Bird Sightings -- Updated Sunday,
January 22
EDITOR'S NOTE: the Arboretum had a one-of-a-kind hybrid Violet-crowned x. Broad-billed Hummingbird
from 2006 until 2009. Researchers
from Southeast Arizona Bird Observatory captured, leg-banded and released
the hybrid , check
out Randy Forrest's Hybrid Hummingbird banding slideshow. Additional
bird photos include a Northern Saw-whet Owl from 2007; check
out the great photograph by Marceline Vandewater and two Merriam's Turkey
hens were photographed here from November, 2008 through February, 2009. Check
out Tammy Knight's gallery of turkey photos
Bird reports from across Arizona in greater detail are posted at the excellent
website
http://www.birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/AZNM.html.
Recent Arboretum checklist reports include:
From: Joanne Barr
Date: January 16, Monday
Golden-crowned Kinglets were foraging in trees near the Smith Building entry, our most exciting find other than Pyrrhuloxia and Canyon Towhee on a Monday morning punctuated by rain. Weather suppressed bird activity but others we saw include Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot at Ayer Lake; Cooper's Hawk, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon); Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. EDITOR'S NOTE: guided bird walks resume February 4 with Cathy Wise and John Ray leading an 8:30 AM walk.
From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: January 15, Sunday
Crissal Thrasher was a highlight today - and I found five-of-six likely wrens including Bewick's, Cactus, Rock, Canyon and Marsh. A flock of Western Bluebirds foraging along Queen Creek Canyon at the east end of the main trail, down below Picket Post Mansion - was also a rare sighting for BTA. Lincoln's Sparrow was seen with a small group of White-crowneds, Dark-eyed Juncos, Hermit Thrush and Song Sparrow near the entrance to the Demonstration Garden. Other birds seen and heard around the Arboretum gardens were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Eurasian Collared Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Despite gray skies and a mid-January date, several butterflies were also seen: Monarch (2 individuals); Red Admiral, Mexican Yellow, American Snout and Spring Azure. Editor's Note: Joanne Barr will lead a special bird walk on Monday, January 16, also starting at 8:30 am from the visitor center lobby.
From: Rick Wright and Darlene Smyth
Date: January 12, Thursday
The handsome red Fox Sparrow reported Sunday was seen again in the same place Thursday - near the entrance to the Demonstration Garden, and observed several times during the "Bird Sit" event that Darlene and I lead at the Arboretum. We also saw a striking chocolate-brown "Montana" race Song Sparrow in this same area, Lincoln's and White-crowned Sparrows, and one Hermit Thrush. Shortly after 8:30 AM when the Bird Sit began we started in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden and almost immediately had fine views of an Orange-crowned Warbler competing at one of the nectar feeders with hungry Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds. Gila Woodpecker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Curve-billed Thrasher and Lesser Goldfinch were all seen in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden as well. Other birds seen and heard Thursday include a
Green-tailed Towhee, Gambel's Quail, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Northern Cardinal and House Finch. EDITOR'S NOTE: Joanne Barr will lead a special bird walk on Monday, January 16, also starting at 8:30 am from the visitor center lobby.
From: Jim Kopitzke
Date: January 8, Sunday
Two Fox Sparrows were near the entrance to the Demonstration Garden Saturday morning: one was red, the other slate-colored. Green-tailed Towhee was notable, also a small flock of Bushtits in the riparian area. Warblers today included both Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped (Audubon's).
Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds worked the nectar feeders in the Hummingbird Garden and other birds seen and heard included Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Crissal Thrasher, Phainopepla, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Joanne Barr
Date: January 1, Sunday
Two Common Yellowthroats previously reported December 18 and 26 were observed again this morning at Ayer Lake; our bird walk group also had good views of a Hutton's Vireo. Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot at Ayer Lake (also three Ring-necked Ducks observed late in the day, hours after the bird walk by a BTA staffer); also a Red-tailed Hawk perched on the magma cliffs in Queen Creek Canyon. Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds were in the Hummingbird Garden, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, and Gila Woodpecker were all vocal and accounted for, too (Common Raven as well). Others today included Black Phoebe, Verdin, four Wren species (Cactus, Rock, Canyon, and Marsh at Ayer Lake); also Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon); Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Craig Fischer - and Christmas Bird Count Volunteers
Date: December 26, Monday
I'd like to thank 18 volunteers from as far away as Ontario, Washington and California who participated in the Arboretum section of the Superior Christmas Bird Count; a few of the more notable sightings were one Rufous-backed Robin near the entrance to the Demonstration Garden, two Common Yellowthroat at Ayer Lake, a Black-chinned Hummingbird, Gilded Flicker, 2 Crissal Thrasher, 37 Western Bluebird -- and 2 Golden Eagles observed soaring over Arnett Canyon. Species and totals were: 31 Gambel's Quail, 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 5 Red-tailed Hawk, 3 American Kestrel, 1
Sora, 3 American Coot, 1 Rock Pigeon, 4 Mourning Dove, 8 Inca Dove, 2 Great-horned Owl (a vocal pair heard calling pre-dawn in Queen Creek east of BTA); 6 White-throated Swift, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 38 Anna's Hummingbird, 57 Gila Woodpecker, 18 Northern Flicker, 2 Red-naped Sapsucker, 15 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 7 Black Phoebe, 2 Say's Phoebe, 1 Plumbeous Vireo, 2 Western Scrub-Jay, 3 Common Raven, 53 Verdin, 1 House Wren, 4 Bewick's Wren, 25 Cactus Wren, 32 Rock Wren, 19 Canyon Wren, 4 Marsh Wren, 52 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 12 Hermit Thrush, 2 American Robin, 17 Northern Mockingbird, 18 Curve-billed Thrasher, 11 Cedar Waxwing, 38 Phainopepla, 3 Orange-crowned Warbler, 3 Green-tailed Towhee, 13 Canyon Towhee, 35 Abert's Towhee, 5 Spotted Towhee, 5 Brewer's Sparrow, 50 Black-throated Sparrow, 1 Lincoln's Sparrow, 3 Song Sparrow, 104 White-crowned Sparrow, 5 Dark-eyed Junco, 33 Northern Cardinal, 3 Pyrrhuloxia, 106 House Finch, 31 Lesser Goldfinch and 24 House Sparrow. EDITOR'S NOTE: Joanne Barr will guide a New Year's Day bird walk at BTA Jan. 1, Sunday, starting at 8:30 AM from the lobby of the visitor center, and included with daily admission of $9 for adults, $4.50 for ages 5-12.
From: Joanne Barr
Date: December 18, Sunday
Exciting news from the bird walk I lead Sunday morning at BTA - although I didn't see it, experienced birders and longtime Arboretum annual members Lindsay & Keith Story are sure they spotted a furtive Rufous-backed Robin foraging in the tall netleaf hackberry immediately out front of the smith building (at left) around 9:00 am. Seen foraging in this same tree were American Robin (less furtive); Gila Woodpecker, Phainopepla, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird and Curve-billed Thrasher. Also a thrill for all of us (this time I saw it, too!), our bird walk group enjoyed great views of the Arboretum's "coati in residence" who has been here for the past month. Sunday morning the handsome chocolate-brown coati was foraging on dark blue myrtle fruits, climbing around in the sprawling myrtle that overhangs the main trail at the pumphouse out in Queen Creek Canyon, at the west end of the catwalk above Queen Creek. One more fun bird-of-the-day was the lone Rufous-crowned Sparrow seen up above Ayer Lake, approximately betweek the two wooden shade ramadas. Other birds today included Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot at Ayer Lake, Cooper's Hawk (vocal and hunting early this morning); Red-tailed Hawk perched on a power pole up near Picket Post Mansion (also quite vocal); Broad-billed and also Anna's Hummingbird in the Hummingbird Garden, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Common Raven, verdin, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow and House Finch. ***** Plus - I'll be leading another 8:30am bird walk here at BTA on New Year's Day - Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012; I hope you'll make a resolution to start the New Year birding with friends at BTA!
. Editor's Note: guided bird walk have ended for 2011 but volunteers are needed for Christmas Bird Count here at BTA on Monday December 26, and also around the state. Read the complete list of Christmas Bird Counts on the Arizona Field Ornithologists website - AZFO.org
From: Hank Vanderpol (Nature Calgary)
Date: December 7, Wednesday
A Pyrrhuloxia at the south end of the Demonstration Garden was a highlight today, thanks for BTA staff member Chris Evans for alerting me to this bird's likely location. One White-throated Sparrow with a small flock of White-crowned Sparrows was again found near the palm grove today. We found three of six wren varieties (Cactus, Rock, Canyon). Also seen and heard around the gardens were Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (red-shafted), Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Marceline Vandewater & Cathy Wise
Date: December 3, Saturday
One White-throated Sparrow associated with a small flock of White-crowned Sparrows was seen near the palm grove Saturday morning on our guided bird walk; we also had both Green-tailed and Spotted Towhees right at the beginning of our walk inside the entrance to the Demonstration Garden - and one Lincoln's Sparrow here, too. Almost everyone in our group got a look at the coati that was foraging for fallen pecans beneath the big tree in the Herb Garden, which was also an exciting highlight for our participants; this coati has been seen and photographed at BTA just about every day or two over the past couple weeks. A handsome male Common Yellowthroat perched on the dam up at Ayer Lake was a surprise for this time of year, and a Lark Bunting perched on a wire above the lake. A few other notables were Orange-crowned Warbler and five of the six likely wren varieties (Bewick's, Cactus, Rock, Canyon and Marsh). Birds at Ayer Lake were Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot. Broad-billed and also Anna's Hummingbird were present in the hummingbird-butterfly garden, also other species seen and heard around the gardens were Gambel's Quail, Cooper's Hawk, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (red-shafted), Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Kathe Anderson
Date: November 27, Sunday
A Sora at Ayer Lake (along with Pied-bille Grebe and American Coot) was notable on an otherwise quiet morning birding; Broad-billed and also Anna's Hummingbird were present in the hummingbird-butterfly garden, also other species seen and heard around the gardens were Gambel's Quail, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (red-shafted), Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, "Audubon's" Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Cindy Marple and Cindy West
Date: November 13, Sunday
Western Bluebird was a notable sighting Sunday on our guided bird walk -- also both Song and also Black-throated Sparrows were observed, and four Wren species: Cactus, Rock, Canyon and Marsh. Other birds seen and heard around the gardens were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Broad- billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (red-shafted), Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Troy Corman
Date: November 5, Saturday
Four Golden-crowned Kinglets and 15 Cedar Waxwings were noteworthy today; we also had 8 Ruby-crowneds, 18 White-crowned Sparrows and one Orange-crowned Warbler. Other birds seen and heard around the gardens include 1 Gambel's Quail, 1 Pied-billed Grebe, 2 Cooper's Hawk, 2 Red-tailed Hawk, 6 American Coot, 3 Broad- billed Hummingbird, 5 Anna's Hummingbird, 15 Gila Woodpecker, 12 Northern Flicker (red-shafted); 1 Red-naped Sapsucker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 3 Black Phoebe, 1 Say's Phoebe, 2 Hutton's Vireo, 3 Common Raven, 12 Verdin, 1 House Wren, 2 Bewick's Wren, 2 Canyon Wren, 3 Rock Wren,1 Marsh Wren, 2 Hermit Thrush, 2 American Robin, 3 Northern Mockingbird, 4 Curve-billed Thrasher, 5 Phainopepla, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 8 Abert's Towhee, 2 Spotted Towhee, 6 Northern Cardinal, 3 Red-winged Blackbird and 2 Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Kathe Anderson and John Ray
Date: October 23, Sunday
A flock of Cedar Waxwings seen above ayer lake was our highlight today. Others seen and heard around the gardens were Gambel's Quail, Broad- billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (red-shafted); Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's Note: guided bird walks continue with Arizona Game & Fish Department avian expert Troy Corman on November 5, photographer Cindy Marple and Cindy West on November 13, Pete Moulton November 19, and Kathe Anderson November 27.
From: Dave Pearson
Date: October 15, Saturday
A female Lawrence's Goldfinch with a flock of Lesser Goldfinches in the Demonstration Garden was our most notable bird today; we also saw the Winter season's first Spotted Towhee (Green-tailed and Abert's, too); a Brewer's Sparrow (also Black-throated, Lincoln's, Song and White-crowned); and the different Warblers: Wilson's, Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped. Good day for wrens, too, with Bewick's, Cactus, Rock and Canyon seen on our walk - and Marsh Wren reported by Jack Holloway. We totalled 36 species toay; others seen and heard around the gardens were Gambel's Quail, Cooper's Hawk, Broad- billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (red-shafted); Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, and House Sparrow.
From: Troy Corman
Date: October 9, Sunday
A solo Townsend's Solitaire foraging on the red fruits of a leafless Chinese pistachio tree above Ayer Lake and just off the main trail was notable on today's guided bird walk, according to Arboretum records this is the first report of one here since November 2008! We also observed a Lewis' Woodpecker fly over. We had good views of a Black-throated Gray Warbler in the Demonstration Garden, where we also had a Brewer's Sparrow. Ayer lake produced the 'first-of-season' Marsh Wren, also a Pyrrhuloxia that was observed flying over Ayer Lake and heading east, with a Brewer's Blackbird perched on rocks above the lake shore. Another 'FOS' wintering migrant was the Ruby-crowned Kinglet seen today. Gilded Flicker was notable, too; for a "6 woodpecker day." Other birds seen and heard today included 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 2 Inca Dove, 2 White-throated Swift, 3 Broad- billed Hummingbird, 12 Anna's Hummingbird, 15 Gila Woodpecker, 10 Northern Flicker (red-shafted); 3 Red-naped Sapsucker, 3 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 3 Black Phoebe, 3 Warbling Vireo, 1 Common Raven, 15 Verdin, 1 Bewick's Wren, 2 Cactus Wren, 4 Rock Wren, 2 Canyon Wren, 10 Northern Mockingbird, 8 Curve-billed Thrasher, 3 Phainopepla, 4 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Common Yellowthroat, 1 Summer Tanager, 5 Western Tanager, 1 Canyon Towhee, 8 Abert's Towhee, 1 Rufous-crowned Sparrow, 1 Brewer's Sparrow, 1 Lincoln's Sparrow, 1 Black-throated Sparrow, 10 White-crowned Sparrow, 1 Black-headed Grosbeak, 12 Northern Cardinal, 15 House Finch, 6 Lesser Goldfinch and 4 House Sparrow.
From: Cynthia Donald & Pete Moulton (with numbered reports from Steve & Joan Hosmer)
Date: October 1, Saturday
Three Common Ground Doves seen near the 'Rattlesnakes Only' sign above Ayer Lake -- and a colorful male Pyrrhuloxia seen along the 'Switchbacks' section of the main trail below the Picket Post Mansion were highlights of today's guided bird walk. We missed the Magnolia Warbler which had been previously reported both Thursday and Friday, but reliable birders reported seeing this rarity foraging on the ground below the Pistachio trees just inside the Picnic Area. A few other notables include Green-tailed Towhee, Barn Swallow, 6 White-throated Swift, Willow Flycatcher (vocal and in the picnic area); Western Wood-pewee, Hammond's Flycatcher, Gray Flycatcher, Rufous Hummingbird, first-of-season Lincoln's Sparrow, one female Summer Tanager, and numerous Western Tanagers.
Other birds in the gardens included 2 Gambel's Quail, 15 Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, 4 Mourning Dove, 2 Inca Dove, 3 Broad- billed Hummingbird, 2 Anna's Hummingbird, 8 Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (first-of-season); Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 Black Phoebe, Cassin's Kingbird, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, 5 Warbling Vireo, 12 Verdin, Bewick's Wren (also Cactus, 4 Rock and 2 Canyon); 2 Northern Mockingbird, 3 Curve-billed Thrasher, 4 Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Townsend's Warbler (seen by Steve and Joan Hosmer); Wilson's Warbler, Canyon Towhee, 4 Abert's Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, 2 Black-throated Sparrow, 6 White-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, 3 Northern Cardinal, Yellow-breasted Chat, 15 House Finch, 6 Lesser Goldfinch and one House Sparrow. Good day for herps, too; we saw a Coachwhip, Sonoran Whipsnake and two Lowland Leopard Frogs.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Arboretum guided bird walks continue with Troy Corman leading the walk Oct. 9, along with Richard Ditch and Joanne Barr. ASU Prof. Dave Pearson returns Oct. 15.
From: David Pearson & Richard Ditch
Date: September 24, Saturday
Nashville Warbler and also MacGillivray's Warbler were seen on today's 'Bye Bye Buzzards Day' bird walk; also notable was one Band-tailed Pigeon, a first-of-season White-crowned Sparrow, and 2 Vaux's Swifts observed by Dave Powell as they soared through a circling kettle of Turkey Vultures overhead while Dave was in the Demonstration Garden leading a butterfly walk. Broad-tailed Hummingbird was one of 6 species around the gardens today (also Black-chinned, Costa's, Anna's, Rufous and Broad- billed); and birders found Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Brewer's Sparrow and a Western-type Flycatcher. Also seen and heard today were Mourning Dove, Say's Phoebe, Black-headed Grosbeak, Song Sparrow, Curve-billed Thrasher, Abert's Towhee, Phainopepla, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager, Northern Mockingbird, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Gila Woodpecker, Gambel's Quail, Yellow Warbler, Warbling Vireo, Lesser Goldfinch, Wilson's Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Black Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Rock Wren, Common Raven, Summer Tanager, Verdin and Cooper's Hawk.
EDITOR'S NOTE: the Arboretum fall bird walk series returns Saturday Oct. 1 with a walk at 8:30 a.m. guided by Pete Moulton and Cynthia Donald. Troy Corman leads the walk there Oct. 9, along with Richard Ditch and Joanne Barr; Dave Pearson returns Oct. 15.
From: Troy Corman
Date: September 18, Sunday
Saw and heard 46 species between Sunday and Monday around the gardens; Western Tanagers and Warbling Vireos were numerous, Willow and also Pacific Slope Flycatchers were notable on their late summer migration back through this corner of Pinal County, and five species of hummingbirds were observed competing at the feeders and flowers: Broad-billed, Anna's, Black-chinned, Rufous and Broad-tailed. Green-tailed Towhee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Scrub Jay and a Prairie Falcon streaking overhead just before an oncoming rainstorm Monday afternoon were also notable.
From: John Saba
Date: September 12, Monday
Saw and heard 46 species between Sunday and Monday around the gardens; Western Tanagers and Warbling Vireos were numerous, Willow and also Pacific Slope Flycatchers were notable on their late summer migration back through this corner of Pinal County, and five species of hummingbirds were observed competing at the feeders and flowers: Broad-billed, Anna's, Black-chinned, Rufous and Broad-tailed. Green-tailed Towhee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Scrub Jay and a Prairie Falcon streaking overhead just before an oncoming rainstorm Monday afternoon were also notable.
From: Kurt & Cindy Radamaker; additional sightings by Marceline Vandewater & Dave Powell
Date: September 10, Saturday
MacGillivray's Warblers are migrating through, we saw five at the Arboretum today, including one exhausted bird near the suspension bridge that was so intent on feeding that it ignored photographers just yards away taking pictures. Birds in this report were incidentally seen during today's 5th Annual CAZBA Butterfly count at BTA; other warblers included one Townsend's, an Orange-crowned, 6 Yellow, 2 Wilson's, 2 Common Yellowthroat and 2 Yellow-breasted Chat. Also notable were a Green-tailed Towhee and also a House Wren (the first report of each here since Spring migration); one Golden Eagle, 1 Pacific Slope Flycatcher, and one female Lazuli Bunting. Other birds around the gardens today included 10 Gambel's Quail, 5 Turkey Vulture, 1 Eurasian Collared Dove, 6 Inca Dove, 4 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 1 Black-chinned Hummingbird, 2 Anna's Hummingbird, 1 Rufous Hummingbird, 2 Gila Woodpecker, 2 Black Phoebe, 1 Vermilion Flycatcher, 1 Brown-crested Flycatcher, 1 Ash-throated Flycatcher, 1 Western Kingbird, 3 Bell's Vireo, 3 Warbling Vireo, 2 Common Raven, 5 Violet-green Swallow, 1 Barn Swallow, 6 Verdin, 1 Cactus Wren, 2 Rock Wren, 2 Curve-billed Thrasher, 3 Phainopepla, 2 Summer Tanager, 6 Western Tanager, 4 abert's Towhee, 1 Lark Sparrow, 3 Black-throated Sparrow, 6 Black-headed Grosbeak, 4 Northern Cardinal, 6 House Finch, House Finch and 10 Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: September 2, Friday
Five Black-crowned Night-Herons (3 adult and 2 immature) and a Great Blue Heron visited Ayer Lake early Friday morning. A Western Wood-Pewee sallied in the Cactus Garden. A pale-plumaged Red-breasted Nuthatch calling high in the pines at the Pine Loop Trail was a surprise. A first-of-autumn Nashville Warbler foraged in shrubby riparian vegetation. Three Varied Buntings (an adult male, an adult female, and an immature) perched near each other in full view south of the picnic area. These birds probably bred here this year, since they have been resident in this habitat all summer. A male was photographed on June 12 (Jack Haskell) and the female of the pair was photographed in July (Jack Holloway). At dusk an Osprey settled upon a bare snag in the eucalyptus grove to roost for the night.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Wednesday, August 31
Today's highlight was watching a Bobolink in fresh fall plumage preen after bathing in the "stream" along the trail below the pump house southeast of Ayer Lake (near an interpretive ramada). I first noticed the bird when it uttered its diagnostic call note. During the 90 minutes I spent watching for birds visiting fruiting pistachios and that general vicinity, I recorded 45 species of transient and resident birds: Turkey Vultures, an immature Red-tailed Hawk, White-winged and Mourning Doves, 1 Vaux's Swift, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbirds, 1 Black-chinned Hummingbird, 1 Anna's Hummingbird, 2 Gila Woodpeckers, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 1 Willow Flycatcher, 1 Black Phoebe, 1 Ash-throated Flycatcher, 2 Cassin's Kingbirds, at least 12 Western Kingbirds that included family groups which probably nested near the Arb, 2 Bell's Vireos, 2 Warbling Vireos, 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdins, wrens (Cactus, Rock, and Canyon), 2 immature Northern Mockingbirds, Curve-billed Thrasher, 4 European Starlings, several Phainopeplas, 3 Yellow Warblers, 1 Wilson's Warbler, a male Summer Tanager accompanied by an immature, 1 Western Tanager, 4 Abert's Towhees, 3 Chipping Sparrows, 1 Brewer's Sparrow, 5 Lark Sparrows, 5 Black-throated Sparrows, 2 Song Sparrows, 3 Northern Cardinals, 2 Black-headed Grosbeaks, 5 Lazuli Buntings, several House Finches and a few Lesser Goldfinches. A pair of Purple Martins fed fledglings perched on power lines and flying in the air. I also noted Gilded Flicker and Rufous-crowned Sparrows on the cliffs south of Queen Creek Canyon. Elsewhere in the gardens I added 19 species: Cooper's Hawk, Gambel Quail, Inca Dove, Rufous Hummingbird, flycatchers (Pacific-slope, Vermilion, and Brown-crested), 1 Bank Swallow, Common Raven, Bewick's Wren, Orange-crowned and MacGillivray's Warblers, Common Yellowthroat, a female Blue Grosbeak feeding a fledgling Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded and Bullock's Orioles, 1 Yellow-headed Blackbird, and House Sparrow.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Tuesday, August 30
The gardens were rather quiet during my survey of 60 species this morning. Most sounds came from Lesser Goldfinches, House Finches, Abert's Towhees, Gila Woodpeckers, and Northern Cardinals, while previously vociferous Bell's Vireos and Yellow-breasted Chats were virtually silent. Fall migrants included: calling Willow and Pacific-slope Flycatchers, 3 Warbling Vireos, some warblers (including 2 Orange-crowned, 3 MacGillivray's, 3 Wilson's Warblers, one late immature Lucy's, and over 20 Yellows in non-breeding habitat), 2 Western Tanagers, 14 Black-headed Grosbeaks, several Lazuli Buntings, 3 Yellow-headed Blackbirds (roosted in the marsh at Ayer ), 3 immature Bullock's Orioles. Three immature Northern Mockingbirds ate Desert Hackberry or pistachio fruits as did flocks of Phainopeplas. Two pairs of Purple Martins fed young birds perched on power lines and in the air over Ayer Lake. A Vaux's Swift passed over Ayer Lake twice (or two single birds moved by) and one Barn Swallow visited briefly. Two Cassin's Kingbirds and at least 12 Western Kingbirds sallied on slopes around Ayer Lake and snatched pistachios from trees below the pump house up the trail. Resident or summer birds included: Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, doves (White-winged - only a few, Mourning, and Inca), Lesser Nighthawk, hummingbirds (including a transient Rufous with resident Broad-billed, Black-chinned, and Anna's), Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, one family group of Brown-crested Flycatchers, Common Raven, Verdin, wrens (Cactus, Canyon, Rock, and Bewick's), Curve-billed Thrasher, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Canyon Towhee, sparrows (Rufous-crowned, Black-throated, and Song), Hooded Oriole, and House Sparrow.
