bird walk participant Jane Wicklund later reported seeing a Painted Redstart near the suspension bridge following the guided bird walk.

From: Richard Ditch
Date: Saturday, March 17
Birds seen today (in chronological order they were seen or heard while walking the trails) include: House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Northern Cardinal, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Hermit Thrush, Gambel’s Quail, Abert’s Towhee, Turkey Vulture, Spotted Towhee, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Lincoln’s Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Lawrence’s Goldfinch (across wash at south end of picnic area), Lucy’s Warbler, American Kestrel, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Verdin, Brown Thrasher (south of main trail just east of herb garden); Canyon Wren, Bewick’s Wren, flicker speciess, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Phainopepla, Bell’s Vireo (near Ayer Lake), Pied-billed Grebe, Black Phoebe, Common Merganser (female), Marsh Wren, Song Sparrow, Gila Woodpecker, Anna’s Hummingbird.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, March 15
Common Black-Hawk, Rufous Hummingbird, Wilson's and Orange-crowned Warbler were among the notable speciess today; also on my checklist were Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, the Hybrid Hummingbird (Broad-billed Hummingbird x. Violet-crowned); Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Judy Johnson, Janet & Jack Porter
Date: Tuesday, March 13
A Common Merganser at Ayer Lake was the most exciting bird today; Pied-billed Grebe and Marsh Wren were also present there. A few other notable speciess were American Robin in the Demonstration Garden, Cassin's Vireo and Rufous-crowned Sparrow (our first for the year). Also on our checklist from Tuesday were Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Vera Walters & Cindy Marple
Date: Sunday, March 11
Brown Thrasher was found again today, along with the season's first Yellow Warbler -- and the previously reported Sapsucker which is a probable hybrid of Red-naped x. Red-breasted. This striking bird with a mostly red head was seen working sapsucker wells near the Drover's Shed, just West of the picnic area. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was also present, along with Red-naped Sapsucker and Gila Woodpecker. Also seen and heard around the gardens and trails on our guided bird walk were Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Inca Dove, the hybrid hummingbird (Violet-crowned x. Broad-billed); Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, House Wren, Marsh Wren (at Ayer Lake); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (both Audubon's and Myrtle); Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Monday, March 5
The Northern Saw-whet Owl reported on Sunday was found on the very same perch Monday morning -- the mesquite tree in Queen Creek Canyon, approximtely between the Herb Garden and the suspension bridge, on the North (uphill) side of the trail. A Crissal Thrasher was nearby, observed at the reeds by the suspension bridge, and the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was in the Demonstration Garden again today. Other notable birds were Hutton's Vireo, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk and also three Dark-eyed Juncos (Pink-sided race) seen in Silver King Wash "upstream" of the white bridge. Monday's checklist also includes Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Marsh Wren (at Ayer Lake); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jack Holloway, Tom Rawles and Richard Anderson
Date: Sunday, March 4
For at least six hours a Northern Saw-whet Owl perched in a mesquite tree near the main trail in Queen Creek Canyon, allowing many visitors a great view, and also giving photographers a chance to get some prized pictures. Sunday from about 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the bird perched just a few short yards North (uphill) of the main trail in a mesquite tree. We found the owl about 20 yards West of the new suspension bridge (across the trail from the "biodiversity" sign), perched about three feet above the ground and occasionally feasting on a rodent it had just caught. A Cassin's Vireo was on the South side of the main trail across from the Desert Legume Garden. Other birds seen and heard today include 1 Turkey Vulture, 2 Pied-billed Grebe, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 3 Gambel's Quail, 1 Sora (Ayer Lake), 2 American Coot, 1 Inca Dove, 1 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 10 Anna's Hummingbird, 1 Costa's Hummingbird, 3 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Gray Flycatcher, 4 Black Phoebe, 2 Common Raven, 7 Violet-green Swallows, 10 Verdin, 2 Canyon Wren, 2 Cactus Wren, 1 Bewick's Wren, 2 Marsh Wren, 8 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 4 Hermit Thrush, 6 American Robin, 1 Northern Mockingbird, 1 Curve-billed Thrasher, 2 Phainopepla, 20 Yellow-rumped Warblers ( "Audubon's"); 5 Spotted Towhee, 1 Canyon Towhee, 3 Abert's Towhee, 1 Black-throated Sparrow, 3 Song Sparrow, 15 White-crowned Sparrow,1 Dark-eyed Junco, 6 Northern Cardinal, 10 Red-winged Blackbird, 6 House Finch, 20 Lesser Goldfinch and 5 House Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund & Judy Johnson
Date: Thursday, March 1
Brown Thrasher was present today along with the hybrid hummingbird (Violet-crowned x. Broad-billed) and Pyrrhuloxia. Other highlights includes the season's first Violet-green Swallows and also the Sora at Ayer Lake (where Marsh Wren, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Red-winged Blackbird were also seen). Other birds seen and heard today were Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Greater Roadrunner, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, and a probable Anna's x. Costa's hybrid; also Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Roger and Maggie Hinkle ( and Sun City Vistoso birders )
Dave: Thursday, March 1, 2007
The previously-reported Yellow-bellied sapsucker was near the fence line between the picnic area and the Demonstration Garden and the Brown thrasher was close to the new bridge over Queen Creek. American Coot and Red-winged Blackbirds were at Ayer Lake and other birds our group saw or heard today include Inca dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, the hybrid Violet-crowned x Broad-billed hummingbird; Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Krys Hammers and Friends of Audubon Arizona
Date: Sunday, February 25
Brown Thrasher was still here Sunday along with Winter migrants including Hermit Thrush and American Robin. The previously reported Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was here today, along with Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, White-throated Swift, Hutton's Vireo and Ash-throated Flycatcher. Other birds our group found around the trails and collections were (in checklist order) Pied-billed Grebe, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From:

Anderson
Date: Sunday, February 25
A Townsend's Solitaire seen about fifty feet East of the Clevenger House in the Herb Garden was a highlight this morning; also notable was a Cedar Waxwing. American Robin was also present. Birds at Ayer Lake include Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Red-winged Blackbird and an audible Marsh Wren; in other gardens we found Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Alex Grant & family
Date: Sunday, February 18
Two Pied-billed Grebes were doing a "synchronized swimming" behavior at Ayer Lake Sunday afternoon and we also saw American Coot, Red-winged Blackbird and heard the Marsh Wren while we observing from the West side of the lake. A swallow also flew over, but was too quick and the afternoon too gray for a positive identification. Other birds that we saw (or heard) include Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. A Swallow also flew over Ayer Lake, but were also observed.

From: Cynthia Donald & Pete Moulton
Date: Saturday, February 17
Brown Thrasher was just a few yards North of the Main trail, just past the Herb Garden this morning around 11:00 a.m., easily seen by bird walk participants. We also had unobstructed, leisurely views of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in the Demonstration Garden earlier Saturday morning, between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. a.m. Other highlights of the walk include a Greater Roadrunner seen perched just South of the Picketpost Mansion, then scared off its perched by either the Cooper's Hawk that flew through Queen Creek Canyon, or possibly the Red-tailed Hawk which circled above a short time later. Ayer Lake had three Pied-billed Grebes, an American Coot, Marsh Wren, two Black Phoebes and dozens of Red-winged Blackbirds. Also seen and heard today were Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. An unidentified empidonax species of Flycatcher and also a too-fast, too-faraway for confirmation Swallow were also observed.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, February 15
Thursday marked the season's first Northern Rough-winged Swallow, and today also a good one for sparrows. Black-chinned Sparrow and Rufous-crowned were both observed while walking the High Trail, across from the Herb Garden. Chipping, Song and White-crowned Sparrows were also present. Others today were Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Troy Corman & Cindy Marple
Date: Saturday, February 11
Our group had great looks at the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at the south end of the Demonstration Garden this morning around 9:30 a.m. A gray day made for slow birding most of the morning, but highlights include a Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Hutton's Vireo and Lincoln's Sparrow. Seen around the trails were were 2 Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, 3 Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, 2 Inca Dove, 10 Anna's Hummingbird, 3 Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 Black Phoebe, 8 Verdin, 2 Canyon Wren, 2 Cactus Wren, 2 Bewick's Wren, 2 Marsh Wren, 10 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2 Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, 2 Phainopepla, 12 Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, 8 Spotted Towhee, 2 Canyon Towhee,10 Abert's Towhee, 2 Song Sparrow, 10 White-crowned Sparrow, 8 Northern Cardinal, 25 Red-winged Blackbird, 10 House Finch, 35+ Lesser Goldfinch and 2 House Sparrow.

From: Tony Wacker, Euan Aitken, Don Wilshere, Jack Jones & Steve Thorpe (field naturalists, Stratford, Ontario and Sault Ste. Marie)
Date: Friday, February 9
Brown Thrasher was present, and we had great views of a male Broad-billed Hummingbird shortly after our arrival in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden, and also both Northern Cardinal and Pyrrhuloxia. Also seen were Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Judy Johnson and Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, February 8
Chipping Sparrow was our most notable species between 8:30a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was found again, too. Familiar Winter birds and year-round residents included Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Red-winged Blackbird and Marsh Wren at Ayer Lake; also Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Tice Supplee
Date: Saturday, February 3
Today's guided bird walk gave our group of 10 people excellent looks at several notable raptors, including a Golden Eagle soaring overhead as we walked uphill above Ayer Lake, and a Black-throated Sparrow. Descending the "switchbacks" below the Picketpost House we saw a Sharp-shinned Hawk and a handsome male Phainopepla. A short while before that while watching birds on Ayer Lake from about 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. we saw a Northern Harrier fly low over the cattails, and also the Arboretum's resident female Cooper's Hawk was below the dam perched on a stump and feasting on a rodent she had caught. Ayer Lake was the place to be around mid-morning: we had an unusually good look at the Sora for about a half-minute as it swam towards the cattails near the circular ramada on the North side. Also three Pied-billed Grebes, one American Coot, two Black Phoebes and about a dozen Red-winged Blackbirds. In their checklist order, here's what else we saw and heard: Gambel's Quail, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's Note: Glenn and Gloria Morgan from Eugene Oregon were also here Saturday and turned in a checklist adding Brown Thrasher, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-tailed Hawk, Costa's Hummingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, and House Sparrow to Saturday speciess. They reported the Brown Thrasher was seen near the Herb Garden.

From: Barb Winterfield
Date: Monday, January 29
The Brown Thrasher was here Monday, along with Hutton's Vireo, Dark-eyed Junco and Orange-crowned Warbler. Other speciess seen and heard include 's Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Red winged Blackbird at Ayer Lake; also Anna's Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. **Editor's Note: Arboretum volunteer Carl Tomoff reported one new species seen tday in addition to his reports below from Sunday: a first-Winter female Townsend's Warbler seen foraging in the conifer trees below the dam at Ayer Lake.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: January 28, Sunday
Notable species on the Arboretum's first guided bird walk of 2007 included a male Black-throated Gray Warbler, Dusky Flycatcher, Green Heron and Marsh Wren and also 3 Pied-billed Grebes and one American Coot at Ayer Lake. Also on our Sunday checklist were Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. *Brown Thrasher was found later, after the walk had ended and a few of us were still in Queen Creek Canyon past the Herb Garden.

From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Friday, January 26
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was found this morning, along with Red-naped Sapsucker and Gila Woodpecker. Pyrrhuloxia and Black-throated Gray Warbler were highlights, along with all four Towhee speciess (Green-tailed, Spotted, Canyon and Abert's). Other birds around the gardens included Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Red-winged Blackbird and Marsh Wren at Ayer Lake; also Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: January 23, 24 and 25
The Rufous-backed Robin was still present, seen once flying from Queen Creek across to the Picnic Ground. The previously reported Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Brown Thrasher, and the hybrid hummingbird were also found. Notable speciess over the course of three days of birding the Arboretum this week (Tuesday afternoon with my class from Prescott College, and again for a few hours each morning Wednesday and Thursday) included a Sora and Green Heron at Ayer Lake, American Goldfinch, Wilson's Warbler, Gilded Flicker, Dusky Flycatcher, Cedar Waxwing, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Brewer's Blackbird and a soaring pair of Golden Eagles. In checklist order, additional birds found over the three weekdays included Pied-billed Grebe, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Sora, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-winged Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, a Western-type empidonax flycatcher; Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Loggerhead Shrike, Cassin's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (both Myrtle and Audubon races); Black-throated Gray Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Judy Johnson and Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, January 25
Thursday was a good one for sparrows, we had Black-chinned, Black-throated, Song, Lincoln's and White-crowned this morning. Both Phoebe speciess were here (Black, Say's) and also Cassin's Vireo. Our checklist included . Other birds around the gardens included Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Verdin, Rock Wren, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Saturday, January 20
This morning the Rufous-backed Robin was foraging in the same netleaf hackberry it has been observed in for the past two weeks, near the entrance to the Smith Building lobby. Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird and Spotted Towhee can all be seen in this same general area; other birds today were Pied-billed Grebe, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "Red shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Judy Johnson & Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, January 18
We enjoyed great looks at the hybrid hummingbird this morning, along with Anna's and Broad-billed Hummingbird. Today was notable for predatory birds, with both Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawk present along with Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel and a Loggerhead Shrike seen perched in a snag North of the Demonstration Garden and West of the Picnic area. It was a fine day for sparrows, too, with Black-chinned, Black-throated, Song Sparrow and White-crowned all present. Birds at Ayer Lake included Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Red-winged Blackbird. Also on today's checklist were Gambel's Quail, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Cassin's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Paul Lehman & WINGS Birding Group
Date: Wednesday, January 17
Our group promptly found the Rufous-backed Robin early this morning around 8:30 a.m. as it flew into the Netleaf Hackberry tree in front of the Smith Building (West of the door) to forage. The Brown Thrasher was near the Herb Garden and another notable was an American Goldfinch, found with a group of Lesser Goldfinches. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was seen near trail marker #43 between the palm grove and the Herb Garden, and we also found both Cassin's and Hutton's Vireo in this area. The hybrid hummingbird continues to guard the nectar feeder in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden, which is also a good spot for Northern Mockingbird and Spotted Towhee. More birds (in the order listed on the checklist ) include Sharp-shinned Hawk, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (both Audubon's and Myrtle were present); Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle and House Finch.

From: Dan & Thomas King (San Diego)
Date: Saturday, January 13
Excellent views of a new life-bird, the Rufous-backed Robin, this morning in the hackberry tree near the Smith Building entry and also in the area of the Children's Garden nearby, where it perched in a juniper before flying back to the hackberry, then toward the Hummingbird Garden. The Brown Thrasher and hybrid hummingbird were highlights of our visit today, too, along with a Pyrrhuloxia and a Greater Roadrunner. Other birds (in checklist order) were Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal and Red-winged Blackbird.

From: Scott Burge (and Maricopa Audubon Society field trip participants)
Date: Saturday, January 13
The Rufous-backed Robin was observed near the netleaf hackberry tree in front of the Smith Building; the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and the Brown Thrasher were both found in the vicinity of the Clevenger House and the Herb Garden. Our group also had fine looks at the hybrid hummingbird in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden, where it guards the nectar feeder nearest the bench and beneath a Texas persimmon tree. A Sora was heard at Ayer Lake, while three Pied-billed Grebe and one Cinnamon Teal were on the water, along with an American Coot. 30+ Red-winged Blackbirds were in the reeds along the edge. We also saw or heard 10 Gambel's Quail, 3 Mourning Dove,3 Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, 2 Black Phoebe, 1 Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, 4 Verdin, Rock Wren, 2 Canyon Wren, 3 Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, numerous Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 4 Western Bluebird, 10+ Hermit Thrush, numerous Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, 1 Phainopepla, 20+ Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, 5 Spotted Towhee, 20 Abert's Towhee, 10 Black-throated Sparrow, 2 Song Sparrow, 10 Lincoln's Sparrow, 30 White-crowned Sparrow and 5 Northern Cardinal.

From: Eric Hough
Date: Fri, 12 Jan
Today my dad and I saw the hybrid hummingbird in the hummingbird/butterfly garden. It was hanging out in the bushes below the Texas persimmon with the hummingbird feeder. This is the first time that we have seen the bird, it was chattering quite a bit and sitting out in the open and posing for my dad's
camera. We missed out on the robin, but saw the Brown Thrasher (near Clevenger House) and immature Summer Tanager (parking lot and main trail). I did hear what sounded like a robin over where we had seen the robin previously. Overall, there were still lots of birds around despite the cold weather, the temperatures dropping significantly in the four hours we were there (8:00 am - 11:55 am). Others on our checklist were: 2 Pied-billed Grebes, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 Black Phoebe, 3 Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2 Western Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Summer Tanager (1 juvenile); Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House .

From: Gordon Schultze, Jody Schleicher and Charles Pierce (New Jersey Audubon)
Date: Monday, January 8
The Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden was the place to be this morning, we found the Rufous-backed Robin when it darted past the carved stone sunflower statue, and also saw the Black-throated Gray Warbler in this same garden. Winds were gusty and we birded until about 11:00 a.m. -- and finding Pied-billed Grebe, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Say's Phoebe, Verdin, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. **Arboretum volunteer Jean Beales and annual member Jane Wicklund checked in at 1:30 p.m. and added these speciess which were also seen and heard Monday: Gambel's Quail, Red-naped Sapsucker, Gilded Flicker, Black Phoebe, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Red-winged Blackbird and House Sparrow.

From: Grant and Tyler Loomis
Date: Saturday, January 6
We had our first good look at the Rufous-backed Robin today at about 10:00 a.m. when it briefly perched high in a mesquite tree overlooking the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden. Our other most notable find was the previously reported Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. The Brown Thrasher was found farther up Queen Creek Canyon, and on the way there we found a Black-throated Gray Warbler high up in the Australian trees in the Eucalyptus grove, where the Summer Tanager continued to sing this morning, too. Our checklist for the day included: Pied-billed Grebe, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Loggerhead Shrike, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Craig Fischer (and Christmas Bird Count volunteers)
Date: Thursday, January 4
Seven excellent birders (Anne Peyton, Mike Evans, Aaron Evans, Dale Thayer, Kathe Anderson and Lois Lorenz) contributed to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum section of the annual Christmas Bird Count in Superior on January 4. The group found 65 speciess Thursday and added new birds to the count circle tally including Rufous-backed Robin, Prairie Falcon, Cedar Waxwing, Summer Tanager and Black-chinned Sparrow. The Black-chinned Sparrow was on the West side of the High Trail; a Roadrunner was found along the back trail from Demo gardens to the residential area where volunteer park hosts live. Our checklist includes: Gambel's quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon, Sora, American Coot, Eurasian-collared Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Cordilleran Flycatcher,Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Loggerhead Shrike, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Winter Wren, Marsh Wren (all 7 wrens!); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Rufous-backed Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Bendire's Thrasher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Black-and-White Warbler, Summer Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Canyon towhee, Abert's towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, Black-chinned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Pyhrruloxia, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Eric & Elaine Hough
Date: Sunday, December 31
One Rufous-backed Robin was observed in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden, and the other most noteworthy speciess today was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in the Fremont Cottonwood near the Demonstration Garden. Ayer Lake had two Pied-billed Grebes and an American Coot; also seen were Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 5 Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. A lone Western Bluebird perched on an ocotillo along the High Trail was notable today, an American Kestrel was observed and the Brown Thrasher was seen at several different spots and times South of the Main Trail from the Herb Garden up towards the suspension bridge. Northern Mockingbird,Lincoln's Sparrow

From: Jack Holloway
Date: Sunday, December 31
Black-throated Gray Warbler was seen in the Demonstration Garden, the Rufous-backed Robin was observed and a flock of 9 Western Bluebirds, too. Also seen (in their checklist order) were 2 Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, 3 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 5 Anna's Hummingbird, 1 Costa's Hummingbird, 2 Gila Woodpecker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 3 Black Phoebe, 6 Verdin, Rock Wren, 3 Cactus Wren, 2 Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Marsh Wren, 7 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 5 Hermit Thrush, 2 Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, 2 Yellow-rumped "Audubon" Warbler, 5 Spotted Towhee, 4 Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, 6 Song Sparrow, 15 White-crowned Sparrow, 7 Northern Cardinal, 3 Red-winged Blackbird, 6 House Finch, 10 Lesser Goldfinch and 4 House Sparrow.