From: Scott & Fonda Christopher
Date: August 27, Saturday
With about one month left before the Arboretum's annual Bye-Bye Buzzards event, we counted 75 Turkey Vultures perched along Magma Ridge and in the eucalyptus trees. One of the local resident Zone-tailed Hawks was on its favorite perch just above the High Trail (approximtely across from the Herb Garden). This week if you walk above Ayer Lake, watch the telephone wires for Purple Martins, we saw parents feeding perched juveniles Saturday. Down at the lake Northern Rough-winged and also Barn Swallows were foraging over the surface, a Western Kingbird was hunting around the edge, and a vivid male Summer Tanager and a Common Yellowthroat were perched where the cattails meet cliffs at the east side, close to the trail. One more highlight-of-the-week: check out the Crape Myrtle tree in full bloom down by the palm grove (between trail markers #43 and #44), the color is spectacular, and at least 10 Verdin were foraging in and around these hot pink trees. Our Saturday checklist also includes Mourning Dove, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 3 Anna's Hummingbird, 3 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Black Phoebe, 3 Vermilion Flycatcher, 1 Cassin's Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, 2 Warbling Vireo, 1 Canyon Wren, 1 Curve-billed Thrasher, 5 Phainopepla, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, 1 Yellow Warbler, 1 Yellow-breasted Chat, 2 Western Tanager, 4 Lark Sparrow, 2 Northern Cardinal, 1 possible Pyrrhuloxia; 1 Hooded Oriole, 30+ House Finch, House Finch, 10+ Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Craig Anderson
Date: August 21, Sunday
A Zone-tailed Hawk perched above the High Trail was a notable Sunday morning highlight on our guided walk, and migant flycatchers were along the Riparian area, including a Gray Flycatcher, Western Wood-pewee, and one nonvocal Western-type flycatcher (our guess was Cordilleran). One participant in our ground reported a Spotted Sandpiper at Ayer Lake, also Purple Martins swooping down to the lake surface for a drink. Rufous Hummingbirds have returned, look for these competing at the single nectar feeder in the Demonstration Garden, where we also found Broad-billed, Black-chinned and Anna's. Two more colorful migrants to watch for at BTA this week are Lazuli Bunting and Western Tanager, both were seen and photographed at the new water fountain out front of the Smith Building over the weekend. Sunday also brought a few "first of the season" sightings of early Fall/Winter migrants, including a Black-throated Gray Warbler in the cottonwood at the southwest corner of the picnic (we saw Yellow Warblers here, too). We had a total of 43 species Sunday and covered about 1.9 miles of Arboretum trails - other birds found Sunday include Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, an accipter (north of the lake in a mesquite on the north side of the main trail); Mourning Dove; Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher,
Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: John Saba
Date: July 30, Saturday
Sharp-eyed 12-year-old Emily Gidley pointed out a Sonora Whipsnake spotted checking out a bird nest in a tree, which was a notable highlight of Saturday's guided Bird Walk. 29 bird species were seen and heard; a male Blue Grosbeak perched in a desert willow tree in the Demonstration Garden around 9:15 added his dramatic colo, as did the Hooded Oriole nearby. Other birds seen and heard Saturday were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher,
Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Purple Martin, Barn Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-breasted Chat, Abert's Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Summer Tanager, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. A few additional species seen in the gardens when I scouted Friday were
Cooper's Hawk, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Rufous-crowned Sparrow and Song Sparrow. ** Editor's note: our next guided bird walk will be August 21 with Craig Anderson.
From: Kathe Anderson
Date: July 17, Sunday
Our Sunday bird walk group found the Cooper's in the huge eucalyptus on the left going up towards to Ayer Lake, and three or four purple martins there. Thirty or more Turkey Vultures kettled for a long time for our viewing pleasure. The stunning Hooded Oriole at the top of the desert willow, against the blue sky, in the Demonstration Garden, was a photographer's prize. Chat's were unusually visible, including one that hopped around on the ground near the lower parking lot. Stop by the windmill near the Drover Shed if you vist the Arboretum this week, make sure to listen for the Gila Woodpecker who discovered he can make a much bigger racket drumming on the metal blades. Our Sunday bird walk group was treated to this humorously loud concerto several times! A Vermilion Flycatcher on her nest in the eucalyptus grove was a highlight today, also a vivid red male Summer Tanager seen at the south end of the Demonstration Garden (directly over our heads). Also seen/heard on today's guided bird walk were Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Eric Hough
Date: July 12, Tuesday
A Common Ground-Dove was seen in the dry bed of Queen Creek, viewed from the large suspension bridge -- a Blue Grosbeak was in the Demo Garden, with a Scott's Oriole singing in the shrubbery below the main parking lot (presumably a male). We did not see any of the rarities recently reported, but still had a fine list of the regulars -- with Yellow-breasted Chats and Bell's Vireos seemingly everywhere! Other birds found were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird (2); Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Western Kingbird, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow (1); Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Rick Wright
Date: July 9, Saturday
Yellow-billed Cuckoo remained here Saturday, and the male Varied Bunting was seen and heard again in the vicinity of the Demonstration Garden. Read a more detailed report at birdingnewjersey.com Other birds seen and heard around the gardens Friday afternoon and Saturday morning included Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Abert's Towhee, Summer Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Blue Grosbeak, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Connect with Rick on facebook
From: Jay Taylor (ASU)
Date: July 4, Monday
Saw at least one Virginia's Warbler today, one sighting up near Ayer Lake and a separate sighting down along Queen Creek. A few other highlights include 19 Northern Cardinals (!), one Blue Grosbeak, an even dozen Yellow Warblers and a Zone-tailed Hawk. Also on today's checklist were 12 Gambel's Quail, 3 Turkey Vulture, 14 White-winged Dove, 2 Inca Dove, 5 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 3 Costa's Hummingbird, 7 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 Black Phoebe, 3 Vermilion Flycatcher, 3 Ash-throated Flycatcher, 3 Brown-crested Flycatcher, 9 Bell's Vireo, 4 Common Raven, 9 Phainopepla, 14 Verdin, 2 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 2 Cactus Wren, 3 Rock Wren, 5 Canyon Wren, 7 Bewick's Wren, 3 Curve-billed Thrasher, at least 20 Lesser Goldfinch, 4 House Finch, 12 or more Lucy's Warbler, 7 Yellow Warbler, 9 Yellow-breasted Chat (including at her nest); 2 Hooded Oriole, 6 Brown-headed Cowbird, 1 Song Sparrow at Ayer Lake, 4 Black-throated Sparrow, 6 Abert's Towhee, and 5 Summer Tanager.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: July 4, Monday
Both Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Varied Bunting were in the Demonstration Garden shortly after 6:00 this morning. The cuckoo is secretive and moves about mysteriously. I saw it fly from the residential area, across the visitor center parking lot and down into the garden gallery Sunday and again today. It has also visited the Picnic Area. Black-headed Grosbeaks continued feeding on berries, periodically uttering their characteristic “ick” call notes. Please join me for a guided walk seeking these and all other Arboretum birds Sunday, July 10 -- we'll meet in the visitor center lobby at 6:30 a.m.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: July 2, Saturday
On June 30 John DeGrafft photographed a Yellow-billed Cuckoo at 11:15 in dense foliage of the pistachio by the Woodland Garden. Seeing this elusive species is always a delight, especially in non-breeding habitat. The Varied Bunting still sings south of the Demonstration Garden, but only briefly during extensive periods of observation. On June 30 it sang from 0612 to 0628 south of the picnic area out-of-view before it landed on a saguaro with ripe fruit below the High Trail hillside, where it probed at the fruit for 1.5 minutes, and then returned to thick riparian vegetation. On July 1 it sang in dense canopy foliage near the fountain from 0910 to 0930 before disappearing.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: June 28, Tuesday
After birding the Oak Flat area where I found a singing Blue Grosbeak, I was delighted to tally 13 species of dragonflies during a half-hour watch in mid morning at 102 degrees F along the shore of a pond 1 mi by road southwest of the campground: 8 Flame Skimmer, 1 Roseatte Skimmer, 25+ Mexican Amberwing, 10+ Black Saddlebags, 10+ Red Saddlebags, 2 Common Whitetail, 1 Twelve-spotted Skimmer, 1 Widow Skimmer, 2 Blue Dasher, 1 Wandering Glider, 1 Blue-eyed Darner, 3 Common Darner, and 1 Giant Darner. Black and Say’s Phoebes captured some, in addition to other prey, and fed them to their vociferous fledglings. Cassin’s Kingbirds and Ash-throated Flycatchers also sallied out over the water. As I approached the shore, an immature Black-crowned Night-Heron bolted from a willow with dense foliage, circled briefly, then landed at the mouth of a shaded overhang on a nearby slope. One of a pair of calling Zone-tailed Hawks perched in a pond-side Emory Oak and then landed near the water before being disturbed by a passing pickup. I had seen one the previous day in the same oak.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: June 27, Monday
I birded the Oak Flat area in late morning as the temperature climbed over 100 degrees F. Of interest among the 39 species observed were single transient Willow and “Western” Flycatchers. Family flocks of Bushtits aggregated to groups of 30+. Several pairs of Verdins, Bewick’s Wrens, and Black-throated Sparrows fed vocal young. I watched a pair of Vermilion Flycatchers feed young west of the territory occupied by the leucistic Vermilions. Although I found the colorful male, I didn’t see a white immature until I returned before sunset; I watched one forage after it emerged from a shady stand of oaks next to the open area where it has been reported by others. I also noted: Gambel’s Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper’s Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Say’s Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Cassin’s Kingbird, Bell’s Vireo, Gray Vireo, Hutton’s Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, N. Rough-winged Swallow, Juniper Titmouse, Northern Mockingbird, Crissal Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy’s Warbler, Spotted Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert’s Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Hooded Oriole, House Finch.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: June 25-26, Saturday - Sunday
I found several birds of particular interest among the 63 species encountered over this weekend. A Common-Ground Dove cooed in a mesquite stand east of the herb garden. A late transient Swainson’s Thrush skulked in deep shady thickets above Queen Creek near the orchard at Clevenger House. Other late transients were a Warbling Vireo in the Demo Garden, a silent “Western” Flycatcher in salt cedars near the olive grove, one Western Tanager, and a Black-headed Grosbeak feeding with a family group of Phainopeplas on elderberry fruit. A single Cliff Swallow may have been an early migrant or a wandering visitor from a breeding site east of the Arboretum. At least 2 singing fully-adult plumaged Blue Grosbeaks continued singing in territories south of the picnic/demo area and the Silver King Wash and eucalyptus grove area. A third all brown bird also sang from the east end of the Cactus Garden into the euc grove and along Silver King Wash. The male Indigo Bunting that has delighted so many was not relocated, but the male Varied Bunting continued periodic singing along Queen Creek south of the picnic area. A pair of Northern Rough-winged Swallows fed a family group of 5 fledglings that eventually roosted in the cattails at Ayer Lake. A group of Barn Swallows also roosted there overnight. Perhaps due to loss of habitat west of the Arboretum, a pair of Crissal Thrashers occupied the dense thickets just below the High Trail hill south of the picnic area. During the heat of the day, a male singing softly for a half hour in cover of the Hummingbird Garden was probably one of that pair. Other birds noted included: Gambel’s Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper’s Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Eurasian Collared-Dove, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Lesser Nighthawk, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say’s Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell’s Vireo, Common Raven, Purple Martin, Violet-green Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert’s Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Bronzed Cowbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow.
From: Dave Pearson
Date: June 12, Sunday
A male Varied Bunting was photographed in the Demonstration Garden Sunday morning, seen near the "bowl" water fountain. Check the BTA page on flickr [http://www.flickr.com/groups/boyce_thompson_arboretum] to see if Jack Haskell has posted his photo. Our bird walk group had good looks at a male Blue Grosbeak in Queen Creek, foraging in eucalyptus branches in the "pine loop" section of the eucalyptus grove that is adjacent to Queen Creek. A Western Wood-pewee was in this same area. Hummingbirds today included Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Costa's and Anna's. And the resident Cooper's Hawk was observed throughout the day feeding two downy chicks in her nest high above the Drover's Shed. The best view of the Cooper's nest is if you stand beneath the big, Chinese Pistachio tree south of the Crider Garden. Stand under this shady tree and look southeast for an unobstructed view of the Cooper's Hawk nest. A Zone-tailed Hawk was circling with 25 Turkey Vultures; other birds today were Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, House Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bronzed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Joanne Barr
Date: May 29, Sunday
Watch for a male Indigo Bunting if you're at the Picnic area -- over by the south side looking across Queen Creek, this handsome bird was seen flying back and forth through the dry creekbed Sunday morning. Our guided birdwalk participants today were rewarded with a view of the female Cooper's Hawk on her nest; look for this nest in the tallest of three parallell eucalyptus trees just west of the Drover Shed entrance. The nest is actually best seen if you stand beneath the big, sprawling Chinese Pistachio tree south of the Crider Garden (walk the path directly out front of the Smith Building, past the Diane Krpan memorial fountain), and look southeast over towards the Drover Shed. Look up, there's an unobstructed view of the Cooper's Hawk nest, quite photographable if you have a 200mm or better telephoto lens for your camera. We saw at least 25 Turkey Vultures circling, and then a half-hour later saw a lone Zone-tailed Hawk circling over Silver King Wash. Other notable sightings today were a Western Kingbird, and also a pair of Scott's Orioles we saw out by the suspension bridge over Queen Creek, first the male (singing), and then shortly after that both male and female flying together. The Aboriginal Seep over in the eucalyptus forest is always productive, check this trickle of water for both Western and Summer Tanagers, also Black-headed Grosbeak. Arboretum staff this week re-set the clock on this water feature so it will begin trickling at dawn - attracting more birds to the water. We had great views of a Bronzed Cowbird from the Picnic Area parking lot. Warblers today included Orange-crowned, Lucy's, Yellow-rumped, Yellow, and also Yellow-breasted Chat, more than one Chat singing boisterously and repeatedly in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden and also in the Demonstration Garden. Other birds seen and heard were Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird (heard as it flew past the Herb Garden and ID'd by with its audible "wing-whirr" ); Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, White-throated Swift (dipping down to Ayer Lake for a drink); Virden, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: May 28, Saturday
This morning I noted 62 species while birding in the gardens. Transients included a male American Kestrel, 1 Western Kingbird, 1 Western Wood-Pewee, 1 "Western" Flycatcher, several singing Warbling Vireos, 1 MacGillivray's, 5 Wilson's Warbler, and 1 Bullock's Oriole. Western Tanagers and Black-headed Grosbeaks were common; a couple of Lazuli Buntings were seen. Singing Blue Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting (1 each) ranged from the eucalyptus grove through the picnic and demo gardens into the natural riparian area south of there. Cardinals, Yellow and Lucy's Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chats, and Lesser Goldfinches sang melodiously. Family groups of House Finches, Lesser Goldfinches, and House Sparrows were evident. Other birds noted included: Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, a pair of Eurasian Collared-Dove, White-winged Dove on a nest, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, 2 White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, wrens (Cactus, Rock, Canyon, and Bewick's), Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla at a nest with young, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Great-tailed Grackle, 1 pair of Bronzed Cowbirds, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, and a pair of Scott's Orioles.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: May 20, Friday
Today I noted 71 species while birding in the gardens on a beautiful, relatively cool day. Highlights included a Green Heron with bright orange feet at Ayer Lake, an Olive-sided Flycatcher sallying from high perches, several singing Warbling Vireos, and single Townsend's and Black-throated Gray Warblers. Fifteen Western Tanagers, 35+ Black-headed Grosbeaks, a male Blue Grosbeak, and several Lazuli Buntings added color. Cardinals, Yellow and Lucy's Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chats, and Lesser Goldfinches filled the air in the picnic-demonstration garden area with song. Other birds noted included: Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk at nest, Zone-tailed Hawk, Eurasian Collared-Dove, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, 2 White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, several Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 Western Wood-Pewee, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, 1 Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, 1 Purple Martin, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 2 Barn Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, "Audubon's" and "Myrtle" Yellow-rumped Warblers, 2 MacGillivray's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, 5 Wilson's Warbler, Summer Tanager, 1 Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow (oriantha), Great-tailed Grackle, 1 Bronzed Cowbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, 1 Bullock's Oriole, Scott's Oriole, House Finch, House Sparrow. Note: I saw a female Scott's Oriole that appeared to be gathering nest materials on May 20 and located her nest on May 22 in the tall yucca at the west end of the Chihuahuan Gardens. Brenden Grice also saw the nest. Scott's Oriole has rarely bred at the Arboretum. A tan-form White-throated Sparrow foraged in the eucalyptus grove on May 21.
From: Jim & Betsy Walker
Date: May 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday
A male Indigo Bunting was seen twice today, first in the Children's Garden early in the morning and then again at lunchtime over by the 'Woodland Stream' just inside and at left when you walk into the Demonstration Garden. We were glad to be able to count this colorful migrant as part of Saturday's North American Migrant (NAMC) bird count. We arrived early in hopes to add a few nocturnal birds to the NAMC, and both Great Horned Owl and Common Poorwill were calling at the west end of the Arboretum. Later Saturday morning we saw 3 Purple Martins swoop over Ayer Lake. Lazuli Buntings were at the woodland stream, too, and a few other highlights over two days of birding include a small flock of Cedar Waxwings that flew over, one Scott's Oriole singing near the Desert Legume Garden, a Green-tailed Towhee at the Aboriginal Seep over in the eucalyptus forest; a Western Wood-pewee perched above Queen Creek. We also had Bronzed Cowbird, and various warblers including Orange-crowned, Lucy's, Townsend, Yellow-rumped (both Audubon's and Myrtle races); Yellow, MacGillivray's and Wilson's and also Common Yellowthroat and Yellow-breasted Chat. Other birds at BTA this weekend included Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk (female was on her nest, apparently with two youngsters); Zone-tailed hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Hammond's Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Common Raven, Virden, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, European Starling, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note: Joanne Barr will guide a 6:30 a.m. bird walk Sunday, May 29; ASU Professor Dave Pearson guides a Sunday bird walk here on June 12, and Kathe Anderson leads a Saturday bird walk June 18.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: May 4-5, Wednesday and Thursday
My birding in the gardens on May 4-5 yielded some surprises among the total of 85 species I observed. On 4 May a hybrid Hermit x Townsend's Warbler foraged in picnic ground tamarisks along with several other transients including more Hermit and Townsend's Warblers, "Audubon's" and "Myrtle" Yellow-rumped Warblers, Wilson's Warblers, and Warbling Vireos. A female Indigo Bunting joined a small flock of Lazuli Buntings in the Demo Garden as a Pine Siskin called from a pine supporting vociferous nestling Lesser Goldfinches. A Spotted Sandpiper rested on emerged rocks at Ayer Lake as a pair of Black Phoebes fed nestlings. Elf Owls and Poorwills called in the desert west of the gardens. On May 5 a male and two female Blue-winged Teal landed at Ayer, a Northern Waterthrush teetered along the creek bed in the native riparian area, and a Swainson's Thrush skulked under sumac shrubs in the palm-pine loop area. Other birds noted included: Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, Eurasian Collared-Dove, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Hammond's Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, "Western" Flycatcher, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Purple Martin, Barn Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow (dark and light-lored races), Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Great-tailed Grackle, Bronzed Cowbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, Scott's Oriole, House Finch, House Sparrow.
From: Joanne Barr
Date: May 1, Sunday
Indigo Bunting was a thrill today, seen going for a drink at the trickling waterfall near the Blue Bush Loop trail; the Indigo was clinging to the rock between 2 Lazuli Buntings. I was here both days this weekend and on Saturday, within one 15-minute interval, I saw a feast for the eyes over at the Blue Bush Loop, where the water trickles down a large boulder. Lazuli Buntings, both males and females; also , Black Headed Grosbeak (males/females), Hermit Warbler, Townsend Warbler, Western Tanager(male/female), Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Costa's Hummingbird (male), Gila Woodpecker, White-wing Dove, Lesser Goldfinch and House Finch. They all came to the water! Sunday I saw most of these same birds again, along with the Indigo Bunting, Ash-throated Flycatcher, and Green-tailed Towhee. Also saw a Broad-tailed Hummingbird at Queen Creek (the section of the creek that still has water); Summer Tanager alongside a Western Tanager above the Herb Garden. Wilson's warbler at the mesquite where we usually gather for our walks on the patio, right behind the visitor center (actually, there was a Wilson's, Lucy's and Yellow Warbler in this tree all at the same time)! Sunday we heard and saw 2 Bell's Vireo in the rose garden, and a Cliff Swallow at Ayer Lake. Saturday I spotted 2 MacGillivray's Warblers on the Gum Bark Trail in thick underbrush near the creek. Yellow-breasted Chats were heard and seen everywhere! One Pine Siskin was high up in a gum tree near the rose garden. Hooded Oriole in palm groves. Plumbeous Vireo near the Herb Garden, also Vermilion Flycatcher and Curve-billed Thrasher in the picnic area. Other hummingbirds seen at BTA this weekend were Black-chinned, Rufous and Anna's. Editor's Note: Summer hours at BTA resumed May 1, from May-through-august the Arboretum is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Joanne will guide a 6:30 a.m. bird walk this coming Sunday, May 8, and than again on May 29. Kathe Anderson will lead a bird walk here June 18.
From: David Pearson
Date: April 30, Saturday
The morning was superb and the birds cooperative. Here is a list of the 60 species we saw and/or heard this morning from 7-11 am, in addition we had GREAT looks at a Gray Fox just opposite the Herb Garden: Great Egret, Turkey Vulture, Zone-tailed hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird (1 male); Black-chinned Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, "Pacific-slope" Flycatcher (one or the other); Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Common Raven, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, European Starling, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Nashville Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (all Audubon's form); Townsend's Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Lucy's Warbler, Summer Tanager (male singing); Western Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak (many), Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Great-tailed Grackle, Bronzed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, Scott's Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow. Editor's Note: Summer hours at BTA resume May 1, from May-through-august the Arboretum is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Guided 6:30 a.m. bird walks will be offered May 29, June 18 and on other dates as scheduled.
From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: April 24, Sunday
Yellow-breasted Chats just returned over the past few days and are singing boisterously in the hummingbird-butterfly garden right below the visitor center. Townsend's Warbler was in the Demonstration Garden this morning; at least one has been seen at BTA every day this past week since April 20. A Hermit Warbler was also seen by Brian Sutter this morning, marking a full week of sightings for this colorful Spring migrant as well. Prior to our bird walk I saw one Bronzed Cowbird just west of the main visitor center parking lot. Other warblers seen on our walk this morning included Lucy's, Yellow, Wilson's and both races of Yellow-rumped: myrtle as well as Audubon's. One other highlight was to see a pair of Zone-tailed hawks circling together playfully high above the picnic area parking lot just as our bird walk was beginning around 9:00 a.m. Its notable that a few Winter migrants remain here, too, including one Red-naped Sapsucker and also a Hermit Thrush seen in the Demo Garden. We counted 52 Turkey Vultures circling overhead before they dispersed; others seen and heard this morning include a Spotted Sandpipe at Ayer Lake, Mourning 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, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo (Cathy Dewar shared this sighting), Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, a female Summer Tanager, Western Tanager (seen by Brian); Abert's Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak (great looks at a pair of them high in the eucalyptus trees just at the Demo Garden entrance); Northern Cardinal, Lazuli Bunting (Jim Kopitske reported gets credit for this sighting, again in the Demo Garden); Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note: Summer hours at BTA resume May 1, from May-through-august the Arboretum is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Guided 6:30 a.m. bird walks will be offered May 29, June 18 and on other dates as scheduled.
From: Wes Ringering
Date: April 17, Sunday
A Hermit Warbler was seen Sunday morning at the 'woodland stream' just inside and to the left of the Demonstration Garden entrance -- also Lazuli Bunting, Yellow Warbler and others. Park staff reported a Common Yellowthroat calling up at Ayer Lake, where a Belted Kingfisher was also vocal -- and seen in the Cottonwood tree on the opposite bank of the lake. Summer Tanager was calling in the Queen Creek riparian area, too. Editor's Note: the season's final 8:30 a.m. guided bird walk will be April 24, Sunday, with Marceline Vandewater.
From: Richard Ditch, Pete Moulton and Cynthia Donald
Date: April 16, Saturday
The highlight of Saturday's birdwalk at the Arboretum was a Broad-winged Hawk soaring northbound with a couple Turkey Vultures around 10:15 am. Other crowd-pleasers included Hooded Oriole, Lazuli Bunrting, Vermilion Flycatcher, Summer Tanager, and Costa's Hummingbird. Also seen and heard this morning were on our walk were Zone-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Mourning Dove,White-winged Dove,, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Yellow Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Cindy West
Date: April 10, Sunday
A Blue-headed Vireo seen in the Cactus Garden was a highlight today on our guided bird walk (we also had Plumbeous and Bell's in other gardens); a Belted Kingfisher was notable, as were Black-throated Gray Warblers seen near the Herb Garden. One Zone-tailed Hawk circling with the Turkey Vultures right at the start of our walk gave a nice display of behavioral camoflage. Others seen on our walk were Cooper's Hawk, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Empidonax sp., Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Horned Lark, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, House Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Yellow Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Jim & Betsy Walker
Date: April 4, Monday
Golden Eagle and Zone-tailed Hawk were exciting to see this morning, soaring over the gardens. Hummingbirds seen included Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Costa's and Anna's. Also seen and heard today were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, an unknown Empidonax specie; Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note: the next guided bird walk will be April 10.
From: Dave Pearson, also Cynthia Donald & Pete Moulton
Date: April 2, Saturday
A Female Broad-tailed boosted our Hummingbird tally to six species today -- along with Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Costa's, Anna's, and Rufous. We had the season's first Ash-throated Flycatcher and also a Hammond's. Both Audubon's and Myrtle races of Yellow Rumped Warbler (also Orange-crowned, Lucy's, Yellow and Wilson's); and open views of a perched Cooper's Hawk in a snag above Silver King Wash. Others separately reported seeing the Cooper's Hawk pair aggressively chase out a Northern Harrier which dared to fly through their territory this morning. Good day for sparrows, too, with Lark, Black-throated, Lincoln's, Song and White-crowned. Also seen and heard today were Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note: our next guided bird walk will be April 10.
From: Jim & Betsy Walker
Date: March 30, Wednesday
Lazuli Bunting, a first for this season, was a treat Wednesday and we also found a Green-tailed Towhee on the short, diagonal trail behind the olive and palm trees - along with a Hermit Thrush. Hammond's Flycatcher was also notable, and Barn Swallow. If you visit this week listen for the rubbery, squeaky croaks of Lowland Leopard Frog in Queen Creek, we heard at least two doing their territorial calls near the "Catwalk" where the trail is immediately above Queen Creek. Good day for dragonflies, too, we had Common Green Darner, Blue-eyed Darner, Flame Skimmer and a Filigree Skimmer. Other birds today were Turkey Vulture, Cooper's hawk (both adults tending their nest near the Drover Shed); Broad-billed Hummingbird (also Anna's, Rufous, Costa's and Black-chinned); Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler; Yellow Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note: ASU Professor Dave Pearson will guide Saturday's bird walk at 8:30 a.m. along with Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton.
From: Jack Holloway (additional sightings by Jane Wicklund)
Date: March 28, Monday
Arboretum staff report that throughout the day Tuesday a Painted Redstart was posing obligingly, if quickly, for photographers, gleaning all around the large and bare hackberry tree directly in front of the Smith Building. Park staff also report Lowland Leopard Frogs, croaking in Queen Creek -- listen for their territorial calls near the "Catwalk" narrow section of trail just east of the suspension bridge. Birds of note reported Monday by Jack Holloway include 3 Broad-tailed Hummingbirds, a Hammond's Flycatcher at the bridge that crosses the creek, Plumbeous Vireo, and two Yellow Warblers -- one at the Demo Garden and one at the east end of the creek. A Green-tailed Towhee was singing in the Demo Garden in the thickets near the hummingbird feeder and bubbling fountain Also Gambel's Quail, Gila Woodpecker, Broad-billed,
Anna's & Costa's Hummingbirds; Inca Dove, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Phainopepla, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, House Wren, Verdin, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, House Sparrow, Lesser Goldfinch, House Finch, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Abert's Towhee, Orange-crowned Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Northern Cardinal and Red-winged Blackbird. Editor's note: Jane Wicklund added these species to the Monday tally: Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Marsh Wren, Chipping Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Great-tailed Grackle and Hooded Oriole (check the thickets of aloe flowers bordering the visitor center parking lot when you arrive for orioles!)
From: Cindy Marple and Cathy Wise
Date: March 28, Sunday
Two Painted Redstarts foraged in the eucalyptus grove Sunday, and were seen later that day working trees in front of the Smith Building, and Monday morning near the hummingbird feeder in the Demonstration Garden. Other notable Sunday sightings include both Hammond's and Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Lincoln's Sparrow and the season's first record of a Hooded Oriole here at BTA. Migrant Rufous and Costa's Hummingbirds were still observed at the feeders along Broad-billed and Anna's. Also on our Sunday checklist were Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler; Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note: Jim and Betsy Walker shared a checklist from Friday which added these species: Gambel's Quail, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Gray Flycatcher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Spotted Towhee, and Dark-eyed Junco; also a Flame Skimmer dragonfly.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: March 22, Tuesday
Black-chinned, Costa's, Rufous, Broad-billed and Anna's hummingbirds were all working the feeders today; Rufous was at the lone feeder in the Demonstration Garden. Enjoyed a fine view of a Green-tailed Towhee up above Ayer Lake, also one Lincoln's Sparrow; just below the "Quincho" shade structure. Five wrens were present, too (Bewick's, Cactus, Rock, Canyon and Marsh). Biggest flock seen was a group of at least 40 Lesser Goldfinches foraging beneath the pistachio tree in the staff parking lot near the Smith Building. Weather was perfect for birding; others seen and heard around the gardens include Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Steve And Joan Hosmer
Date: March 20, Sunday
A Ringtail seen (and photographed!) on volcanic cliffs just past the suspension bridge along the main trail was a thrill today; notable birds include 1 Gray Flycatcher, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler and 1 Green-tailed Towhee. Others on our checklist include 3 Turkey Vulture, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Red-tailed hawk, 1 Mourning Dove, 1 Inca Dove, 1 White-throated Swift, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 4 Costa's Hummingbird, 7 Anna's Hummingbird, 2 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Red-naped Sapsucker, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 Black Phoebe, 1 Vermilion Flycatcher, 2 Plumbeous vireo, 3 Common Raven, 1 Violet-green Swallow, 4 Verdin, 2 Bewick's Wren, 1 Cactus Wren, 1 Rock Wren, 1 Canyon Wren, 2 Marsh Wren, 6 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Hermit Thrush,1 Curve-billed Thrasher, 4 Phainopepla, 6 Lucy's Warbler, 20 Yellow-rumped Warbler (all Audubon's); 6 Abert's Towhee, 1 Lincoln's Sparrow, 2 Song Sparrow, 12 White-crowned Sparrow, 4 Northern Cardinal, 3 House Finch and 7 Lesser Goldfinch. Butterflies included - we had Sara Orangetip, Mourning Cloak, Pipevine Swallowtail, Empress Leilia, Dainty Sulphur, Common Buckeye, Southern Dogface.
From: Jane Wicklund, also Craig Anderson
Date: March 19, Saturday
At least 40 Turkey Vultures circled the skies this morning above our "Welcome Back Buzzards Day" bird walk which was also notable for the variety of hummingbirds seen -- Black-chinned, Costa's and Rufous all competing at the feeders with the Arboretum's usual contingent of Broad-billed and Anna's. Lucy's Warblers are back, first reported on Thursday, and vocal throughout the park as they re-establishe their territories. One Black-tailed Gnatcatcher seen from the High Trail was notable, also White-throated Swift, both Cassin's and Plumbeous Vireo, and Vermilion Flycatcher. Today's checklist also included Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From:Valerie & Frank Bowman (4 Corners Birding Club), with additional reports by Jane Wicklund
Date: March 14, Monday
An American Robin was seen today, also Rufous, Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbirds all competing at the nectar feeders. Seeing a Vermilion Flycatcher was a treat, along with an Orange-crowned Warbler. Our checklist for Monday also included Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green and also Northern Rough-winged Swallows; Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Abert's Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Troy Corman and Marceline Vandewater
Date: March 13, Sunday
Migrant hummingbirds are moving through, we had Rufous, Costa's and Black-chinned today at the feeders, as well as 2 Broad-billeds and 10 Anna's. 2 Wilson's Warblers were notable, also 1 Common Black-hawk was seen near the Picnic Area, and 3 Vermilion Flycatchers were each vocal and setting up territories in different gardens. Violet-green and also Northern Rough-winged Swallows were seen over Ayer Lake, and there was one Myrtle individual along with about 25 Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warblers. 1 Pyrrhuloxia, and 22 Turkey Vultures were also notable. Other birds seen, in checklist order, were 5 Gambel's Quail, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Red-tailed hawk, 2 Mourning Dove, 5 Inca Dove, 6 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Red-naped Sapsucker, 2 Black Phoebe, 1 Bell's Vireo, 2 Plumbeous Vireo, 15 Verdin, 2 Bewick's Wren, 6 Cactus Wren, 1 Canyon Wren, 2 Marsh Wren, 10 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2 Hermit Thrush, 2 Northern Mockingbird, 2 Curve-billed Thrasher, 6 Phainopepla, 6 Abert's Towhee, 3 Lincoln's Sparrow, 3 Song Sparrow, 18 White-crowned Sparrow, 3 Dark-eyed Junco (2 Oregon's, 1 Gray-headed); 12 Northern Cardinal, 1 Red-winged Blackbird, 1 Great-tailed Grackle, 10 House Finch, 15 Lesser Goldfinch and 12 House Sparrow. Editor's Note: Marceline added these butterflies seen Sunday Sara Orangetip, Pipevine Swallowtail, Sleepy Orange, Southern Dogface, Dainty Sulphur, Spring Azure, Reakirt's Blue, Common Buckeye, Empress Leilia, Mourning Cloak, and Giant Swallowtail.
From: Harold Bond
Date: March 6, Sunday
A vocal Winter Wren singing repeatedly at the easternmost end of the Arboretum was a find Sunday morning. It was audible from the bench just above Queen Creek near the hairpin turn below Picketpost Mansion, where the trail turns uphill. All other wrens were found this morning as well: House, Bewick's, Cactus, Rock, Canyon and Marsh. A Sharp-shinned Hawk was another notable sighting, and both Bell's and Cassin's Vireo were vocal. Others on my checklist include American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's note: March 13, Sunday, the Arboretum bird walk will be guided by Troy Corman of the Arizona Game & Fish Department.
From: Jim Burns, Kathe Anderson, Richard Ditch
Date: March 5, Saturday
The Northern Goshawk first reported Thursday by Jack Holloway was seen again Friday by Jim Burns, and also possibly Saturday morning by an Arboetum staffer -- each time observed hunting along the Queen Creek Canyon riparian corridor. The goshawk appears to have killed and eaten another raptor; Jim Burns saw it fly off with a prey item, leaving behind feathers that appear to be from either a Cooper's Hawk or a Sharp-shin. The Arboretum's resident pair of Cooper's Hawks were seen together Saturday, though (and here's a word of thanks to Joanne Barr for that report). We had 52 people attend the special walk Saturday prior to the opening of Jim Burns photography exhibit in the Visitor Center art gallery, and here's a word of thanks to Richard Ditch, Cynthia Donald, Pete Moulton and Jack Bartley for helping divide this large group into smaller bird walk crews. Other notable reports include a flock of 18 Lark Buntings with at least two Lark Sparrows amongst them and perched on a wire over the main trail up near Picketpost House. A Bullock's Oriole see at the beginning of the bird walk in the Hummingbird Garden (this bird seen again Sunday morning); also a Bell's Vireo, Costa's Hummingbird, White-throated Swift, 3 Black-tailed Gnatcatchers, and all six likely wren species (House, Bewick's, Cactus, Rock, Canyon and Marsh. One vocal Cassin's Vireo in the Palm Grove and a Gilded Flicker were also notable. Other birds seen and heard today included Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. A Gray Fox was also seen climbing the cliffs above the saguaros inside Queen Creek Canyon. Editor's note: March 13, Sunday, our bird walk will be guided by Troy Corman of the Arizona Game & Fish Department.
From: Cindy Marple and Cathy Wise
Date: February 27,Sunday
A daytime Great Horned Owl sighting was notable today, also one American Robin. Stormy weather, even brief and intense hail, made for a challenging morning bird walk, but we found 33 species including Gambel's Quail, Sharp-shinned Hawk, American Coot, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.Don't miss the March 5 bird walk guided by Jim Burns and Kathe Anderson, follwed at 11:00 a.m. with a meet-the-artist reception with celebrating Jim Burns photography exhibit in the Visitor Center art gallery.
From: Philip Kline & Tucson Audubon Society
Date: February 22, Tuesday
Pine Siskin and Pyrrhuloxia were notable today and we had good looks at each of 2 Plumbeous Vireos; also on our checklist were Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, 7 Inca Dove, 1 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 7 Anna's Hummingbird, 9 Gila Woodpecker, 2 Red-naped Sapsucker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 1 Black Phoebe, 2 Hutton's Vireo, 2 Common Raven, 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 9 Verdin, 2 House Wren, 4 Bewick's Wren, 3 Cactus Wren, 2 Rock Wren, 1 Canyon Wren, 15 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2 Hermit Thrush, 6 Northern Mockingbird, 7 Curve-billed Thrasher, 1 Phainopepla, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); 2 Green-tailed Towhee, 1 Canyon Towhee, 8 Abert's Towhee, 3 Spotted Towhee, 5 Black-throated Sparrow, 4 Lincoln's Sparrow, 19 White-crowned Sparrow, 12 Northern Cardinal, 1 Pyrrhuloxia, 18 House Finch, 12 Lesser Goldfinch and 10 House Sparrow.
From: Pete Moulton & Cynthia Donald
Date: February 19, Saturday
Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, House Wren, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From:Troy Corman and Kathe Anderson (with additional sightings by Emily Morris)
Date: February 13, Sunday
One Turkey Vulture circling above Queen Creek Canyon marks the first 2011 Arboretum sighting for this species -- and a few other notable birds today were Cassin's Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, White-throated Swift, Pyrrhuloxia, and a daytime Great Horned Owl we found perched in an alcove in the cliffs above the Clevenger House. Other birds found today included 2 Cooper's Hawk, 2 Red-tailed hawk, 1 American Coot on Ayer Lake (also 1 Marsh Wren); 3 Inca Dove, 1 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 6 Anna's Hummingbird, 15 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Northern Flicker, 2 Red-naped Sapsucker, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 1 Black Phoebe, 2 Say's Phoebe, 2 Common Raven, 1 Plumbeous Vireo, 16 Verdin, 1 Bewick's Wren, 4 Cactus Wren, 1 Rock Wren, 4 Canyon Wren, 8 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 5 Hermit Thrush, 6 Northern Mockingbird, 8 Curve-billed Thrasher, 10 Phainopepla, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, 8 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); 2 Abert's Towhee, 1 Spotted Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, 15 White-crowned Sparrow, 5 Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-side and also Oregon's); 15 Northern Cardinal, 1 Red-winged Blackbird, 8 House Finch, 10 Lesser Goldfinch and 2 House Sparrow. Editor's Note: Emily Morris contributed a separate list, adding Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Chipping Sparrow, Lark Sparrow and Black-throated Sparrow to the day's tally.
From: Steve And Joan Hosmer (additional sightings by Jane Wicklund)
Date: February 7, Monday
We were pleased to see one Crissal Thrasher today, and butterflies were notable - we had Sara Orangetips, an American Snout, and Mourning Cloak along with a Common Checkered-Skipper, Pipevine Swallowtail and a Monarch. Birds at BTA today included Gambel's Quail, 2 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Red-tailed hawk, 1 American Coot on Ayer Lake (also 2 Marsh Wren); 1 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 5 Anna's Hummingbird, 15 Gila Woodpecker, 3 Red-naped Sapsucker, 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 1 Black Phoebe, 2 Common Raven, 6 Verdin, 1 Bewick's Wren, 1 Cactus Wren, 1 Rock Wren, 1 Canyon Wren, 8 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 15 Hermit Thrush, 5 Northern Mockingbird, 5 Curve-billed Thrasher, 3 Phainopepla, 6 Yellow-rumped Warbler (all Audubon's); 1 Green-tailed Towhee, 10 Abert's Towhee, 3 Spotted Towhee, 2 Song Sparrow, 40 White-crowned Sparrow, 15 Northern Cardinal, 30 House Finch, 3 Lesser Goldfinch and 1 House Sparrow. Prior to BTA we checked out the Oak Flat campground area seven miles east and found 1 Bridled Titmouse, 1 Northern Flicker, 40 Dark-eyed Junco, 1 Western Scrub Jay, 2 Pine Siskin, 1 Rock Wren, 1 Common Raven, 1 Bewick's Wren, 1 Gila Woodpecker, 3 Northern Cardinal, 10 House Finch and 50 White-crowned Sparrow. Editor's Note: Jane Wicklund added these sightings from her morning at the Arboretum Monday: Northern Flickers (Red-shafted), Black-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco.
From:: Richard Ditch
Date: February 5, Saturday
Best bird: a pair of Crissal Thrashers on the north side of the main trail just east of the herb garden, in the same general area where Crissals were seen last winter. We also had good looks at a Cassin's Vireo near the Drover's Shed, Lincoln's Sparrow in the Demonstration Garden 'meadow', and three Black-throated Sparrows up near Ayer Lake. Other birds, in the order encountered on our walk were: Orange Crowned Warbler immediately behind the visitor center, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Abert's Towhee, Curve-billed Thrasher, Northern Cardinal, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Hermit Thrush, Gambel's Quail, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Cactus Wren, House Finch, Northern (red-shafted) Flicker, Marsh Wren, Verdin, Green-tailed Towhee, American Coot, Red-tailed Hawk, Black Phoebe, Phainopepla, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Lesser Goldfinch, Plumbeous Vireo, Spotted Towhee and Dark-eyed Junco. Editor's Note: check out Rich's excellent Bird Blog and also his separate Photo Galleries. Troy Corman and Kathe Anderson lead our birdwalk Sunday February 13, then Pete Moulton and Cynthia Donald February 19, Cathy Wise and Cindy Marple February 27;.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: January 24, Monday
Orange-crowned Warbler right near the entrance to the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden was notable today, along with 'Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler, Hermit Thrush, Plumbeous Vireo, American Coot and also Marsh Wrens at Ayer Lake. Red-tailed hawk and Cooper's Hawk were both seen, also Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: January 15, Saturday
Only had two quick hours to bird during the late afternoon Saturday, but they were hours well spent -- I saw a female Williamson's Sapsucker was in the Pine Loop area, drilling pine trees and also fly-catching. This was probably the same bird reported occasionally since late November. One Black-chinned Sparrow was at the west end of the Magma Ridge Trail, just above the Australian Seep garden exhibit, and a Cassin's Vireo was in the eucalyptus grove. Other birds today, in their checklist order, were: Gambel's Quail, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: January 10, Monday
Check Ayer's Lake for the female Common Goldeneye first reported by Jack Halloway on January 6, she was still diving and swimming around the lake Sunday afternoon near closing time. There were also a Sora and American Coot at Ayer Kake as well. Also on my checklist from Saturday were Red-tailed hawk, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (red-shafted); Black Phoebe, Verdin, House Wren, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, and House Sparrow.
From: Nancy Miller & friends
date: Wednesday, January 5
Williamson's Sapsucker was notable today; we also found a Plumbeous Vireo, Green-tailed Towhee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Broad-billed Hummingbird for a total of 28 species at BTA; others were
Gambel's Quail, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (Red-shafted), Black Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren (heard); Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher (Western), Phainopepla, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch. We mostly birded the riparian and Australian area before going to Oak Flats - and then ran out of time. We'll be back!
Oak Flat was slow at first but we did pick up some birds eventually for a total of 16 species at Oak Flats - most were repeats of birds we found at the Arboretum, but we also had a Williamson's Sapsucker and Juniper Titmouse .
From: Judy Johnson
Date: January 5, Wednesday
Crissal thrasher and Brewer's Sparrow were notable sightings today along with multitudes of cardinals! Also on my checklist were : American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (red-shafted); Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, and House Sparrow. .
From: Craig Fischer & Christmas Bird Count Volunteers
Date: December 26, Sunday
The annual Superior Christmas Bird Count took place on the day after Christmas with excellent weather helping to draw a record number of volunteers participating, including 16 in Area 2 (incorporating Boyce Thompson Arboretum and surrounding areas). Craig Fischer, Larry and Antoinette Neily (from Ottowa, Canada), Brian Ison, David Eisenberg (from California), Joanne Barr, Joyce Eggert, Candace and Steven Hughes, and Steven Unsell (from California) birded the park, while Paul Wolterbeek and Amanda Moors hiked Telegraph Canyon and Picketpost Mountain, and Heather Bateman, Bill Bubnis, Sonja Hartman and Steve Prather hiked Arnett Canyon and upper Queen Creek into the park. Highlights included three species that required extra documentation, including Bell's Vireo and Black-chinned Hummingbird (both in the Hummingbird/Butterfly Garden), and Cassin's Vireo, plus good numbers of woodpeckers, cardinals and wrens. Species counted inside Boyce Thompson Arboretum were: Gambel's Quail, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Sora, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-dove, Inca Dove, Great Horned-owl, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (red-shafted); Gilded Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, House Wren, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, Western Meadowlark, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. .
From: Jack Bartley
Date: December 19, Sunday
A Bell's Vireo was a surprise today, it was eating condalia berries in the Hummingbird - Butterfly Garden just below the Visitor Center. Also saw a Black-chinned Sparrow along the High Trail, Rufous-crowned Sparrow herer, too -- and on an unusually warm December day saw about 10 species of butterflies througout the gardens. Sora was at Ayer Lake, Green-tailed Towhees were vocal (more than one calling within 50 yards of the start of the Main Trail behind the visitor center), and Orange-crowned Warbler was notable. Other birds today, in their checklist order, were: Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Song Sparrow, white-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Gary Nunn
Date: December 18, Saturday
Visiting birders have "one stop shopping" if you park yourself at one of the picnic area tables close to the pistachio tree with ripe fruit, the one you'll find just inside and at left as you enter the Picnic Area. Saturday morning I sat at a nearby picnic bench and saw three vireo species (Cassin's, Hutton's, Plumbeous) as well as a Pyrrhuloxia, which was notable. Others which came to forage at this popular feeding station included Green-tailed Towhee, Northern 'Red-shafted' Flicker, Gila Woodpecker, Verdin, Northern Cardinal, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, and a splendid male Red-naped Sapsucker. The previously reported female Williamson's Sapsucker was seen again today, but on a tall narrow cedar tree near the herb garden (last week it was feeding on pyracantha berries a little further down the trail). At times it could be heard making a low "churrrr" call scolding me as I searched around the tree.
From: John Yerger & Gary Nunn
Date: December 11, Saturday
The female Williamson's Sapsucker which had been previously reported one week ago by Gary was a nice highlight; Saturday she was flying into the pyracantha bush with ripe, red berries near yellow trail marker #35 between the Herb Garden and the suspension bridge. We also had three species of towhees, a Green-tailed gave our group excellent views while scurrying around for fallen pistachio berries in the Picnic Area on our "2010 season finale" guided bird walk Saturday. A few other notables included a Lincoln's Sparrow foraging at the entrance to the Demonstration Garden along with White-crowned Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos (Gray-headed, Pink-sided and Oregon races of Junco were all seen today); a Black-tailed Gnatcatcher was seen just above Ayer Lake along the main trail, and a Sora was feeding in the cattails around the lake. A Cassin's Vireo was in the junipers below the Ayer Lake dam, where it put on a good show for the whole group -- looking nice, fresh and green! 2 Hutton's Vireos were seen, as well. Other birds today included Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (Rufous-shafted); Say's Phoebe, Black Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo (at least 6-7 of these, several quite vocal, and most of them foraging in the canopy of the Chinese Pistachio trees); Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, House Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Cindy West and Kathe Anderson
Date: December 4, Saturday
Pyrrhuloxia was found on the guided bird walk today, and Cindy reported a record number of Gila Woodpeckers ("the most I've ever seen at BTA!"). Sora was observed foraging and darting amongst the cattails along the shore at Ayer Lake; others Also on today's checklist were American Coot, Gambel's Quail, Cooper's Hawk, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Marsh Wren (heard only), Rock Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's Note: Cindy also reported that while the Rufous-backed Robin was not seen by the bird walk group, just prior to their arrival across from the herb garden, 3 men birding in this area said that they had seen it and that it was very secretive and elusive.
From: Cindy Marple (with additional sightings noted separately at the end)
Date: November 28, Sunday
A Green-tailed Towhee was found Sunday, despite a cold morning that suppressed bird activity -- we also had Dark-eyed Juncos, a Cooper's Hawk and Broad-billed Hummingbird. Others on the Sunday checklist were Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern 'Red-shafted' Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, 4 Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal Lesser Goldfinch and House Finch. Editor's Note: on Saturday Herb Fibel reported aRufous-backed Robin foraging on pistachio berries in the tree as you enter the Picnic Area, and on Sunday November 28 Gary Nunn reported a female Williamson's Sapsucker feeding at a 'sapsucker girdle' of holes on the large pistachio tree near trail marker #43, approximately between the olive trees and the aloe terrace as you walk east on the main trail through Queen Creek Canyon.