From: Tom & Kristen Hildebrandt
Date: Sunday, December 24
A young male Summer Tanager calling from a pine tree in the Australian Walkabout collection just West of the white bridge over Silver King Wash late this afternoon was notable, as well as Crissal Thrasher. Raptors included American Kestrel and Red-tailed Hawk; other birds were Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, a Flicker species; Black Phoebe, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: D & C Williamson (Conejo Valley Audubon Society)
Date: Friday, December 22
Western Scrub Jay was among Wintering birds at the Arboretum today, other migrants included Hermit Thrush, Spotted Towhee and White-crowned Sparrow. Pied-billed Grebe was at Ayer Lake and others on our checklist include Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Verdin, Cactus Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-rumped "Audubon" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow and Northern Cardinal.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Saturday, December 16
A lone Western Bluebird perched on an ocotillo along the High Trail was notable today, an American Kestrel was observed and the Brown Thrasher was seen at several different spots and times South of the Main Trail from the Herb Garden up towards the suspension bridge. Ayer Lake has both the Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot; other typical December birds included Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe (by ear); Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler (by ear); Yellow-rumped "Audubon" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Eric Hough
Date: Friday, December 16
Today I visited between 8:45am and ~2:30pm. Once again, I missed the hybrid hummer. I'll try again sometime in the next few weeks. Here are the bird speciess that I did see: Pied-billed Grebe (2), Sharp-shinned Hawk (1) Gambel's Quail, American Coot (1), Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird (1, possibly 2), Anna's Hummingbird (5; a few in display mode), Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker (3), Black Phoebe (1), Hutton's Vireo (1), Common Raven (1), Verdin, Rock Wren (1), Canyon Wren (2), Cactus Wren (2), Bewick's Wren (8), House Wren (1), Marsh Wren (2), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (25+), Hermit Thrush (15+; a few going after netleaf hackberries in hummingbird/butterfly garden), Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher (2), Phainopepla (1), Orange-crowned Warbler (1), Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler (5), Spotted Towhee (25+), Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow (2; near bridge in Queen Creek Riparian Area), Lincoln's Sparrow (1; with flock of White-crowned Sparrows between eucalyptus and cactus gardens), White-crowned Sparrow, Rufous-crowned Sparrow (audible, calling from the High Trail); Dark-eyed Junco ("Oregon"), Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird (16), House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch (3), House Sparrow, Strangely, there were no birds going after the clumps of red berries in the trees near the Clevenger House. The birds present in the area were all kicking around in the leaf litter beneath the shrubs (mainly towhees, cardinals, and white-crowned sparrows). Also of interest was a striped skunk between the hummingbird garden and the walkabout trail ramada stucture around 9:00am. I notified one of the BTA staff people that was nearby and they tried to get it moving along. I'm not sure if there was anything wrong with the skunk or not. Other animals were just rock squirrels, ground squirrels, and chipmunks. It was a great day to take a stroll. There were a couple of moments where all you could hear was the leaves falling (with the exception of the echo of US 60 traffic reverberating off the cliffs :) ).

From: Steve and Joan Hosmer
Date: Saturday, December 9
Great views of the Brown Thrasher (even got some digital photographs!) out in the open this morning while the bird was digging in the leaf litter beneath the colorful pistachio tree that's on your right-hand side just as you walk from the main trail onto the new suspension bridge that crosses over to the High Trail. A Plumbeous Vireo was seen in the Walkabout Loop area, Orange-crowned Warbler was present, we had excellent views of the hybrid hummingbird feeding on the aloe plant flowering in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden. We also saw a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Birds at Ayer Lake included Pied-billed Grebe and Red-winged Blackbird; others on today's checklist include 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, many Anna's Hummingbird, 3 Gila Woodpecker, 3 Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, 2 Black Phoebe, Common Raven, 4 Verdin, Rock Wren, 2 Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, many Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 6 Hermit Thrush, 2 Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, 2 Phainopepla, many Yellow-rumped Warblers, Spotted Towhees and Abert's Towhees; 6 Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, many White-crowned Sparrow, 2 Dark-eyed Junco, 6Northern Cardinal and 2 Lesser Goldfinch. Also, after birding at Boyce Thompson we drove up to the Oak Flat campground seven miles East of the Arboretum (and higher in elevation) and saw a Lewis's Woodpecker in the tall oaks at the center of the campground, also 2 Fox Sparrows (Slate-colored race), feeding like Towhees in the leaf litter in the very same area. Juniper Titmouse, Chipping Sparrowand Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon, Pink-sided, and Gray-headed races) were also notable and added to the day's checklist. Others we saw at Oak Flat included a Cooper's Hawk, Common Raven, and a Verdin; 2 each of Northern Flicker, Northern Cardinal and House Finch; 12 Gambel's Quail, andnumerous Western Scrub-Jay, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Spotted Towhee
and White-crowned Sparrow.

From: Tom Fiore & Brenda Inskeep (N.Y. City & Peoria, AZ)
Date: Wednesday, December 6
We didn't see the hybrid hummingbird but were delighted by all the other birds we did see! An adult Black-throated Gray Warbler was near the visitor center and seen shortly after we arrived, with the Brown Thrasher near the herb garden. Others seen and heard today include Pied-billed Grebe, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Say's Phoebe, Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped/Audubon's Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Summer Tanager (young male), Western Tanager (male), Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow,White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, (Slate-colored & Oregon forms), Great-tailed Grackle, Lesser Goldfinch and House Finch. In addition we saw about 20 speciess of butterflies (identified), and there were likely more than that in the arboretum.

From: Brian Ison
Date: Sunday, December 4
Despite high winds most of the morning Sunday was a worthwhile trip for Wintering birds. Notables include a Brewer's Sparrow near the trail above Aye Lake, Western Bluebirds up on the High Trail, and three speciess of Vireo (Plumbeous, Cassin's and Hutton's). A female Lawrence's Goldfinch was seen in the Queen Creek riparian area, the thick part between the washed-out bridge and the Easternmost end of the trail. Others birds seen and heard include a too-quick-for-certainty accipiter species (either Cooper's Hawk or Sharp-shinned); Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's note: an Arboretum staff member added these speciess seen at Ayer Lake around 4:45 p.m.: Green Heron, Pied-billed Grebe (two of them together at the East edge of the lake) and American Coot.

From: Jay Bishop (The Outdoor School, Santa Barbara, California)
Date: Monday, November 27
If you visit this week spend some time at the tall netleaf hackberry tree that's about eight feet West of the main trail just as you enter the Hummingbird-butterfly garden. Monday morning we saw a possible Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. There was no red patch on the nape and this bird also lacked any red above the black mustache stripe. Sapsucker hybridization is always possible, but there was no white on its throat and this bird's head stripe appeared to widen (the supercilium), and it seemed to have many of the key markings for a Yellow-bellied. We also saw the previously reported hybrid Violet-crowned x. Broad-billed Hummingbird nearby, aggressively defending his flower beds from Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds in this garden. Spotted Towhee and Northern Mockingbird, were present too. Costa's Hummingbird was here today and also Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco and Northern Cardinal. Editor's note: Bill & Betty Zink were here later into the morning and added the following speciess to Jay's list: Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thasher, Phainopepla, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, November 23
A Summer Tanager was still here on Thanksgiving day, Black-chinned Sparrow was found, Pyrrhuloxia was confirmed by ear and the Sora was seen at Ayer Lake, along with a Green Heron. Brown Thrasher was seen, and the more familiar November birds included Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker (by ear), Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon" Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Additional speciess seen at the railroad park near downtown Superior include American Robin, Inca Dove and Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker.

From: Cynthia Donald, Pete Moulton and Marceline Vandewater
Date: Saturday, November 18
Brown Thrasher was a highlight for our bird walk group this morning, we had great looks at this rare Fall/Winter migrant foraging in the leaf litter beneath the thick myrtle hedge which runs parallel to the main trail just East of the Herb Garden, and to the left of the colorful grove of pistachio trees. Lawrence's Goldfinches are still present and today was good for sparrows (Black-throated, Brewer's, Song and White-crowned) and also wrens (Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's, House and also Marsh Wren audible up at Ayer Lake). Other notable speciess were Black-throated Gray Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and a late season Black-headed Grosbeak. One Pied-billed Grebe and Red-winged Blackbirds were on Ayer Lake, and the Sora was heard there as well. Other speciess include Sharp-shinned Hawk, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird and also the hybrid hummingbird that has been previously reported. Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, (Audubon's) Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Great-taile Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. We saw a Black-necked Garter Snake as well (Thamnophis cyrtopsis).

From: Bruce and Rosemary Ray
Date: Monday, November 13
Two speciess of Junco (Oregon and also Pink-sided), White-breasted Nuthatch, Hermit Thrush and many Northern "Red-shafted" Flickers were seen today; Winter birds have returned to the Arboretum. Providing seasonal contrast, a female Summer Tanager was present as well. Also seen and heard ( in their checklist order) were Pied-billed Grebe, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird and the spectacular hybrid hummingbird previously reported (he was feeding on the Turk's cap flowers and clutching sideways on aloe stalks to feed on their coral-colored flowers). Also Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Cassin's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Troy Corman and Cathy Wise
Date: Sunday, November 12
The Sora was at Ayer Lake this morning, along with Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Pied-billed Grebe, and Black Phoebe. The area of the Palm grove was productive today, with a Sharp-shinned Hawk that flew over, a late-season Summer Tanager and Cassin's Vireo both foraging high up in trees on the south side of the trail. Today's checklist also includes 15 Gambel's Quail, 1 Inca Dove, 1 White-throated Swift, 3 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 6 Anna's Hummingbird; 1 1 hybrid Violet-crowned x. Broad-billed Hummingbird, 6 Gila Woodpecker, 3 Red-naped Sapsucker, 10 Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, 3 Black Phoebe, 2 Plumbeous Vireo, 2 Common Raven, 6 Verdin, 2 Rock Wren, 1 Canyon Wren, 3 Cactus Wren, 4 Bewick's Wren, 4 House Wren, 1 Marsh Wren, 30 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 6 Hermit Thrush, 1 American Robin, 1 Northern Mockingbird, 2 Curve-billed Thrasher, 1 Phainopepla, 10 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); 1 Black-throated Gray Warbler, 3 Spotted Towhee, 10 Abert's Towhee, 2 Song Sparrow, 40 White-crowned Sparrow, 6 Northern Cardinal, 4 Red-winged Blackbird, 8 House Finch, 15 Lesser Goldfinch and 4 Lawrence's Goldfinch.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, November 9
This report includes sightings from the Arboretum and also Oak Flats (see below). Today was good for woodpeckers at the Arboretum: both Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers were present, also Red-naped Sapsucker and three different Flicker speciess, Northern "Yellow-shafted," Northern "Red-shafted" and also Gilded Flicker. Both Pyrrhuloxia and Northern Cardinal were present, and Lawrence's Goldfinches were found, too. Birds at Ayer Lake birds included Green Heron and Black Pheobe. Also seen and heard today were: Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbird; Plumbeous Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Black-throated Gray Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throatd Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow and House Finch. Many of these speciess were also found at Oak Flats today, but some additional Winter birds found at this higher elevation camping area 10 minutes East of the Arboretum included Fox Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Western Scrub Jay, American Robin, Crissal Thrasher, Green-tailed Towhee, Chipping Sparrow and at least 10 Western Bluebirds. The Railroad Park in downtown Superior can be a good spot to check; today both Northern Mockingbird and Phainopepla were found.

From: Kathe Anderson and Kurt Radamaker
Date: Saturday, November 4
Black-throated Green Warbler, a wayward Eastern migrant and a particularly exciting new record for the Arboretum, was "bird-of-the-day" this morning for our guided walk. It was observed foraging about 10-12 feet up in a tree behind trail marker #40, on the south side of the main trail near the pyracantha bush loaded with berries as you approach the Herb Garden. This bird was seen by most in our group, and photographed by Randy Forrest - CLICK HERE to see Images posted on the Arizona Field Ornithologists website. A late-season Western Tanager was feeding on ripe pistachio fruits in the grove of trees across from the Herb Garden (also about a dozen Northern "Red-shafted" Flickers and a Plumbeous Vireo). Two Black-throated Gray Warblers were seen, and Lawrence’s Goldfinches were also here -- observed foraging in Queen Creek near the Picnic Area. Green Heron and Sora were observed at Ayer Lake. Additional speciess today were Gambel's Quail (by ear), Cooper's Hawk, 6 Mourning Dove, 3 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 5 Anna's Hummingbird, 4 Gila Woodpecker, 6 Red-naped Sapsucker, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 Black Phoebe, 2 Say's Phoebe, 2 Plumbeous Vireo, 3 Cassin's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, 2 Common Raven, 6 Verdin, 1 Rock Wren, 1 Canyon Wren, 2 Cactus Wren, 2 Bewick's Wren, 4 House Wren, Marsh Wren, 10 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 3 Northern Mockingbird, 4 Curve-billed Thrasher, 3 Hermit Thrush, 1 American Robin, Phainopepla, Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Red-winged Blackbird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (calling and near the olive trees), Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, 1 Phainopepla, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, 20 Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, 2 Black-throated Gray Warbler, 1 Green-tailed Towhee, 3 Spotted Towhee, 3 Canyon Towhee, 8 Abert's Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, 1 Lincoln's Sparrow, 20 White-crowned Sparrow, 3 Northern Cardinal, 20 Red-winged Blackbird (flying over); 2 Great-tailed Grackle, 10 House Finch, 6 Lesser Goldfinch and 15 House Sparrow.

From: June Backus & Sig Stangland
Date: Wednesday, November 1
The Brown Thrasher was observed near the new suspension bridge over Queen Creek; we also saw two male Lawrence’s Goldfinches and a female Williamson's Sapsucker.

From: Marceline Vandewater and Richard Ditch (see recent photos at http://home.earthlink.net/~richditch )
Date: Sunday, October 22
We found six Lawrence’s Goldfinches towards the East end of Queen Creek past the suspension bridge where the path is narrow built up against the cliff wall. A single Townsend’s Solitaire gave our group excellent views while perched for at least five minutes in a snag in Queen Creek across from the picnic ground. Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron and Sora were observed at Ayer Lake. Also on our checklist today were Gambel's Quail, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Hybrid Violet-crowned X Broad-billed Hummingbird, Northern (red-shafted) Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Western Wood-pewee, Common Raven, Verdin, House Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Hermit Thrush, Phainopepla, Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Western Tanager, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow.

From: Tracy McCarthey & Troy Corman
Date: Saturday, October 21
A Barn Owl was seen several times around the picnic area around 9:00 after the start of our group bird walk, and the hybrid Violet-crowned x. Broad-billed Hummingbird was seen throughout the day in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden. Two male Lawrences Goldfinches were feeding on desert broom blooming in Queen Creek across from the Picnic area. Ripening pistachio trees are still good for Western Tanagers (we saw four during the morning) and also a place to look for Cassin's Vireo. Four wren speciess (Canyon, Rock, Bewicks, House) were all seen near the new suspension bridge over Queen Creek, and a Black-chinned Sparrow was there as well. It was a good day for raptors, too, with Red-tailed and Cooper's Hawk both seen early. Additional birds today were Gambel’s Quail, Inca Dove, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 10 Anna’s Hummingbird, 8 Gila Woodpecker, 4 Red-naped Sapsucker, 25 Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, 2 Gilded Flicker, 4 Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, 4 Cassin's Vireo, 2 Common Raven, 10 Verdin, 15 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 3 Hermit Thrush, 4 Northern Mockingbird, 3 Curve-billed Thrasher, 3 Phainopepla, 4 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 4 Western Tanager, 3 Spotted Towhee, 10 Abert’s Towhee, 3 Song Sparrow, 15 White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon); 6 Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, 15 House Finch, 25 Lesser Goldfinch and 3 House Sparrow. ** Editor's note: Kathe Anderson was leading a separate group this morning and reported excellent views of the Sora at Aye Lake, where they also spotted Green Heron and Pied-billed Grebe and Marsh Wren (by ear).

From: Richard Ditch (see recent photos at http://home.earthlink.net/~richditch )
Date: Sunday, October 8
A Winter Wren was seen just after 8:00 on the south edge of the Demonstration Garden prior to the bird walk, but could not be relocated with the group . Another notable species was the hybrid Violet-crowned x Broad-billed Hummingbird seen today, this bird was reported by Troy Corman at the September "Bye Bye Buzzards" sendoff. Today we found it hanging out by the feeder on the south side of the hummingbird/butterfly garden just down from the visitor center. Other birds seen and heard on our walk include Turkey Vulture, Gambel’s Quail, Sora, Inca Dove, Vaux’s Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, Western Wood-Pewee, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Verdin, Rock Wren, Bewick’s Wren, House Wren, Winter Wren, an undetermined gnatcatcher species; Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Cassin’s Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Western Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Abert’s Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cindy Marple & Vera Walters
Date: Saturday, October 7
Ayer Lake birds included a Green Heron, Marsh Wren, and Black Pheobe; the other highlight was a Swainson's Hawk. The Golden Eagle released by wildlife rehabbers on Sept. 16 was still present, and Turkey Vultures have not yet departed for the season. Additional wren speciess included Rock, Canyon, Bewick's and House; Warbling Vireos and also both Summer and Western Tanagers also continue to feed on pistachio fruits in trees all around the gardens. We also found American Kestrel, Gambel's Quail, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Common Raven, Verdin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Kathe Anderson, Cynthia Donald & Pete Moulton
Date: Sunday, September 24
A female Lazuli Bunting was seen in the hackberry and mesquite thicket below the steep section of trail nearest the Picketpost Mansion and at the far East side of the Arboretum; another highlight today was a Black-throated Gray Warbler up in a cottonwood tree on the West side of the Picnic Area, right above the wooden fence. A female Belted Kingfisher was at Ayer Lake early this morning, and notable warbler speciess today include Virginia's, Nashville, Orange-crowned, Wilson's and Yellow-rumped (Audubon's). Wrens are particularly vocal and active this week: Rock and Marsh Wren were both confirmed by ear, and House, Canyon and Bewick's Wren were found in different gardens throughout the park. If you visit next week look for Warbling Vireos and Western Tanagers feeding up in the ripening pistachio clusters in the trees at the picnic area, up above Ayer Lake and also near the Herb Garden (look for red and green clumps of berries). Also on today's checklist are Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker (by ear); Red-naped Sapsucker (first of the Fall/Winter season); Western Wood Pe-wee, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Summer Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Eric Hough
Date: Saturday, September 23
There were many birds along the Queen Creek riparian area near the hairpin turn in the trail. and more than 200 White-throated Swifts flying over the north-northeastern section of the park, primarily over Ayer Lake. There was also a female Belted Kingfisher, a female Common Yellowthroat, and a Marsh Wren at the lake. Nashville Warblers, Western Tanagers, Bewick's Wrens, Bell's Vireos and Warbling Vireos were abundant. We saw six speciess of wrens today (4 Rock Wren, the Marsh Wren at Ayer Lake and also Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's and House). Other birds seen today were 9 Turkey Vultures, a Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 3 Anna's Hummingbird, 1 female Broad-tailed Hummingbird,
Gila Woodpecker, Gilded Flicker, 3 Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay (by ear); Verdin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, 10+ Nashville Warbler, Virginia's Warbler, 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 2 Black-throated Gray Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, 3 Yellow-breasted Chat,
Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, 1 Green-tailed Towhee in the Hummingbird Garden, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Joe Durnell & Keith Mellon
Date: Sunday, September 17
A Sora along the South bank (opposite the dock/ramada) and also Marsh Wren of Ayer Lake were highlights today, along with Virginia's Warbler, Bullock's Oriole, Western Wood Pe-wee and Bushtit. Additional speciess on the checklist includ Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Marsh Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-chinned Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Song Sparrow, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Troy Corman, Cathy Wise, Cindy Marple, Rich Ditch & Tom Gaskill (compiled from our "Bye Bye Buzzards" day bird walks)
Date: Saturday, September 16
A juvenile Violet-crowned Hummingbird was arguably the most exciting species observed today; Troy spotted this bird around 9:00 a.m. when it flew past the group of 85 people who gathered for the "Bye Bye Buzzards" event. The bird was observed across from the Desert Legume Garden; Violet-crowned Hummingbird is not a species listed on the Arboretum checklist, and is a particularly notable Fall migrant.. possibly the same bird that Jack Holloway photographed at a feeder in the Hummingbird Garden previously (that one was described as a probable Broad-billed and Violet-crowned hybrid). Warbling Vireos were feasting in upper branches of the Chinese Pistachio trees today, and these are also reliable trees to find Western and Summer Tanagers -- look for these Summer birds before they depart for the season (both were present today). Also seen and heard around the trails were at least 25 Turkey Vulture, 2 Zone-tailed Hawk, 6 Gambel's Quail, 3 Mourning Dove, 3 Inca Dove, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 8 Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, 4 Gila Woodpecker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 1 Gilded Flicker, 3 Western Wood Pe-wee, 2 Willow Flycatcher, 3 Flycatchers (either Pacific Slope or Cordilleran); 2 Black Phoebe, Cassin's Kingbird, 10 Bell's Vireo, 25+ Warbling Vireo, 5 Violet-green Swallow, 10 Verdin, 2 Cactus Wren, 1 Rock Wren, 2 Canyon Wren, 8 Bewick's Wren, 3 House Wren, Marsh Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 1 Northern Mockingbird, 2 Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, 2 Orange-crowned Warbler, 2 Nashville Warbler, 3 Yellow Warbler, 3 Black-throated Gray Warbler, 2 Wilson's Warbler, 2 Yellow-breasted Chat, 3 Summer Tanager, 25+ Western Tanager, Canyon Towhee, 3 Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, 5 Northern Cardinal, 4 Black-headed Grosbeak, 1 Lazuli Bunting, 15 House Finch, and 30+ Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Bruce & Rosemary Ray
Date: Tuesday, September 12
A Belted Kingfisher was at Ayer Lake today and warblers included Orange-crowned, Lucy's and Wilson's, with Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Summer Tanager and Yellow-breasted Chat all still singing around the trails. Other birds on our checklist include Turkey Vulture, Zone-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Gilded Flicker, Black Phoebe, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Abert's Towhee, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Marjorie Eckman
Date: Tuesday, September 4
I began at 8:20 a.m. on a lovely overcast cool morning, but too warm in the afternoon meant quitting early; speciess today included Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Cordilleran/Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Nashville Warbler (male); Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanagers (male and female); Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Blue Grosbeak (two females), House finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Also, I birded Oak Flats once on Thursday, September 7, for about one hour and saw: Turkey Vultures, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Doves, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Warbling Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Bridled Titmouse, two Crissal Thrashers chasing each other in the trees, a female MacGillivray's Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, two Canyon Towhees, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Savannah Sparrow in tall Sunflower field near entrance road, and Lesser Goldfinches.