From: Troy Corman (with links to photos by Richard Ditch - many taken here at the Arboretum)
Date: November 20, Saturday
A Rufous-backed Robin feasting on ripe pistachio berries just inside the Picnic Area was exciting today, and a life bird for several in our group of 18 who joined me for the guided bird walk. Nearby we also had great views of a Green-tailed Towhee feeding on the ground below this tree in the picnic area. Also notable was a Sora at Ayer Lake, along with two American Coot; a vocal Cassin's Vireo calling near the palm grove just west of the eucalyptus forest, and a Lincoln's Sparrow feeding in the grassy patch beneath the eucalyptus trees along with four Dark-eyed Juncos (both Pink-sided and Oregon). Other sparrows today included 3 Larks and 30 White-crowneds. Also seen and heard around the gardens today were 2 Gambel's Quail, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 15 Inca Dove, 3 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 5 Anna's Hummingbird, 25+ Gila Woodpecker, 12 Northern 'Red-shafted' Flicker, 1 Red-naped Sapsucker, 3 Black Phoebe, 1 Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, 2 Common Raven, 25 Verdin, all of the likely Wrens (3 House, 1 Bewick's, 2 Cactus, 3 Rock, 2 Canyon and 2 Marsh); 15 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 4 Hermit thrush, 8 Northern Mockingbird, 6 Curve-billed Thrasher, 4 Phainopepla, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 4 Abert's Towhee, 12 Northern Cardinal, 4 House Finch, 3 Lesser Goldfinch and 2 House Sparrow. Editor's Note: photographer Cindy Marple guides the November 28 birdwalk at 8:30 a.m.; it's included with daily admission -- or at no charge to BTA annual members
From: Marceline Vandewater (with additional reports from Jack Bartley)
Date: November 14, Sunday
Look for the increasing variety of sparrows this week -- on Sunday the Arboretum had a small flock of about 10 Lark Sparrows in the rocky volcanic ledges above Ayer Lake where also the Black-throats were hanging out; we found a Lincoln's Sparrow closer to the picnic area besides White-crowned and Song. Jack Bartley separately reported a Black-chinned Sparrow in the cliffs above Ayer Lake! Sunday was good for wrens as well -- we found House, Bewick's, Cactus, Rock- and Marsh Wren. Also on today's checklist were Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker (with a possible hybrid RNSSXRBSS), Black Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Despite a chilly start to the morning we found a variety of butterflies by the time our walk was done at 11:00 am, including Gray Hairstreak, American Snout, Common Checkered Skipper, Queen, Monarch, Empress Leilia, Spring Azure, Sleepy Orange, Pipevine Swallowtail, Dainty Sulphur, Southern Dogface -- and a particularly notable 2 Arizona Sisters, an uncommon sighting at this lower desert elevation. Editor's Note: AZ Game And Fish Department migratory bird specialist Troy Corman guides the November 20 birdwalk at 8:30 a.m.; it's included with daily admission -- or at no charge to BTA annual members..
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: November 12-13, Friday and Saturday
The weather was beautiful during this morning's survey, though birds were nearly silent. A late Bell's Vireo uttered soft song fragments in the hummingbird garden-picnic area, while a Plumbeous Vireo, two Cassin's Vireos (1 singing intermittently), and a Hutton's foraged between the olive grove and the picnic grounds. A vocal Northern Beardless Tyrannulet ranged from the eucalyptus grove (high in the canopy) to the picnic area. An elusive Orange-crowned Warbler sought dense cover at the hummingbird garden. Pistachio fruit drew myriads of birds, including numerous Gila Woodpeckers, "Red-shafted" Flickers, Northern Mockingbirds and Hermit Thrushes, but the Gray Catbird didn't make an appearance. At least 31 flickers were in view at once sunning in early morning sunshine on cliffs and agaves around the stand of fruiting pistachios near the pump house. A flock of 18 Lark Sparrows visited gurgling water flowing toward the lake. House Wrens and were quite common, while Red-naped Sapsuckers,
Phainopeplas, Yellow-rumped Warblers (including a single "Myrtle"), and Spotted Towhees were scarce. An adult Sora swam across open water at Ayer Lake where Marsh Wrens"tchecked" and a single Black Phoebe darted about. Red-winged and Brewer's Blackbirds roosted in Ayer marsh. Two calling Pine Siskins flew overhead. Other birds noted were: Gambel's Quail, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 adult Cooper's Hawk, a pair of adult Red-tailed Hawks, 1 Eurasian Collared-Dove, Inca Dove, 3 hummingbird species (Broad-billed, numerous Anna's, 1 Costa's,), Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Common Raven, Verdin, 4 more wrens (Cactus, Rock, Canyon, Bewick's), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, a pair of Black-tailed Gnatcatchers in the Chihuahuan Garden, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, 1 Cedar Waxwing, Green-tailed Towhees, Abert's, and Canyon Towhees, Rufous-crowned, Black-throated, Song, Lincoln's, and White-crowned Sparrows, "Pink-sided and "Oregon" Juncos, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow. Also, on Saturday, Nov 13, an American Coot at Ayer Lake and a Fox Sparrow in the basin below the pump house southeast of the lake were new for today.
From: Troy Corman (with additional reports from Steve & Joan Hosmer)
Date: November 6, Saturday
Gray Catbird was present again Saturday, a lone Pine Siskin was notable, and we found four separate Vireos including Cassin's, Plumbeous, Hutton's and an unusually late-season Bell's. Other birds around the gardens today included 2 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 3 American Kestrel, 3 White-throated Swift, 3 Broad-billed Hummingbird,
6 Anna's Hummingbird, 12 Gila Woodpecker, 6 Northern Flicker, 3 Black Phoebe, 3 Common Raven, 15 Verdin, 8 House Wren, 3 Bewick's Wren, 1 Cactus Wren, 2 Rock Wren, 2 Canyon Wren, 2 Marsh Wren, 22 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 3 Hermit thrush, 4 Northern Mockingbird, 6 Curve-billed Thrasher, 2 Phainopepla, 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 15 Abert's Towhee,
1 Spotted Towhee, 1 Song Sparrow, 35 White-crowned Sparrow, 3 Dark-eyed Junco, 12 Northern Cardinal, 8 House Finch, 12 Lesser Goldfinch and 2 House Sparrow. It was warm enough for a few herps to be out, too, including one Ringnecked Snake, also Tree and Greater Earless Lizards. Editor's Note: Steve and Joan Hosmer additionally reported 1 Northern Beardless Tyrranulet and 1 Black-throated Gray Warbler.
From: Steve Hosmer, Jack Bartley and John Saba
Date: October 27, Wednesday
The Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden continues to be the most reliable spot if you are seeking the Worm-eating Warbler and Black-throated Blue Warbler -- both were seen here Wednesday, the third day in a row they have been at the Arboretum. Both warblers were seen Wednesday morning on-and-off; the Black-throated Blue was more frequently observed, and from the Arboretum's opening hour at 8:00 til noon was foraging on berries all around this garden, and also on the ground in the open 'clearing' on the west side of the garden, working its way through thick ground cover. Other birds found in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden today included Green-tailed Towhee, House Wren, Orange-crowned Warbler, Broad-billed hummingbird, Verdin, Mockingbird, Northern Cardinal. Shortly after BTA opened Steve Hosmer heard a vocalization similar to the previously reported catbird, but the bird was not found. Editor's Note: the most up-to-date reports for rarities can be found at http://www.birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/AZNM.html
From: Jack Holloway
Date: October 25, Monday
I saw a Worm-eating Warbler at 10:02am (Mon, 25 Oct) at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. The bird was moving through the thickest of the trees at the butterfly/hummingbird garden near the visitor center. I managed a few quick photos before it disappeared.
Editor's Note: this report originally appeared at http://www.birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/AZNM.html
From: Lisa Langell
Date: October 24, Sunday
IToday I was birding from about 8am-3pm at the BTA. I sat for about 2 hours over on the west end of the park, near where the Demonstration Garden is, and in the woodland stream area where a small waterfall exists, which rests in front of a stucco half-wall. (There are 2 metal chairs sitting near the tiny waterfall.) A Black-throated Blue Warbler flitted in and out of that area for about two hours this afternoon, on and off. A fellow friend and birdwatcher and I watched it come and go repeatedly. Given this bird was listed on the AZ Rare Bird Alert earlier this week in Ash Canyon, AZ, I thought you'd definitely like to know you have a male in the park as well.
From: Richard Ditchand Cindy West
Date: October 24, Sunday
By far the most exciting bird on today's guided walk was a vocal GRAY CATBIRD in thick shrubs near the large sycamore tree in the picnic area -- near the edge of Queen Creek. It had been located at the entrance to the Demonstration Garden around 8:00 am, then was found again in this location about an hour later. Expet to find other rarities in this same spot as nearby pistachio fruit ripen in the large tree in the center of the Picnci Area over the next few weeks. Our walk split into two groups between co-leaders Rich Ditch and Cindy West; ther birds seen (in the order seen) included: Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Green-tailed Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Verdin, Cooper's Hawk, Common Raven, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Bewick's Wren, Phainopepla, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Rock Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Lesser Goldfinch, Black Phoebe, Empidonax species flycatcher, White-crowned Sparrow, Cactus Wren, Marsh Wren, European Starling, House Finch, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern (red-shafted) Flicker, Abert's Towhee, House Wren, Canyon Wren, Inca Dove, Plumbeous Vireo and Orange-crowned Warbler. Cindy's group also reported Hermit Thrush (the first report of this Winter migrant so far this season at BTA), and Black-throated Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird and House Sparrow. Editor's note: see Rich's photos and read more at richditch.com; also richditch.wordpress.com.
From: Dave Pearson
Date: October 16, Saturday
Both Myrtle and Audubon's races of Yellow-rumped Warbler were found today, along with both Black-tailed and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Black-throated Gray and Orange-crowned Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Green-tail Towhee, Ash-throated Flycatcher -- and a Sora at Ayer Lake, the first report of one of these since February. Other birds seen today, in their checklist order, were: Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Hutton's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, House Wren, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee,
Spotted Towhee, Lincoln's Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Richard Ditch
Date: October 11, Sunday
Birds seen today, in order, were: Northern Cardinal, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Turkey Vulture, Phainopepla, Broad-billed hummingbird, Red-tailed Hawk, Gila Woodpecker, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Cooper’s Hawk, Yellow-breasted Chat, Verdin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Common Raven, Green Heron, Black Phoebe, Northern Flicker, Rock Wren, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Violet-green Swallow, Say’s Phoebe, House Wren, Lesser Goldfinch, House Finch, Townsend’s Warbler, Anna’s Hummingbird, Abert’s Towhee.
From: Marceline Vandewater and Dave Pearson
Date: Saturday, October 2
Wintering migrant such as Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, White-crowned Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and two sepate Red-breasted Nuthatches were present today - in sharp contrast with unseasonably hot weather and a daytime high of 99-degrees! We saw and heard all six wren species (House, Bewick's Cactus, Rock, Canyon and Marsh), and the pistachio tree near trail marker #42 had Western Tanagers, Warbling Vireos and a Black-headed
Grosbeak feeding on ripening clumps of pistachios. Also notable Saturday were Crissal Thrasher, Hammond's Flycatcher, Townsend's Warbler and Bullock's Oriole. Also seen and heard around the gardens today were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture (at least 100 circling just after the walk began); Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Western Kingbird,
Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee,
Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton, with additional reports from Craig
Anderson
Date: Saturday, September 25
An Osprey flew over Queen Creek Canyon this morning while a crowd of
about 60 people were with us observing Turkey Vultures perched along Magma
Ridge during the Arboretum's annual "Bye Bye Buzzards" Day event.
During our guided bird walk following the vulture viewing we saw a Merlin
fly over at high speed, a Belted Kingfisher at Ayer Lake, and a daytime
sighting of a Barn Owl which was reported separately by Craig's bird walk
group -- they crossed paths with the owl near the palm and olive trees just
west of the Herb Garden. Western Tanagers, Warbling Vireos and Black-headed
Grosbeak were feasting on ripening pistachio fruits, and Rufous Hummingbirds
were stopping by the nectar feeders in the Demonstration Garden. Western
Wood-pewee, Hutton's Vireo, Wilson's Warbler, Savannah and Lincoln's Sparrow
were all notable, too, Other birds today, in the order they appear on the
bird checklist, were Turkey Vulture, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Cassin's Kingbird,
Bell's Vireo, Verdin, five wren species (House, Bewick's, Cactus, Canyon
and Marsh); Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-breasted Chat, Abert's Towhee,
Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird,
Hooded Oriole, Scott's Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Sunday, September 18
Lots of activity at Ayer Lake and also in the fruiting pistachio trees
today, a Willow Flycatcher was at the lake, where I also observed a dozen
Barn Swallows mobbing a juvenile Coopers Hawk -- with a leg-banded Rock
Pigeon nearby, an easy meal the young hawk missed. Both Cassin's and Western
Kingbird flew over the lake, so did 3 Vaux's Swifts. Warbling Vireos were
seen throughout the Arboretum, watch for them feeding on pistachios in the
big tree near the Olive grove, watch for Black-headed Grosbeaks here, too.
A juvenile Blue Grosbeak was in the Demonstration Garden, a Gilded Flicker
in the Queen Creek riparian area below Picketpost Mansion, and a few other
notables include Lazuli Bunting, MacGillvray's Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee,
and six different sparrow species: Brewer's, Lincoln's, Lark, Rufous-crowned,
Black-throated and Song. Other birds on my Saturday checklist include Turkey
Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher,
Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, 5 wren
species (House, Bewick's, Cactus, Rock and Canyon); Northern Mockingbird,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Common
Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's
Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
I also birded Queen Creek for about a mile upstream, pushing one Common
Blackhawk and seeing a Common Ground Dove.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Sunday, September 5
Lazuli Buntings were throughout the Arboretum today, there was a Spotted
Sandpiper and a Yellow-headed Blackbird at Ayer Lake, a Willow Flycatcher,
Warbling Vireos, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, both
Summer and Western Tanager, House Wren and Hooded Oriole. Other Arboretum
birds were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove,
Eurasian Collared Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Western Kingbird,
Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren,
Rock Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow
Warbler, Nashville Warbler, MacGillvray's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Common
Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow,
Lark Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, House
Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Also birded Queen Creek for about a mile upstream,
pushing one adult Great-horned Owl and also one Common Blackhawk and seeing
2 Northern Waterthrush, and a Common Ground Dove; checked out the "railroad
park" across from Los Hermanos about three miles east of the Arboretum
and found MacGillvray's Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Brewer's Sparrow and
Lazuli Bunting.
From: Grant Mulligan
Date: Monday, August 16
A Yellow-headed Blackbird was at Ayer Lake Monday morning - also Great
Blue Heron, Cliff Swallow, Black Phoebe, Purple Martin, Rufous-crowned Sparrow
and White-winged Dove. Western Tanager, Lark Sparrow and Black-throated
Sparrow were notable; other birds from today's checklist were Gambel's Quail,
Turkey Vulture, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Western
Kingbird, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Abert's Towhee,
Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House
Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Zone-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker and Black-chinned Hummingbird. EDITOR'S NOTE:
learn to identify Arboretum birds alongside Kathe Anderson Sunday, August
29, when she leads a bird walk starting at 6:30 a.m. and included with daily
admission of $7.50 for adults, $3 for ages 5-12.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Saturday, August 8
Ayer Lake was the place to be this morning - saw a male Blue Grosbeak
flying over Silver King Wash just below the lake; also Lark Sparrow, Black-throated
Sparrow, Lazuli Bunting and Hooded Oriole. Purple Martins were frequently
overhead -- and feeding a juvenile while perched on the telephone poles
up above the lake; Violet-green and Barn Swallows, too. Both Green and Great-Blue
Heron were at the Lake, along with Common Yellowthroat. Other birds today
included Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove,
White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Ladder-backed Woodecker, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Vermilion
Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo,
Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Black-tailed
Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's
Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee,
Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal,
House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Sunday-through-Tuesday, August 1-3
Family groups of boisterous Brown-crested Flycatchers were evident throughout
the gardens while a few raucous Yellow-breasted Chats continued to entertain.
A Peregrine Falcon zoomed westward over the gardens before sunrise on Aug
2. The conspicuous family of Cooper’s Hawks ranged from palm grove
to the Demo Garden and beyond at times. Two young ones swooped down together,
displacing a vulture that had landed on an anticipated roost perch. Though
only a few immature Costa’s Hummingbirds were present, Broad-billed
Hummingbirds were spread throughout the park; a female tended
her nestlings in the Hummingbird Garden. Suddenly on Aug 2, a wave of new
apparent transients arrived: Rufous (1 male), Anna’s (1M, 1F, 2 Im),
and a possible female Black-chinned. Resident Broad-bills and Costa’s
in the Demo Garden showed their dominance over the new-comers. On Aug 3,
a few more were seen at feeders and 2 male Anna’s began singing at
new locations. Two immature Green Herons remain at Ayer Lake where a Great
Blue spent the night Aug 2-3. A Spotted Sandpiper still in breeding plumage
visited the pond on Aug 2. White-throated Swifts passed through each day
at Ayer Lake: a flock of 45-50 on Aug 1 and 15-20 on Aug 2 and 3. The first
fall N. Rough-winged Swallows (2) roosted in cattails Aug 2-3 along with
a small group of Barn Swallows. Transient species observed each day included:
1 silent “Western” Empidonax Flycatcher, Western Kingbird ( a
few), Western Tanager (daily but 20+ on Aug 3), Lark Sparrow (12 on Aug
3), Black-headed Grosbeak (several), Lazuli Bunting (few), Bullock’s
Oriole (several). Fledgling Bronzed Cowbirds were fed by Bell’s Vireos
and Hooded Orioles. Some young Black Phoebes, Vermilion Flycatchers, Bell’s
Vireos, chats, cardinals, Abert’s Towhees, Black-throated Sparrows,
and Hooded Orioles were still attended by parents. Song rates of most resident
and summer breeding species were low. EDITOR'S NOTE: Kathe Anderson
returns to lead our final Summer 6:30 AM bird walk August 29.
From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Saturday, July 24
One Green Heron at Ayer Lake was notable during a well-attended guided
birdwalk of 20 people who joined me -- despite the heat! Flycatchers ruled
today -- with Black Phoebe, both Vermilion and Brown-crested Flycatcher,
and also Western Kingbird. Other birds seen and heard today were Turkey
Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodecker
(only by ear); Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager,
Abert's Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Brown-headed Cowbird,
Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. EDITOR'S
NOTE: Kathe Anderson returns to lead our final Summer 6:30 AM bird walk
August 29.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Friday, July 23
Today a solitary migrant Lark Sparrow and a lone male Red-winged Blackbird
visited Ayer Lake’s shoreline. A Great Blue Heron flew over Queen Creek
canyon. About twice as many Western Tanagers and Black-headed Grosbeaks
(most males) arrived compared with yesterday. An immature Costa’s Hummingbird
dodged attacks from Broad-billed at the Hummingbird Garden. A female Hooded
Oriole fed a fledgling Bronzed Cowbird in the Demo Garden. Most of the species
noted yesterday were observed again. An immature Peregrine Falcon preened
for 10 minutes on a cliff edge above Queen Creek before sunset... a final
treat for an enjoyable day.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Thursday, July 22
Early fall migrants today included: a silent “Western” empid
flycatcher, 1 Warbling Vireo, 3 Western Tanagers, 5 Black-headed Grosbeaks,
1 immature Bullock’s Oriole, and 1 Northern Mockingbird that may have
been a local post-breeding individual. A cooing Common Ground-Dove east
of Picket Post House along Queen Creek was noteworthy. One of three immature
Cooper’s Hawks appeared to be injured. A juvenile Red-tailed Hawk called
for its parents’ attention along Queen Creek corridor over which a
pair of Zone-tailed Hawks lilted. No grebes or coots graced the waters at
Ayer Lake,
but a Green Heron was a surprise. Black Phoebes and Vermilion Flycatchers
fed fledglings. Song Sparrows and Common Yellowthroats have also fledged
young. A pair of Purple Martins and 2 Barn Swallows drank from the surface
early in the morning. Hummingbirds and Phainopeplas were scarce away from
the gardens where numerous Broad-billed, including immature birds, were
evident. Yellow Warbler fledglings begged for food near the
Hummingbird Garden. Other residents or summer birds included: Turkey Vulture,
Gambel’s Quail, Eurasian Collared-Dove, White-winged and Mourning Doves
(some prey for Cooper’s Hawks). Inca Dove, Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers,
Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell’s Vireo, Common Raven
(a pair with 3 raucous young), Verdin, wrens (Cactus, Canyon, Rock and Bewick’s),
Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Northern Cardinal,
Blue Grosbeak (a singing male south of the Demo Garden), Abert’s and
Canyon Towhees, Rufous-crowned and Black-throated Sparrows, Brown-headed
Cowbird, Great-tailed Grackle (7 brief visitors), House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch,
and House Sparrow.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Saturday, July 17
Kind of slow today; at Ayer Lake I watched an adult Cooper's Hawk make
an unsucessful attempt to catch doves -- also saw Barn Swallows put on a
good aerial show over the water; Violet-green Swallow and Purple Martin,
too, with Common Yellowthroat lurking in the cattails. Also seen and heard
around the gardens today were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove,
White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,
Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher,
Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven,
Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren,Canyon Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat,
Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird,
Hooded Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. EDITOR'S NOTE: learn
to identify Arboretum birds alongside Kathe Anderson Saturday, July 24,
when she leads a bird walk starting at 6:30 a.m. and included with daily
admission of $7.50 for adults, $3 for ages 5-12.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Sunday, July 11
Birded the Arboretum on Sunday and also the Oak Flat campground and
the little "railroad park" across from Los Hermanos restaurant;
species seen only at the latter two locations are at the end of this report.
At the Arboretum today highlights were a Purple Martin at Ayer Lake, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Vermilion Flycatcher (also at Oak Flat and the railroad park);
and Summer Tanager. Others on my checklist were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture,
Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell's
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, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Rufous-crowned
Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole,
House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Birds at Oak Flat, but not found at BTA
today, include Gray Vireo, Anna's Hummingbird, Cassin's Kingbird, Juniper
Titmouse, Bewick's Wren, Rock Wren, Crissal Thrasher, Spotted Towhee and
Brown-headed Cowbird. Birds only found at the railroad park include Eurasian
Collared Dove, Western Kingbird, Ladder-backed Woodecker, Northern Mockingbird,
Bronzed Cowbird and House Sparwow. Editor's note: BTA staff report at least
two of the subadult Cooper's Hawks were observed in the eucalyptus grove
on Wednesday, July 14.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Saturday, July 3
Saturday marked a "first for the Arboretum" for me when a
Barn Owl flew into the large palm tree at the east side of Ayer Lake around
10:00 a.m.; it remained clearly visible on the shady side of the tree --
and in the exact center of the palm fronds if you were looking across the
lake from the shaded ramada built over the water. In 20 years of birding
the Arboretum, this is the first Barn Owl I've seen here. Ayer Lake also
had a visiting Purple Martin, a Western Kingbird and Common Yellowthroat;
a few other notables were Canyon Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed
Grosbeak and Black-tailed Gnatcatcher. Also seen and heard around the gardens
today were Gambel's Quail, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk,
Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher,
Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow,
Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer
Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle,
Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House
Sparrow.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Sunday, June 27
The Cooper's Hawk pair has three subadult hatchlings; today I saw one
parent deliver a freshly caught House finch to one of the youngsters while
it was perched in a eucalyptus tree above the Main Trail. Other birds today
were Gambel's Quail, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk,
Zone-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, White-winged Dove,
Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Ladder-backed Woodecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher,
Brown-crested Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common
Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Purple Martin, Northern Rough-winged Swallow,
Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted
Chat, Abert's Towhee, Rufous Crowned Sparrow, Black throated Sparrow, Song
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle,
Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House
Sparrow.
From: Jim and Betsy Walker, with additional sightings by Randy and Susan
Forrest
Date: Saturday, June 5
Observed two fluffy white chicks in the Cooper's Hawk nest Saturday,
look for this nest directly over the Audubon Important Bird Area sign near
the Mr. Big eucalyptus tree. Randy and Susan Forrest reported one agitated
Zone-tailed Hawk chased another dark raptor down Queen Creek (either another
Zone-tailed or else possibly a Common Blackhawk -- since a Blackhawk was
heard shrieking above Queen Creek early in the morning). Five different
hummingbird species were seen in the gardens today: Broad-billed, Black-chinned,
Costa's, Anna's and Broad-tailed; and we also found a good variety of flycatchers
with Vermilion, Brown-crested, Ash-throated and also Black Phoebe. Four
dove species, too (Mourning, Eurasian Collared, White-winged, Inca). Additional
birds seen and heard in the gardens today were: Turkey Vulture, White-throated
Swift, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven,
Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher,
Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla,
Orange-crowned Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat,
Yellow-breasted Chat (loud and repetitively vocal all morning long in the
Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden); Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch,
Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's note: a few additional
species seen Monday morning include Gambel's Quail, Warbling Vireo (picnic
area near Queen Creek); Great Blue Heron, Barn Swallow and Northern Rough-winged
Swallow at Ayer Lake; Canyon Wren, Black-throated Sparrow, Rufous-crowned
Sparrow (calling on the north side of the wooden suspension bridge).
From: Dave Pearson
Date: Sunday, May 30
We found the Cooper's Hawk nest today, and all 14 participants on our
guided bird walk had a nice chance to observe one parent feeding a youngster.
Our group had great looks at Vermilion Flycatcher, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and also both Bell's and Warbling Vireo. Brown-crested
and also Ash-throated Flycatcher were seen and heard, and if you visit this
week make sure to spend time quietly in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden
looking for the highly vocal Yellow-breasted Chat -- we were rewarded by
seeing a male fly exaggerated flight displays, and also perched on the bench
in the shade. Other birds on the checklist for today include Gambel's Quail,
Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, White-winged Dove,
Inca Dove, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird,
Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo,
Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin,
Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, European
Starling, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager, Western
Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal,
Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch,
Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Scott and Becky Allen - and Marceline Vandewater
Date: Sunday, May 23
Bronzed Cowbird was notable Sunday; and this was a good morning for
flycatchers - we saw two fledgling Vermilion siblings being fed by their
father at a nest near the Desert Legume Garden and eucapyptus grove; we
also counted a Western-type, probably Cordilleran; as well as Black Phoebe,
Ash-throated Flycatcher and Western Kingbird. We had both Zone-tailed and
Cooper's Hawk, and warblers today included Lucy's, Yellow, Common Yellowthroat
at Ayer Lake, and also Yellow-breasted Chat -- seen and heard throughout
the gardens, in numerous territories. Others on the checklist for today
were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove,
White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's 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,
Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle,
Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. EDITOR'S
NOTE: ASU Prof. Dave Pearson will guide a bird walk here Sunday, May 30,
at 6:30 a.m.
From: NAMC bird count - Jim and Betsy Walker, Heather and Bill Bateman,
Betty and Bill Zink
Date: Saturday, May 8
Four separate Townsend's Warblers were arguably the most reportable
highlight of the annual North American Migrant Count on Saturday. We were
assisted by Heather and Bill Bateman, and also Betty and Bill Zink -- the
latter couple found a handsome male Lazuli Bunting in the Demonstration
Garden. A few other notables include Common Poorwills calling just before
dawn from over by the maintenance shed, just west of the gardens, and a
Great Horned Owl hooting down by Queen Creek. We saw Lark Sparrows, too!
Birds found include the following: 31 Gambel's Quail, 27 Turkey Vulture,
2 Cooper's Hawks, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 11 Mourning Dove, 7 Eurasian Collared-Dove,
34 White-winged Dove, 6 Inca Dove, 2 White-throated Swift, 7 Broad-billed
Hummingbird, 3 Black-chinned Hummingbird, 5 Costa's Hummingbird, 13 Anna's
Hummingbird, 3 Broad-tailed Hummingbird, 16 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Hammond's
Flycatcher, 1 Gray Flycatcher, 3 Black Phoebe, 3 Say's Phoebe, 9 Vermilion
Flycatcher, 5 Brown-crested Flycatcher, 6 Ash-throated Flycatcher, 2 Western
Kingbird, 18 Bell's Vireo, 4 Gray Vireo, 1 Plumbeous Vireo, 4 Warbling Vireo,
3 Common Raven, 5 Violet-green Swallow, 13 Verdin, 1 Bewick's Wren, 16 Cactus
Wren, 5 Canyon Wren, 4 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 12 Curve-billed Thrasher,
2 European Starling, 15 Phainopepla, 3 Lucy's Warbler, 3 Yellow-rumped Warbler,
2 Black-throated Gray Warbler, 31 Yellow Warbler, 13 Wilson's Warbler, 2
Common Yellowthroat, 12 Yellow-breasted Chat, 4 Western Tanager, 1 Green-tailed
Towhee, 18 Abert's Towhee, 1 Lark Sparrow, 11 Black-throated Sparrow, 4
Song Sparrow, 10 White-crowned Sparrow, 2 Black-headed Grosbeak, 28 Northern
Cardinal, 5 Red-winged Blackbird, 28 Great-tailed Grackle, 2 Brown-headed
Cowbird, 9 Hooded Oriole, 1 Bullock's Oriole, 44 House Finch, 42 Lesser
Goldfinch, 24 House Sparrow. Total species counted = 65.
Editor's Note: the NAMC team surveying Arnett Creek adjacent to the
Arboretum's south boundary found 3 Zone-tailed Hawks (one with wing markers,
but soaring too far overhead to read numbers); a Golden Eagle soaring picturesquely
above the canyon wall, 1 Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, MacGillivray's Warbler
(also Orange-crowned, Lucy's, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Gray,
Townsend's, and Wilson's); a White-crowned sparrow - very late and also
all alone.
From: Jim & Betsy Walker
Date: Sunday, April 25
Four species of dove (Mourning, Eurasian Collared, White-winged and
Inca) and also four different hummingbirds (Broad-billed, Black-chinned,
Costa's, Anna's) were found on our guided bird walk Sunday. We had one Black-throated
Gray Warbler and also Lucy's, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's); Yellow and Common
Yellowthroat. We had one Belted Kingfisher -- and also recorded the season's
first Black-headed Grosbeak and Western Tanager, too! Yellow-breasted Chats
are back, and vocal. Other species around the gardens today were: Turkey
Vulture, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher,
Brown-crested Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Kingbird, Bell's Vireo,
Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Cindy West
Date: Saturday, April 17
Common Yellowthroats have returned -- we heard one calling at Ayer Lake
on the guided bird walk Saturday morning. Black-throated Gray Warbler was
a highlight, also American Robin, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Warbling Vireo
and a Hammond's Flycatcher. Others today were: Gambel's Quail
Turkey Vulture, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black
Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Cliff Swallow,
Verdin, Cactus Wren (feeding nestlings); Canyon Wren
Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla (feeding nestlings); Lucy's Warbler,
Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch (including a yellow male
in the Demonstration Garden); Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Other
notable sightings included:Cliff Chipmunk, Rock Squirrel, Whiptail, Greater
Earless Lizard -- and a Gila Monster in the Children's Garden at the end
of our walk.
From: Troy Corman
Date: Sunday, April 11
Season's first Wilson's Warbler and Bullock's Oriole were seen today
on our guided bird walk; also 2 Chipping Sparrows (one near the Picnic Area's
most open overlook of Queen Creek); also American Robin, 3 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
and 2 Warbling Vireo. Sunday was good for Hummingbirrds -- we had 6 Broad-billed,
1 Black-chinned, 3 Costa's, 15 Anna's and 1 Rufous. Other birds seen and
heard around the gardens included 16 Turkey Vulture, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 2
Mourning Dove, 1 Eurasian Collared Dove, 4 Inca Dove, 3 calling White-winged
Dove, 1 White-throated Swift, 1 Gila Woodpecker,1 Black Phoebe, 3 Vermilion
Flycatcher, 8 Bell's Vireo, 12 Verdin, 1 Bewick's Wren, 3 Cactus Wren, 1
Canyon Wren, 1 Hermit Thrush, 1 Curve-billed Thrasher, 6 Phainopepla, 16
Lucy's Warbler, 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1 Green-tailed Towhee, 2 Abert's
Towhee, 3 Song Sparrow, 2 White-crowned Sparrow, 14 Northern Cardinal, 1
Red-winged Blackbird, 3 Great-tailed Grackle, 8 Hooded Oriole, 20 House
Finch and 25 Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's note: Saturday, April 17,
Cindy West leads an 8:30 bird walk included with daily admission of $7.50.
From: Neil Butchard and Cathy Bower
Date: Thursday, April 8
One Rufous-backed Robin was seen around 9:00 a.m. behind the picnic
area and with three American Robins. Our other notables were a Black-throated
Gray Warbler west of the suspension bridge over Queen Creek, a Brewer's
Sparrow, and both Brown-crested and Ash-throated Flycatchers. Broad-billed,
Costa's and Anna's Hummingbirds were seen; others around the gardens were
Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, a Western-type Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Vermilion
Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Violet-green
Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher,
Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla,
Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird,
Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole and House Finch. Editor's note:
Sunday, April 11, Troy Corman leads an 8:30 bird walk included with daily
admission of $7.50.
From: Sharon Aagaard, Jo Cormier & Liz Cormier
Date: Sunday, April 4
Rufous-backed Robin was in the Demonstration Garden at 8:45 a.m. and
we also had American Robin elsewhere on the grounds Sunday. A Belted Kingfisher
cackled while flying over the parking lot, we saw a Plumbeous Vireo in the
riparian area below Picketpost Mansion, and empidonax flycatchers today
included a Hammond's and a silent Western-type -- either Cordilleran or
Pacific-slope. Lawrence's Goldfinches were also in the demo garden, along
with Hooded Oriole. Hummingbirds today included Rufous, Broad-billed, Black-chinned,
Anna's and Costa's. near the palm grove was notable, we saw a Myiarchus
sp. Flycatcher and also one American Robin. Also seen and heard were Gambel's
Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk (over Queen Creek); Red-tailed Hawk,
Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven,
Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler,
Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (both Audubon's and Myrtle); Yellow
Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow. Editor's note: Karen Stucke added Zone-tailed
Hawk to this list. Also, Sunday April 11 Troy Corman leads an 8:30 bird
walk included with daily admission of $7.50.
From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Saturday, April 3
A Rufous Hummingbird guarded the feeder in the Demonstration Garden
this morning; also in the Demo Garden our bird walk group had a rare chance
for great looks at a male Lawrence's Goldfinch perched on a limb in the
open for at least five minutes. We found the Vermilion Flycatcher's nest
in the picnic area and saw both parents. Gray Flycatcher near the palm grove
was notable, we saw a Myiarchus sp. Flycatcher and also one American Robin.
Other species today were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk,
Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-winged Dove, Eurasian Collared
Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,
Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Northern Rough-winged
Swallow, Bewick's Wren, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped
Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow,
White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser
Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Saw a few butterflies today, too, including
6 Pipevine Swallowtail, 1 Southern Dogface, 4 Pima Orangetip and 2 Empress
Leilia.
From: Liz Hatcher and Russ Widner -- plus additional reports by Neil
Butchard and Cathy Bower
Date: Friday, April 2
Liz and Russ reported one Rufous-backed Robin was near the Demonstration
Garden entrance Friday. They also had American Robin, Dark-eyed Junco (the
pink-sided race), one Dusky Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher and 1 Western
type Flycatcher. Neil and Cathy reported Lawrence's Goldfinches, at least
3 males in the vicinity of the Picnic Area. Other birds reported Friday
were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Inca Dove, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo (at least 7 or 8 of them);
Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped
Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Hooded Oriole (at least 4 or 5);
House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's note: Neil
and Cathy also reported Cooper's Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel,
Rock Pigeon, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow,
Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher,
Northern Mockingbird, Eropean Starling, Orange-crowned Warbler, Green-tailed
Towhee, Spotted Towhee, and Black-throated Sparrow.
From: Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton
Date: Sunday, March 28
Painted Redstart was a highlight today, along with White-throated Swifts,
Violet-green Swallows and also Northern Rough-winged Swallows. A silent
empidonax flycatcher avoided a positive ID by remaining quiet. Robins are
still here, surprisingly -- we saw an American Robin in Silver King Wash
below Ayer Lake. An Arboretum member and frequent birder who is familiar
with the Rufous-backed Robin from recent encounters this winter reported
seeing at least one Rufous-backed Robin here at BTA last Tuesday -- but
there was no sign of that bird today. Green-tailed Towhee was also a fun
find for our Sunday bird walk group -- and Hooded Oriole, too. Other species
today were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk,
Red-tailed Hawk, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe,
vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren,
Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee,
Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow,
Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle,
House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Cindy West
Date: Friday, March 26
Peregrine Falcon was exciting today on a Friday morning notable for
raptors - we also had Common Black-hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk. A Brown
Creeper remains here, we had four hummingbird species (Broad-billed, Black-chinned,
Costa's and Anna's) and also four warblers: Orange-crowned, Lucy's, Yellow-rumped
and Yellow. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was notable, too, and a Vermilion Flycatcher
on her nest. Other species today were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture,
Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Hutton's
Vireo, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
Phainopepla, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle,
House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, March 25
A Painted Redstart was reported by Dave Ruehl today, seen at the east
end of the picnic grove near the water fountain. We missed that migrant
but we did see Hooded Oriole and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Lucy's Warblers
seem to be everywhere! We heard them singing in every corner of the Arboretum
today, and had great looks at one feeding on ripe seedheads of a Canaigre
plant, or Wild Rhubarb, at the south side of the Demonstration Garden. Yellow
Warblers were singing at the bottom of the Switchbacks section of trail
below Picketpost Mansion; we also had Yellow-rumped Warblers. Lingering
winter birds today included Dark-eyed Junco, Red-naped Sapsucker and White-crowned
Sparrow. Also seen and heard were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's
Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Eurasian Collared Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove,
Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila
Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo,
Comon Raven, Verdin, four Wrens - I ( Cactus, Rock, Canyon, Marsh); Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla (one pair nesting in the cactus garden); Abert's Towhee,
Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser
Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Emily Morris, Arizona Audubon
Society
Date: Monday, March 22
Yellow Warblers are back - I found one in the Picnic Area parking lot
Monday morning. Lucy's Warblers are singing throughout the gardens, and
other birds nesting include Anna's Hummingbird and Vermilion Flycatcher;
watch for the latter tending a nest near the Picnic Area. There are still
a few lingering winter migrants, too, including Red-naped Sapsucker, Spotted
Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco and White-crowed Sparrow. Great day for Wrens -
I had House, Cactus, Rock and Canyon. Other birds around the gardens today
(in their checklist order) were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's
Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's
Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Comon Raven, Verdin, Curve-billed Thrasher (possibly
nesting near the Cactus Garden and Legume Garden); European Starling, Phainopepla,
Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and
House Sparrow.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: March 17-20, Wednesday-through-Saturday
While birding in the gardens March 17-20, I noted lingering winter birds
that included 2 Red-naped Sapsuckers, 1 vociferous Hutton's Vireo, 1 Say's
Phoebe, 2 Brown Creepers, 1 Marsh Wren, several Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 3
Hermit Thrushes, 1 Northern Mockingbird, 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, 1 Green-tailed
Towhee (softly singing while shuffling through litter at the west end of
the Demo Garden), 1 Spotted Towhee (east of the herb garden), White-crowned
Sparrows, several "Oregon" Juncos, and numerous Red-winged Blackbirds.
Roosting Turkey Vultures more than doubled. A Zone-tailed Hawk was first
seen on Mar 19 and an apparent pair roosted on Mar 20. Two Eurasian Collared-Doves,
a single White-winged Dove, two Mourning Doves, and a few Inca Doves were
heard cooing. Some Anna's Hummingbirds carried nesting materials while others
rested snugly in their nests; Broad-billed and Costa's Hummingbirds buzzed
about feeders and flowers. The female Vermilion Flycatcher continued nest-building
in a picnic grounds mesquite, while another male displayed near the eucalyptus
grove. Singing Lucy's Warblers increased in numbers as a few Bell's Vireos
settled in. A male Hooded Oriole seen March 18-20 will probably stay to
breed. A transient female Williamson's Sapsucker drilled into pine trunks
in the pine loop and picnic areas. The spring's first Black-throated Gray
Warbler foraged with Lucy's and Yellow-rumped Warblers in the riparian area
below the switchbacks on Mar 20. Transients included Violet-green and Northern
Rough-winged Swallows, and Lincoln's Sparrow. I also observed 1 Pied-billed
Grebe, a pair of Cooper's Hawks, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, 1 American
Coot, White-throated Swift, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black
Phoebe (paired at Ayer Lake), Common Raven, Verdin, resident wrens (Bewick's,
Cactus, Rock, Canyon), Curve-billed Thrasher (1 pair with a single nestling
nearly ready to fledge), European Starling, Phainopepla, Northern Cardinal,
Pyrrhuloxia, Abert's Towhee, periodically singing sparrows (Rufous-crowned,
Black-throated, and Song), House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow.
PS, the Williamson's was secretive and difficult to find.
From: Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton; also Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday, March 20
Listen for singing Black-throated Sparrows along the "switchbacks"
section of trail below Picketpost Mansion. We heard them today; the song
was similar to Bewick's Wren -- which are also vocal this month on their
territories. Brown Creeper in the picnic area was a highlight today; it
may be one of two individual birds, as one was reported at about the same
time along the Pine Loop trail. Unusually late for these Winter migrants,
also Dark-eyed Junco, to remain here. In their checklist order, here are
other species around the gardens today: Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe,
Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Violet-green
Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped
Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crownd Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's
note: Florence resident Jane Wicklund was here Thursday and found these
additional species Cooper's Hawk, Eurasian Collared Dove, Red-naped Sapcucker,
Common Raven, Hermit thrush, and Northern Mockingbird. Join us March 25
when Jane guides her final Thursday bird walk.
From: Arizona Field Ornithologists Society
(Troy Corman, Marceline Vandewater, Steve Ganley, Pierre Deviche, Kurt Radamaker)
Date: Sunday, March 14
Sunday afternoon's meeting of the Arizona
Field Ornithologists Society gave many of us a chance to bird the gardens
during the morning -- notable species include Common Black-hawk; the first
2010 report of a returning migrant here, and also a few other firsts for
the season including Black-chinned Hummingbird, Bell's Vireo and Warbling
Vireo. Four Western Bluebirds were seen, and as of Sunday there are two
male Vermilion Flycatchers here, with one pair apparently nesting in the
Picnic Area again this year. Additional reports around the gardens today
include Pied-billed Grebe, 2 Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, 2 Inca Dove,
1 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 2 Costa's Hummingbird, 10 Anna's Hummingbird,
Gila Woodpecker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, 2 Common Raven,
25 Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren,
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned
Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow. Editor's note: Kathe Anderson added Turkey Vulture,
Inca Dove, Rock Wren, Hermit Thrush, and White-crowned Sparrow to this tally
for Sunday
From: Steve and Joan Hosmer, also Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, March 11
The season's first returning Lucy's Warbler is back - we had one on
today's guided Thursday bird walk lead by Jane Wicklund; other warblers
included one Orange-crowned and three Yellow-rumps, and 2 individual Brown
Creepers remain in the gardens. Jane has two more Thursday bird walks left
for the Spring - March 18 and 25, if you'd like to join one. The male Vermilion
Flycatcher first reported last week in the Picnic Area has been joined by
a female, and she was gathering nesting materials this week. Other birds
seen and heard today included Pied-billed Grebe, 2 Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed
Hawk, 2 Inca Dove, 1 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 2 Costa's Hummingbird, 10
Anna's Hummingbird, 3 Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe,
2 Common Raven, 20 Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, 3 Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, 2 Northern Mockingbird, 2 Phainopepla, 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler,
Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, 2 Black-throated Sparrow, 2 Song Sparrow,
20 White-crowned Sparrow, 12 Dark-eyed Junco, 15 Northern Cardinal, 4 House
Finch, and 30 Lesser Goldfinch and 2 House Sparrow. Editor's note:
Jane Wicklund's checklist for the day added these species: American Coot,
Mourning Dove, Eucopean Starling -- and one a Curve-billed thasher feeding
young.
From: Troy Corman
Date: Saturday, March 6
A male Vermilion Flycatcher moving tree-to-tree in the Picnic Area marked
the first report of this returning Spring migrant Saturday; a pair nested
here last summer so watch for a female to arrive within weeks and re-establish
a nesting territory. At the Demonstration Garden entrance we had a vocal
Hutton's Vireo; high up in the eucalyptus trees near the entrance on Cooper's
Hawk was calling, too. Saturday we found at least 15 separate Anna's Hummingbirds
around the gardens, also 3 Broad-billeds and 6 Costa's. Additional birds
seen and heard on the guided walk today were Pied-billed Grebe, 2 Inca Dove,
4 Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 Black Phoebe, Common Raven,
15 Verdin, 3 Bewick's Wren, 5 Cactus Wren, 2 Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, 3 Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, 2 Hermit Thrush, 3 Phainopepla, 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 10 Abert's
Towhee, 3 Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, 3 Song Sparrow, 10 White-crowned
Sparrow, 8 Northern Cardinal, 12 Dark-eyed Junco, 15 Red-winged Blackbird,
20 House Finch, and 15 Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, March 4
One White-winged Dove west of the parking lot and perched on a power
line was notable this morning, along with Costa's and Broad-billed Hummingbird
(Anna's too), and Violet-green Swallow. Join me for the next Thursday guided
bird walks March 11, 18 and 25. Northern Cardinal was found, also a Pyrrhuloxia;
other birds (in their BTA checklist order) today include: Cooper's Hawk,
American Coot, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe,
Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren,
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird,
European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch,
Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, February 25
One Purple Finch in the Demonstration Garden was "bird of the day"
for our Thursday birdwalk group; we also found one Rufous-Backed
Robin , a House Wren and three different hummingbird species - Broad-billed,
Anna's and Costa's. Continuing Winter birds include one Brown Creeper, Dark-eyed
Junco, Red-naped Sapsucker, Hermit Thrush, White-crowned Sparrow, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Spotted Towhee and American Robin. Join us Thursday, March 4 at
8:30 a.m. for our next walk! Other birds seen and heard today were Cooper's
Hawk, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common
Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed
Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House
Sparrow.
From: Mary Ellen Flynn - Tucson Audubon Society
Date: Wednesday, February 24
Tucson Audubon Society's spring trip to the Arboretum produced 26 species,
notably one Brown Creeper and we also found a Black-tailed Gnatcatcher,
Rock Wren, Canyon Towhee, Red-tailed Hawk and Inca Dove. Additional species
were Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Cooper's Hawk, Anna's Hummingbird,
Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren,
Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee,
White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird,
House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jim Burns
Date: Saturday, February 20
Pelting rain -- and hail -- abbreviated our guided bird walk Saturday
morning, but the group of 24 people did get to see and hear Costa's Hummingbird,
Inca Dove, Cactus Wren, Lesser Goldfinch, Canyon Wren, House Sparrow, Black
Phoebe, American Robin, Hermit Thrush, Verdin, Curve-billed Thrasher, White-crowned
Sparrow, Abert's Towhee, Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Pied-billed Grebe, Song
Sparrow, Raven, Black-throated Sparrow, Flicker, Spotted Towhee, House Finch,
and Cardinal. Birding on Friday prior to the walk we found one Rufous-Backed
Robin on the "lawn" behind the biodiversity sign at trail
marker #34, between the Herb Garden and the Susension Bridge. We also found
one Brown Creeper on trees at the east end of the Eucalyptus Grove, and
a male Pyrrhuloxia west of the Demonstration Garden. Other birds seen or
heard at BTA include Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning
Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Say's Phoebe, Rock Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Crissal Thrasher,
European Starling, and Yellow-rumped Warbler.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, February 18
One Turkey Vulture was here today, the first to arrive for 2010! It
was perched near the Smith Building and later basking in the sun from another
perch. If you visit this weekend look for an unusual Dark-eyed Junco with
a small flock in the Picnic Area, one bird this morning had prominent white
patches towards the back of the neck. We also had a Brown Creeper in the
Picnic area, saw one Rufous-Backed
Robin foraging in the green shoots on the right side of the main
trail east of the Herb Garden, and American Robin in the Picnic Area --
with a Yellow-rumped Warbler nearby, too. Join us Thursday, February 25
at 8:30 a.m. for our next walk. Other birds around the gardens today were
Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's
Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed Thrasher, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow.
From: Richard Ditch
Date: February 14, Sunday
A
nice group of 15 participants and a pleasant morning -- the pair of Rufous-Backed
Robibns were together on the south side of the main trail east of
the herb garden, near the biodiversity sign. The group enjoyed close looks
at a Ruby-crowned Kinglet in a tiny trailside bush just below the crest
near the picket post house - too close for binoculars, easy to see, patient
for a kinglet, and we even saw some of the ruby crown. Other birds -- in
the order they were seen this morning, include: Verdin, Cactus Wren, Abert’s
Towhee, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, House Sparrow, Anna’s Hummingbird,
Black Phoebe, Northern Cardinal, Gila Woodpecker, Lesser Goldfinch, American
Robin, Hermit Thrush, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
Common Raven, Northern Mockingbird, Canyon Wren, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Rufous-backed Robin, Red-naped Sapsucker, Costa’s Hummingbird and Cooper’s
Hawk.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, February 11
One Golden Eagle soaring overhead was a highlight today and our weekly
Thursday bird walk group had opportunities to see both Rufous-Backed
Robin and American Robin, Brown Creeper in the Picnic Area and also
the Herb Garden, and Yellow-rumped Warbler. Join us Thursday, February 18
at 8:30 a.m. for our next walk! Also seen and heard around the gardens today
were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Inca
Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern (red-shafted) Flicker,
Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven,
Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush,
Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Abert's Towhee,
Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern
Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Saturday, February 6
We recorded the season's first returning Costa's Hummingbird this morning
on our guided walk and also had a small flock of Western Bluebirds fly over.
One Bridled Titmouse was seen by the full group, then later in the day I
found a little flock of four Bridled Titmice over in the herb Garden. We
had great looks at two Brown Creepers, one in the Picnic Area and the other
closer to the Herb Garden. A Cooper's Hawk was in the eucalyptus tree near
the entrance to the Demonstration Garden this morning at the start of our
walk, and a female Broad-billed Hummingbird was here at the end of the day
around 4:00. We also got four woodpecker species in different spots around
the Demonstration Garden, towards the back end near Queen Creek: Gila Woodpecker,
Northern (red-shafted) Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker and Ladder-backed Woodpecker.