From: Grant & Tyler Loomis
Date: Sunday, August 27
Several Nashville Warblers in good color were seen in the hackberry thicket near the hairpin turn at the Easternmost part of the main trail as it begins to climb uphill towards Picketpost Mansion. Summer and Wester Tanagers were seen today, and also Lark, Black-throated and Song Sparrows. A Blue Heron perched along the magma cliffs near perched Turkey Vultures was also a highlight, and four speciess of Hummingbird (Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Anna's and Costa's). Black-headed Grosbeak and Lazuli Bunting were also notable. Other birds on our checklist include Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladderbacked Woodpecker, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren (by ear); Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren (by ear), Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Abert's Towhee, Hooded Oriole, Cardinal, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Eric Hough
Date: Monday, August 21
Today I birded at the BTA from 6:00am-10:00am. The gnats were especially prevalent today. Every time I lifted my binoculars up one would fly in my ear. Where are the gnatcatchers when you need them?! The most productive birding spot was a large tree with berries (the speciess sign was not present on the tree) along the main trail between the palm grove and the olive grove. At one point there were three Black-headed Grosbeaks, two Summer Tanagers, one female Western Tanager, one female Bullock's Oriole, Bell's Vireos, Phainopeplas, two Nashville Warblers, and Abert's Towhees in this tree at the same time! The most encountered bird speciess were Lesser Goldfinches, Bell's Vireos, Bewick's Wrens, Verdins, Phainopeplas, Canyon Wrens, Summer Tanagers, and Abert's Towhees. Here is the full list of birds that I encountered: Cooper's Hawk, Great Blue Heron (one at Ayers Lake); 13 Turkey Vultures, Zone-tailed Hawk (one was soaring above the High Trail around 9:00am); Gambel's Quail, Rock Dove White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, 2 Black-chinned Hummingbirds, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker (a male was in a small tree across from where the main trail forks in the olive grove), Gilded Flicker; an unidentified flycatcher in the vicinity of the Clevenger House, Gray Flycatcher (one was flying amongst the bushes above the High Trail), 2 Black Phoebe, Brown-creasted Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Rave, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Nashville Warbler (two were in the tree with berries along the main trail between the palms and the olive trees); 6 Lucy's Warbler, 7 Yellow Warbler in the Demonstration Garden, eucalyptus grove; 12 Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat (one in Hummingbird Garden; was easily seen); Summer Tanager, Western Tanager (one female); Abert's Towhee (everywhere!); 3 Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, 3 Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock's Oriole (one female in the tree mentioned above); House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch (everywhere!); and House Sparrow. There were also plenty of rock squirrels, chipmunks & ground squirrels around too.

From: Eric Hough
Date: Wednesday, August 16
I birded the BTA this morning between 6am-10am. Most of the birds seemed to be concentrated in the large trees near the Smith building, the eucalyptus grove, the hummingbird feeder garden, and the demonstration garden. There were no birds of any kind present when I stopped at Ayer Lake. Perhaps bad timing? Anyways, here are the birds I encountered: 15 Turkey Vulture, Zone-tailed Hawk (I saw it flying near the turnoff to Queen Valley on the 60); 11 Gambel's Quail, Rock Dove, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird (1 male); Black-chinned Hummingbird (1 male, 1 female); 8 Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird (2 females, 1 male). Also a possible Anna's X Costa's hybrid; its gorget stretched down like a Costa's and had the color of a Costa's, but it appeared to have color on top of its head like an Anna's; it was near the palm trees between the main trail and the eucalyptus grove; Broad-tailed Hummingbird (1 female); Rufous Hummingbird (1 female--it kept chasing the other hummers away from both feeders); Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo (everywhere!), Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren (there was one on the low concrete wall near the entrance, along with the others singing above the creek); Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren (everywhere!); Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla (everywhere!); Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler (3 near the Smith building); Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler (demonstration garden); Wilson's Warbler (everywhere!); Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Canyon Towhee (2 on the trail above Ayer Lake, before the mansion); Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting (2 females), House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch (everywhere!) and House Sparrow.

From: Bruce & Rosemary Ray
Date: Tuesday, August 15
A Rufous Hummingbird near the visitor center and at the two feeders in the hummingbird garden a short way down the path was our most notable bird today. Other speciess (in checklist order) include: Turkey Vulture, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Randy Forrest & Susan Lynn Forrest
Date: Sunday, August 6
Birding from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. we had a good view of one Cooper's Hawk sitting in the trees between the Eucalyptus grove and the Herb Garden. Zone-tailed Hawk circled overhead most of morning, many (many!) Lesser Goldfinch, Verdin and Abert's Towhees were found throughout the park. Northern Cardinal, Phainopepla and Bell's Vireo were also prevalent, which made for a nice song-filled morning. Other birds (in order seen from entrance-lake-creek-eucalyptus groves): White-winged Dove, Turkey Vultures (flock of 12 hanging out on the rock cliffs), Cactus Wren, Canyon Towhee, Curve-billed Thrasher, Gilded Flicker, Bank Swallows, Black Phoebe at Ayer Lake (and also creekside); a pair of Black-throated Sparrows, House Finch, Gila Woodpecker, Canyon Wren, Western Tanager, Summer Tanager, Bewick's Wren (on the tree near Outback house). At the demonstration garden we had Broad-tailed Hummingbird, another hummer (maybe Anna's?), juvenile cardinals, Yellow Warbler, TONS of goldfinches, female Black-headed Grosbeak, Hooded Oriole. We also saw a Western Kingbird as we were leaving, it was high over the hummingbird garden.

From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Saturday, July 29
Gray skies and Friday night rain gave us a cooler morning (in the high 70s until about ten o'clock!) and we had fine looks at a Lucy's Warbler pair right behind the Visitor Center building and then a colorful male Western Tanager perched above Ayer Lake, with a young male Broad-billed Hummingbird just below the lake. A Purple Martin swooped over Ayer Lake, and one Zone-tailed Hawk was flying near several Turkey Vultures in Queen Creek Canyon. More birds that we saw and heard today include White-winged Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler (Picnic Area); Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager (Demonstration Garden), Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Bruce & John Ray
Date: Sunday, July 23
The Brown Pelican was flying, feeding and floating around Ayer Lake this morning; other birds there include Black Phoebe, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, and Pied-billed Grebe. Other particularly notable sightings included a daytime (10-11 a.m.) Great Horned Owl which was being scolded by a Cooper's Hawk while both perched at the center of the Picnic Area. Two Zone-tailed Hawks were observed along Queen Creek. More speciess (in the order they are listed on the Arboretum checklist) include: Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler (two near the Drover's Shed); Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager (Rose Garden), Abert's Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's Note: photographer Philip Lowe was here this morning and photographed the Pelican; to this list above Philip added Blue Grosbeak and also Rufous Hummingbird - both seen in the Demonstration Garden - also European Starling, and Brown Crested Flycatcher. Arboretum staff member Paul Wolterbeek also reported Gilded Flicker above Ayer Lake and Ladder-backed Woodpecker near the trail along Queen Creek.

From: Paul Wolterbeek (Arboretum volunteer program coordinator)
Date: Wednesday, July 19
Our visiting Brown Pelican was still basking, preening, feeding and flying around Ayer Lake as of Wednesday morning. The bird arrived Tuesday and appears to be in good health... several times after the Arboretum opened this morning at 6:00 a.m. I observed it fly low over the water, drop onto the surface and plunge its bill into the lake, then allow the water to drain out before tipping his head back and (presumably) gulping down a few of the resident desert pupfish and gila topminnows. Photographers: if you want to verify this bird is still present before driving up, call our gift shop or business office at 520.689.2723; we're open at 6:00 a.m. daily during the Summer. Other notable birds include a Gilded Flicker that flew over Silver King Wash where the wash is nearest Ayer Lake; Violet-green Swallows, a nearby Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Black-throated Sparrow, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Cactus Wren, Lesser Goldfinch, Northern Cardinal and Great-tailed Grackle.

From: Ed Sanchez (Medical University of Ohio)
Date: Saturday, July 9
Both Pyrrhuloxia and Northern Cardinal were seen today; another highlight was Cassin's Finch in the Eucalyptus grove. Additional speciess on my checklist include Turkey Vulture, White-winged Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, July 6
Greater Roadrunner (by ear) was notable this morning, along with a Green Heron at Ayer Lake, White-throated Swift and several flycatcher speciess: Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Phainopepla and Western Kingbird. Also seen and heard Thursday were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Zone-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, three dove speciess (White-winged, Mourning, Inca); Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow (by ear); Song Sparrow (by ear), Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Bronzed Cowbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Philip Lowe
Date: Sunday, June 25
Familiar speciess are all present today, and one particularly notable bird in the Demonstration Garden was an American Redstart, which I was able to observe and also photograph near the artificial stream and also in the pistachio tree at the edge of the desert meadow in the center of the Demonstration Garden.

From: Rich Ditch (view recent photos at: http://home.earthlink.net/~richditch)
Date: Saturday, June 24
Birds today (in the order seen and heard) include Yellow-breasted Chat, House Finch, Yellow Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Bell’s Vireo, Phainopepla, Costa’s Hummingbird, White-winged Dove, Bronzed Cowbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Common Raven, Turkey Vulture, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Lesser Goldfinch, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Lucy’s Warbler, Gila Woodpecker, Gambel’s Quail, Abert’s Towhee, House Sparrow, Curve-billed Thrasher, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Bewick’s Wren and Canyon Wren.

From: Ed & Mardy Seelye (with additional speciess reported by Larry Conley; also by Phil Lowe)
Date: Sunday, June 18
We had a good look at the Cooper's Hawk when it flew over the new suspension bridge at the East end of Queen Creek Canyon. A family of five common ravens were circling and calling East of the bridge and in the cliffs above the High Trail. More speciess, in the order they are listed on the Arboretum bird checklist, were White-winged Dove, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Canyon Wren, Phainopepla, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird and House Sparrow. Larry Conley was here photographing birds this morning; to the Seelye's list he added Turkey Vulture, Anna's Hummingbird, and Hooded Oriole. Phil Lowe -- also photographing birds and dragonflies -- added Bewick's Wren, Lucy's Warbler, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Summer Tanager (near the Desert Legume Garden); Bell's Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat and a Say's Phoebe perched on the rock fig inside the Visitor Center lobby. A BTA staff member also reported that just past 9 a.m. a Zone-tailed Hawk was circling over the High Trail and Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow and Purple Martin were seen hawking insects over Ayer Lake -- along with this unusual daytime sighting: a Lesser Nighthawk that flew over the lake surface twice to drink water. Gambel's Quail, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Great-tailed Grackle, and Lesser Goldfinch were also seen.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, June 8
The variety of flycatcher speciess was notable Thursday, with the Western Wood-pewee still present and also Ash-throated, Brown-crested and a Western-type Flycatcher and both Black and Say's Phoebes, too (and Vermilion Flycatcher confirmed by ear). Other insectivores hunting the skies above the Arboretum were White-throated Swift, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow and Purple Martin. More speciess seen and heard today were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow (by ear); Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Great-tailed Grackle, Bronzed Cowbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Vera Walters (Central Arizona College CALL program)
Date: Sunday, June 4
Black-chinned Hummingbird (along with Broad-billed, Anna's and Costa's) was a highlight this morning; also Western Wood-Pewee, Bullock's Oriole, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Black-throated Sparrow and two Grosbeak speciess (Blue and Black-headed). Also seen and heard were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Marceline Vandewater, Peter Moulton & Cynthia Donald
Date: Saturday, June 3
An adult Cooper's Hawk was seen on the nest in the Eucalyptus tree west of the the front of the Drover's Shed (just across the trail), apparently shading the hatchling. Western Wood-Pewee was seen in the Demonstration Garden; Spotted Sandpiper and Purple Martin were notable at Ayer Lake this morning and also a Lesser Nighthawk that dipped to the water to drink while flying over the lake. Also on our checklist were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Zone-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Tom Rawles & Jack Holloway
Date: Sunday, May 21
A Brown-crested Flycatcher exhibited nesting behavior this morning, carrying a captured dragonfly up to the top of a hollow metal pole (near the utility transformer pole) up above Ayer Lake. The bird landed, then disappeared into the pole - presumably to feed young. This was one of five Brown-crested Flycatchers observed this morning; other Flycatchers included 3 Black Phoebe, 1 Say's Phoebe and a Vermilion Flycatcher (heard) in the mesquite and palo verde trees right in the main parking lot out front of the visitor center. Warblers today were 8 Lucy's, 4 Yellow, 1 Wilson's and 4 Yellow-breasted Chat. As for Hummingbirds, we found 2 Broad-billed, 7 Anna's and 6 Costa's. Our checklist also includes 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 15 Turkey Vulture, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Zone-taile Hawk (perched above the High Trail); 5 Gambel's Quail, 2 Mourning Dove, 20 White-winged Dove, 1 Inca Dove, 6 White-throated Swift, 1 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 8 Bell's Vireo, 3 Warbling Vireo, 11 Violet-green Swallow, 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 5 Verdin, 2 Canyon Wren, 1 Cactus Wren, 4 Bewick's Wren, 10 Phainopepla, 3 Western Tanager, 3 Summer Tanager, 6 Abert's Towhee, 2 Song Sparrow, 8 Northern Cardinal, 2 Black-headed Grosbeak, 1 Lazuli Bunting (singing and in the Demonstration Garden); 8 Great-tailed Grackle, 2 Bronzed Cowbird (Demo Garden); 7 Brown-headed Cowbird, 4 Hooded Oriole, 10 House Finch, 6 Lesser Goldfinch and 8 House Sparrow.

From: Eric Hough
Date: Thursday, May 18
I went over to Boyce Thompson Arboretum today and saw many interesting speciess, including two American Avocets at Ayer Lake. As of now the bird checklist for the Arboretum does not have this speciess listed. Overall, the place was very alive with birds today. Cedar Waxwings were in the riparian area at the overlook along Queen Creek just before the trail goes up towards the Picketpost House mansion. There is a bench at this overlook. Listen for a high-pitched squeak/peep (my interpretation of their sound). I only saw four of them there (although there could have been more present that I didn't see) and they could go anywhere within the arboretum. Lesser Nighthawk too: I saw it in the Demonstration Garden near the wash between 6:30am-7:00 am where I must have spooked it. The temperature was nice when I arrived at 6:15am, but started to get hot around 9:00am (I stayed until 10:30am). Here are the speciess that I saw/heard: Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk (a small one); Zone-tailed Hawk (it stood on the ground along the High Trail for a few minutes); Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, American Avocet (2, on the bank of Ayer Lake. They flew around for a while when I accidentally spooked them); Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, and unidentified empid flycatcher in the riparian area along Queen Creek, Black Phoebe, Brown-creasted Flycatcher (right outside of Visitor Center); Cassin's Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-Green Swallow, Verdin, White-breasted Nuthatch (I heard its "laughing" call in the juniper/cypress/pinyon grove just below the Ayer Lake dam); Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, House Wren (maybe, in the dense riparian area along Queen Creek); Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing (four in the riparian area along Queen Creek); Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler (tons of them around); Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat (lots of them around, too); Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee (everywhere!); Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak (at least one, if not two males inside Demonstration Garden in the enclosed fountain area and along the wash); Lazuli Bunting (around the small fountain near the Demonstration Garden entrance...many females, a few males); Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, Scott's Oriole, House Finch (everywhere!); Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow.

From: Jim Kopitzke
Date: Sunday, May 14
MacGillivray's Warbler was present today; other Warblers include Lucy's, Yellow, Wilson's and Yellow-breasted Chat. Three hummingbird speciess were seen (Black-chinned, Anna's, Costa's) and also three dove speciess (White-winged, Mourning, Inca). In the order they appear on the BTA checklist, others today were Turkey Vulture, Gila Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Phainopepla, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Karen Stucke & Linda Long
Date: Saturday, May 13
After the Migratory Bird Day walk earlier this morning we observed an Indigo Bunting at the waterfall in the Demonstration Garden at around 11:30 a.m. We were eating our lunch there because it seemed to be a hot spot ... and it was!

From: Cynthia Donald, Peter Moulton, Marceline Vandewater & Carlos Ross (Migratory Bird Day guided walks)
Date: Saturday, May 13
This report combines an impressive 63 different speciess from separate groups that looked for birds in the Demonstration Garden, eucalyptus grove and Queen Creek Canyon on Saturday during the Arboretum's Spring migrant bird count. The most notable sighting was a Northern Waterthrush that Marceline saw and photographed early in Saturday morning. Greater Roadrunner, Barn Swallow, and Lark Sparrow were three other unusual sighting. In addition to four different Flycatcher speciess (Olive-sided, Dusky, Ash-throated and Brown-crested) and also four Hummingbird speciess (Broad-tailed, Broad-billed, Anna's and Costa's), these were on this combined checklist: Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Cassin's Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Great-tailed Grackle, Bronzed Cowbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Vera Walters (Migratory Bird Day guided walk: cactus garden, Ayer Lake and above the lake)
Date: Saturday, May 13
Our section of the Arboretum's migrant bird count stayed on the main trail through the Cactus Garden past Ayer Lake and as far up as the highest point of the trail. We had a great look at one Zone-tailed Hawk circling amongst 18 Turkey Vultures, possibly our most dramatic sighting of the morning. We also saw a nesting Canyon Wren who is raising a clutch of five nestlings in one of the potting sheds behind the Smith Building. Other speciess and numbers of individuals are as follows, and are listed in the order in which each speciess was encountered along our walk: 6 Cardinals, 2 Verdin (one on her nest), 9 Phainopepla, 12 White-winged Dove, 3 Yellow-breasted Chat, 12 Great-tailed Grackle, 2 Canyon Wren (excluding the nest mentioned previously); 5 Bell's Vireo, 1 House Sparrrow, 3 Anna's Hummingbird, 4 House Finch, 4 Lesser Goldfinch, 2 Curve-billed Thrasher, 1 Hooded Oriole, 2 Yellow Warbler, 1 Ash-throated Flycatcher, 1 Mourning Dove, 1 Lucy's Warbler, 2 Violet-green Swallow, 1 Purple Martin, 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 1 Black Phoebe, 1 Marsh Wren, 1 Wilson's Warbler, 1 Black-throated Sparrow, 1 Broad-billed Hummingbird (male), 2 Cactus Wren.

From: Kathe Anderson (guiding the Mesa Community College New Horizons Birding Class)
Date: Friday, May 12
Our group had great views of the colorful Broad-billed Hummingbird in the Demonstration garden, and good looks at both Anna's and Costa's Hummingbirds in many other collections throughout the grounds. Western Wood-Pewee, Brown-crested Flycatcher and Yellow-breasted Chat were other highlights Friday morning. Also on our checklist for the day were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker (heard); Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin (heard); Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Steve & Marion Alter (Tustin, California)
Date: Sunday, May 7
An Olive Warbler was seen in the olive grove (how appropriate!); we also saw five additional warbler speciess - Lucy's, Yellow, "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Gray and Wilson's; and two Oriole speciess (Bullock's and Hooded). Adding still more color around the trails were Lazuli Bunting, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Tanager and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (nesting high in the pistachio tree above the entrance ramp to the suspension bridge). Also seen and heard were Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, American Robin, Yellow-breasted Chat, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Neil Merchant (from Brighton, England)
Date: Sunday, May 7
Lazuli Buntings were observed Sunday morning along the thicket over the stream which drains into Ayer Lake and also along the switchback trail below the Picketpost mansion. Other speciess today were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier, Cooper's Hawk, Band-tailed Pigeon, White-winged Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Hammond's Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (a nest near the suspension bridge); Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Summer Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Great-tailed Grackle, Scott's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Troy Corman and Kathe Anderson (with one additional note from Marceline Vandewater)
Date: Sunday, April 23
Bird-of-the-day was a handsome hybrid warbler that appeared to be a Townsend's/Hermit crossbreed: yellow with vivid black facial markings. The bird was seen several times between 9:00-11:00 a.m. gleaning insects on mesquite trees in the center of the picnic area, and also in the shrubby Australian trees just across the service road from the middle-west side of the picnic ground. Hermit Warblers were observed in the Pine Loop area of the Eucalyptus forest, too. Arboretum volunteer bird walk guide Marceline Vandewater was here today with family, and at 1:00 p.m. reported a female Williamson's Sapsucker pecking at the Aleppo Pine right in the center of the picnic area, about 12-15 feet up and allowing excellent views. Lazuli Buntings were seen in two spots this morning, in the Demonstration Garden around 9:00, and in Queen Creek near the new suspension bridge around 11:00. Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, 2 American Coot, Turkey Vulture, Harris's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, 6 Costa's Hummingbird, 2 Black-chinned Hummingbird (occupied nest); 15 Anna's Hummingbird (several occupied nests and one nest-building); Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Dusky/Hammond's Flycatcher, 2 Black Phoebe, 1 Brown-crested Flycatcher (heard only); Ash-throated Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, 10 Bell's Vireo (one collecting nesting material), Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, 15 Lucy's Warbler, 25 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 3 Hermit Warbler, 6 Yellow Warbler, 3 Wilson's Warbler, 2 Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, 3 Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, 3 Song Sparrow, 5 White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, 8 Lazuli Bunting, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bronzed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch (1 occupied nest - incubating?); 5 Pine Siskin and also House Sparrow. In addition, Kathe's group had the season's first Purple Martin flying over Ayer Lake, a Cooper's Hawk, Cliff Swallow, Western Tanager, and Black-headed Grosbeak.

From: Kurt Radamaker and Richard Ditch
Date: Saturday, April 15
MacGillivray's Warbler was observed in the center of the eucalyptus forest, near the white bridge across Silver King Wash. Common Yellowthroat was at Ayer Lake and Lark Sparrow was another highlight of our bird walk. Additional birds, in checklist order, includ Pied-billed Grebe and Green Heron at Ayer Lake; 4 Turkey Vultures circling overhead, Cooper's Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, 10 Gambel's Quail, American Coot, 5 White-winged Dove, 2 Mourning Dove, 4 Inca Dove, 10 White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, 20 Anna's Hummingbird, 5 Costa's Hummingbird, 2 Broad-tailed Hummingbird, 4 Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 Black Phoebe, 2 Ash-throated flycatcher, 2 Cassin's Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, 3 Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Bell's Vireo, 2 Common Raven, 10 Violet-green Swallow, 6 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 6 Verdin, 2 Rock Wren, 4 Canyon Wren, 2 Cactus Wren, 6 Bewick's Wren, 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 2 Hermit Thrush, 2 Northern Mockingbird, 2 Curve-billed Thrasher, 4 Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, 6 Lucy's Warbler, 4 Yellow Warbler, 6 Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Painted Redstart, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, 4 Abert's Towhee, 4 Song Sparrow, 4 Lincoln's Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, 20 White-crowned Sparrow, 10 Northern Cardinal, 2 Black-headed Grosbeak, 6 Great-tailed Grackle, Bronzed Cowbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, 2 Hooded Oriole, 10 House Finch, 20 Lesser Goldfinch and 5 House Sparrow. *Note: Birdwalk volunteer Marceline Vandewater was here with a separate group and reports the Lazuli Bunting was near the diagonal trail West of the Herb Garden near trail marker #43. Marceline and friends reported sightings of two separate White-throated Sparrows (one just East of the Eucalyptus Forest, and one in the picnic area eating our apple pieces), an unmistakable fly-by of the Brown Thrasher; also the Dusky Flycatcher at the Eucalyptus Grove and good looks at the circling Zone-tailed Hawk. Cassin's Vireo, too, in the Demonstration Garden.

From: Marceline Vandewater and Melody Kehl
Date: Sunday, April 9
A male Lazuli Bunting high in a eucalyptus tree on the east edge of the Australian Forest was probably the most remarkable sighting of our Sunday bird walk; also notable was a Black-throated Gray Warbler and three separate flycatcher speciess (Ash-throated, Hammond, Dusky). Black-headed Grosbeak and Scott's Oriole, too. Additional birds, in checklist order, are Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, American Coot, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird (one nesting), Costa's Hummingbird (two nesting!), Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Painted Redstart (four of them!); Abert's Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Marceline also noted: "I had good looks at a Townsend’s Warbler right at the beginning of the bird walk, close to the Visitor Center. And after the walk Melody and I checked out the Oak Flat campground (seven miles East of the Arboretum on highway 60) and got Vermilion Flycatcher, Say’s Phoebe, Gray Flycatcher, Scrub Jay, Bushtit, Loggerhead Shrike, Crissal Thrasher, Lark Sparrow, Black-chinned Sparrow (Singing!), Chipping Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Green-tailed Towhee, Canyon Towhee and Broad-tailed Hummingbird.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Friday, April 7
Brown Thrasher and Painted Redstart were still present Friday, along with the Spring's first Black-headed Grosbeak. Five wren speciess were seen and heard (Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's and Marsh) and also a good variety of warblers (Orange-crowned, Lucy's, Yellow and Audubon's Yellow-rumped). Also around the trails, gardens and Ayer Lake were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Nancy Woods and Sun City West (Phoenix) Birders
Date: Wednesday, April 5
Painted Redstart was observed today along with a Western Kingbird, Vermilion Flycatcher and Bell's Vireo. American Coot and Great-tailed Grackle were on Ayer Lake, with Northern Rough-winged Swallows overhead. Others today include Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, European Starling, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Abert's Towhee, Green-tailed Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch and House Sparrow.

From: Jim Spier
Date: Wednesday, April 5
House Wren, Bullock's Oriole, Common Yellowthroat, Zone-tailed Hawk, Dusky Flycatcher and Plumbeous Vireo were notable Wednesday; we also had the Painted Redstart and Western Kingbird. Others today include Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren (heard); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Audubon Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Roger Hinkle and Sun City Vistoso (Tucson) Birders
Date: Monday, April 3
The Brown Thrasher was seen today, also Painted Redstart, Hammond's Flycatcher and Pyrrhuloxia. At Ayer Lake we found Marsh Wren, Great Blue Heron, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Violet-green Swallow, Black Phoebe and Great-tailed Grackle. Others today were Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (the Myrtle race); Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Grant Loomis and Tyler Loomis
Date: Sunday, April 2
A Barn Owl was observed several times in broad daylight, from about 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. moving from tree-to-tree upstream along Queen Creek while birded the area; the Brown Thrasher was opposite the Herb Garden in a clearning beneath a large eucalyptus and Painted Redstarts (more than one) were observed in the Eucalyptus forest and on the canyon wall above the high trail. Zone-tailed Hawk, Dusky Flycatcher and three Oriole speciess (Hooded, Bullock's, Scott's) were also highlights. Also on our checklist were Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Tracy McCarthey
Date: Saturday, April 1
Late for this time of year, a White-throated Sparrow was observed foraging in leaf litter along with a group of White-crowned Sparrows on the south side of the main trail across from the palm grove near the Australian forest. Another White-throated Sparrow was seen in the picnic area, as well as a non-vocalizing but probably Dusky Flycatcher. Other birds seen and heard (in checklist order) include: Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, "Western" Flycatcher (in the Hummingbird Garden) Bell's Vireos (singing), Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, possible Swainson's Thrush (near the Smith Building), Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler singing at entrance to Demo Garden), Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Hooded Oriole, Scott's Oriole, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Dick Konz, Sanibel FL
Date: Monday, March 27
Rufous-backed Robin was seen around 0945 a.m. when it flew into the canopy about 12 feet up and over the park bench along the main trail. Numerous Hermit Thrush are feeding on olive fruit in this same area, and also Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Orange-crowned Warbler and Gila Woodpecker. The Cooper's Hawk flew past while I waited for the Robin; other birds were Anna's Hummingbird, Verdin, Painted Redstart (in the Herb Garden, hawking insects and flitting around branches of the bare hackberry tree), Abert's Towhee, Green-tailed Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, Scott's Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: David Leatherman (Fort Collins, CO)
Date: Monday, March 27
This morning I saw the Brown Thrasher, but no robin . A Golden Eagle and also Zone-tailed Hawk were present, Sharp-shinned Hawk and Cooper's Hawk, too. Other notables include Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Cassin's Vireo, Cliff Swallow, Western Tanager and both Bullock's and Scott's Orioles. Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange Crowned Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Painted Redstart, Green-tailed Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cindy Marple
Date: Sunday, March 26
A Golden Eagle flying over Queen Creek Canyon and one Black-throated Gray Warbler observed near trail marker #43 were the two exciting "birds of the day" for our guided Sunday group bird walk. Today was also outstanding for hummingbirds, with five separate speciess observed (Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Anna's, Costa's and Broad-tailed). Birds specific to Ayer Lake were Marsh Wren, Black Phoebe, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Violet-green Swallow and Northern Rough-winged Swallow. Also on today's checklist were Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Pacific Slope Flycatcher, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange Crowned Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cathy Wise, Tom Gaskill and Larry Liese
Date: Saturday, March 25
Our "Welcome Back Buzzards Day" bird walk this morning had 50 participants, so we divided into three groups. Interesting speciess today include White-throated Swift spotted by Cathy and her group and the House Sparrow nesting in the Arizona Sycamore tree in the picnic area (which offered a lesson about exotic birds displacing natives). A Dusky Flycatcher was seen by Tom Gaskill and his group above Ayer Lake, Cassin's Vireo, too; and the Painted Redstart was observed by Larry Liese and his group in the eucalyptus forest (this section also had looks at Orange Crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, and Lincoln's Sparrow). All groups enjoyed a great view of both the male and female Cooper's Hawks perched together and calling back-and-forth to each other behind the Drover's Shed. Additional speciess (in checklist order) were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Sharp-shinned Hawk, American Coot, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Barb & Lou Winterfield
Date: Friday, March 24
The season's first Hooded Oriole was a highlight today, and Lawrence's Goldfinch, too. In addition we had Lucy's Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler and Crissal Thrasher. We also saw (or heard) Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Monday, March 20
Spring transients and a few summer speciess complemented diverse wintering populations for a rewarding survey today. The Rufous-backed Robin, Crissal Thrasher, and Brown Thrasher continue in the olive grove and west of the herb garden. The Painted Redstart visited sapsucker wells in a tamarisk south of the palms, displacing warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Verdins. A loose flock of apparent transients foraging in freshly leafed cottonwoods along the native riparian area included a male Yellow Warbler, a Plumbeous Vireo, a Cassin’s Vireo, a pair of Hutton’s Vireos, a male Black-throated Warbler, an Orange-crowned Warbler, a Wilson’s Warbler, and several kinglets. A singing Scott’s Oriole near Smith Building was a spring delight. A few Lucy’s Warblers, Ash-throated Flycatchers, calling Gray and Dusky Flycatchers, and a silent “Western” Flycatcher were found from the demo garden to queen creek near the olive grove. No Bell’s Vireos or Hooded Orioles were found, though the spring’s first Black-chinned Hummingbird visited feeders, joined by hoards of Anna’s, a few Costa’s, a Broad-billed, and a single dominant male Rufous; another Rufous nectared along the walk at the visitors center. A Zone-tailed Hawk cruised over Queen Creek canyon and a few White-throated Swifts zipped about Magma Ridge before sunset. Brewer’s and Red-winged Blackbirds and a few Brown-headed Cowbirds and European Starlings roosted in the marsh at Ayer Lake where a male Belted Kingfisher rattled about earlier in the day. Other speciess noted included: Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk (vocal pair), Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel’s Quail, American Coot, White-winged, Mourning, and Inca Doves; Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Gilded Flicker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Violet-green and Rough-winged Swallows; Verdin, Rock, Cactus, Canyon, Bewick's, House, and Marsh Wrens; Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped ("Audubon's" and “Myrtle”) Warblers, Green-tailed, Spotted, Canyon, and Abert's Towhees; Black-throated, Fox, Song, Lincoln's, White-throated, and White-crowned Sparrows; Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow.

From: Rick Wright (http://www.birdaz.com)
Date: Monday, March 20
Scott's Oriole was seen across from trail marker #43, near the olive trees between the palm grove and the herb garden. No sign of the elusive robin or redstart today, but notable speciess did include a Crissal Thrasher in this same spot, Ash-throated Flycatchers below the Drover's Shed and in the Demonstration Garden, Gray Flycatcher, Cedar Waxwing, Canyon Towhee, and four Warblers (Wilson's, Lucy's, Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped). Great views of the Cooper's Hawk pair, too!. Others (in the order listed on the Arboretum's checklist) were: Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Green-tailed Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cathy Wise
Date: Sunday, March 19
A Painted Redstart continues to be present, and was observed around 2:00 p.m. along with the Rufous-backed Robin. Both birds were behind the bench along the main trail at the grove of olive trees that are East of the palm trees and West of the Wes of the Herb Garden. Another visitor reported the Brown Thrasher in this same area, but we didn't see it.

From: Rich Ditch, Pete Moulton and Cynthia Donald
Date: Saturday, March 18
Bird-of-the-day was a Painted Redstart observed around 10-11 a.m. gleaning insects from trees in the East side of the Eucalyptus grove. Spring warblers are returning; our group had Wilson's Warbler, Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped (other visitors reported Lucy's present, but this speciess wasn't seen or heard on our bird walk). We had great views of both Cooper's Hawks, one feeding in a large tree behing the Australian drover's shed. Hummingbird speciess today included Anna's, Costa's, Broad-billed and Broad-tailed (one male heard flying past). Our Saturday bird walk checklist also includes Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher (near the Picnic area parking lot); Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren and Marsh Wren (all six likely Wrens!); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Green-tailed Towhee (also near the Picnic area parking lot), Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow (one in the picnic area; two more near the herb garden); White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Wednesday, March 15
All three likely hummingbird speciess (Anna's, Costa's and Broad-billed) were present today, along with a fine variety of sparrows (Brewer's, Black-throated, Song, Lincoln's, White-throated and White-crowned). We also had five Wrens (Marsh, Canyon, Cactus, Rock and Bewick's). Others on today's checklist were Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Brewer's Blackbird, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund and Judy Johnson
Date: Thursday, March 9
Six hours of birding ( 8:00 to 2:00) produced many familiar Arboretum winter birds and a few notables, including Black-chinned Sparrow (also White-throated, Brewer's, Black-throated, Song, Lincoln's and White-crowned). Towhees today included Green-tailed, Spotted, and Abert's....and we had a full six different Wrens: House, Marsh, Canyon, Cactus, Rock and Bewick's. Today's checklist also included Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Tracy McCarthey
Date: Saturday, March 4
Rufous-backed Robin was behind the bench at 12:30 p.m. in the olive area West of the Herb Garden after this morning's guided bird walk. Brown Thrasher was seen near the aloe/cliff area, and a White-throated Sparrow was in the Northeast corner of the eucalyptus grove where a sprinkler was watering beneath the trees, and Brewer's Sparrows were just beyond that, feeding on the ground at the edge of the open "playa" area below magma ridge and between the australian trees and the Cactus garden. Our group had four Towhee speciess (Green-tailed, Spotted, Abert's and Canyon) and six wrens (Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's, House and Marsh). The Cooper's Hawk pair was perched within yards of each other in a mesquite above and behind the Drover's Shed, giving exceptionally good looks at both the male and female bird. Gilded Flicker was observed above Ayer Lake; other birds (in their checklist order) were Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo (a pair in the eucalyptus grove); Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Wednesday, March 1
Rufous-backed Robin was again West of the Herb Garden, and several birders had a chance to see the bird this morning. Fox Sparrow was in Queen Creek, East of the new suspension bridge and easily seen from the narrow "catwalk" with chainlink fence over the creek (this is also a great spot for Lincoln's Sparrow, Bewick's Wren, Rock Wren and Canyon Wren). Both Violet-green and Northern Rough-winged Swallows were seen over Ayer Lake. Today's checklist also includes Turkey Vulture, Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow.

From: Judy Johnson
Date: Tuesday, February 28
A Crissal Thrasher with a particularly lengthy bill was observed near the olive trees just past the palms; another exciting species today was a Loggerhead Shrike perched alongside the dry bed of Queen Creek behind the demonstration garden. Turkey Vultures were seen overhead, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows at Ayer Lake. Also on our checklist were Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren (at Ayer Lake); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow.

From Carl Tomoff
Monday: February 27
A male Rufous Hummingbird, first noted at feeders in the residential area on Sunday afternoon, was seen again today. A Wilson’s Snipe along Ayer Lake shoreline was a delightful surprise. A Sharp-shinned Hawk glided through Queen Creek Canyon, and American Goldfinches continued in the Demo Garden. Four Lark Sparrows that visited Ayer Lake late Sunday afternoon may have been the same birds noted early Monday morning as a male Great-tailed Grackle left the marsh.

From: Jim Kopitzke
Date: Monday, February 27
The Brown Thrasher was observed West of the Herb Garden, and also a Crissal Thrasher (near the palm grove). Pyrrhuloxia, Northern Rough-winged Swallow and American Kestrel were also notable today. Others seen and heard were Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow.

From: Tracy McCarthey
Date: Sunday, February 26
Fox Sparrow, Cassin's Vireo and Red-tailed Hawk were among the more interesting speciess today, and one of the best all-around spots was on the ground on both sides of the old truck at the Drover's Shed (House Wren, Green-tailed Towhee and both Song Sparrow and Lincoln's Sparrow nearby, allowing comparative looks). Others around the Arboretum this morning include Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Green-tailed Towhee Spotted Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, American Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Sunday, February 26
Our walk began with Canyon and Rock Wrens calling at the Visitor Center and House Sparrows chirping nearby. A male Broad-billed Hummingbird zipped about the Butterfly Garden, chasing some Anna's, before perching in a patch of mint. As we crossed the parking lot on our way to the picnic area, a small group of White-winged Doves flew westward. We watched Anna's Hummingbirds, Verdins, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Orange-crowned and "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warblers feeding at sap oozing from Red-naped Sapsucker wells in Pittosporum as a stunningly colored male tapped into the trunk of a slender sapling. Meanwhile a silent Dusky Flycatcher sallied nearby, seed-eaters scurried in and out of sight, and Lesser Goldfinches and House Finches filled the air with song. Then we had great looks at Bewick's and House Wrens, Hermit Thrush, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song, Lincoln's, and White-crowned Sparrows, and Northern Cardinals foraging on the ground in the corral and under the old truck at the wool shed. More finches sang as we walked under towering Eucalyptus and past the palm grove. Gila Woodpeckers, Verdins, Hermit Thrushes, Abert's Towhees, White-crowned Sparrows, Northern Cardinals, and House Finches picked at olives, some fallen, some still on the trees. The wintering Rufous-backed Robin and Brown Thrasher teased us with only brief glimpses of their presence. Some spotted a Spotted Towhee and a Curve-billed Thrasher scratching in the litter, while a Northern Mockingbird sang in a thicket. On our way to the Cactus Garden, we saw a few Brewer's Sparrows at the desert playa (below the North face of Magma Ridge) as an immature Red-tailed Hawk glided over Magma Ridge. We compared the structure of a Curve-billed Thrasher nest in a cholla with the roost and brood nests of Verdins we had studied near the herb garden. While at Ayer Lake, we watched a Pied-billed Grebe with exquisite breeding plumage, an American Coot, Black Phoebe, N. Rough-winged Swallow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, and some heard Marsh Wren (calling) and Red-winged Blackbirds (chorus singing in marsh). The walk ended as a Canyon Towhee and Black-throated Sparrows sang softly in the Chihuahuan Desert area and a male Phainopepla sallied over Silver King Wash.

From: Carl Tomoff
Saturday, February 25
My survey of the Arb this morning in preparation for Sunday’s bird walk produced: Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk (vocal pair), Red-tailed Hawk (imm), Gambel’s Quail, American Coot, 2 cooing Eurasian Collared-Doves, White-winged, Mourning, and Inca Doves; Broad-billed, Anna's, and Costa’s Hummingbirds; Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Gilded Flicker, Dusky Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Tree, Violet-green, and Rough-winged Swallows; Verdin, Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's, House, and Marsh Wrens; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Rufous-backed Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped ("Audubon's" and “Myrtle”) Warblers, Western Tanager, Green-tailed, Spotted, Canyon, and Abert's Towhees; Brewer’s, Black-throated, Fox, Song, Lincoln's, White-throated, and White-crowned Sparrows; Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow. During late afternoon, an adult Golden Eagle, an American Kestrel, and a pair of Peregrine Falcons soared, dove, and played on the wind above the summit of Picket Post Mountain. Finally 4 Turkey Vultures appeared in the southeast, lilted past the summit, and drifted westward out of view. After sunset, flocks of Brewer’s Blackbirds and a few Brown-headed Cowbirds and European Starlings joined the Red-wings already settled into roost in Ayer’s marsh as the first bats appeared.