Red-winged Blackbirds here, too. A Rufous-Backed
Robin was just east of the Herb Garden foraging on the remaining
pistachio and myrtle fruits. Also seen and heard today were Pied-billed
Grebe, American Coot, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Black Phoebe, Say's
Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren,
Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin,
Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned
Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed
Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
Only a few butterflies were out -- we saw Southern Dogface, American Snout,
Sara Orangetip, Mourning Cloak and Sleepy Orange.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, February 4
Today was the first of eight Thursday Bird Walks I'll lead as a volunteer
at the Arboretum, and the visitors who joined me had a chance to see the
Rufous-Backed
Robin and also an American Robin, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Geen-tailed
Towhee, Hutton's Vireo and Orange-crowned Warbler. Join me next Thursday,
February 11 at 8:30 a.m. for our next walk! Other birds today included Pied-billed
Grebe, American Coot and Red-winged Blackbird at Ayer Lake; also Red-tailed
Hawk, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern (red-shafted)
Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common
Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush,
Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's);
Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
There are weekend guided birdwalks on the schedule, too: Richard Ditch leads
one Valentines Day February 14, then Jim
Burns leads a walk here on February 20.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, January 29
Both American and Rufous-Backed
Robin were found today along with wintering species including Dark-eyed
Junco, Marsh Wren at Ayer Lake, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Northern (red-shafted)
Flicker. Also seen and heard around BTA today were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed
Grebe, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren,
Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's
Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch and House Sparrow.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Sunday, January 24
Two Rufous-Backed
Robins foraged in the myrtle shrub near the pump house in Queen
Creek Canyon, and the Coatimundi
was feasting on myrtle fruit here this morning, too. The main trail is eroded
and closed east of here, and the riparian area inaccessible this week because
of Queen Creek flooding. Other notable birds today were a Brown Creeper
and an Orange-crowned Warbler in the Demonstration Garden - and a Cooper's
Hawk which narrowly missed taking one of the Inca Doves there. Other birds
today were Red-winged Blackbird, Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot at
Ayer Lake; Red-tailed Hawk, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpeckers, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black
Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon
Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird,
Curved-billed Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler,
Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and House Finch.
Editor's Note: today Jack re-confirmed the Williamson's Sapsucker
which he found on the Christmas Bird Count last month in a residential area
of the town of Superior, about five minutes drive from the Arboretum. The
bird visited "sapsucker wells" in the row of pine trees near the
junior / senior high school today, specifically it was seen on the trunk
of a pine tree across from the southeast light pole near the football field.
Mary Drive is closed this week due to flooding from Queen Creek; to reach
the school complex take hwy 177, also known as the Ray Road which runs from
Superior to Ray and Kearney, to Sunset Drive and follow Sunset past the
Fairview Cemetary to the schools which are nearby.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Wednesday, January 21
Green-tailed Towhee was a highlight today, and Wednesday was also a
good day for woodpeckers -- I found Gila and Ladderbacked Woodpeckers as
well as Red-naped Sapsucker and a red-shafted Northern Flicker. Australian
trees are flowering this month, so watch the tops of the eucalyptus and
red gums for Anna's Hummingbirds. Other birds in the gardens today were
Pied-billed Grebe, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe,
Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit
Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped
Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow,
Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and
House Sparrow.
From: Diane Krpan, Cindy West & Millie Bilotta
Date: Sat, January 16
At least one Rufous-Backed
Robin was seen foraging in the Myrtle bush today, moving often ---
usually flying east/west for about 100 yards along the main trail between
the Herb Garden and the myrtle over near the PumpHouse. Cindy photographed
a Prairie Falcon perched on Magma Ridge, and our other most notable sighting
was a female Broad-billed Hummingbird near the entrance to the Demonstration
Garden; notable because Broad-billeds haven't been reported since Dec. 22.
The only other hummingbird were Anna's, and nearly all of them male. Also
seen and heard today were Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker,
Red-naped Sapsucker, Verdin, Bewick's Wren (in Eucalyptus Grove - and vocal);
Canyon Wren, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curved-billed Thrasher,
Crissal Thrasher (at least half a dozen in various places between Palm Grove
and Suspension Bridge); Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee,
Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed
Junco, Northern Cardinal and House Finch.
From: Jim Burns
Date: Friday, Jan 15
This morning at Boyce-Thompson both Rufous-Backed
Robins and the Coatimundi were along the Main Trail just past signpost
34 when the arboretum opened. The robins than flew toward the Myrtle Tree
overhanging the pumphouse and fed there periodically all morning, but they
were feeding in the interior of the tree and afforded only brief unobstructed
views. The Coati has an injured foot, left front, which may account for
its hanging out at this reliable food source. It crossed the creek, climbed
the rocks and accessed the Myrtle Tree from the east by jumping onto the
pumphouse roof. It
alternately fed and slept in the top of the Myrtle all morning. Editor's
note: this report originally appeard at BirdingOnTheNet.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: January 14, Thursday
One, possibly two Rufous-backed Robins were making sorties to feed in the
myrtle today, and I had a wonderful view of the Coatimundi at about 11:30
a.m., which was a "lifer." A Green-tailed Towhee was near the
Demonstration Garden (Abert's and Spotted Towhee in other gardens, too).
Also seen and heard around the gardens today were Pied-billed Grebe and
American Coot on Ayer Lake; Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Red-naped Sapsucker, Say's and Black Phoebe; Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's
Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco,
Northern Cardinal, and House Finch. Editor's Note: Brendon
Grice posted coatimundi video when the animal was foraging near
the Herb Garden back in November.
From: Diane Touret (Tucson Audubon Society trip)
Date: January 12, Tuesday
Two Rufous-backed Robins were observed foraging on the ground in a grassy
clearing near the "Pump House" with the overhanging myrtle shrub
in Queen Creek Canyon; this Myrtle is still heavy with ripe fruit and is
the location where one robin was reported this past weekend. A Brown Creeper
was in the palm grove; other birds seen and heard around the gardens today
include Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot on Ayer Lake; Anna's Hummingbird,
Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, both Say's
and Black Phoebe; Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Crissal and also Curve-billed Thrashers;
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Song
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, and House Finch. Editor's
Note: Marceline Vandewater
was here today and reported additional species including a Sharp-shinned
Hawk near the Demonstration Garden entrance ramada; Cooper's Hawk, Red-naped
Sapsucker (two, across from the Herb Garden in the tamarisk trees); Cactus
Wren, Canyon Wren, Black-throated Sparrow, and Lesser Goldfinch, Gambel's
Quail and Dark-eyed Juncos (Oregon race). Marceline saw a female Variegated
Meadowhawk in Queen Creek canyon near the Herb Garden -- our first dragonfly
report for 2010 -- and a Red-eared Slider sunning at Ayer Lake, also five
butterfly species: American Snout, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Sleepy Orange
and Southern Dogface.
From: Nancy and Reed Miller
Date: January 5, Tuesday
A Green-tailed Towhee in the Demonstration Garden near the first intersection
was notable today, along with the "pink sided" variety of Dark-eyed
Juncos. We found both Crissal and Curve-billed Thrashers, 3 separate Red-naped
Sapsuckers and both Say's and Black Phoebe. Also seen and heard around the
gardens today were Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Verdin,
Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher,
Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's);
Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and House Sparrow.
From: Steve and Joan Hosmer
Date: January 4, Monday
Joan and I were at Boyce Thompson from about 8:00 AM through 3:00 PM. Things
were a little slow to start out, but improved a bit as the morning progressed.
I suspect the breezy weather in the morning didn't help seeing birds much.
We did not see the resident
coati that has been hanging out near the pump house, but we did
see a Golden Eagle soaring high overhead, and 15 Verdin closer to the ground
-- including one particularly industrious Verdin stealing material from
another nest and using it for its nest by the Hummingbird garden. Among
the most numerous birds, and a highlight today, were at least 20 Northern
Cardinals, which seem most numerous around the Herb Garden. 2 Crissal Thrashers
were also near the Herb Garden area --- feeding in a tree on red berries
-- and we counted about 30 White-crowned Sparrows througout the gardens.
Ayer's Lake had Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, and Black Phoebe (one
of each). Other birds today were 1 Inca Dove (heard only), 10 Anna's Hummingbird,
3 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Red-naped Sapsucker (near the picnic area); 1 Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, 2 Say's Phoebe, 1 -Common Raven, 4 Cactus Wren, 1 Canyon Wren
(heard only); 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1 Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, 2 Hermit
Thrush (Herb Garden area); 8 Northern Mockingbird, 10 Curve-billed Thrasher,
1 Phainopepla, 2 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); 2 Spotted Towhee, 15
Abert's Towhee, 4 Song Sparrow, 7 Dark-eyed Junco, 15 House Finch, 2 Lesser
Goldfinch and 3 House Sparrow.
From: Craig Fischer and Christmas Bird Count Volunteers (Arboretum and
nearby areas)
Date: December 26, Saturday
Rufous-Backed Robins can still be found in the myrtle hedge just below the
Ayer Lake dam, two individual birds were seen on today's annual Christmas
Bird Count. We also had a handsome transient Bufflehead on Ayer Lake, along
with the resident Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot, 1 Marsh Wren, and
28 Red-winged Blackbirds. A few highlights of the count include a Bridled
Titmouse at the west side of the Picnic Area, near the
Demonstration Garden fence; and a Golden Eagle soaring over highway 60 and
the Arboretum main gate around 3:30 p.m. A Brown Creeper was found, and
one Green-tailed Towhee. One other notable report from Saturday was sent
by text from Arboretum bird walk volunteer tour guide Diane Krpan, who reported
three Harris Hawks perched on a power pole just outside the Arboretum's
main gate around lunchtime. Other birds today, in checklist order and reported
by numbers found, include: 37 Gambel's Quail, 1 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Red-tailed
Hawk, 2 Inca Dove, 21 Anna's Hummingbird, 31 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Northern
"Red-shafted" Flicker, 4 Red-naped Sapsucker,9 Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
10 Black Phoebe, 8 Say's Phoebe, 1 Hutton's Vireo, 2 Western-scrub Jay,
Common Raven, 36 Verdin, 1 Bewick's Wren, 20 Cactus Wren, 5 Rock Wren, 7
Canyon Wren, 15 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 4 Black-tailed
Gnatcatcher, 20 Western Bluebird, 8 Hermit Thrush, 1 American Robin, 15
Northern Mockingbird, 18 Curve-billed Thrasher, 5 Crissal Thrasher, 2 European
Starling, 19 Phainopepla, 20 Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler,
4 Canyon Towhee, 34 Abert's Towhee, 9 Spotted Towhee, 123 Black-throated
Sparrow, 8 Song Sparrow, 66 White-crowned Sparrow, 33 Dark-eyed Junco, 69
Northern Cardinal, 85 House Finch, 4 Lesser Goldfinch and 15 House Sparrow.
** Editor's note: this report includes numbers and species from teams which
also canvassed Arnett Canyon to the south of the Arboretum, and Arboretum
areas which are accessible to the public. Special thanks to volunteers including
Craig Fischer, Jason Beason, Eric and Elaine Hough, Linda and Dean Mason,
Curtis Burns, Becky and Scott Allen, Heather and Bill Bateman, Amanda Moors
and Paul Wolterbeek.
From: Craig Hansen, Jolan and Brandon
Date: December 22, Tuesday
The Rufous-Backed Robins (yes, there are still at least two of them at the
Arboretum this week!) had returned Tuesday morning to forage on myrtle berries
in the thicket below the dam that impounds Ayer Lake. Hermit Thrush and
Song Sparrow were here as well, with American Coot on the lake. Other birds
today included Cooper's Hawk, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,
Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus
Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco,
Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's note:
the Superior Christmas Bird Count is December 26. To sign up contact Cynthia
Donald by phone at 480-283-4515 or by email to planres@earthlink.net
From: Jack Bartley
Date: December 12, Saturday
Definitely two, and possibly three, separate Rufous-Backed Robins were observed
feasting on pyracantha berries Saturday near the Herb Garden. A Brown Creeper
was in the Demonstration Garden, and so were two separate Bridled Titmice.
Western Bluebirds and Crissal Thrashers continue to be a fun surprise at
BTA this winter. Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Red-winged Blackbird
were at Ayer Lake, and other birds today were Red-tailed Hawk, Inca Dove,
Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern
"Red-shafted" Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's
Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit
Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,
Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Green-tailed Towhee, Canyon
Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, House
Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's note: volunteers
are welcome to help with the Superior Christmas Bird Count December 26,
which includes Boyce Thompson Arboretum. To sign up contact Cynthia Donald
by phone at 480-283-4515 or by email to planres@earthlink.net
From: Jim Burns
Date: December 6, Sunday
Crissal Thrashers were still at BTA this morning, we found at least five
on this morning's cold, rainy Sunday bird walk. A Fox Sparrow was notable,
so was the male Pyrrhuloxia seen near the Smith Building parking lot by
a staff member following the bird walk. One less Greater Roadrunner will
be hunting around the gardens -- we watched a Red-tailed Hawk glide west
from Ayer Lake across highway 60 to capture a Roadrunner -- returning to
a perch on a power pole with its prey. Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot
were also at Ayer Lake, but there was no sign of exciting rarities in the
myrtle shrubs below the dam. Other birds today were Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker,
Red-naped Sapsucker, Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren,
Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush,
American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling,
Phainopepla, Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Editor's
note: additional birds reported by Jmartin and Msequeira Saturday included
Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Common Raven, House Wren, Chipping Sparrow and
Black-throated Sparrow.
check out Jim
Burns Bird-Is-A-Verb column on AZCentral; lastly -- volunteers are
needed for the Superior Christmas Bird Count December 26. To sign up contact
Cynthia Donald by phone at 480-283-4515 or by email to planres@earthlink.net
From: Andree Tarby & Friends
Date: November 28, Saturday
New location to report for the Rufous-Backed
Robin -- Saturday morning one bird was found in the clump of coniferous
trees below the dam which impounds Ayer Lake. There's a myrtle bush with
fruit here, so this location may continue to be worth checking through the
first week of December. Loggerhead Shrike, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher American
Robin and Crissal thrasher were notable today, and others seen/heard around
the gardens were Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe,
Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit
Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's)
Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird and House Finch. Editor's
Note: Brendon
Grice photographed a coatimundi foraging near the Herb Garden around
9:00 a.m.
From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: November 22, Sunday
Two separate Rufous-Backed
Robins continue to forage furtively around the fruiting trees in
front of the Smith Building - both were seen Sunday on our guided birdwalk.
Western Bluebirds were in the Demonstration Garden, we had a Black-tailed
Gnatcatcher in the Cactus Garden and Red-winged Blackbirds. Crissal Thrasher,
Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Orange-crowned Warbler, Hutton's Vireo and Say's
Phoebe were found, too! Also seen/heard in the gardens were Red-tailed Hawk,
Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's
Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker,
Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren,
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,
Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Abert's
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch, House Sparrow, and Lesser Goldfinch.
Other visitors reported an American Robin in the Demo Garden, and one other
fun sighting was a Hog-nosed Skunk! Editor's Note: Brendon
Grice photographed a coatimundi foraging near the Herb Garden around
9:00 a.m. And BTA's final 2009 bird walk will be Dec. 6 (sunday) with Jim
Burns, there's also an 11:00 a.m. slideshow of "Birds of India"
by Anand Arya at 11:00 that same morning, please join us!
From: Richard Ditch
Date: November 21, Saturday
Rufous-Backed
Robin was seen again today in front of the Smith Building, alhough
furtively. Other birds today were American Coot, Anna’s Hummingbird,
Broad-billed Hummingbird, Greater Roadrunner, Mourning Dove, Common Raven,
Gila Woodpecker, Northern
(red-shafted) Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Cactus
Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Verdin, Hutton’s Vireo, Phainopepla,
Cedar Waxwing, Say’s Phoebe, Black Phoebe, Hermit Thrush, American
Robin, Rufous-backed Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Red-winged Blackbird,
Northern Cardinal, Abert’s Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Green-
tailed Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, White-crowned Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, House Finch, Lesser
Goldfinch, House Sparrow.
From: Karen Stucke
Date: November 14, Saturday
Rufous-Backed
Robin was a "life bird" for me today at the Arboretum,
while American Robin, Crissal Thrasher and Cooper's Hawk were also notable.
Others found today were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot,
Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit
Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling,
Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note:
Brendon Grice
photographed a coatimundi foraging near the Herb Garden around 9:00
a.m.
From: Marceline Vandewater
and Paul Kinslow -- with additional sightings
reported by Jim Scarlett
Date: November 10, Tuesday
The myrtle bush near the Smith Building bathrooms continues to have plenty
ripe fruit, Tuesday morning it still had one Rufous-Backed
Robin seen occasionally foraging for the dark blue fruits. Cassin's
Vireo was another good find today, along with Hutton's Vireo, Greater Roadrunner,
Say's Phoebe, Western Bluebird and Inca Dove; we found at least three Crissal
Thrashers and had good looks at a Green-tailed Towhee -- a total of 42 species
of birds and 16 species of butterflies -- not bad for a day in November!
Other birds seen and heard around the gardens today were Gambel's Quail,
Pied-billed Grebe, Red-tailed Hawk, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern "Red-shafted"
Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Canyon
Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Black-tailed, Gnatcatcher, Hermit
Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped
(Audubon's) Warbler, Northern Mockingbird, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee,
Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Jim Scarlett shared a
checklist from Tuesday morning and added these species: Gilded Flicker,
Orange-crowned Warbler, Chipping Sparrow and Great-tailed Grackle. Editor's
Note: Marceline also reported these butterflies: Painted Lady, Cloudless
Sulphur, Gray Hairstreak, Queen, Pipevine Swallowtail, American Snout, Southern
Dogface, Orange Sulphur, Western Pygmy Blue, Common Buckeye, Common Checkered
Skipper, Marine Blue, Mormon Metalmark, Monarch, Ceraunus Blue and Mexican
Yellow.
From: Kathe Anderson -- with additional sightings reported by Pete Moulton
Date: November 8, Sunday
A Band-tailed Pigeon photographed by Pete Moulton near the pyracantha just
west of the Herb Garden was among the most notable birds today, and our
Sunday bird walk group was fortunate to see a previously reported Rufous-Backed
Robin foraging alongside Cedar Waxwings, Phainopepla, Northern Mockingbirds,
a Western Tanager and others in the myrtle bush which still has a wealth
of dark blue fruits and is located across the trail from bathrooms at the
west side of the Smith Building, just a short walk from the main visitor
center. Our walk began with great views of a Cooper's Hawk that cruised
overhead as we assembled behind the visitor center at 8:30, American Robin
was also present today, and its thrilling to see several Crissal Thrashers
kicking around in the leaf litter and foraging on both sides of the main
trail between the Herb Garden and the suspension bridge. Additional sightings
by Pete Moulton follow at the end of our list; other birds seen and heard
around the gardens today on the guided walk included Pied-billed Grebe,
American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe,
Common Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren,
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch
and Lesser Goldfinch. Pete Moulton was birding separately with friends and
added these to the Sunday report: Sharp-shinned Hawk (a juvenile above Ayer
Lake, headed north at high velocity); Mourning Dove, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
one Hutton's Vireo in the picnic area; European Starling, Dark-eyed Junco
(all of them Oregon types); Red-winged Blackbird and Great-tailed Grackle.
Pete also birded Oak Flat briefly after noon and reported Western Scrub-Jay
and Canyon Towhee.
From: Pierre Deviche, Brendon Grice, Joyce Goodman -- with additional
sightings from Heather Bateman
Date: November 7, Saturday
Here's a "tip of the hat" to Rich for the Friday report of two
Rufous-Backed
Robins feeding in the myrtle bush loaded with dark blue fruits just
outside the Smith Building bathrooms. Both birds were observed in the same
myrtle at the same time on numerous occasions Saturday -- a rare treat!
Other birds competing for the yrtle fruits today included American Robin,
Summer Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, at least a dozen Cedar Waxwings --
and also a possible Rose-breasted Grosbeak observed by Heather Bateman and
her ASU birding class. The other notable report was a possible Purple Finch
reported by Pierre Deviche; who reports this rarity may have been photographed
by Brendon Grice. Check the Arizona Field Ornithologists website AZFO.org
for more info. Common birds feeding at the myrtle included Phainopepla,
Gila Woodpecker, and Northern Mockingbird. This report combines two checklists
from Joyce adn Heather, and blends in a verbal account of sightings by Pierre
Deviche -- other birds seen and heard around the gardens today included
Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Red-tailed Hawk, Greater Roadrunner, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black
Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, House Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Western Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, Crissal
Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler,
Western Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and House Sparrow.
From: Joyce Goodman -- with additional sightings from Lois Lorenz --
and also Jack Bartley
Date: October 31, Saturday
An Eastern Phoebe was found and also photographed by Brendon Grice in the
Demonstration Garden, along with White-throated Sparrow. The Rufous-Backed
Robin was here as well -- one place to look is the myrtle bush loaded
with dark blue fruits just outside the Smith Building bathrooms. Also American
Robin, Crissal Thrasher, Western Tanager, Costa's Hummingbird and Hutton's
Vireo. Others seen heard around the gardens were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed
Grebe, American Coot, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Verdin, Rock
Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
Editor's Note: Lois Lorenz and Sandra added these species to the
list provided by Joyce: Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Northern (Red-shafted)
Flicker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Cactus Wren (by ear); Hermit Thrush,
Cedar Waxwing, Chipping Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco
and Great-tailed Grackle. Additional note: Jack Bartley also reported
these species around Whitlow Dam from October 29: Green-winged Teal, Sharp-shinned
Hawk, American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon, Greater Roadrunner, Gilded Flicker,
Red-breasted X. Red-naped Sapsucker and also Yellow-shafted X. Red-shafted
Sapsucker, Say's Pheobe, Plumbeous Vireo, Western-scrub Jay, Bushtit, Brown
Creeper, Western Bluebird, Black-throated Gray Warbler and Rufous-crowned
Sparrow.
From: Pete Moulton and Cynthia Donald - with a Queen Creek footnote
from Jack Bartley
Date: October 25, Sunday
The Rufous-Backed
Robin was still feeding on ripe pistachio fruits in the Picnic Area
trees, along with various other birds this morning -- and notable species
found on our guided bird walk included Brown Creeper, both Blue-gray and
Black-tailed Gnatcatchers, Chipping Sparrow, Western Meadowlark and Common
Ground-Dove -- four of these (!). Others seen heard around the gardens were
Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Cooper's Hawk, Greater
Roadrunner, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Common
Raven, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Crissal Thrasher, European Starling, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler,
Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow (all Gambel's, as far as I could tell); Dark-eyed Junco (Pink-sided
and Gray-headed); Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed
Grackle, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's Note:
Jack Bartley birded Queen Creek upstream from the Arboretum Sunday and reported
these additional species not found on the Arboretum grounds: Hutton's Vireo,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, House Wren, Rock Wren, Rufous-crowned Sparrow,
Lincoln's Sparrow -- and Common Ground Dove at the old Pinal town site,
along with Plumbeous Vireo, Common Yellowthroat, Townsend's Warbler, Summer
Tanager, Orange-crowned Warbler, Bridled Titmouse, and Brown Creeper.
From: Richard Ditch
Date: October 21, Wednesday
I had a Rufous-Backed
Robin in the Chinese Pistachio tree in the picnic area. It was feeding
around eye level on the outside of the tree around 11:00 a.m. Other birds
at this tree included Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Gila Woodpecker,
Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, Northern Mockingbird, and White-crowned
Sparrow. There's fruit on this tree for a few more days; I had spent more
time at the Chinese Pistachio near the east end of
the Herb Garden looking for thrashers to see if I could find the suspected
LeConte's Thrasher from Saturday. I did not. Instead I had a Crissal Thrasher
there. There is a lot more fruit on this tree than the one in the picnic
area and many more birds feeding here. Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton will
lead the Arboretum bird walk Sunday, October 25, at 8:30 a.m.
From: Richard Ditch
Date: October 17, Saturday
In spite of the unwelcome high temperatures we had interesting birds: Crissal
Thrasher - one or more were active in and under the shrubs by the picnic
area near the dry creek when we finally got there around 11:00 am. A Curve-billed
Thrasher kept chasing the Crissal(s). We were surprised to have an Osprey
flying east along the main canyon, viewed against the mass of Picket Post
Mountain from the trail between Ayer Lake and the Picket Post House. Time
was probably 9:30 am. Bigger surprise was a meadowlark in the Demonstration
Garden around 10:30 am. It flew up from a small open area beneath the stucco
wall with the round "window" in it and flew over the the path
leading to the "Wildflower meadow' depression. We saw it some more
down in the meadow and finally watched it fly out towards the creek bed
carrying a dragonfly or other large insect. Finally, Brendon Grice and I
heard an unusual bit of bird song near a Chinese Pistachio tree with lots
of fruit in the main canyon a little east of the Herb Garden. Brendon was
able to get a partial view and determined it was a thrasher with a long
curved bill. At the time we wrote it off as another Crissal, but after listening
to recored calls at our respective homes we both decided it was very likely
a LeConte's Thrasher. Please be alert to this possible bird if you are birding
there in the next couple of days. Habitat at Boyce is nothing like the barren
open places I've seen them elsewhere so confirmation from another birder
would be appreciated. Also seen and heard were Gila Woodpecker, House Finch,
Pyrrhuloxia, Cedar Waxwing, Cactus Wren, Pine Siskin, House Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Black-throated Sparrow, Inca Dove, Phainopepla,
Common Raven, Lesser Goldfinch, Hermit Thrush, Abert’s Towhee, Northern
Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Northern (red-shafted) Flicker, Canyon Wren,
Cooper’s Hawk, Dark-eyed Junco, Verdin, Red-naped Sapsucker, Yellow-rumped
Warbler, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird,
Tree Swallow, European Starling, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Gambel’s
Quail, Brown Creeper, Spotted Towhee, Orange-crowned Warbler and Swainson’s
Thrush.