From: Judy Johnson
Date: Wednesday, February 22
Brown Thrasher was my best sighting of a bountiful day spent birding from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. American Robin was seen, but not the elusive Rufous-backed. Green-tailed Towhee and Abert's Towhee were present, also seen and heard around the park were: Pied-bille Grebe, Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser, American Coot, Common Ground Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-taile Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Dusky Flycatcher (in the Demonstration Garden); Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren (by the stream), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Troy Corman
Date: Sunday, February 19
Numerous interesting speciess were observed between the Palm Grove and the Herb Garden, with a Crissal Thrasher opposite the palms, and a White-throated Sparrow beneath them and associating with White-crowned Sparrows. The Rufous-backed Robin was seen several times between 9-10 a.m. flying between creekside shrubs and taller trees over the small clearing that's just West of (and opposite from) the Herb Garden. Brown Thrasher was in the same area this morning as well, and Green-tailed Towhee and Orange-crowned Warbler. Both Cooper's Hawks were calling to each other in the Eucalyptus grove. Also seen and heard were: Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Brown Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Judy Johnson
Date: Friday, February 17
Black-chinned Sparrow was today's highlight, along with Northern Rough-winged Swallow and two Phoebe speciess (Black and Say's). The Hooded Merganser was at Ayer Lake along with Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Red-winged Blackbird. Other speciess today were Gambel's Quail, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Barb Winterfield and Richard Theobald
Date: Wednesday, February 15
A Fox Sparrow was near the entrance to the Demonstration Garden, and a Pyrrhuloxia within. The season's first returning Northern Rough-winged Swallow was notable, along with Broad-billed Hummingbird, Hutton's Vireo, Brewer's Sparrow and Chipping Sparrow. Our checklist includes Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler; three Towhee speciess (Green-tailed, Abert's, Spotted), Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Kathe Anderson and Pete Moulton
Date: Sunday, February 12
Our guided bird walk audience numbered 27 people, so we split in two groups and followed different paths. Kathe's group reported that Ayer Lake had a notable new occupant Sunday morning, a Redhead Duck was observed near the Hooded Merganser and resident American Coot. Sharp-shinned Hawk was the lone raptor of the morning. Pete's group found these highlights: 2 Hutton's Vireos, one at the west end of the Herb Garden, and the other opposite the Legume Garden. Also: a Pied-billed Grebe in nearly full breeding color at Ayer Lake, a male Broad-billed Hummingbird in the Butterfly Garden, a male Costa's Hummingbird at the East end of Queen Creek canyon, an Orange-crowned Warbler between Silver King Wash and the Smith Building, and 2 Green-tailed Towhees in the brush opposite the west end of the Herb Garden. Other speciess common to both Kathe and Pete's checklists included Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Brewers Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Judy Johnson and Jane Wicklund
Date: Wednesday, February 8
Interesting speciess today included American Kestrel, Plumbeous Vireo, White-throated Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow and American Robin. Also on our checklist were Pied-billed Grebe, Hooded Merganser, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, and House Sparrow.

From: Janic Chadwell and Sandy Wilson
Date: Tuesday, February 7
Rufous-backed Robin was near trail marker #39 at 3:30 this afternoon, in brush and an olive tree just west of the Herb Garden and on the south side of the main trail. Other highlights were both Crissal and Curve-billed Thrasher, Lincoln's Sparrow, Western Tanager and Green-tailed Towhee. Also seen were Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Say's Phoebe, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and House Sparrow.

From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Saturday, February 4
A Western Flycatcher at the southwest corner of the picnic area was among the more interesting speciess on our guided bird walk today; we also had a great views of the Brown Thrasher, Broad-billed Hummingbird, female Hooded Merganser on Ayer Lake, the Common Ground Dove (!), and a handsome Pyrrhuloxia gave us all great looks as it flew between shrubs in Queen Creek behind the Demonstration Garden right at 9:00 a.m. We found a White-throated Sparrow and others, in checklist order, were Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin (seen in the picnic area and also the demonstration garden); Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Judy Johnson
Date: Tuesday, January 31
Terrific weather today, and interesting speciess including American Robin, Lincoln's Sparrow and Dusky Flycatcher. Today's checklist includes: Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Green-tailed Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, and House Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Monday, January 30
Rufous-backed Robin was in the same area as previously reported (trail markers #36-#37), along with many Hermit Thrush. American Robin was seen as well, and Marsh Wren at Ayer Lake. White-throated Sparrows were observed. Other birds, in checklist order, were Pied-billed Grebe, Hooded Merganser, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Eurasian Collared Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Verdin, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Wren Cactus, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Judy Johnson
Date: Wednesday, January 25
Six Western Meadowlarks were notable today; winds made for a quieter morning than usual. Others seen (in order of the BTA checklist) were Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, White-winged Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren, Wren Canyon, Wren Cactus, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, American Robin, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow Northern Cardinal, House Finch, and House Sparrow.

From: Darlene Smyth and Tucson Audubon Society members
Date: Saturday, January 21
We saw the Rufous-backed Robin twice, the first time at 10:45 in the usual spot - feeding on myrtle fruit in the thick bushes between trail markers #36-37. It was observed an hour later, this time opposite trail marker #34 and at the back of a grassy area. Two White-throated Sparrows were also seen opposite the Herb Garden (just west of where the Robin is most often observed). Today we counted 40 speciess, with at least 89 individuals (read our complete report at ebird.org). Others today included Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, 7 Gila Woodpecker, 2 Red-naped Sapsucker, 5 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Verdin Cactus Wren, 6 Rock Wren, 2 Canyon Wren, 3 Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, 11 Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, 2 Phainopepla, 3 Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, 4 Green-tailed Towhee, 2 Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, 15 Black-throated Sparrow, 2 Song Sparrow, 4 Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow (numerous and througout the grounds) Northern Cardinal, 3 Pyrrhuloxia, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, January 19
Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-sided race) on the Magma Ridge trail was the highlight of my Thursday visit; it was a brief look - and my first of this season for BTA! Other sparrows today include Brewer's, Black-throated, Song, Lincoln's, White-throated and White-crowned. This was also a fine day for wrens (Rock, Canyon, Cactus and Bewick's). Western Meadowlark and Brown Thrasher were also notable, and Ayer Lake birds included Red-winged Blackbird, Black Phoebe, and American Coot. Other birds seen and heard include Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, and House Sparrow.

From: Bill Bertrant and Charley Marbit
Date: Tuesday, January 17
Rufous-backed Robin was observed at 1:00 p.m. and again at 1:30 p.m. in the orange tree across from the herb garden.

From: Roger Clark (Vancouver, Washington Audubon Society)
Date: Monday, January 16
At 3:45 p.m. the Rufous-backed Robin was seen in the bare tree above the orange tree opposite the herb garden.

From: Jerry Bock
Date: Sun, 15 Jan
Rufous-backed Robin was observed in the same general area (trail markers #36/37); also in the vicinity were a Northern Beardless Tyrranulet and a Western Tanager.

From: Steve and Joan Hosmer
Date: Jan. 14
Joan and I finally saw the Rufous-backed Robin at Boyce Thompson at 04:10 PM in the tall bare tree at signpost 37 next to the tree that has a small strip of orange tape. Most of the other birders had left by then, but the six of us who remained had excellent but brief views of the bird. We spent almost
all of our time in one area in pursuit of our target bird; here is a list of others seen: Cooper's Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Broad-billed Hummingbird, 4 Anna's Hummingbird, 10+ Gila Woodpecker, 4 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, 2 Common Raven, 10+ Verdin, Cactus Wren, 3 Rock Wren, 2 Canyon Wren, 10+ Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 30+ Hermit Thrush,
10+ Northern Mockingbird, 8 Curve-billed Thrasher, 2 Phainopepla, 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, 2 Spotted Towhee, 4 Abert's Towhee, 2 Song Sparrow, 30+ White-crowned Sparrow, 10+ Northern Cardinal, 40+ House Finch, 6 Lesser Goldfinch, 20+ House Sparrow.

From: Mark Stevenson and Molly Pollock
Date: Saturday, January 14
Molly saw the Rufous-backed Robin briefly just after 3 p.m. between trail markers #36-37 on the south side of the main trail just east of the Herb Garden and pistachio grove. Additional notable speciess today were both races of Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's and Myrtle), a Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Hutton's Vireo and Sharp-shinned Hawk. Our checklist also includes Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Red-winged Blackbird at Ayer Lake; Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and House Sparrow.

From: Tyler and Grant Loomis
Date: Saturday, January 14
Northern Beardless Tyrranulet near the washed-out bridge just west of the chain-link fence "catwalk" over Queen Creek was our most interesting species Saturday afternoon. We also had American Robin, Brewer's Sparrow, House Wren and Broad-billed Hummingbird. Also (in checklist order): American Coot, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal and House Finch.

From: George and Marty Kamp (Green Valley)
Date: Monday, January 9
A new life-bird for us, the Rufous-backed Robin was seen Monday in the same general area where Oliver Niehuis reported it Sunday: near trail marker #36, and at about 4 p.m. The Brown Thrasher was seen as well, but near trail marker #44. Five hours of patience produced both of those speciess, and also (in order of the Arboretum checklist) American Kestrel, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren,Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Green-tailed Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal and House Finch.

From: Oliver Niehuis
Date: Sunday, January 8
Rufous-backed Robin was seen (and photographed) on the opposite side of the trail from the Herb Garden this morning; a Brown Thrasher was seen nearby and White-throated Sparrow as well. Other highlights today include American Goldfinch and Lincoln's Sparrow. Other speciess today were American Coot, Marsh Wren and Red-winged Blackbird at Ayer Lake; Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Green-tailed Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, 3 Western Meadowlark, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow. (Editor's note: to see Dr. Niehuis' photo of the Robin, CLICK HERE)

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, January 5
Five Wren speciess were all present today (Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's and also Marsh Wren around Ayer Lake), as well as Green-tailed Towhee, and three Sparrow speciess (Lincoln's, Song and Black-thoated). Other birds seen and heard include American Coot, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, American Robin, Curve-billed Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher, Phainopepla, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, White-crowned Sparrow, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Craig Fischer*
Date: Monday, December 26 (Christmas Bird Count)
Most unusual bird of today's annual Christmas Bird Count was a Common Ground Dove seen near trail marker #34, between the High Trail bridge and Herb Garden, towards the creek side. There's an opening there that goes out about 10 yards towards the mesquites, where the bird was foraging by itself. A female Western Tanager was seen in Queen Creek canyon between the Australian area and the herb garden; other notable speciess included 11 Lark Sparrows and nine Green-tailed Towhees. The Hooded Merganser is still at Ayer's Lake, along with a Pied-billed Grebe, an American Coot and 117 Red-winged Blackbirds. Species and totals for the day were: 2 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 American Kestrel, 39 Gambel's Quail, 6 White-winged Dove, 34 Mourning Dove, 1 Great-horned Owl, 3 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 33 Anna's Hummingbird, 43 Gila Woodpecker, 7 Red-naped Sapsucker, 5 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 11 Northern Flicker, 3 Black Phoebe, 2 Say's Phoebe, 2 Loggerhead Shrike, 4 Common Raven, 53 Verdin, 1 Brown Creeper, 6 Cactus Wren, 14 Rock Wren, 7 Canyon Wren, 4 Bewick's Wren, 2 House Wren, 6 Marsh Wren, 95 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, 31 Hermit Thrush, 18 Northern Mockingbird, 19 Curve-billed Thrasher, 1 Crissal Thrasher, 7 Phainopepla, 47 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 24 Northern Cardinal, 5 Pyrrhuloxia, 4 Spotted Towhee, 1 Canyon Towhee, 31 Abert's Towhee, 7 Brewer's Sparrow, 33 Black-throated Sparrow, 2 Song Sparrow, (cw) White-throated Sparrow, 203 White-crowned Sparrow, 3 Western Meadowlark, 34 House Finch, 54 Lesser Goldfinch, 67 House Sparrow. *Our thanks to Christmas Bird Count volunteers Tim Durnell, Ben Durnell, Greg Hritzo, Gretchen Burgess, Brian Ison, Kathe Anderson, Mike Evans and Adam Evans.

From: Jeremy Joseph
Date: Monday, December 19
Highlights on this overcast Monday morning were Green-tailed Towhee, Greater Roadrunner and three separate Ladder-backed Woodpeckers. Other speciess were: Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Anna's Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker, many Northern "Red-shafted" Flickers, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, many Verdin; Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, many Ruby-crowned Kinglets; many Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, two Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, and one distant House Finch.

From: Vera Walters
Date: Sunday, November 27
Here is a list of birds I saw on Sunday, lots of old friends and beautiful habitat...but nothing outstanding. Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin (in abundance), Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, November 24
On the morning of Thanksgiving Day we saw many familiar Arboretum speciess and also two, maybe three Indigo Buntings of intermediate plumage; these were observed near the palm grove just past the eucalyptus forest - and between the palms and the west side of Magma Ridge (the volcanic ridge at the heart of the Arboretum). Cassin's Vireo and White-throated Sparrow (2) were also observed in this general area. The other good spot was the grove of conifer trees below the Ayer Lake dam, where an American Robin was feeding on juniper fruit, and chasing off competitors including Phainopepla. The Warbling Vireo reported last week was again observed in the salt cedar trees of the Picnic Ground.

From: Troy Corman and Kurt Radamaker
Date: Saturday, November 19
A slate-colored Fox Sparrow was observed along the switchbacks above Ayer Lake (near the dense foliage), and several particularly interesting sightings in the Demonstration Garden this morning included a Dusky Flycatcher calling near Queen Creek at the south side of this garden, along with House Wren and White-throated Sparrow. Later morning right near the entrance to the Demo Garden we observed the resident Cooper's Hawk feasting on a Gambel's Quail it captured. Two additional White-throated Sparrows were seen just west of the Herb Garden, along with the Brown Thrasher. Two Hooded Mergansers were on Ayer Lake. Also seen and heard today (in checklist order) were Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 6 Anna's Hummingbird, 4 Gila Woodpecker, 3 Red-naped Sapsucker, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 1 Black Phoebe, 3 Say's Phoebe, 1 Cassin's Vireo, 1 Hutton's Vireo, 1 Warbling Vireo, 2 Common Raven, 8 Verdin, 3 Rock Wren, 5 Canyon Wren, 1 Cactus Wren, 3 Bewick's Wren, 4 House Wren, 1 Marsh Wren, 12 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 3 Hermit Thrush, 2 Northern Mockingbird, 4 Curve-billed Thrasher, 3 Phainopepla, 8 Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, 3 Green-tailed Towhee, 2 Spotted Towhee, 15 Abert's Towhee, 1 Chipping Sparrow, 6 Song Sparrow, 30 White-crowned Sparrow, 10 Northern Cardinal, 10 Red-winged Blackbird, 4 Great-tailed Grackle, 15 House Finch, 10 Lesser Goldfinch, 2 American Goldfinch and 2 House Sparrow. **Note: butterfly speciess seen included one untagged Monarch at the entrance to the Demonstration Garden, many Queens and Painted Ladies; Clouded Sulphur, Black Swallowtail and Pipevine Swallowtail.

From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Sunday, November 13
Winter Wren and Lincoln's Sparrow were both seen at about 11:30 a.m. from the middle of the Benson Memorial Bridge, the white bridge over Silver King Wash. The Winter Wren was observed "upstream" from the bridge and flew across Silver King Wash, while the Lincoln's Sparrow was "downstream." The Cooper's Hawk was observed from this spot on the bridge, too. Our group found the Brown Thrasher was present again today in the thicket across from the Pyracantha (firethorn) bush just west of the Herb Garden, and our other notable speciess was a Hutton's Vireo in the tamarisk trees towards the back of the picnic area. We had five more Wren speciess today (Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's, and House) and both the Audubon's and Myrtle races of Yellow-rumped Warbler. Ayer Lake birds included the female Hooded Merganser, American Coot, Black Phoebe, Red-winged Blackbird, and Great-tailed Grackle. More birds that were seen and heard around the gardens were Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, a Flicker speciess heard but unseen; Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Dr. Carl Tomoff (Prescott College)
Date: Monday, November 7
Brown Thrasher, Sharp-shinned Hawk, a male Gilded Flicker, Hammond's Flycatcher, Pine Siskin and also two American Goldfinches (those observed flying over Ayer Lake) were the notable speciess this morning. Also seen/heard were all six different Wren speciess (Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's, House and Marsh) and all four likely Towhees (Green-tailed, Spotted, Canyon and Abert's). The female Hooded Merganser continues at Ayer Lake, along with Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Black Phoebe, Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird and Great-tailed Grackle. Others speciess in checklist order include Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "red shafted" Flicker, Say's Phoebe, Cassin's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing (13), Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Black-throated Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cindy Marple and Kathe Anderson
Date: Saturday, November 5
A Red-eyed Vireo was observed about 15-feet up in the eucalyptus tree across the trail from the heavily-loaded pyracantha bush just west of the Herb Garden. Green-tailed Towhee was also observed near the Herb Garden, and the female Hooded Merganser which has been present for the past few weeks was preening in the middle of Ayer Lake. Those were our highlights today; others seen and heard around the trails include Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Black Phoebe, and Red-winged Blackbird at Ayer Lake; Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "red shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Cassin's Vireo (across the wash from the Picnic ground), Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's note: Grant Loomis and Tyler Loomis spotted the Red-eyed Vireo; they left the guided bird walk group around 11 a.m., then reported seeing a Crested Caracara fly over and past the Arboretum as they walked back towards the visitor center. Plus, additional speciess reported on a separate checklist this morning by Jack Bartley include Inca Dove, Cedar Waxwing (3), Phainopepla, Canyon Towhee, and Pine Siskin (by ear).

From: Magill Weber
Date: Sun, Oct. 30
The Parula and the Brown Thrasher were not relocated. Late migrants included Cassin's Vireo and Warbling Vireo. There are still several Broad-billed Hummingbirds hanging around the butterfly garden, including one adult male with a strange white wing patch, either partially leucistic or an odd molt. Other regulars included numerous Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumps, Cooper's Hawk, Green-tailed Towhee, numerous White-crowned Sparrows, one Chipping Sparrow, Say's Phoebe, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, several Hermit Thrushes. To see photos of the Male Broad-billed with white patches visit www.badger.smugmug.com, Other--> Broad-billed Hummingbird. Note: this report was originally posted at http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/AZNM.html

From: Pete Moulton, Troy Corman and Tracy McCarthey
Date: Sunday, Oct. 23
Brown Thrasher, Northern Parula, Cassin's Vireo and Hooded Merganser were all highlights today. The Thrasher was seen just west of the Herb Garden, where it was being scolded by Curve-billed Thrashers high up in a conifer on the south side of the trail (near the Pyracantha bush loaded with berries). The Parula that was reported Saturday was present again in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden, and was seen above the hummingbird feeder. Cassin's Vireo was again present at the south end of the eucalyptus grove. And the female Hooded Merganser continues to be at Ayer Lake, along with Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Black Phoebe, Red-winged Blackbird, and Marsh Wren. Other speciess seen and heard today were Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "red shafted" Flicker, Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren (in the Demonstration Garden), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cindy Marple
Date: Saturday, Oct. 22
Both speciess of Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's, Myrtle) were observed today and also both Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds. Others of note were Cedar Waxwing, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, a Hooded Merganser at Ayer Lake, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, and Cassin's Vireo. Also seen and heard during today's Maricopa Audubon Society bird walk were Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Andree Tarby
Date: Saturday, Oct. 22
A Northern Parula was observed early Saturday morning in the picnic area and then again at 1 p.m. in the upper canopy trees at the west side of the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden. The other exciting speciess today included a Hooded Merganser at Ayer Lake and both Cassins and Hutton's Vireos in the mesquites south of the eucalyptus forest (near the South African exhibit area which is under construction) as the main trail approaches the palm trees. Others - in the order they appear on the BTA checklist - include Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, White-winged Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak (near the Smith Building bathrooms); House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Richard Ditch
Date: Saturday Oct 15
White-crowned Sparrow, Curve-billed Thrasher, Northern Cardinal, Gambel's Quail, Anna's Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren (one at the Demo Garden entrance to, another on steep trail - best views ever), Cactus Wren, House Sparrow, Abert's Towhee, House Finch, Gilded Flicker, Verdin, Lesser Goldfinch, Black-throated Sparrow, Black Phoebe, American Coot, Red-winged Blackbird, and one female Broad-billed Hummingbird at the butterfly garden.

From: Bruce Ray
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 11
A few late season speciess such as Summer Tanager and Costa's Hummingbird were highlights today, also Other speciess seen and heard include Pied-billed Grebe, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Melody Kehl, with Pete Moulton and Cynthia Donald
Date: Saturday, Oct. 9
Other speciess seen and heard include Green Heron, Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Marceline Vandewater and Cindy Marple
Date: Saturday, Oct. 1
Red-naped Sapsuckers have returned during the past week, and the highlight of our guided bird walk today was a hybrid Red-breasted/Red-naped Sapsucker which was associating with the Red-naped male in the Pistachio Tree just west of the Herb Garden. Other speciess seen and heard include Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, a Sharp-shinned Hawk in the Demonstration Garden; Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird (male and female/juvenile), Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler (Demo garden), Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's race), Black-throated Gray Warbler (a first-winter bird observed just below the dam at Ayer Lake and a Female at the greenhouse), Townsend's Warbler (first-winter bird in the Pistachio tree), Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler (near the white bridge over Silver King Wash), Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak (Demo Garden), House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, Sept. 29
Watching a Cooper's Hawk eat an Inca Dove was notable today; other speciess around the trails included Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Gilded Flicker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren (by ear), Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Tracy McCarthey and Rich Ditch
Date: Sunday, Sept. 25
Common Black-Hawk flying with Turkey Vultures was today's highlight; others were Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Phainopepla, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Verdin, Common Raven, House Sparrow, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Orange-crowned Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler,Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia.

From: Kurt and Cindy Radamaker, also Pete Moulton
Date: Saturday, Sept. 18
One Common Blackhawk was notable today; other speciess and the total we counted this morning included 5 Gambel's Quail, 2 Pied-billed Grebe, 22 Turkey Vulture, 1 Common Black-Hawk, 10 Mourning Dove, 3 Inca Dove, 100 White-throated Swift, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 3 Anna's Hummingbird 1 Costa's Hummingbird, 4 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 1 Northern Flicker, 1 Black Phoebe, 2 Say's Phoebe, 3 Bell's Vireo, 4 Warbling Vireo, 2 Western Scrub-Jay, 2 Common Raven, 2 Barn Swallow, 6 Verdin, 2 Cactus Wren, 2 Rock Wren, 3 Canyon Wren, 2 Bewick's Wren, 1 House Wren, 1 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 2 Northern Mockingbird, 3 Curve-billed Thrasher, 4 Phainopepla, 2 Orange-crowned Warbler, 2 Nashville Warbler, 1 Common Yellowthroat, 2 Wilson's Warbler, 1 Summer Tanager , 9 Western Tanager, 2 Canyon Towhee, 8 Abert's Towhee, 2 Black-throated Sparrow, 1 Song Sparrow, 1 White-crowned Sparrow, 3 Northern Cardinal, 5 Black-headed Grosbeak, 15 House Finch and 12 Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Kathe Anderson, Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton
Date: Sunday, Sept. 11
Most interesting speciess on the first of the Fall guided BTA bird walks were two Willow Flycatchers, a Crissal thrasher and a Black-headed Grosbeak. Both Cooper's and Zone-tailed Hawks were seen as well. Other speciess (in checklist order) include Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, American Coot, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-bille Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-taile Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jack Holloway
Date: Sunday, Sept. 4
An Osprey flying over the Arboretum was today's highlight while birding between 8-9:40 am, two Zone-tailed Hawks were also seen, along with four Broad-billed Hummingbirds and a Lazuli Bunting. Other speciess (and the total individuals seen or heard today) include 18 Turkey Vulture, 2 Gambel's Quail, 1 White-winged Dove, 3 Mourning dove, 7 Anna's Hummingbird, 6 Gila Woodpecker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 1 Gilded Flicker, 10 Bell's Vireo, 13 Warbling Vireo, 2 Verdin, 3 Rock Wren, 3 Canyon Wren, 5 Cactus Wren, 4 Bewick's Wren, 2 House Wren, 5 Northern Mockingbird, 3 Curve-billed Thrasher, 6 European Starling, 8 Phainopepla, 3 Common Yellowthroat, 1 Yellow-breasted Chat, 4 Summer Tanager, 3 Western Tanager, 9 Abert's Towhee (including one parent feeding a juvenile at the nest), 1 Rufous-crowned Sparrow, 2 Black-throated Sparrow, 5 Northern Cardinal, 2 Black-headed Grosbeak, 6 Brown-headed Cowbird, 7 House Finch, and 20 Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, Aug. 18
A male Belted Kingfisher, Gilded Flicker (by ear), Willow Flycatcher, Nashville Warbler and Lazuli Bunting were the most notable birds around the trails today; others (in their checklist order) include Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Zone-taile Hawl, Gambel's Quail (by ear), American Coot, White-winged Dove, Mourning dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker (by ear), Black Phoebe, Brown Crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Purple Martin, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat (by ear), Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jimmy McMorran (Point Reyes Bird Observatory)
Date: Sunday, Aug. 14
The Prothonotary Warbler was in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden again this morning, observed at 0935 and 1015 (a life bird for me!). Lazuli Buntings could be heard below Ayer Lake and also near Queen Creek, and Lark Sparrows were observed on the main trail above Ayer Lake. Also seen and heard today, in BTASP checklist order, were: Turkey Vulture, Common Moorhen, American Coot, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Western Wood Pewee, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher (female), Brown Crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, Aug. 11
Notable speciess today were Bullock's Oriole, Rufous-crowned Sparrow (by ear), Wilson's Warbler, Gilded Flicker (by ear), and Willow Flycatcher. Ayer Lake speciess included Common Yellowthroat, Great Blue Heron, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Black Phoebe, and Great-tailed Grackle. Others seen and heard today were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker (by ear), Brown Crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven (by ear), Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird(by ear), Curve-billed Thrasher (by ear), Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Bunting were audible, too, but the speciess undetermined.

From: Jack Holloway
Date: Sunday, Aug. 7
A Prothonotary Warbler was in the hummingbird/butterfly garden around 0930 am Sunday morning; earlier (about 8:50) a Pacific Slope Flycatcher was close to the Herb Garden.

From: Bruce Ray
Date: Friday, Aug. 5
Greater Roadrunner was today's most interesting species. Summer birds including Hooded Oriole, Bell's Vireo and Summer Tanager continue to be reliable for August sightings; also seen and heard around the trails were Pied-billed Grebe, White-winged Dove, Mourning dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, , Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 3
Bue Grosbeak and Black-headed Grosbeak were both present Wednesday, and two other highlights were Rufous Hummingbird and Willow Flycatcher. Birds at Ayer Lake included Purple Martin, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Black Phoebe, and Great-tailed Grackle. Also around the trails were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, White-winged Dove, Mourning dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Brown Crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven (by ear), Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren (by ear), Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher (by ear), Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow (by ear), Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Alex Tongas and Jennifer Hanley (visiting from New Jersey )
Date: Saturday, July 30
Highlights today include a male Broad-billed Hummingbird and Brown-crested Flycatcher; other speciess around the trails were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, White-winged Dove, Mourning dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cindy Marple
Date: Sunday, July 24
Two Zone-tailed Hawks were observed on the hillside above the High Trail from about 6-7 am, approximately across from the Herb Garden. Other highlights this morning include Black-chinned Hummingbird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Black-headed Grosbeak. Also observed around the trails (in checklist order) were Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, American Coot, White-winged Dove, Mourning dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Brown Crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch and House Sparrow.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, July 20
Gilded Flicker, Pyrrhuloxia, Bue Grosbeak and Black-headed Grosbeak observed around the trails Thursday. Birds at Ayer Lake included Purple Martin, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Black Phoebe, Great-tailed Grackle. Others around the trails were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Brown Crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren (by ear), Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, July 7
Bue Grosbeak and Pyrrhuloxia were highlights Thursday, and Flycatchers around the Arboretum included Black and Say's Phoebe, Brown Crested and also Vermilion Flycatcher. Birds at Ayer Lake included Great-blue Heron, Violet-green Swallow, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot. Others around the trails were Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning dove, Inca Dove, Lesser Nighthawk, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren (by ear), Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Krys Hammers and Linda Long
Date: Monday, July 4
Most interesting speciess seen today (from 0700-1000 am) was a Greater Roadrunner near the trail above and east of Ayer Lake; other speciess, in the order we saw them, were Black Phoebe, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, American Coot, Great-tailed Grackle, Summer Tanager, Gilded Flicker, Lesser Goldfinch, Phainopepla, Turkey Vulture, Gila Woodpecker, Abert's Towhee, Canyon Wren (heard), Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Yellow-breasted Chat, Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, House Finch, Cardinal, Verdin, Curve-bille Thrasher, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Rough-winged Swallow, Broad-billed Hummingbird, House Sparrow.

From: Grant Loomis and Tyler Loomis
Date: Thursday, June 23
At approximately 6:30 AM the Prothonotary Warbler was near the fountain in the desert legume garden. We first spotted it on the wall behind the fountain, it flew up into a small tree (possibly an acacia) between the fountain and the main trail, and perched about 10 feet off the ground, it then flew back onto the wall, we lost it after that; it may have been going to water. We were at the arboretum for about an hour and a half. Other birds spotted included cardinals, Yellow-breasted Chat, Yellow and also Lucy's Warblers, Aberts Towhee, Pied-billed Grebe, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Phainopepla, Turkey Vulture and Verdin along the main trail from the entrance up to Ayers Lake. The Pronothonotary was a beautiful bird, exciting to have the opportunity to see it up close. Tyler got a longer look at it than I did, I was trying to get a picture, but couldn't get the camera focused before it flew off.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Wednesday, June 22
Birds at Ayer Lake included Great-blue Heron, Purple Martin, Common Yellowthroat, Black Phoebe, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Violet-green Swallow, and Great-tailed Grackle. Others around the grounds today were Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, two American Kestrel's (male, female), White-winged Dove, Mourning dove, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker (by ear), Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher (male), Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Kathe Anderson, Laura Miller, Lindis Hoffmann, Kathleen Evans and Gilbert Riparian Institute Group
Date: Saturday, June 18
Our most exciting report is a probable Prothonotary Warbler near the entrance to the Desert Legume Garden. Our group saw a warbler with a bright yellow head and chest, no eyebrows, no eyelines, no cap, only black beady eyes broke up the color. The bright yellow extended to the shoulders over the head, and to mid-belly. From mid-belly almost to the tip of the tail, it was quite white. The wings were blue-gray and without bars. The tail was shortish, white underneath, with a grayish band at the end. The bill was black, and heavier and longer than most warbler bills. It was gleaning insects from what I think was a eucalyptus opposite the entrance to the Legume Garden. It was probably about 9AM. It hung around for 2-4 minutes, and everyone got a good look at it. It was probably not ever more than 15-30 feet away while we watched it. It was the bill, the brilliant yellow head, white underbelly and shortish tail that really stood out. Our other exciting species in this area was a gila monster! Other birds seen and heard during the Gilbert Riparian Institute's group bird walk at BTA include: Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Great Blue Heron at Ayer Lake (with Purple Martin and both Violet-green and Northern Rough-winged Swallows overhead); Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Wednesday, June 8
Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler and Yellow-breasted Chat were notable today; birds at Ayer Lake included Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow and Great-tailed Grackle. Other speciess seen and heard around the trails: Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe (by ear), Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (by ear), Curve-billed Thrasher (by ear), Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow (by ear), Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Bronzed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow (by ear).

From: Cindy Marple
Date: Sunday, June 5
Common Blackhawk soaring over Queen Creek was bird-of-the-day, and a Cooper's Hawk was also observed. Other speciess seen and heard around the Arboretum trails today were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, White-winged Dove, Mourning dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Cassin's Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Steve Ganley
Date: Sunday, 29 May
The following 39 speciess were seen and heard Sunday morning (we didn't go to Ayer Lake, so no waterbirds): Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Mourning dove, White-winged Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher (young male on Queen Creek near the old bridge), Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (in palm trees opposite bank of Queen Creek near the old bridge), Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Herb Fibel
Date: Saturday, May 28
Cassin's Kingbird and Yellow-breasted Chat were vocal around the trails. Also seen and heard Saturday were Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning dove, Gila Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren , Cactus Wren, Yellow Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Wednesday, May 25
Purple Martin and Common Yellowthroat were interesting speciess near Ayer Lake today; other birds on, nearby or flying over the water included Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Great-tailed Grackle, Black Phoebe, Violet-green Swallow and Northern Rough-winged Swallow. Elsewhere around the trails were Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, White-throated Swift, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Ash-throated Flycatcher (calling), Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren (calling), Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher (calling), Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow.

From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Friday, May 20
Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Gambel’s Quail, Red-tailed Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-winged Dove, Anna’s Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Gila Woodpecker, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, White-throated Swift, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick’s Wren, Cactus Wren, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Phainopepla, Bell’s Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Great-tailed Grackle, Bronzed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, Western Tanager, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Abert’s Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow. Afterwards at the Oak Flat Campground seven miles east of BTA we added: Vermilion Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Scub Jay, Juniper Titmouse, Bushtit, Crissal Thrasher, Wilson’s Warbler, Brown-headed Cowbird, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee.

From: Richard Ditch (see recent photos at http://home.earthlink.net/~richditch)
Date: Wednesday, May 18
White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Gambel’s Quail, House Sparrow, Curve-billed Thrasher, Costa’s Hummingbird, House Finch, Northern Cardinal, Gila Woodpecker, Bell’s Vireo, Lesser Goldfinch, Western Tanager, Cactus Wren, Song Sparrow, Spotted Sandpiper, Pied-billed Grebe, Phainopepla, American Coot,
Great-tailed Grackle, Violet-green Swallow, Black Phoebe, Green Heron, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Common Yellowthroat, Abert’s Towhee, Ladder-backd Woodpecker, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Canyon Wren, Black-throated Sparrow, Turkey Vulture, Common Raven, Bronzed Cowbird, Lark Sparrow, Summer Tanager, Lucy’s Warbler, Cedar Waxwing, Hooded Oriole, Anna’s Hummingbird, Inca Dove.

From: Richard Ditch (see recent photos at http://home.earthlink.net/~richditch)
Date: Saturday, May 14
Carlos Ross of Phoenix assisted me during today's North American Migrant Bird Count; tallies were made at the Arboretum from 6-10 am, Oak Flat from 11-12, and Superior from 12-12:30 p.m. Individuals representing a total of 48 speciess found around the trails at BTA include: 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 11 Turkey Vulture, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 9 Gambel's Quail, 1 American Coot, 38 White-winged dove, 6 Mourning dove, 6 Inca Dove, 3 White-throated Swift, 1 Black-chinned Hummingbird, 6 Anna's Hummingbird, 11 Costa's Hummingbird, 10 Gila Woodpecker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 1 Black Phoebe, 5 Ash-throated Flycatcher, 10 Bell's Vireo, 1 Warbling Vireo, 1 Northern Mockingbird, 1 Common Raven, 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 3 Verdin, 2 Cactus Wren, 1 Bewick's Wren, 1 Canyon Wren, 1 Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, 4 Curve-billed Thrasher, 6 Lucy's Warbler, 18 Yellow Warbler, 1 MacGillivray's Warbler, 2 Common Yellowthroat, 8 Yellow-breasted Chat, 1 Summer Tanager, 19 Western Tanager, 17 Abert's Towhee, 3 Black-throated Sparrow, 3 Song Sparrow, 1 White-crowned Sparrow, 11 Northern Cardinal, 4 Black-headed Grosbeak, 1 Red-winged Blackbird, 8 Great-tailed Grackle, 3 Bronzed Cowbird, 2 Hooded Oriole, 4 Bullock's Oriole, 39 House Finch, 23 Lesser Goldfinch and 15 House Sparrow. Our count at Oak Flat (seven miles east of BTA) found 5 Turkey Vulture, 6 Gambel's Quail, 1 White-winged Dove, 3 Mourning Dove, 2 Say's Phoebe, 3 Ash-throated Flycatcher, 4 Cassin's Kingbird, 1 Common Raven, 2 Verdin, 1 Bushtit, 3 Canyon Towhee, 2 Chipping Sparrow, 1 Black-headed Grosbeak and 3 House Finch.

From: Barb & Lou Winterfield
Date: Friday, May 13
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Black-headed Grosbeak and Bronzed Cowbird were interesting species today; others seen and heard between 0600-1000 am included Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, White-winged dove, Mourning dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cynthia Donald & Pete Moulton
Date: Saturday, May 7 from 0700-1100
We saw a female Lawrence's Goldfinch in Silver King Wash (from the bridge near the Drover's Shed), and another member of my group saw what could only be a male Lawrence's from the same spot. A male Townsend's Warbler was high in a Eucalyptus at the trail junction at the NE corner of the Pine Loop Trail and the Lower Trail into the canyon. Farther up the canyon a Common Black-Hawk was flying eastbound about midmorning, and we saw it from the high point of the trail NE of Ayer Lake. Townsend's Solitaire, Hermit Warbler, Black-headed Grosbeak, and Zone-tailed Hawk were additional highlights of our guided birdwalk today as part of the Arboretum's Migratory Bird Day event. Slight overcast skies made for a great morning of birding, additional species were: Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, White-winged dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Phainopepla, Nashville Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Lawrence's Goldfinsh and House Sparrow.

From: Jack Holloway
Date: Saturday, May 7
I found a singing yellow-throated vireo between 7:40-7:45 at the southwest corner of the demonstration garden. This is quite rare for arizona. also, in the eucalyptus trees by the fountain in the desert legume garden were two Hermit Warblers, 1 Townsend's Warbler & many Wilson's and also Yellow-rumped Warblers.

From: Bruce & John Ray
Date: Wednesday, April 27
Green-tailed Towhee, Summer Tanager, Black-throated Gray Warbler and also Wilson's Warbler were highlights today between 8-10:30 a.m. Other species were Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Cooper's Hawk, White-winged dove, Mourning dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Tuesday, April 19
Cooper's Hawk in the eucalyptus forest was our raptor of the day; all three dove species were also present (White-winged, Mourning and Inca Dove). The pair of nearly-fledged nestlings were still on the Anna's Hummingbird nest in the Demonstration Garden, and we also had Costa's and Broadbilled Hummingbirds today. Additional species today were Gila Woodpecker, a Western Flycatcher specie, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Bewick's Wren (by ear), Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cynthia Donald
Date: Saturday, April 16
A Pied-billed Grebe with two chicks on Ayer Lake was among our most fun sightings this morning; we also saw a Gila Monster near the Herb Garden, a Zone-tailed Hawk, Anna's Hummingbird with two nestlings and two handsome Costa's Hummingbirds displaying -- excellent looks at both. More species seen and heard around the trails were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped ("Audubon's" ) Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Bruce Ray
Date: Monday, April 11
Ash-throated Flycatcher and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher were today's notable species; other ones around the collections and trails were Turkey Vulture, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler , Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Bonnie Pranter (Yavapai College)
Date: Sunday, April 10, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Warbling Vireo and Chipping Sparrow were highlights today, Bell's and also Hutton's Vireo were observed, too. A Geat Blue Heron was at Ayer Lake and oalso American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, and Black Phoebe -- Northern Rough-winged Swallows were overhead. Other species (in checklist order) were Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Lawrence's Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jim Burns
Date: Sunday, April 10
Two raptor species (Cooper's Hawk and also Zone-tailed) were observed today. Four different individual Cooper's were seen, one apparently a sub-adult female, and copulation was also observed. American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Black Phoebe, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Rough-winged Swallow and White Throated Swift were around Ayer Lake. Other species seen and heard: Turkey Vultures, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird (two nesting), Costa's Hummingbird (one nesting), Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, one Western Flycatcher, a pair of Ash-throated Flycatchers prospecting cavities near the Herb Garden, Bell's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo (female on a nest), Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler "Audubon's" , Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Lawrence's Goldfinch ( 2 pair) and House Sparrow (several nests).

From: Richard Ditch (see recent photos at http://home.earthlink.net/~richditch)
Date: Sunday, April 10
Highlights today were Lawrence's Goldfinch and Northern Beardless Tyrannulet -- both new for me at Boyce. Other species (in the order they were seen) include Lesser Goldfinch, Gambel’s Quail, Bell’s Vireo, Northern Cardinal, Yellow Warbler, House Finch, Verdin, Turkey Vulture, House Sparrow, White-throated Swift, Gila Woodpecker, Hooded Oriole, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Curve-billed Thrasher, Anna’s Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird, Phainopepla, Common Raven, Hutton’s Vireo, White-winged Dove, Song Sparrow, Abert’s Towhee, Brown-headed Cowbird and Mourning Dove.