From: Troy Corman and Cindy Marple
Date: October 11, Sunday
Cindy Marple and I lead the Sunday bird walk at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
With assistance from Grant and Tyler Loomis, we managed to detect over 50
species, which is above average for these walks. Highlights included a VAUX'S
SWIFT with migrating VIOLET-GREEN and Northern ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS and
three GROUND-DOVES perched on rocks near the far side of the pond. They
appeared to be COMMON GROUND-DOVES based on size and shape, but only the
closest one could be positively identified due to the distance and without
a scope. Any ground-doves are rare visitors to the park. With the departure
of the summering Bell's Vireos, we still managed a four vireo morning with
WARBLING, HUTTON'S, PLUMBEOUS and CASSIN'S. The infamous Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird put on a good show for the
20+ participants on our walk along with numerous ANNA'S and BROAD-BILLED
HUMMINGBIRDS, and a single lingering RUFOUS/ALLEN'S HUMMINGBIRD. The only
irregular montane species that was detected was a single BRIDLED TITMOUSE
which I heard briefly during the walk, but relocated after to determine
it was alone and wandering all over. The fruiting shrubs and trees were
locally attracting many birds including numerous woodpeckers, at least three
WESTERN TANAGERS and a single juv. CEDAR WAXWING. The picnic area gave us
a surprisingly good view of a CRISSAL THRASHER in direct comparison with
the several CURVE-BILLED THRASHERS. We did not detect any robins or other
thrushes, but with the abundant and widespread fruit crop, I suspect the
arboretum should attract good numbers of them in the near future. Hope to
see you in the field...
From: Eric and Elaine Hough -- with a Sage Thrasher footnote by Pete
Moulton
Date: October 3, Saturday
Three Crissal Thrashers -- and also three Cedar Waxwings -- were particularly
notable today on our guided bird walk. Waxwings were first observed feeding
on ripe pistachio fruit near trail marker #42 as you approach the Herb Garden,
along with Northern "Red-shafted" Flickers, Warbling Vireos, Red-naped
Sapsuckers, Verdins and Gila Woodpeckers. Pete Moulton found a Sage Thrasher
(see his report after ours), and a Green- tailed Towhee was just west of
this spot, closer to the olive trees, along with a a Spotted Towhee. We
also found a brilliantly colored Wilson's Warbler in the Demonstration Garden,
and "El Catrin," the Arboretum's unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird in the hummingbird-butterfly
garden -- and a MacGillvray's Warbler. Other birds today include Gambel's
Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Inca Dove, 2 Broad-billed Hummingbirds,
Anna's Hummingbird, one female Broad-tailed Hummingbird, a female Rufous
Hummingbird, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Western
Kingbird, 2 Hutton's Vireo, Warbling Vireo (many), Common Raven, Bewick's
Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Northern
Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Common Yellowthroat (in
Queen Creek, seen from the Demonstration Garden); Yellow-breasted Chat in
the hummingbird garden, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee,
Brewer's Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Don't miss the October 11 bird walk guided
by Troy Corman here at 8:30 a.m. Editor's Note: Pete Moulton and
Jack Follett were guiding a separate tour and found a Sage Thrasher about
200 yards above Ayer Lake, on the north side of the trail where the Black-throated
Sparrows usually hang out -- and also a female Blue Grosbeak at Ayer Lake;
they also found, Scott's Oriole, Cassin's Kingbird, Canyon Towhee, Rufous-crowned
Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-headed Growbeak,
Hermit Thrush, and Red-winged Blackbird. Pete's group headed to Oak Flats
after the Arboretum visit, where they added Wedtern Meadowlark and Western-scrub
Jay to this impressive list.
From: Brendon Grice
Date: September 27, Sunday
A pipit on the shore of Ayer Lake was notable today and I found the previously
reported Ovenbird at 12:30 and again at 2:00 in the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden, beneath the shady canopy just as you enter the garden to the left
beneath the persimmon tree which is loaded with fruit. Also notable today
were Olive-sided Flycatcher perched on the Eucalyptus Tree overhanging the
wash viewable as you look downstream from the white bridge over Silver King
Wash. Lark Sparrows were seen above Ayer lake where the "temporary
creek" is flowing; a Macgillivary's Warbler was in the Demonstratiron
Garden by the bowl water feature. Also observed a Greater Roadrunner by
the Bowl, then again on my way driving out of the picnic area by the entry
gate. A female Indigo Bunting was by the waterfall feature behind the demonstration
garden wall, and I had a Bewick's Wren there and in the
picnic area, too. If you bird BTA this week check the pistachio trees right
near the Herb Garden where the fruits are ripe and are trees loaded with
Warbling Vireos and Red-naped Sapsuckers and Northern Flickers. Also found
a Green- tailed Towhee in the Demonstration Garden.
From: Cathy Wise, with additional reports from Jack Holloway
Date: September 26, Saturday
Our group tallied 59 species on today's "Bye Bye Buzzards" bird
walk; among the most notable were two Green-tailed Towhees in the Demonstration
Garden (one molting and almost completely lacking a tail), as well as Blue-winged
Teal at Ayer Lake and interesting Sparrows up above the lake including Brewer's,
Verper and Black-throated -- also Song and the season's first returning
wintertime Lincoln's and White-crowneds. Oh, and a Killdeer at the shore
of Ayer Lake! Other birds seen and heard today were include Gambel's Quail,
Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, American Kestrel, Mourning
Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird,
El Catrin (BTA's unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird); Gila Woodpecker, Northern
(red-shafted) Flicker, Gilded Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Cassin's Kingbird, an
empidonax Flycatcher of undetermined species; Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo,
Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Cactus Wren,
Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet (first of the season!); Black-tailed Gnatcatcher,
Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher,
Phainopepla, Wilson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western
Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern
Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House
Sparrow. Jack Holloway added a few species including three Common Ground
Dove seen at Ayer Lake, Broad-tailed Hummingbird in the butterfly garden,
Dusky Flycatcher, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Rock Wren,
Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); and two Cinnamon
Teal at Ayer Lake.
From: Jim Burns
Date: September 18, Friday
Deva and I birded BTA yesterday, migratory birds on the wane, winter stuff
not in yet, but we still found 43 species -- including Greater Roadrunner
coming to the new "Australian seep" garden, the first roadrunner
I've ever seen at BTA in all these years! Others seen and heard include
Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail, Rock Pigeon, Inca Dove,
Broad-billed Hummingbird, El Catrin (BTA's unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird); Black-chinned Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern (red-shafted)
Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker (two --the first two I've seen this fall);
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Pacific
Slope Flycatcher, Vermilion Flycatcher, Warbling Vireo (by far the most
numerous bird in the park-maybe 25 in the pistachio tree at trail marker
#40), Common Raven, Cliff Swallow, Verdin, House Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon
Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Nashville
Warbler (several), Wilson's Warbler (several), Summer Tanager, Western Tanager,
Green-tailed Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser
Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Vera Walters
Date: September 14, Monday
American Kestrel was notable today and so was Orange-crowned Warbler, Green-tailed
Towhee, Brewer's Sparrow, Wilson's Warbler, Greater Roadrunner, Western
Wood Pe-wee, Cordilleran Flycatcher and the season's first returning migrant
Hermit Thrush. Also found today were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture,
Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,
Rufous Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe,
Western Kingbird, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin,
Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, European Starling, Phainopepla, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager,
Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Black-headed
Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow. Additionally, BTA staffer Paul Wolterbeek mentioned seeing
a Yellow-headed Blackbird which briefly stopped by at Ayer Lake.
From: Vera Walters --- with additional reports by Jack Holloway
Date: Monday, Labor Day, September 7
Common Ground Dove observed from the High Trail was a highlight today, along
with Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Barn Swallowand Ash-throated Flycatcher.
(Editor's note: Jack Holloway's list included some of the following birds
in common with Vera's, but added Lazuli Bunting, White-throated Swift, Warbling
Vireo and Western Kingbird. other birds seen today were Gambel's Quail,
Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird (also
Anna's, Rufous, Black-chinned and BTA's unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird); Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Vermilion Flycatcher,
Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon
Wren, Rock Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling,
Phainopepla, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal,
Red-winged Blackbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House
Sparrow.
From: Scott and Becky Allen
Date: Saturday August 29
We saw that Barn Owl again this morning, probably the same bird observed
when Dave Pearson guided the bird walk back in July. This morning it was
rousted from a perch near the Drover's Shed and flew over into the tall
thicket of trees at the entrance of the Demonstration Garden. Our other
highlight in this area was a Lazuli Bunting seen near the white bridge over
Silver King Wash. Becky photographed an immature female Hermit Warbler near
the Children's Garden Saturday, too. The morning was hot, so bird activity
was not -- other birds seen today were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's
Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird (also Anna's, Rufous
and BTA's unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird); Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo,
Verdin, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Canyon
Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern
Cardinal and Lesser Goldfinch. BTA staffer Paul also reported seeing a Western
Kingbird perched above Ayerk Lake and a lone Pied-billed Grebe on the water
- with Purple Martins and Northern Rough-winged Swallows swooping down to
the surface. Editor's Note: this week check out the row of ripe jujubes
just east of the Herb Garden -- Tuesday morning a Green-tailed Towhee was
observed feeding on crushed fruit on the main trail; others nearby included
Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Yellow-breasted Chat, Verdin and
Tanager.
From: Marceline
VandeWater
Date: Tuesday August 25
Saw a Crissal Thrasher today, I've heard them before at BTA but this marks
the first sighting -- also notable were Barn Swallows swooping over Ayer
Lake, a Dusky Flycatcher, one Wilson's Warbler and a small flock of Lark
Sparrows. Migrant Broad-tailed and Rufous Hummingbirds were competing at
the feeders with the Anna's, and flycatcher species included Vermilion,
Brown-crested, Black Phoebe and Western Kingbird. Also seen and heard were
Pied-billed Grebe (one at Ayer Lake); Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Inca
Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Bell's Vireo, Warbling
Vireo, Common Raven, 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, Canyon Towhee,
Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak,
Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch. Other
than birds, a Gila Monster found near the bridge over Silver King Wash was
a special treat today; butterflies were few and far between, but sightings
included one Sleepy Orange nectaring on Aster at Silver King Wash, two Acacia
Skippers, a Monarch in the Demonstration Garden and one Orange Skipperling
- also in the Demo Garden. Central Arizona Butterfly Association has our
annual count at BTA on September 12 - Join
us for the annual CAZBA.org butterfly count
From: Jim Burns
Date: Sunday August 16
We had the season's first migrant Rufous Hummingbird at the feeders this
morning along with "El Catrin," the famous Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird and also Anna's and Broad-billed
Hummingbirds. Purple Martins were flying over Ayer Lake, along with Barn
Swallow and Northern Rough-Winged Swallow, and one Pied-billed Grebe on
the water for the first time in several months. We saw both Cooper's and
Zone-tailed Hawk - and we had about 50 people along for this morning's guided
birdwalk, which was impressive! Other birds seen and heard were Gambel's
Quail, Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Greater
Roadrunner, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher,
Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Verdin,
Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern
Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Nashville Warbler, Yellow
Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's
Towhee, Canyon Towhee, Black-throated Sparrpw, Northern Cardinal, Lazuli
Bunting, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, and Lesser Goldfinch.
Additionally, Terry Minks of Oro Valley reported seeing a turkey fly and
"gobble" in Queen Creek Canyon, but that wasn't seen by others
in our group. Interesting report, though, considering the resident turkeys
here at BTA from November-through-March. Editor's Note: Check
out Jim's "Bird Is A Verb" column on AZcentral.
From: Ron Bimrose and Paul Morris
Date: Monday August 3
A Green Heron at Ayer Lake and three hawk species (Cooper's, Zone-tailed
and Red-Tailed) were notable today - and we also found a small owl around
9:00 a.m. just east of the Herb Garden. It was perched and being mobbed
by other birds, I'm confident it was not an elf owl...this bird was bigger.
The head, the face and the markings down the front make me think it was
a Saw-whet, that matches up with all my guides, and it lacked the ear tufts
of a Western Screech.Other birds today included Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vultures,
Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-tailed Hummingbirds Gila
Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Verdin,
Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Lucy's
Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western Tanager, Abert's
Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow (east end of the High Trail); Northern Cardinal,
a Bunting (just a glimpse, species undetermined); Great-tailed Grackle,
Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Sunday August 2
Warm temps made for a quiet Sunday; still managed notable finds around BTA
including a juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron at Ayer Lake, where we also
saw an adult Great Blue Heron, with Purple Martins swooping down to the
lake surface for water. It was also encouraging to see a strong, healthy
juvenile Cooper's Hawk (probably this year's) perched above Ayer Lake and
also later hunting along the main trail near the Suspension Bridge. One
Zone-tailed Hawk was on the usual perch just above the High Trail, and Hummingbirds
today included Broad-billed (Hummingbird Garden, also the Demonstration
Garden) Anna's and also "El Catrin" the famous Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird. Also seen and heard today
were: Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vultures, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove,
Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common
Raven, Cliff Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's
Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's
Towhee, Rufous-crowned Sparrow (High Trail); Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed
Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bullock's Oriole, House Finch and Lesser
Goldfinch. We might have also heard a Crissal Thrasher calling in the Queen
Creek Canyon riparian area - but were unable to confirm it. Sure called
like the Crissals you commonly hear up at Oak Flats and higher elevations,
though; wish we'd had a clear view.
From: Dave Pearson
Date: Saturday July 11
Three Purple Martins circling over Ayer Lake were a highlight on our guided
walk today; prior to that our entire group saw a Barn Owl after 9:00 a.m.
which circled over our group while we were in the Demonstration Garden.
We had about 20 people on the walk, and found an even 40 species including
Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-Winged
Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Anna's
Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested
Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Cliff Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's
Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Lucy's
Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Common yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer
Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Bronzed Cowbird,
Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday July 4
Most "exciting sighting" today was a Barn Owl that flew over the
visitor center and the hummingbird garden around 9:00 a.m., moving from
west to east and being harassed by other birds. Wow! Prescott College Prof.
Carl Tomoff was also here this morning, also saw the Barn owl, and he mentioned
seeing a male Indigo Bunting in the Desert Legume Garden on several different
days this week (with a second Indigo Bunting -- one lacking uniform blue
plumage -- near the Herb Garden), and also a Blue grosbeak. I missed out
on those, but other birds today include Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture,
Cooper's Hawk (Eucalyptus grove area); Mourning Dove, White-Winged Dove,
Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,
Hybrid Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested
Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat,
Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Hooded
Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow. I didn't check out
Ayer Lake, but BTA staffer Paul told me there was a Common yellowthroat
calling at Ayer Lake most of the morning, and a Purple martin was observed
swooping over the water -- with Black Phoebe and Song Sparrow lurking around
the cattails.
From: Gary Nunn
Date: Thursday June 18
Almost the first bird heard this morning at BTA was a calling YELLOW-BILLED
CUCKOO somewhere in the Demonstration Garden. It showed well at 6:15 a.m.
flying up into a low eucalyptus tree right over the entrance to the Demonstration
Garden and in front of me, talk about luck. It sat in the morning sun for
a few minutes and then flew off east over the arboretum. I did not hear
it call again over the next couple hours. Good numbers of birds around the
arboretum, Yellow-breasted Chat singing up a storm all over the place, a
nest with several large young inside and parent feeding was a nice sight.
Other species included Summer Tanager, Lazuli Bunting (female), Black-headed
Grosbeak (male), two very drab looking Violet-green Swallows, families of
Phainopepla, Black-throated Sparrow, Lucy's Warbler, Canyon Wren, Vermilion
Flycatcher. Good numbers around of regulars such as Hooded Oriole, Lesser
Goldfinch, Broad-billed and Costa's Hummingbird. Impressed by the number
of roosting Turkey Vulture on the south rocky hillside I made a quick count,
71 individuals in view, there almost certainly were more on the hillside
across Queen Creek that I could not see. Sitting at the back of this unruly
gaggle a Zone-tailed Hawk on it's usual twiggy roost perch until 7:00 a.m.
From: Cindy West & Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday June 13
Saturday was fantastic -- one highlight was seeing three chicks in the Cooper's
Hawk nest. The Cooper's Hawk babies are much bigger than we first thought
when they were spotted June 7! I looked at that one sitting up in the nest
and thought it was the adult at first, but then saw the fuzzy feathers on
its head. They'll probably fledge within the next two weeks, I'll bet. And
we may have also heard a Pygmy owl -- it was hooting from around the palm
tree area. We first heard it from the overlook over by the "seep,"
then walked down to see if we could spot it. But there is so much brush
in there it could easily hide. The Hybrid
Hummingbird showed off for us and others on a branch in the Hummingbird
area, it looked like he had just taken a bath and was fluffed up and preening.
Here's our list of species seen Saturday, including herps (skip to the end
for the reptile report): Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk,
Zone-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Pygmy-owl
(heard only), White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,
Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe,
Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Cliff Swallow,
Verdin (families), Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Northern
Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler (families),
Yellow Warbler, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch,
Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow. "Herps" seen were Greater Earless
Lizard, Side-blotched Lizard, Whiptail, Clark's Spiny Lizard, Collared Lizard,
Tree Lizard, Chuckwalla, Sonoran Whipsnake and Black-tailed Rattlesnake.
The Black-tailed Rattlesnake was in the herb garden. I was watching a Canyon
Wren that was fussing and as I followed it along the cliff face, there,
hanging from some little tree branches, was a Black-tailed Rattlesnake!
The other snake we saw, the Sonoran Whipsnake, was lovely. About four feet
long, and going across the trail as we walked up the hill from the Queen
Creek side. We could see segments of it as it rested amongst the rocks and
grass on the left side of the trail. Besides the snakes, we had all the
herps (including a lovely view of the chuckwalla up on the ridge). We even
had a great view of a Clark's Spiny Lizard on a tree across from the Herb
Garden (on a tree across from the bench). He had vibrant turquoise on his
throat and his belly.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Sunday June 7
The Arboretum's resident Cooper's Hawk has a nest with at least one fledgling
-- in the Eucalyptus Grove, just past "Mr. Big" as you walk down
the Pine Loop trail, look west and high up, the nest is camoflaged on a
leafy eucalyptus branch which crosses sideways over a tall pine tree. Other
birds Sunday include Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, Zone-tailed Hawk, Red-tailed
Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird (found a female on her nest west of the Herb Garden right
on the Main Trail near a bench); Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe (two at Ayer
Lake); Brown-crested Flycatcher (across from the Suspension Bridge); Cassin's
Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's
Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray gnatcatcher (across from the Suspension
Bridge); Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Common Yellowthroat
(at Ayer Lake); Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Canyon Towhee, Abert's
Towhee, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle,
Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch. "Herps" seen today
include an Eastern Collared Lizard (on the trail above Ayer Lake); Greater
Earless Lizard (multiple locations); Ornate Tree Lizard (multiple locations);
Common Side-blotched lizard (Cactus Garden); Desert Spiny Lizard (multiple
locations); Clark's Spiny Lizard (in a tree along trail at Queen Creek near
the "Cave") and Various Whiptail species found in multiple locations.
Editor's Note: after Diane found this nest, three fledglings were observed
a day later.
From: Gary Nunn
Date: Tuesday, June 2
A Common Blackhawk flew over Queen Creek today, and a female Rose-breasted
Grosbeak was feeding at the very far end of the Demonstration Garden on
June 2. It was moving around in tops of fruiting acacia trees chomping on
the unripe pods. Much paler than female Black-headed Grosbeak and with no
buff at all in the plumage. Pale uniform bill color was also noticeable.
Also found a Yellow-breasted Chat nest in the Demonstration Garden near
the small water fall (with two chairs). Look to the pond at the bottom with
the few goldfish. Keep looking to the left and you will see a small Bay
Laurel tree, at least that what it looked like to me, it is only 10-20 feet
maybe from the goldfish pond. The nest is about six feet up in the center
of the Bay Laurel. Female was sitting very tight on Tuesday morning and
the male came to feed her, must be incubating. You could probably get some
amazing photos if you put a small hide up and found a good vantage point
to look into the small tree. Also notable were Bronzed Cowbird, and Lazuli
Bunting; other birds seen and heard today were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vultures,
Zone-tailed Hawk, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-Billed Hummingbird,
Costa's Hummingbird, the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion
Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Northern
Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Phainopepla (a family); Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler,
Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle,
Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House
Sparrow.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Sunday May 31
It was worth checking Ayer Lake early Sunday morning - had a great look
at an immature Black-crowned Night Heron circling high overhead, Violet-green
Swallow and Northern Rough-winged Swallows (and Black Phoebe) swooping around
the lake, with Common Yellowthroat and Song Sparrow in the cattails. Also
had a great view of a Zone-tailed Hawk perched on a flowering Agave chrysantha
up on the ridge overlooking the lake. Walking the High Trail we found a
Canyon Towhee and a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher family, and heard a Rufous-crowned
Sparrow calling below the trail. Also seen and heard today were: Gambel's
Quail, Turkey Vultures, Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove,
Inca Dove, White-throated swift (above Ayer Lake), Broad-Billed Hummingbird,
Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Hybrid Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher,
Bell's Vireo, Common Raven , Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Canyon Wren, Northern
Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow
Warbler, Common Yellowthroat (at Ayer Lake), Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer
Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak,
Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird (In Demo Garden);
Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow. By the waym
wow long has it been since anyone saw pied-billed grebes or coots at Ayer
Lake? I haven't seen them in quite some time. Very strange.
From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Saturday May 23
Ayer Lake had a Spotted Sandpiper this morning, which is unusual for BTA.
We had great looks at vivid Broad-billed Hummingbirds (also Anna's, Costa's
and a possible Black-chinned); Western Wood Pe-wee and Bronzed Cowbird,
along with both Summer and Western Tanager. Also seen or heard today were:
Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested
Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Verdin, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged
Swallow, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher,
Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Yellow Warbler,
Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat (we had great looks right in the
Hummingbird Garden at the start of our walk); Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow,
Black-headed Gorsbeak, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Bullock's
Oriole, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jack Bartley
Date: Saturday May 16
A Swainson's Thrush was lurking by the artificial stream in the Demonstration
Garden on Saturday morning; other notable birds included Ash-throated Flycatcher,
Plumbeous Vireo, an audible Greater Roadrunner -- and Cooper's Hawk. Also
seen and heard around the Arboretum were Gambel's Quail, Turkey Vulture,
Zone-tailed Hawk, Spotted Sandpiper, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove
(heard); White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's
Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo,
Verdin, Violet-green Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Canyon Wren,
Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler,
Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Wilson's Warbler, Common
Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, Western Tanager, Abert's
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-headed
Gorsbeak, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House
Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: NAMC bird count (Dan, Paul, Scott & Becky, Cathy, Ray)
Date: Saturday May 9
A handsome male Indigo Bunting was the most notable find Saturday during
the annual North American Migrant Count; he flew sorties back and forth
across Queen Creek near the suspension bridge, both upstream and downstream.
The bird was first reported in this general location back on May 4, and
was still here as of Sunday morning. A MacGillvray's Warbler skulking in
thickets along the diagonal trail behind the palm trees at around 2:00 p.m.
was also a welcome find with today's tally. Other birds Saturday include
7 Gambel's Quail, 17 Turkey Vulture, 2 Zone-tailed Hawk, 1 Spotted Sandpiper,
5 White-winged Dove, 11 Mourning Dove, 3 Inca Dove, 5 White-throated Swift,
3 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 1 Black-chinned Hummingbird, 5 Anna's Hummingbird,
2 Costa's Hummingbird -- also the unique Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned
Hybrid Hummingbird -- 5 Gila Woodpecker, 4 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 1 unidentified
empidonax flycatcher, 2 Black Phoebe, 7 Vermilion Flycatcher, 5 Brown-crested
Flycatcher, 6 Bell's Vireo, 1 Common Raven, 11 Verdin, 1 Violet-green Swallow,
3 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, 3 Canyon Wren, 3 Cactus Wren, 2 Bewick's
Wren, 2 Rock Wren, 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 8 Phainopepla, 1 Northern Mockingbird,
2 Curve-billed Thrasher, 4 Lucy's Warbler, 6 Yellow Warbler, 5 Yellow-rumped
Warbler (Audubon's), 2 Wilson's Warbler, 2 Common Yellowthroat, 3 Yellow-breasted
Chat, 6 Summer Tanager, 4 Western Tanager, 2 Green-tailed Towhee, 2 Abert's
Towhee, 1 Rufous-crowned Sparrow, 3 Song Sparrow, 1 White-crowned Sparrow,
11 Northern Cardinal, 19 Black-headed Grosbeak (the Eucalyptus Forest is
a great place to see these, along with both Tanager species); 3 Great-tailed
Grackle, 1 Red-winged Blackbird, 6 Hooded Oriole, 19 House Finch, 25+ Lesser
Goldfinch and 1 House Sparrow. Volunteers on this county included Dan Walters,
Scott and Becky Allen, Cathy Madsen, and Ray. Editor's Note: Section
coordinator for this region of the Pinal NAMC was Marceline Vandewater -
if you want to volunteer and help with the 2010 NAMC please email marceline@ermaroni.net
or else Doug Jenness at d_jenness@hotmail.com
From: Herb Fibel (with additional sightings by Cynthia Donald, Pete
Moulton, Diane Krpan and Paul Wolterbeek)
Date: Saturday May 2
Editor's Correction: This report originally stated that a male Hooded Warbler
was observed -- Herb clarified this report May 3, reporting the bird he
found in the Demonstration Garden Saturday morning was a Hermit Warbler.