From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Sunday, April 10
Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird (5 nests), Costa's Hummingbird (3 nests), Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Western Flycatcher (species?), Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo (nesting), Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (nesting), Brown Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's and also Myrtle), Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Lawrence's Goldfinch, House Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Tuesday, April 5
A Common Yellowthroat singing at Ayer Lake was new this week, the other treat today was a Rufous Hummingbird zealously guarding the feeder in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden. Also seen and heard around the Arboretum were: Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Saturday, April 2
A juvenile Cooper's Hawk was the only raptor observed today, Turkey Vultures were overhead and a Cassin's Vireo along the creek just before the Herb Garden was the other highlight of our walk. Other species seen and heard: Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird (two nesting), Costa's Hummingbird (one nesting), Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, one Western Flycatcher (speces?); Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler "Audubon's" , Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. *Note, a few sightings after the guided birdwalk include American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Northern Rough-winged Swallow and White Throated Swift over Ayer Lake; also Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hutton's Vireo, Black Phoebe, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren and another Costa's Hummingbird nesting along the High Trail.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Tuesday, March 29
Hooded orioles in the main parking lot and picnic area were a highlight today. Also seen and heard around the Arboretum were: Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Golden Eagle, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow (demonstration garden), White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cynthia Donald & Peter Moulton
Date: Sunday, March 27
Highlights of the guided walk today were Zone-tailed Hawk (three, maybe four different individuals), Lawrence's Goldfinch and the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker continues to feed at the Australian Bottle Tree -- look to the left of a taller Palm tree and right behind trail marker #11 just past the Smith Building's east greenhouse. Others today were Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Hooded Oriole (several pairs seen - demo garden, Smith building, main trail entry), Lesser Goldfinch, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler (several pairs in the demo garden), Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Anna's Hummingbird (nesting in demo garden), Costa's Hummingbird (nesting in demo garden), Gila Woodpecker, Say's Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, House Sparrow, Turkey Vulture, Cactus Wren, Cooper's Hawk (juvenile), Canyon Wren, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Bewick's Wren, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird.

From: Jim Burns & Troy Corman
Date: Saturday, March 19
Nearly 40 Turkey Vultures were airborne before we began today's birdwalk; while observing the few that remained perched on the east end of magma ridge our group had a good look at both Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks that flew past, allowing us to compare the size difference between these two similar species. Lucy's Warblers are calling around the trails, and Bell's Vireo have returned; two male Hooded Orioles right behind the Visitor Center were another highlight this morning. Other species today were Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, American Coot, Marsh Wren, Redwing Blackbird Great-tailed Grackle at Ayer Lake (also Violet-Green and Northern Rough-winged Swallows); Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (both Audubon's and Myrtle); Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Judy Johnson & Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, March 17 ("Happy St. Patrick's Day!")
Warblers are exuberantly announcing their return: today we counted Orange-crowned, Lucy's and the Audubon's Yellow-rumped warbler around the trails. There were also at least 36 Turkey Vultures here in the morning. Other species seen and heard include Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Redwing Blackbird and Northern Rough-winged Swallow at Ayer Lake. We also saw White-winged Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker, Gilded Flicker (2), Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Lawrence's Goldfinch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Lanny Richard & Marna Fontana
Date: Monday, March 14
On a much-too-short three-hour visit to BTA this morning we saw: Hermit Thrush, Spotted and Abert's Towhee, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Redwing Blackbird, 20-25 Turkey Vultures, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird on a nest in Demonstration Garden, Common Raven, Verdin, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler; Sparrows (Black-throated near the lake, White-crowned and also House) , Several Northern Cardinal both M/F in all areas of BTA, House Finch, Black Phoebe, Great-tailed Grackle, and Say's Phoebe.

From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Thursday, March 10
Lesser Goldfinches were definitely the bird-du-jour; our group found a sapsucker, but never got a clear enough view to identify this one as either of the unusual variants often seen these past few weeks. Other birders today reported the Lawrence's Goldfinches. Turkey Vultures are here, and other species around BTA include Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Redwing Blackbird and Northern Rough-winged Swallow on (and above) Ayer Lake. Also Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Costa's Hummingbird , Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert'sTowhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow

From: Jane Wicklund & Judy Johnson
Date: Thursday, March 10
Winter birds still present include Hermit Thrush and Dark-eyed Junco. The Green-tailed Towhee was here again today (Spotted and Abert's Towhee as well), and a Great Blue Heron was observed. Other species on our walk include Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Ring-necked Duck, Redwing Blackbird and Northern Rough-winged Swallow on, above and around Ayer Lake. We also saw Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird , Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler; four sparrow species (Black-throated, Song, White-crowned and also House) Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Troy Corman
Date: Saturday, March 5
Six Wren species (Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's, House and Marsh) were seen and heard on today's weekend birdwalk, and also four different Towhees: Spotted, Canyon, Abert's and Green-tailed. The Green-tailed was shuffling beneath a sugar sumac near trail marker #20 in the Cactus Garden. Nesting activity observed today included the Anna's Hummingbird on a nest just past the "chained-off" section of road that runs beside the picnic area, a phainopepla nesting along Queen Creek south of the Demonstration Garden, and a Black-throated Sparrow pair nesting beside the main trail on the switchback path below the Picketpost House Mansion. A few other highlights today include a Green Heron hunting in the reeds along the south shore of Ayer Lake, and Orange-crowned Warbler near the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden seen right at the beginning of our walk. Our group had a good look at the hybrid Red-breasted Sapsucker in the Demonstration Garden and also the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker near the easternmost greenhouse attached to the Smith Building. Today's checklist also includes Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture (2), Ring-necked Duck, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Anna's hummingbird, Costa's hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-Backed Woodpecker, Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Thursday and Friday, March 3-4
Interesting species observed March 3 were Greater Roadrunner, Sharp-shinned Hawk and a Lawrence's Goldfinch pair in near Silver King Wash at the edge of the eucalyptus grove; Turkey Vultures have returned for the season, and two roosted overnight. The previously reported Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was seen, and also Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker and Northern "Red Shafted" Flicker. Also seen and heard around the grounds March 3 and 4 were Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, a male Ring-necked Duck on Ayer Lake, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, six different Wren species (Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's, House and Marsh); Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's and also Myrtle races); a possible Green-tailed Towhee in the Demonstration Garden, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia (south of the Demonstration Garden), Red-winged Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Lawrence's Goldfinch (in the picnic area) and House Sparrow.

From: Judy Johnson
Date: Wednesday, March 2
A Harris Hawk soaring about the park was bird-of-the-day; others seen and heard around the grounds included Pied-billed Grebe and Ring-necked Duck at Ayer Lake, Gambel's Quail, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Say's Phoebe (a pair on the ridge overlooking Queen Creek), Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Abert's Towhee, Rufous-winged Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Wednesday, March 2
March 1, our group visited BTA (about 15 people), and we looked at birds and plants. Weather was awesome. We didn't see too many birds; highlights include observing one Anna's Hummingbird building her nest in the Demonstration Garden, which is also where we spotted a hybrid Red-breasted Sapsucker, probably crossed with a Red-naped Sapsucker (see photo). Look for this bird in the northeast corner of the garden, beneath the large eucalyptus trees and feeding from the tree with the most sapsucker wells drilled around it. Other species which were observed or heard around BTA on Tuesday include Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, Ring-necked Duck, Sharp-shinned Hawk, American Coot, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Anna's hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Red-breasted SapsuckerXRed-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-Backed Woodpecker, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler(Audubon's), Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow.

From: Kurt & Cindy Radamaker
Date: Sunday, Feb. 27
Exciting species today include the majestic adult Golden Eagle which soared low and directly overhead as our Sunday birdwalk group strolled through the canyon near Queen Creek, and also a soaring Zone-tailed Hawk. Hutton's Vireo and Ruby-crowned Kinglet were both in the same tree east of the Smith Building, which allowed excellent views and contrasting looks at these two very similar species. We skipped Ayer Lake this morning, so birds seen and heard around the Arboretum included five Gambel's Quail, 1 Eurasian Collared Dove, 4 Mourning Dove, 2 Inca Dove, 4 White-throated Swift, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 10 Anna's Hummingbird, five Costa's Hummingbird, 4 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Red-naped Sapsucker, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, 2 Common Raven, 6 Verdin, 2 Cactus Wren, 1 Bewick's Wren, 6 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2 Hermit Thrush, 6 Curve-billed Thrasher, 4 Phainopepla, 15 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), 4 Spotted Towhee, 6 Abert's Towhee, 1 Song Sparrow, 2 White-crowned Sparrow, 8 Northern Cardinal, 20 Red-winged Blackbird, 20 House Finch, 30 Lesser Goldfinch, 1 Lawrence's Goldfinch and 10 House Sparrow.

From: Brian Sturges (Hailey, Idaho)
Date: Monday, Feb. 21
Gray Catbird and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker were notable species today; also seen/heard around the trails were Pied-billed Grebe, Mallard, Ringnecked Duck and American Coot at Ayer Lake. Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow were also seen and heard.

From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Saturday, Feb. 19
Pied-billed Grebe, Ring-necked Duck, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker, Gila Woodpecker, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Curve-billed Thrasher, Hermit Thrush, European Starling, Phainopepla, Cassin's Vireo, Hutton's Verio, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Red-winged Blackbird, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco(Oregon), Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House
Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, Feb. 17
Great day for woodpeckers and sapsuckers: the Red-breasted Sapsucker hybrid was found again, along with Red-naped Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker. Ringnecked Duck, Green Heron, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Redwing Blackbird and Marsh Wren were at Ayer Lake. Gambel's Quail were present and also both Anna's and Costa's Hummingbird species (two young in the nest near the Demonstrartion Garden entrance). Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Audubon's variant of the Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Judy Johnson
Date: Thursday, Feb. 17, between 0830-1200
I observed a life-bird today: a Green-tailed Towhee in the Cactus Garden! A Ladder-backed Woodpecker was at the farthest east wooden ramada, and a Redtailed Hawk below in the canyon along Queen Creek. Others around the grounds included Pied-billed Grebe, Ringnecked Duck, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-chinned Sparrow (three of them east of Ayer Lake), White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Richard Ditch (see recent photos at http://home.earthlink.net/~richditch)
Date: Sunday, Feb. 13
Birds seen and heard along the trails today, in order they were encountered, include Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Cardinal, House Sparrow, Anna’s Hummingbird, Vedin, Mourning Dove, Gambel’s Quail, Lesser Goldfinch, House Finch, Cactus Wren, Gila Woodpecker, Song Sparrow, Curve-billed Thrasher, Abert’s Towhee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Spotted Towhee, Phainopepla, Canyon Wren, Northern Mockingbird, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-throated Sparrow, Rock Wren, Common Raven, Ring-necked Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Black Phoebe, Green Heron, and American Coot.

From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Friday, Feb. 11
Red-breasted Sapsucker was our exciting bird-of-the-day, and additional confirmation was given by Josh Burns of the Sonoran Audubon Society. Other species around the grounds included Ringnecked Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Redwing Blackbird at at Ayer Lake;also Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Craig Mandel
Date: Sunday, Feb. 6
The Brown Thrasher was observed this morning between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.; today we also saw Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Gila Woodpecker. Ringnecked Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Redwing Blackbird were at Ayer Lake; others around the grounds were Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Pete Moulton & Cynthia Donald
Date: Saturday, Feb. 5
Great morning at the Arboretum - we found a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker just past the Smith Building greenhouse (east side) along the main trail, two Pyrrhuloxia seen east of Ayer Lake as the trail ascends and also Cassin's Vireo and two Hutton's Vireo (same general area). Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Marsh Wren were at Ayer Lake; others around the grounds were Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 2
I have an update on the report of a possible Red-breasted Sapsucker spotted Jan. 28; today in the same tree I saw what appeared to be a hybrid Red-naped Sapsucker (in the Demonstration garden at a tree riddled with woodpecker holes and sapsucker wells). Both Ringnecked Ducks remained at Ayer Lake today along with Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Marsh Wren and Red-winged Blackbird. A Cooper's Hawk was seen; and also three separate Hummingbird species (Broad-billed, Anna's, Costa's) and Gila Woodpecker, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Audubon's race of Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Kathe Anderson & Cheryl
Date: Monday, Jan. 31
All three hummingbird species were present today (Anna's, Costa's and Broad-billed) and a nesting Costa's can be seen right near the entrance to the demonstration garden. Others today were two Ringnecked Ducks, Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot at the lake; Red-tailed Hawk, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow (by ear), Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and House Sparrow.

From: Bruce Ray
Date: Monday, Jan. 31
Canyon, Cactus and Bewick's Wren were all observed; birds around the grounds also were Pied-billed Grebe, Ring-necked Duck, American Coot and Red-winged Blackbird at Ayer Lake; Gambel's Quail, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Common Raven, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Phainopepla, Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, and Canyon Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund & Judy Johnson
Date: Friday, Jan. 28
Two Ringnecked Ducks were placidly swimming around Ayer Lake close to noon today, our other highlight was seeing the Hutton's Vireo near the creek at the bottom of the hill where the trail takes a sharp turn below the Picketpost House mansion. Other birds today included Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Marsh Wren and Red-winged Blackbird all at Ayer Lake, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker and a possible Red-breasted Sapsucker or hybrid; Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Darlene Smyth & Tucson Audubon Society
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 18
A Golden Eagle flying over was our bird of the day; other birds around the grounds included American Coot, Red-winged Blackbird and Pied-billed Grebe (the latter by ear) at Ayer Lake, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern Flicker species, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren (both wrens by ear); Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher (heard), Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Rick Wright, Alison Beringer & Darlene Smyth
Date: Saturday, Jan. 15
A Brown Thrasher was once again near trail marker #42 between the palm trees and the Herb Garden, sparrows were also in good number and we saw Black-chinned (alone and with a relatively plain face, most likely a first winter bird), Black-throated, Song, White-throated and White-crowned. Other birds around the grounds included Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund & Judy Johnson
Date: Thursday, Jan. 13
Two Orange-crowned Warblers in the Demonstration Garden were among the highlights birding today, also Hutton's Vireo in the trees below the dam at Ayer Lake, where Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot were seen. Other birds around the grounds included Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and House Sparrow.

From: Eileen Rutman, Hampshire/Brookline Bird Clubs (Springfield, MA)
Date: separate visits on Jan. 8, 9 & 10
Lawrence's Goldfinches were seen in the Australian area over the weekend, Lesser Goldfinches were elsewhere around the Arboretum. Pyrrhuloxia and White-throated Sparrow were other highlights. Other birds over the past few days included Pied-billed Grebe, Mallard and American Coot at Ayer Lake; Gambel's Quail, Killdeer, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern "Red Shafted" Flicker, Hammond's Flycatcher, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (both Audubon's and Myrtle races), Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Cassin's Finch, and House Sparrow.

From: Erv Graber
Date: Sunday, Jan. 9
The male Pyrrhuloxia at the south corner of the Demonstration Garden was a life bird, and the highlight of this morning. Also seen around the trails were Pied-billed Grebe,Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Friday, Jan. 7
This was a good day for sparrows: a White-throated was here and also Black-throated, Song, and White-crowned species. Other birds around the trails were Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, White-winged Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and House Sparrow.

From: Erv Graber
Date: Sunday, Jan. 2
A beautifully-patterned female Ladderbacked Woodpecker which was spotted near the "park rules" sign just east of Ayer Lake was the highlight of today's walk. Other species were Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Anna's Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker, Verdin, Rock Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's variant), Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird and House Finch.

From: Charles Oldham
Date: Saturday, Jan. 1
Highlights today were a Brown-crested Flycatcher calling and visible near the interpretive ramada east of Ayer Lake and also a White-throated Sparrow within a flock of White-crowned Sparrows along the trail west of the Herb Garden. Other species seen and heard today include American Coot, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and House Sparrow.

From: Christmas Bird Count Volunteers Craig Fisher, Rich Bailowitz & Steve Ganley
Date: Thursday, Dec. 30
Species and total numbers observed during this year's Christmas Bird Count include 3 Pied-billed Grebe, 1 Ruddy Duck, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 47 Gambel's Quail, 2 American Coot, 1 Rock Dove, 2 White-winged Dove, 17 Mourning Dove, 1 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 43 Anna's Hummingbird, 3 Costa's Hummingbird, 27 Gila Woodpecker, 7 Red-naped Sapsucker, 3 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 6 Northern Flicker, 2 Black Phoebe, 7 Hutton's Vireo, 3 Common Raven, 28 Verdin, 9 Cactus Wren, 6 Rock Wren, 3 Canyon Wren, 4 Bewick's Wren, 1 House Wren, 4 Marsh Wren, 39 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 31 Hermit Thrush, 3 Northern Mockingbird, 1 Brown Thrasher, 14 Curve-billed Thrasher, 1 European Starling, 2 Phainopepla, 2 Orange-crowned Warbler, 27 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 51 Northern Cardinal, 19 Spotted Towhee, 3 Canyon Towhee, 65 Abert's Towhee, 4 Brewer's Sparrow, 28 Black-throated Sparrow, 6 Song Sparrow, 1 Lincoln's Sparrow, 71 White-crowned Sparrow, 15 Dark-eyed Junco, 31 Red-winged Blackbird, 58 House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, 8 Lawrence's Goldfinch, 43 House Sparrow.

From: Erv Graber & Kim Graber
Date: Sunday, Dec. 26
Wrens are always enjoyable, today we spotted four separate species: Rock, Canyon, Cactus and Bewick's. White-throated Swift was another highlight of a beautiful day at BTA; other birds seen around the trails included Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot at Ayer Lake, Gambel's Quail, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and House Sparrow.

From: Tobias Rohmer, Trust for Public Lands/Golden Gate Raptor Org.
Date: Friday, Dec. 24
Brown Thrasher was observed south of the main trail, approximately between the palm trees and Herb Garden. A Hutton's Vireo was seen along the trail close to where it passes by Picketpost House, and a Broad-billed Hummingbird was in the Hummingbird-Butterfly garden. Others include Red-tailed Hawk, White-winged Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Erv Graber
Date: Sunday, Dec. 19
Birds seen and heard around the trails today included Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot at Ayer Lake, Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal and House Finch.

From: Tracy McCarthey
Date: Saturday, Dec. 18
Today's Brown Thrasher sighting, the first reported in the past month at BTA, was the highlight. The bird whooshed across the trail at ground level just past the palm grove, west of the Herb Garden. It remained stationary beneath a coral berry bush (thigh-high with red fruits) on the south side of the mail trail, and gave us a leisurely view. BTA was quiet & peaceful this morning -- the few other species seen and heard during a short walk include American Kestrel perched on the south side of magma ridge, Anna's Hummingbird (numerous and at various locations), Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal and Lesser Goldfinch. A brief trip seven miles east to Oak Flat was unproductive (too windy), so I didn't stay very long - but did see a Lewis' Woodpecker at the eastern end of the campground.

From: Richard Ditch (see recent photos at http://home.earthlink.net/~richditch)
Date: Sunday, Dec. 12
Northern Mockingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Gambel’s Quail, Northern Cardinal, Verdin, Gila Woodpecker, Curve-billed Thrasher, Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Hermit Thrush, Lesser Goldfinch, Abert’s Towhee, House Sparrow, Black Phoebe, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Gila Woodpecker, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Plumbeous Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Broad-billed Hummingbird. Plus, a bird probably a first-winter Olive Warbler, by the drover’s shed.

From: Melody Kehl
Date: Saturday, Dec. 11
Two vireos species (Hutton's and Plumbeous) were highlights of the guided birdwalk today, along with a few winter birds including Juniper Titmouse and Dark-eyed Juncos (three of them Pink-sided). Others around the Arboretum included Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot at Ayer Lake; Red-tailed Hawk, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Yellow-headed Grosbeak, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cynthia Donald & Pete Moulton
Date: Sunday, Dec. 5
An Olive Warbler was seen flying between hackberry and Eucalyptus trees that line Silver King Wash just north of the white footbridge on today's birdwalk. Also seen and heard throughout the Arboretum were Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern Red-shafted Flicker, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow (two in the demonstration garden); White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow.

From: Steve & Joan Hosmer, Gary Reynolds, Phil Lowe Jr. & Paul Wolterbeek
Date: Sunday, Nov. 28
Rain and chill made for a quiet morning, but one highlight birding the trails today was the reappeance of the White-throated Sparrow -- seen beneath the large tamarisk trees at the east end of the Picnic area (near the High Trail entrance). Both White-crowned Sparrows and Anna's Hummingbirds are numerous and vocal throughout the park. A handsome male Broad-billed Hummingbird guarded the hummingbird-butterfly garden, and gave generous views. Other birds today included Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Marsh Wren and Red-winged Blackbird on Ayer Lake, Gambel's Quail near the Demonstration Garden; Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, and Red-naped Sapsucker all working the Picnic area pistachio trees and tamarisks; Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and House Sparrow.

From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Saturday, Nov. 27
Two Hummingbird species, Anna's and Broad-billed were observed. Other birds, in order on the Arboretum checklist, included Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and House Sparrow.

From: Melody Kehl (http://www.melodysbirdingadventures.com)
Date: Friday, Nov. 26
Ruby-crowned Kinglets (by the dozens, and representing both the calendula and grinnelli subspecies) were present around the Arboretum today. Calendula is very bright and more yellow, the other (grayer) variant is the grinnelli. Both American Goldfinch and Lesser Goldfinch were also present, and the other species of note was an Olive Warbler in the Australian area. Others seen and heard around BTA were Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed woodpecker, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Hutton's Vireo, Phainopepla, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Verdin, House Finch, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's, also one Myrtle), White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed and Pink-sided...6 birds all along the creek), Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal and Red-winged Blackbird.

From: Bruce Ray
Date: Friday, Nov. 26
All four desert Wren species (Rock, Canyon, Cactus and Bewick's) were present today. Other birds, in Arboretum checklist order, included Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and House Sparrow.

From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Sunday, Nov. 21
Bird-of-the-day was a White-throated Sparrow that was bathing in the stream located in the cul-de-sac at the northwest corner of the Demonstration Garden (turn left after the entrance). This bird was easily observed (and photographed!) from the bench nearby, and there were White-crowned Sparrows present as well. This sighting was at 2 p.m., long after our morning birdwalk was abbreviated by today's rain and hail. Here are the other species seen and heard today: Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed and also Anna's Hummingbirds; Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Gilded Flicker, Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet (many, throughout the Arboretum), Townsend's Solitaire (this one was observed Friday, Nov. 19 in a pistachio tree near trail marker #42, west of the Herb Garden), Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Richard Ditch (see recent photos at http://home.earthlink.net/~richditch)
Date: Saturday, Nov. 20
Here's my list from today (in order seen): Curve-billed Thrasher, Northern Cardinal, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern (red-shafted) Flicker, Spotted Towhee, Anna’s Hummingbird, Abert’s Towhee, Rock Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Red-naped Sapsucker, House Finch, House Sparrow, Gila Woodpecker, Phainopepla, Hermit Thrush, Dark-eyed Junco, Verdin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-tailed Hawk, Broad-billed Hummingbird (male by herb garden).

From: Josh Burns (Sonoran Audubon Society)
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 16
1 Gambel's Quail, 3 Pied-billed Grebe, 2 American Coot, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 8 Anna's Hummingbird, 4 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Red-naped Sapsucker, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 8 Red-shafted Flicker group, 2 Black Phoebe, 2 Common Raven, 8 Verdin, 3 Rock Wren, 1 Canyon Wren, 1 Bewick's Wren, 9 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 4 Northern Mockingbird, 1 Curve-billed Thrasher, 2 Phainopepla, 10 Audubon's Warbler group, 4 Spotted Towhee, 4 Abert's Towhee, 2 Abert's Towhee/western form, 1 Chipping Sparrow, 4 Black-throated Sparrow, 2 Song Sparrow, 8 White-crowned Sparrow, 24 Gambel's White-crowned Sparrow (west Taiga), 16 Red-winged Blackbird/interior western group, 6 Pine Siskin, 2 Lesser Goldfinch (females and young), 3 House Sparrow.

From: Troy Corman
Date: Sunday, Nov. 14
Our Sunday birdwalk group enjoyed good views of Pine Siskins feeding on the sunflower seedheads on the south bank of Queen Creek near the washed-out bridge; today's other sighting of note came after the birdwalk concluded: this was a group of Red Crossbills that briefly landed in a conifer near trail marker #42, on the south side of the path before continuing along through the canyon. Others seen and heard today, in BTA checklist order, were Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Broad-billed and also Anna's Hummingbirds; Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Western Scrub Jay, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren (calling in Silver King Wash), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing (flock of 13 feeding in a treetop 20 yards behind the visitor center as you begin the main trail), Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Kurt & Cindy Radamaker
Date: Saturday, Nov. 13
No unusual species were observed today, but we did speak with a couple of birders who mentioned they had seen a Brown Thrasher and a Cassin's Vireo. We counted 35 species including 5 Gambel's Quail, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 American Coot, 3 Mourning Dove, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 10 Anna's Hummingbird, 5 Gila Woodpecker, 2 Red-naped Sapsucker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 5 Northern Flicker, 2 Black Phoebe, 1 Say's Phoebe, 2 Common Raven, 3 Verdin, 2 Cactus Wren, 4 Rock Wren, 2 Canyon Wren, 2 Bewick's Wren, 1 House Wren, 6 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 5 Hermit Thrush, 2 Northern Mockingbird, 2 Curve-billed Thrasher, 4 Phainopepla, 6 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 5 Spotted Towhee, 4 Abert's Towhee, 4 Black-throated Sparrow, 3 Song Sparrow, 10 White-crowned Sparrow, 5 Northern Cardinal, 5 House Finch, 4 Lesser Goldfinch, and 10 House Sparrow.

From: Cynthia Donald & Pete Moulton
Date: Sunday, Nov. 7
Bird-of-the-day was a White-throated Sparrow observed amongst White-crowneds near the Smith Building greenhouses; Lark Sparrow and Black-throated were also present. Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot were at Ayer Lake, also seen and heard today were Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern Red-shafted Flicker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow.

From: Herb Fibel, Maricopa Audubon Society
Date: Saturday, Nov. 6
Gilded Flicker was today's outstanding sighting - other species were Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed and also Anna's Hummingbirds; Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Tracy McCarthey
Date: Saturday, Nov. 6
Two species of Yellow-rumped Warbler, both the Audubon's and Myrtle races, were observed today. Broad-billed and also Anna's Hummingbirds were present, and other species around the gardens included Pied-billed Grebe, American Kestrel, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, (possible White-winged Dove), Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern Red-shafted Flicker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow.

From: Brent Floyd
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 3
Lincoln's Sparrow was the notable species today, other species include Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, and House Finch.

From: Kurt & Cindy Radamaker
Date: Sunday, Oct.31
Golden Eagle was the most dramatic species observed during today's walk, with two adults and one likely first-year juvenile all circling high over Ayer Lake. Other highlights were the Brown Creeper seen in the Demonstration Garden and the two male Broad-billed Hummingbirds. Other species seen and heard this morning include 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 2 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 10 Gambel's Quail, 2 American Coot, 5 Mourning Dove, 28 Anna's Hummingbird, 6 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Red-naped Sapsucker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 10 Northern Red-shafted Flicker, 1 Black Phoebe, 1 Hutton's Vireo,
1 Common Raven, 6 Verdin, 10 Bushtit, 4 Rock Wren, 2 Canyon Wren, 1 Cactus Wren, 6 Bewick's Wren, 20 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 4 Hermit Thrush, 1 Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, 2 Phainopepla, 2 Orange-crowned Warbler, 10 Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, 4 Spotted Towhee, 4 Abert's Towhee, 2 Song Sparrow, 10 White-crowned Sparrow, 2 Northern Cardinal, 20 Red-winged Blackbird, 6 Great-tailed Grackle, 20 House Finch, 10 House Sparrow.

From: Richard Ditch (see recent photos at http://home.earthlink.net/~richditch)
Date: Saturday, Oct. 30
I lead a bird walk at Boyce Thompson Arboretum this morning Oct 30, with a small group and with very pleasant temperatures. Highlights were a male Broad-billed Hummingbird at the hummingbird and butterfly garden just down from the visitor center, and the Brown Thrasher scratching on the ground below the Mexican Fan Palms just west
of the Herb Garden. Species seen in order encountered: Red-shafted Flicker, Gila Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Warbler, House Finch, Abert’s Towhee, Anna’s Hummingbird, White-crowned Sparrow, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Verdin, Phainopepla, Northern Mockingbird, Gambel’s Quail, Northern Cardinal, House Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Red-naped Sapsucker, Hermit Thrush, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Wren, Brown Thrasher, Cactus Wren, Red-winged Blackbird.

From: Cathy Wise-Gervais
Date: Sunday, Oct. 24
No sign of the trasher or grosbeak this morning. 38 species total for the birdwalk includes: Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Cooper's Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-shafted Flicker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo,
Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren (probable at Ayer Lake - the bird disappeared quickly into the reeds), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Brewer's Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow.

From: Cynthia Donald & Pete Moulton
Date: Saturday, Oct. 23
Today there was no sign of the Grosbeak reported as recently as Oct. 19, but the season's first Brown Thrasher was observed near the Herb Garden, as well as many Hermit Thrush. Other species during a relatively quiet morning of birding included Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird (in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden), Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, female Summer Tanager, female Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, abundant White-crowned Sparrows, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Troy Corman
Date: Sunday, Oct. 17
The first-year male Rose-breasted Grosbeak reported Saturday was observed again today feeding in the Chinese Pistachio tree at the center of the picnic area. Late for the season, a female Black-chinned Hummingbird was feeding near the front of the Smith Building. Other species included Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, "Western" Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco (Pink sided), Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cindy Marple
Date: Saturday, Oct. 16
Bird-of-the-day was a Rose-breasted Grosbeak observed feeding in the Chinese Pistachio tree in the picnic area. Other species included Pied-billed Grebe, Green Heron, American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Western Wood Pewee, Plumbeous Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Redwing Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Bruce Ray
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 12
Costa's Hummingbird was the species of note today; others observed included Pied-billed Grebe, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Wilson's Warbler,Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Sunday, Oct. 10
Nearly all Wren species (Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's, House and Marsh) were found today, and other species of note included Brown Creeper and Red-breasted Nuthatch. Others from today's checklist include: Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot at Ayer Lake, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Cassin's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Barn Swallow, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Cedar Waxwing, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsend's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-sided race), Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Saturday, Oct. 9
A Red-breasted Nuthatch in the picnic area today was notable, others on today's checklist were Gambel's Quail, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Western Flycatcher, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Bell's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin; four Wren species (Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's and Marsh) , Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Swainson's Thrush (near pistachio trees west of the Herb Garden), Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Macgillivray's Warbler (near Australian walkabout birdge), Summer Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Bruce Ray
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 6
Green Heron and Cooper's Hawk were observed; other species today's include Gambel's Quail,american Coot, Costa's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Common Yellowthroat, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Fox Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cindy Marple
Date: Sunday, Oct. 3
Three different towhee species were observed today (Green-tailed, Spotted and Abert's). Other birds around the Arboretum included Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Vaux's Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Warbling Vireo, Western Scrub Jay, Verdin, Rock Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Melody Kehl
Date: Saturday, Oct. 2
Swainson's Thrush just west of the Herb Garden and MacGillivray's Warbler in the Demonstration Garden were highlights of the walk this morning. Others around the Arboretum included Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Vaux's Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Western Scrub Jay, Common Raven, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Sept 25-26
It was windy Friday night and continued that way throughout Saturday, diminishing on Sunday. Though numbers of transients were generally low, the variety of species was rewarding. Highlights included a Peregrine Falcon flying over the cliffs along Queen Creek, two Dusky-capped Flycatchers foraging on insects and pistachio fruit at the east end of the herb garden (with two seasonally-late Ash-throated Flycatchers conveniently nearby for comparison!), an Olive-sided Flycatcher sallying from high atop treetops in the picnic ground and over nearby Queen Creek, 2 Cedar Waxwings in the heavily fruit-laden picnic grounds pistachio tree where a Swainson’s Thrush and numerous other species feasted on deep blue berries, and a smattering of vireos and warblers. Western Tanagers were abundant, but Black-headed Grosbeaks were scarce and no buntings were found. Some winter-resident species trickled in, including Sharp-shinned Hawk, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, “Audubon’s” Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Lincoln’s and White-crowned Sparrows, and Brewer’s Blackbirds (roosting in Ayer Lake’s marsh). Red-naped Sapsuckers and Western Scrub-Jay had been previously reported. Late Blue Grosbeaks, an early Cassin’s Finch, and later 2 Pine Siskins were surprising. A Loggerhead Shrike perched in the glow of sunset on the hill east of Ayer Lake a few minutes before a solitary Lesser Nighthawk glided over Ayer Lake. Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Gambel’s Quail, American Coot, Mourning and Inca Doves, Lesser Nighthawk, Broad-billed, Anna’s, and Rufous Hummingbirds, Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Red-naped Sapsucker (numerous), “Red-shafted” Flicker (several), Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Hammond’s and “Western” Flycatchers, Black & Say’s Phoebes, Loggerhead Shrike, Bell’s (1 singing male), Plumbeous, Cassin’s, and Warbling (numerous) Vireos, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock, Cactus, Canyon, Bewick’s, House, & Marsh Wrens, Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1), Swainson’s Thrush, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned, Nashville, “Audubon’s”, Black-throated Gray, Townsend’s (2), MacGillivray’s, and Wilson’s Warblers, Common Yellowthroat, Western & Summer Tanagers, Green-tailed, Spotted, Canyon, & Abert’s Towhees, Rufous-crowned, Chipping, Black-throated, Song, Lincoln’s, & White-crowned Sparrows, Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia (at hackberries at west end of demo garden), Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Brewer’s Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird (2 to Ayer marsh with blackbirds at sunset), Cassin’s Finch, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow.

From: Cindy Marple
Date: Sunday, Sept. 26
Song Sparrow and White-crowned Sparrow were both present today. Other species include Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot at Ayer Lake, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Western Wood Pe-wee, Black Phoebe, Warbling Vireo, Western Scrub Jay, Verdin, Rock Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Callista McDoure
Date: Monday, Sept. 20
Two raptors today were Cooper's Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk; other species include Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Rufous Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Scott's Oriole and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Jack Holloway & Tom Rawles
Date: Sunday, Sept. 19
Five Wren species (Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's and House) were a highlight of this morning; also present were Broad-billed, Anna's and Rufous Hummingbirds. Three "Western" (Pacific Slope, Cordilleran) Flycatchers and two Green-tailed Towhees are also particularly notable. Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot were at Ayer Lake, others include Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, MacGillivray's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, Sept. 16
Vesper Sparrow, Great Horned Owl and Greater Roadrunner were two of the more unusual species observed today; Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot were at Ayer Lake. Others were Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, three Hummingbird species (Broad-billed, Anna's, Rufous), Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Cassin's Kingbird, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren and Cactus Wren (both by ear), House Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, Black-headed Grosbeak, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Bruce Ray
Date: Saturday, Sept. 11
Zone-tailed Hawk was seen, birds around Ayer Lake included include Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Black Phoebe; others were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Willow Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Herb Fibel
Date: Monday, Sept. 6
Hooded Oriole and Black-headed Grosbeak were among the more colorful species seen today; others seen and heard include Turkey Vulture, Zone-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Phainopepla, Wilson's Warbler, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Jack Holloway
Date: Sunday, Sept. 5
A few of the more interesting birds sighted today in and near the Demonstration Garden include a Green-tailed Towhee and two Lark Sparrows. About a dozen Purple Martins were flying above Ayer Lake; near the Herb Garden were a Willow Flycatcher, Scott's Oriole, Crissal Thrasher, three Western Flycatchers and a Pacific-slope Flycatcher. Lazuli Bunting was seen, and today's warbler species included Wilson's, Orange-crowned, and Yellow.

From: Steve Hosmer
Date: Sunday, Sept. 5
Black-chinned Hummingbird was among the more interesting sightings today; others include Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, American Kestrel, American Coot, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Western Wood Pewee, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak (numerous), Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Cynthia Donald & Pete Moulton
Date: Sunday, Sept. 5
Early Fall migrants appear to be returning, with Hermit Thrush and Red-naped Sapsucker both seen and heard today from about 8-11 a.m. Hummingbirds observed were Broad-billed, Anna's and Rufous; also seen and heard today were Turkey Vulture, Zone-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove; Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Western Wood Pewee, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Western-scrub Jay, Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak (numerous), Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Bruce & Rosemary Ray
Date: Sunday, Sept. 5
Three Hummingbird species (Broad-billed, Costa's and Rufous) were observed this morning. Others seen and heard included Belted Kingfisher, Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot at Ayer Lake, Turkey Vulture, American Kestrel, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove; Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-Green Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren (heard), Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Richard Ditch (see recent photos at http://home.earthlink.net/~richditch)
Date: Saturday, Sept. 4
A Zone-tailed Hawk was observed at 7:00 a.m. from the new suspension bridge; this was before the start of this morning's birdwalk organized by the Maricopa Audubon Society; other species throughout the morning included Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Lesser Goldfinch, Curve-billed Thrasher, Gambel’s Quail, Common Raven, Phainopepla, White-throated Swift, Yellow Warbler, Rock Wren, Gila Woodpecker, Bewick’s Wren, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Western Tanager, House Finch, Bell’s Vireo, Turkey Vulture, Verdin, Yellow-breasted Chat, Wilson’s Warbler, Belted Kingfisher, Cedar Waxwing, Warbling Vireo, Anna’s Hummingbird, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Purple Martin (2 by lake), Pied-billed Grebe, Spotted Sandpiper, American Coot, Western Kingbird, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Inca Dove.

From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Monday, Aug. 23
Ladder-backed and also Gila Woodpecker were seen; others around the gardens included Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Black Phoebe at Ayer Lake, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed, and Anna's Hummingbirds, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren (heard), Cactus Wren (heard), Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Wilson's Warbler, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Bruce Ray
Date: Sunday, Aug. 22
Zone-tailed and also Red-tailed Hawks were seen today; others included Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot at Ayer Lake, Turkey Vulture, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove; Broad-billed, Rufous and Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Virginia's Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak (numerous), House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Cynthia Donald & Pete Moulton
Date: Sunday, Aug. 22
Today was a good one for warblers: numerous Yellow Warblers were found around the Hummingbird/Butterfly and also the Demonstration Gardens, where MacGillivray's, and Lucy's were also seen. Three Hummingbird species (Broad-billed, Rufous, Anna's were seen amogst these two particular collections, as well). Wilson's Warbler was observed near the Picnic area, and both Summer and Western Tanager species were seen in & around the tall Salt Cedars just west of the Drover's Shed. Species around Ayer Lake included Marsh Wren, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Black Phoebe and a family of Phainopepla. Others seen and heard around the Arboretum included Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove and Inca Dove; Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern (red-shafted) Flicker, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, , Verdin, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, Aug. 12
Rufous and also Broad-billed Hummingbird were both seen this week, Willow flycatcher continues to be present and notable warbler species include Orange-crowned, Nashville, and Yellow. Other species seen and heard include Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail (by ear), American Coot, three dove species (White-winged, Mourning, Inca); Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker (heard), Black Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Purple Martin, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Northern Mockingbird, both Curve-billed and Crissal Thrashers (heard), Phainopepla, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Canyon Towhee (heard), Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, Aug. 5
Willow flycatcher, Nashville Warbler and Wilson's Warbler were the highlights today; oher species seen and heard include Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, White-winged Dove, Mourning and Inca doves; Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, either Pacific Slope or Cordilleran Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Cassin's Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Purple Martin, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird (heard), both Curve-billed and Crissal Thrashers (heard), Phainopepla, Nashville Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Cindy Marple
Date: Sunday, Aug. 2
Photography was my goal today, so this short list doesn't include many species. Those seen and heard include Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, American Coot, three dove species (White-winged, Mourning and Inca); Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch.

From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Friday, July 30
Lark Sparrow was among the more interesting sightings Friday, along with a
Ladder-backed Woodpecker (tending young) and also a Gila Woodpecker. Other species were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Red-tailed Hawk, three dove species (White-winged, Mourning and Inca); Black-chinned Hummingbird, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Common Raven, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, a female Summer Tanager feeding young, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, July 29
A Zone-tailed Hawk soaring overhead was the highlight today, and two Vireo species (Bell's and also Warbling) were observed around the trails. Birds around Ayer Lake included Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Common Yellowthroat and Black Phoebe; others were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, White-winged, Mourning and Inca dove; Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird (heard), Ladder-backed and Gila Woodpeckers; Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren (heard), Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Canyon Towhee (heard), Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Ken Linker & Jim Ritterhouse
Date: Tuesday, July 27
Broad-billed Hummingbird and also Anna's Hummingbird were seen today; other species include Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, White-winged, Mourning and Inca dove, Ladder-backed and Gila Woodpecker Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Gray Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, July 22
Ladder-backed and Gila Woodpecker were both observed around the trails; other species include Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk (heard), Gambel's Quail, American Coot, White-winged, Mourning and Inca dove; Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Purple Martin, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, July 15
Two Oriole species (Bullock's, Hooded) were both seen; other species include Great Blue Heron, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Black Phoebe and Cliff Swallow around Ayer Lake today; also Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail; White-winged, Mourning and Inca dove; Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (heard), Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Great-tailed Grackle, Bronzed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Jack Bartley
Date: Thursday, July 8
Both Crissal and Curve-billed Thrasher were observed today; Cliff Swallow, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Black Phoebe were observed at Ayer Lake today and other species throughout the grounds included Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail; White-winged, Mourning and Inca dove, Lesser Nighthawk, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

From: Barb & Lou Winterfield
Date: Monday, July 5
Black-headed Grosbeak, Purple Martin and Summer Tanager were among the colorful highlights around the trails today, other sepcies i

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Bird Sightings posted from Aug. 2003 through December 2008

Bird Sightings posted from
Aug. 2003 through December 2008