Also seen were Wilson's Warbler, and both male and female Summer Tanagers
-- in fact at one point a male summer tanager and a male vermilion flycatcher
were in the same tree sizing each other up! Look for the pair of Vermilion
Flycatchers near the Picnic area and in the Demonstration Garden, and spend
some quiet time at the new "Aboriginal Seep" garden behind the
Swagman's Camp in the Eucalyptus forest for a chance to see Lazuli Buntings
and Green-tailed Towhee. Brown-crested Flycatchers are vocal throughout
the park, along with Yellow-breasted Chats (check the Hummingbird Garden
for these). Other birds seen and heard Saturday include Pied-billed Grebe
(Ayer Lake), Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, White-winged Dove, Mourning
Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird,
and the Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird; Gila Woodpecker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Common
Raven, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher,
Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Abert's
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak (Eucalyptus Forest), Great-tailed Grackle,
Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton also
reported a Black-crowned Night Heron, Green Heron, Common Yellowthroat and
Violet-green Swallows observed around Ayer Lake.
From: Kathe Anderson and Diane Krpan
Date: Sunday April 26
Guided bird walk participants this morning enjoyed great views of a Broad-billed
Hummingbird feeding her two fledglings right near the entrance to the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden -- and the chance to learn Yellow-Breasted Chat calls from two elusive
males setting up territories and calling repeatedly and loudly around this
garden. Great looks at Summer Tanager pairs above the Pine Loop trail at
the southeast end of the eucalyptus forest, with a Western Tanager in the
canopy overhead. Diane reported Lazuli Bunting, both male and female, over
by the new seep area in back of the "Swagman's Camp", and our
group saw a probable Golden Eagle streaked high overhead, too far for a
positive I.D. Also seen and heard today were Turkey Vulture, Gambel's Quail,
White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Eurasian Collard-Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black
Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bell's
Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Canyon
Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren (one appears to be building a nest in the
trunk of a shaggy eucalyptus tree in the eucalyptus forest); House Wren,
Northern Mockingbird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, European Starling, Phainopepla,
Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Abert's
Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed
Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch,
and House Sparrow. PS, join me on Saturday, May 23, for a 6:30 a.m. guided
bird walk -- the Arboretum changes to Summer hours in May and will be open
from 6:00 a.m. til 3:00 p.m. daily through the end of August.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Monday April 20
This morning most of the Empidonax flycatchers appeared to have left, but
a surge of other transients was evident. I saw a male Western Tanager, 4
Townsend’s Warblers, more Orange-crowned, Black-throated Gray and Wilson’s
Warblers, grosbeaks and buntings, as well as many other species reported
yesterday.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Sunday April 19
I birded at the Arboretum Sunday afternoon after teaching at Tucson Audubon’s
Institute of Desert Ecology. Lesser Goldfinches, House Finches, Lucy’s
and Yellow Warblers, and many others filled the air with songs and calls.
Empidonax flycatchers were evident along the Queen Creek corridor: 8 Dusky,
3 Hammond’s, 2 “Western”, and 1 Gray. Other transients included
vireos (4 Plumbeous, 4 Cassin’s, and 1 Warbling), warblers: (5 Orange-crowned,
1 Nashville, 2 Virginia’s, 2 Black-throated Gray, 1 Hermit, 1 MacGillivray’s,
1 Common Yellowthroat along Queen Creek and 1M at Ayer Lake, 2 Wilson’s,
1M “Myrtle” and over 40 Yellow-rumped); 2 male Summer Tanagers;
at least 6M Lazuli Buntings, 2M and 1F Black-headed Grosbeaks, 7 Green-tailed
Towhees. A Yellow-breasted Chat (first noted by BTA Groundskeeper Becky
Noth on April 15) sang briefly from the Hummingbird Garden. Later I watched
the Brown Thrasher probe at fallen olives, a late Hermit Thrush dart about,
and the tan-striped White-throated Sparrow forage in the olive grove. I
was surprised to see an early Swainson’s Thrush near the herb garden.
A White-throated Swift swooped over Ayer Lake and a Marsh Wren called while
2 Lark Sparrows drank at Ayer Lake’s shoreline and blackbirds assembled
to roost in the marsh; 50-55 Red-winged, over 125 Brewer’s, 1M and
3F Great-tailed Grackles, 48 Brown-headed Cowbirds, and 3 European Starlings
eventually settled in. Poor-wills called from the slopes at dusk. I also
observed: a pair of Pied-billed Grebes, dozens of Turkey Vultures returning
to roost in the eucalyptus grove, Gambel's Quail, 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk,
a pair of Cooper's Hawks, 1 Zone-tailed Hawk, an adult Red-tailed Hawk,
Eurasian Collared Dove, White-winged Dove (NB), Mourning Dove, Inca Dove,
Hummingbirds: (Broad-billed (ON), Black-chinned (ON), Anna's (FY), Costa's
(FY), 1 male Broad-tailed Hummingbird); Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe (N2Y), 1 Say’s Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated
Flycatcher, 1 Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, 12 Violet-green
Swallows, 3 Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Verdin (FY, NY), Bewick's Wren,
Cactus Wren (FY, NY), Canyon Wren (NY), and 1 Marsh Wren, 3 rather late
Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla (FY), Canyon Towhee, Abert's Towhee (FY), Rufous-crowned
Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow (FY), White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, 2 Pine Siskins, and House Sparrow.
N.B. Abbreviations are codes used in the Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas project:
ON = occupied nest; NY = nest with young; FY = feeding young.
From: Pete Moulton, Cynthia Donald and Marceline Vandewater
Date: Saturday April 18
The season's first Black-headed Grosbeak was a highlight of our walk today,
along with great looks at a Zone-tailed Hawk circling with the Turkey Vultures
and a Common Yellowthroat at Ayer Lake. We also found a male "Myrtle
race" of the Yellow-rumped Warbler near the entrance to the
Demonstration Garden -- the same location one was reported back on March
21. Summer Tanager and Wilson's Warber were separately confirmed by Randy
and Susan Forrest, who also observed the resident pair of Cooper's Hawks
together in the "Pine Loop" area of the Eucalyptus grove. Other
birds on today's checklist from our walk were Pied-billed Grebe, Cooper's
Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated
Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird (a female on her nest in the Hummingbird
Garden); Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird
(female on her nest in the conifer near trail marker #43); also Gila Woodpecker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher,
Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Northern
Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's
Wren, Northern Mockingbird, 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 and House Sparrow. Editor's Note: Marceline
coordinates the North American Migration Count here at BTA and also Oak
Flats, Whitlow Dam and along Queen Creek on May 9 - -she needs experienced
birders to help! To sign up and help count birds email marceline@ermaroni.net
From: Nancy Woods and Sun City West Birders
Date: Tuesday April 14
Ash-throated, Brown-crested and Vermilion Flycatchers were all found today,
along with a Cinnamon Teal and the season's first Common Yellowthroat. Also
seen and heard today were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed
Hawk, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, and the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird; also.Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Verdin,
Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped
Warbler (Audubon's), Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, Lesser Goldfinch and House
Sparrow.
From: Richard Ditch
Date: Sunday April 12 (Easter)
Thirteen participants on the bird walk today - a bit of a surprise for Easter
Sunday. Weather was as close to perfect as we get, with mild temperatures,
clear skies, and occasional breezes with low humidity. Birds were abundant
and many were easy to see - a real treat for everybody. I just wish I'd
had my camera gear handy for many of the opportunities we had. Birds seen
(in the order encountered): Cactus Wren, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Cardinal
(abundant and always a crowd pleaser), Bell's Vireo (vocalizing everywhere),
Lesser Goldfinch (including a nest along the trail just outside the Visitor
Center), Inca Dove, House Sparrow, Turkey Vulture, White-winged Dove, Verdin,
Yellow Warbler, Costa's Hummingbird (more than I've seen before at Boyce),
House Finch, Cooper's Hawk (male and female in aerial courtship maneuvers),
Anna's Hummingbird, Phainopepla, Gambel's Quail, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Hooded Oriole, Vermilion Flycatcher, Yellow- rumped
Warbler (good numbers in variable plumage), Broad-tailed
Hummingbird, empidonax flycatcher (two of them, likely Hammond's or Dusky),
White-crowned Sparrow, Black-crowned Night-Heron (a surprise at Ayer Lake),
Great-tailed GRackle, Pied-billed Grebe, Common Yellowthroat, Black Phoebe
(nesting at the gazebo), Rock Wren, Common Raven, Canyon Wren, Song Sparrow,
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Plumbeous Vireo, Bewick's Wren, Abert's Towhee, and
Brown-headed Cowbird (unfortunately).
From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Friday April 10
Birds seen in the order we found them today were Pied-billed Grebe, Anna's,
Costa's, and probably Black-Chinned and Broad-Billed Hummers; Verdin, a
probable Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Lucy's
Warbler, Canyon Wren, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Black Phoebe,
Vermilion Flycatcher, Cooper's Hawk, Turkey Vulture, Northern Cardinal,
Hooded Oriole, Great-tailed Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird, Gambel's Quail,
Mourning and Inca doves; Abert's towhee, Phainopepla, Common Raven, House
Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow. Also heard: Bell's vireo, Northern
Flicker, Gila Woodpecker and Song Sparrow. PS, join me on Saturday, May
23, for a 6:30 a.m. guided bird walk -- the Arboretum changes to the Summer
schedule in May and will be open from 6:00 a.m. til 3:00 p.m. daily through
the end of August.
From: Cindy West and Cindy Marple
Date: Saturday April 4
We had a great group of people for today's guided walk, and notable birds
found include the season's first Yellow Warbler and also Cassin's Vireo,
which was in Queen Creek Canyon, Green-tailed Towhee in the Demonstration
Garden, an empidonax flycatcher (silent, so the species remains a mystery);
and one Anna's Hummingbird mom tending two hungry chicks in her nest. Others
seen and heard Saturday were: Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey
Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Black-chinned Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher,
Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin,
Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Canyon Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's 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, Hooded Oriole,
House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, Pine Siskin, House Sparrow.
From: Jerry and Shary Hammon -- and Jane Wicklund
Date: Tuesday March 31
Winter birds such as Hermit Thrush and White-crowned and Lincoln's Sparrows
remain here, but Hooded Oriole and migrant vireos are back! Yesterday we
found a Cassin's Vireo at the back end of the Demonstration Garden, and
on today's guided walk we had Bell's, Plumbeous and Hutton's Vireo. Also
seen and heard today were Pied-billed Grebe, 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, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Common Raven, Violet-green
Swallow, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Abert's Towhee,
Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Pine
Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Saturday and Sunday - March 28 and 29
I was pleased to see the Brown Thrasher both days this weekend, easily found
right near yellow trail marker #43 as you're walking past the olive grove
and towards the flowering aloes enroute to the Herb Garden. Saturday he
was on the north (or left, if you're walking up into the canyon) side of
the trail, but Sunday flew across and foraged on the south side. Two days
in a row! Also saw the season's first Rufous Hummingbird (in the Hummingbird
Garden along with Broad-billed, Black-chinned, Costa's, and Anna's Hummingbird
-- and the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird). Here is combined weekend
bird list for both days: Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture,
Cooper's Hawk, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated
swift, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black
Phoebe, Vermillion Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Common Raven, Violet-green
Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren,
Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Hermit
Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, Curved-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,
Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) Abert's Towhee, Spotted
Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern
Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch, Pine
Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, House Sparrow.
From: Troy Corman and Richard Ditch
Date: Saturday, March 21
The previously reported Brown Thrasher was still here, but found later in
the morning following our guided bird walk. The male Townsend’s Warbler
was found in the palm tree near the Herb Garden, and another unusual find
was a Common Ground Dove pair at the west edge of the Demonstration Garden.
A few "first of 2009" Spring migrants included Hooded Oriole and
Ash-throated Flycatcher, and a lone "Myrtle" race individual of
the Yellow-rumped Warbler was found near the entrance to the Demonstration
Garden. Other birds seen and heard today were 2 Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's
Quail, 30 Turkey Vulture, 2 Cooper's Hawk, 1 Harris Hawk, 2 White-winged
Dove, 2 Mourning Dove, 3 Inca Dove, Eurasian Collared
Dove,5 White-throated Swift, 1 Broad-billed Hummingbird, 12 Anna's Hummingbird,
15 Costa’s Hummingbirds, the Arboretum's Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, 3 Gila Woodpecker, 1 Red-naped
Sapsucker, 2 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 Black Phoebe, 1 Say's Phoebe, 2
Vermilion Flycatcher, 8 Bell’s Vireo, 2 Violet-green Swallow, 1 Northern
Rough-winged Swallow, 15 Verdin, Rock Wren, 3 Canyon Wren, 3 Bewick’s
Wren, Cactus Wren, House Wren, Marsh Wren, 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue
Gray Gnatcatcher, 2 Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, 3 Phainopepla,
Orange-crowned Warbler, 12 Lucy’s Warbler, 6 Yellow-rumped Warbler
(Audubon's), 3 Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, 3 Lincoln's Sparrow, 10 White-crowned
Sparrow, 12 Northern Cardinal, 10 Red-winged Blackbird,10 House Finch, 25
Pine Siskin, 50 Lesser Goldfinch and 10 House Sparrow. Troy reported finding
interesting species farther up Queen Creek canyon including Common Black-hawk,
Sharp-shinned Hawk, Black-chinned Hummingbird, and Common Raven -- along
with two Sonoran Mud Turtles. Canyon Treefrogs, were observed, too, possibly
in amplexus.
From: Jerry & Shary Hammon (additional sightings at the end –
Jane Wicklund)
Date: Tuesday, March 17
Black-chinned and also Costa’s Hummingbirds were notable, we found
the Townsend’s Warbler and also saw Cooper’s Hawk, Golden Eagle
and Northern Rough-winged Swallow. Also seen and heard today were Turkey
Vulture, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher,
Bell’s Vireo Verdin, Canyon Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Lucy’s Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Spotted
Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged
Blackbird, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
Arboretum volunteer Jane Wicklund found both hens (Merriam’s Turkey)
and reported these additional species Tuesday: Pied-billed Grebe, Red-tailed
Hawk, Gambel’s Quail, Mourning Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, the
Arboretum's Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, Black Phoebe,
Common Raven, Cactus Wren, Marsh Wren, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird,
Phainopepla and Song Sparrow.
From: Judy & Janet Johnson
Date: Monday, March 16
Townsend’s Warbler was seen again today, and winter migrants still
here include Marsh Wren at Ayer Lake and also Hermit Thrush, Red-naped Sapsucker,
and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Recent spring migrants who have returned are Lucy’s
Warbler and Bell’s Vireo. Aso notable were European Starling and three
dove species (White-winged, Mourning and Inca). We counted between 18-24
Turkey Vultures, and also found Pied-billed Grebe, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, the Arboretum's Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned Hybrid
Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Common Raven, Verdin,
Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped
Warbler (Audubon's), Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged
Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Eric and Elaine Hough
Date: Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15
Spring migration is picking up, we found 2009's first reported Wilson's
and Lucy's Warblers which have returned to the Arboretum, along with Bell's
Vireo, Black-chinned and Rufous Hummingbirds and Green-tailed Towhee. Pyrrhuloxia,
Townsend's Warbler and both races of Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle and Audubon's)
were also notable, along with Golden Eagle, American Robin and BTA's singular
Broad-billed x. Violet-crowned
Hybrid Hummingbird and both of the previously reported
hen turkeys. Other birds on our checklist include 2 Pied-billed
Grebe, 35 Turkey Vultures (back in time for BTA's March 21 "Welcome
Back Buzzards" day event); 2 Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's
Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-throated Swift, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Common Raven,
Violet-green Swallow, 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,
Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal,
Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Pine Siskin (more than 30 of them); Lesser
Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Jane Wicklund -- Tuesday Guided Bird Walk
Date: Tuesday, March 10
The previously-reported male Townsend's Warbler was in the Herb Garden again
this morning, seen foraging in the large hackberry tree up agains the cliffs
-- to the left of the big pecan tree and the yellow Lady Banks Rose which
is covered with blossoms this week. Two in our group also found the Brown
Thrasher, which they observed across the trail and west of the Herb Garden
in the same area where I saw this bird back in January. We found two individual
male Vermilion Flycatchers: one near the Picnic Area (paired with a female)
and another male seen simultaneously closer to the Desert Legume Garden
near Silver King Wash. Other birds that we saw and heard include were Red-tailed
Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird,
Costa's Hummingbird, the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's 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 Warbler (Audubon's), Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Pine Siskin,
Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Also -- we didn't see the turkeys, but
two birders who crossed our paths reported both
hen turkeys were in Queen Creek Canyon this morning, too! Editor's
note: a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was observed near the suspension bridge a
few hours after the guided walk.
From: Cindy Marple
Date: Sunday, March 8
Hummingbirds are nesting - we observed Anna's and also Costa's female hummingbirds
tending nests Sunday. We saw a female Broad-billed Hummingbird near the
Herb Garden and the Arboretum's unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, too, which appears to zip
from a perch near the Smith Building into the Hummingbird Garden for furtive
feeder sorties. Wintering Hermit Thrush and Dark-eyed Junco (in the picnic
area) were still here Sunday and White-throated Swifts were notable. Plumbeous
Vireo was in the Picnic area and Hutton's Vireo past the Herb Garden. Five
wren species today included Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's and Marsh --
look for the Rock Wren pair building a nest in a cavity just below Pick
Post House wall. Also seen and heard were Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey Vulture,
Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Gila Woodpecker,
Vermilion Flycatcher ((in picnic area and behind Australian Building-are
they nesting); Common Raven, Verdin (lots of nest-building going on with
them), Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's),
Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Pine Siskin,
and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Saturday, March 7
A White-throated Sparrow was still at BTA this weekend, observed in the
Queen Creek riparian area approximately below the easternmost wooden interpretive
ramada. White-throated Swifts were soaring overhead (also both Violet-green
and Northern Rough-winged Swallows) and one of the Pied-billed Grebes is
tending a nest platform in the cattails which surround Ayer Lake. Six different
wren species were found, too: Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's, House and
Marsh. Other birds Saturday and Sunday were Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk,
Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Vermilion
Flycatcher, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Spotted
Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird,
House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow.
From: Marceline Vandewater
Date: Saturday, March 7
Oddly quiet this morning, but we had a great look at a male Costa's Hummingbird
perched above the flowering aloes on the path right hehind the visitor center
-- also lovely views of a female Anna's Hummingbird on her nest near Silver
King Wash, and a lone Turkey Vulture circling over the eucalyptus forest.
. At the back of the Demonstration Garden, where you have the view over
Queen Creek, we saw Lincoln's Sparrow and a pair of Vermilion Flycatchers.
Also seen and heard today were Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Gambel's
Quail, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's
Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say's Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren,
Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren (nesting); Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped
Warbler (Audubon's), Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird,
House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow. If you visit
this week and want to see butterflies, the best nectar plant (by far!) is
the Buddleia, or "Butterfly Bush" blooming right at the entrance
to the Children’s Garden just east of the Smith Buidling. Butterflies
found today around BTA included 21 Pipevine Swallowtail, 2 Sara Orangetip,
Gray Hairstreak, Great Purple Hairstreak, 2 Spring Azure, Fatal Metalmark,
3 American Snout, 2 Tiny Checkerspot, 3 Mourning Cloak, 6 Red Admiral, Painted
Lady, Empress Leilia, Common Checkered Skipper and Golden-headed Scallopwing.
From: Kathe Anderson
Date: Wednesday, March 4
Vermilion Flycatchers and Townsend's Warbler were our highlights today --
along with three hummingbird species (Anna's, Costa's and Broad-billed)
and four wren species (Cactus Rock, Canyon and Marsh). Marsh Wrens were
heard in the cattails at Ayer Lake along with American Coot and Red-winged
Blackbird. Other birds today were Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove,
Gila Woodpecker, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Phainopepla,
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed
Junco, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Lesser Goldfinch and
House Sparrow.
From: Judy Johnson and Mory Houchins
Date: Tuesday, March 3
Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, and a Golden Eagle soaring high
off the cliffs east of the Arboretum were notable Tuesday, along with Red-naped
Sapsucker, Plumbeous Vireo, Vermilion Flycatcher and the unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird. Other birds today included
Cooper's Hawk, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Gambel's Quail, Mourning
Dove, Inca Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren,
Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, 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, and House Sparrow.
From: Jerry Hammon
Date: Tuesday, March 3
Vermilion Flycatchers were found near the Picnic Area this morning and Pine
Siskins are calling from high in the eucalyptus trees near the Picnic Area
and Smith Building. We also got Red-naped Sapsucker, Cooper's Hawk and Plumbeous
Vireo on our Tuesday guided bird walk. Also seen and heard today were Inca
Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Phainopepla,
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's), Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow.
From: Cindy West
Date: Saturday, February 28
Got a late start this morning birding with friends, but our timing was right
to find a male Townsend's Warbler just west of the Herb Garden around noon;
possibly the same one reported January 10 and again just this past week
by Herb Fibel. Saturday the bird was foraging in the big eucalyptus tree
on the right side of the trail, between the mail trail and Queen Creek,
just past the olive trees. Other birds today included Red-winged Blackbird,
American Coot, Marsh Wren and Pied-billed Grebe at Ayer Lake; Red-tailed
Hawk, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Cactus Wren, Rock
Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped
Warbler (Audubon's), Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Black-throated
Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch,
Pine Siskin (lots) and Lesser Goldfinch. After lunch we drove up to Oak
Flat; not the ideal time of day, but we did see a small group of Western
Bluebirds and also a Juniper Titmouse.
From: Pete and Cynthia Donald
Date: Sunday, February 22
Today marked the first Violet-green Swallow of 2009 for BTA, and we also
found a Green-tailed Towhee and Pine Siskins; a good variety of butterflies,
too (skip to the end of this report if you want to read our butterfly sightings).
Birds today included Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Eurasian
Collared-Dove, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed
Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Violet-green Swallow, Verdin, Cactus
Wren, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit
Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Plumbeous Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler (all
Audubon's); Northern Cardinal, , Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Didn't
see any dragonfliess yet, but a good number of butterflies including Pipevine
Swallowtail, Dainty Sulphur, Mourning Cloak, Painted Lady, Texan Crescent,
and the like -- though no Queens, which
surprised me.
From: Pierre Deviche and Cathy Wise
Date: Saturday, February 21
Our most dramatic sighting Saturday was a pair of Golden Eagles soaring
and offering great views for several minutes. We found the two turkeys along
Queen Creek, and several Plumbeous Vireos; also several Ladder-backed Woodpeckers
and quite a few butterflies (including Tropical Buckeye, which may be common
but was a lifer for me); but not a single odonate. We found a total of 37
species, here's our checklist for the day: American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe,
Red-tailed Hawk, the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna’s Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Ladder-backed
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Say’s Phoebe, Hutton's Vireo (2-3 of them,
silent); Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, 2 Bewick’s
Wren, Cactus Wren (singing); Rock Wren, Canyon Wren (1 singing), 3 or more
Ruby-crowned Kinglet; 2 Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, 5 Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Several Northern Cardinal,
2 Spotted Towhee, 2 Abert’s Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, between
5-10 White-crowned Sparrow, Song Sparrow (one, and silent); 2 Lincoln’s
Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch (Several singing); and many Lesser
Goldfinch.
From: Jane Wicklund (with additional sightings by Eldon Archer, Jim
Rittenhouse and Ken Linker)
Date: Tuesday, February 17
Rain Tuesday failed to deter a group who drove up to attend the Arboretum's
new Tuesday morning 8:30 AM bird walk; participants were rewarded with views
of both Hutton's and Plumbeous Vireo. The big news is that Turkey Vultures
are back, or at least one of them has returned and was seen at BTA both
Monday and Tuesday this week. Other interesting finds include White-winged
Dove, Pine Siskin, and Dark-eyed Junco. Eldon, Jim and Ken reported finding
a Downy Woodpecker and also a Sharp-shinned Hawk. Both Merriam's Turkeys
were found and the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird was seen along with Anna's,
Broad-billed and Costa's Hummingbirds. Ayer Lake had the resident Pied-billed
Grebe, American Coot, Marsh Wren and Red-winged Blackbirds. Others found
Tuesday include Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, Inca
Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Northern (Red-shafted) Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Bushtit, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus
Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's
Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-crowned
Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Friday, February 13
Despite the ominous "Friday the 13th" date I had good luck at
BTA this morning - seeing both Hutton's Vireo and Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Both Merriam's Turkeys were found as well as BTA's one-of-a-kind Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird. Seen and heard around Ayer
Lake were Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Marsh Wren and Red-winged Blackbirds;
other birds throughout the gardens included Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove,
Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe,
Common Raven, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren,
Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped
"Audubon's" Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Song
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch Lesser Goldfinch
and House Sparrow.
From: Troy Corman
Date: Sunday, February 8
Rufous-crowned Sparrow was a notable find this morning, and the White-throated
Sparrow reported Saturday was found Sunday as well. Despite occasional rain
showers we also found a good variety of birds including the two Merriam's
Turkey hens and also the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird. Also seen or heard today were
2 Pied-billed Grebe, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 American Coot, 2 Broad-billed
Hummingbird, 6 Anna's Hummingbird, 1 Costa's Hummingbird, 3 Gila Woodpecker,
2 Red-naped Sapsucker, 3 Ladder-backed Woodpecker, 2 Black Phoebe, 1 Common
Raven, 7 Verdin, 2 Rock Wren, 3 Canyon Wren, 3 Cactus Wren, 4 Bewick's Wren,
1 Marsh Wren, 8 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 3 Hermit Thrush, 3 Northern Mockingbird,
Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Spotted
Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, 1 Curve-billed
Thrasher, 2 Phainopepla, 1 Yellow-rumped "Audubon's" Warbler,
7 Abert's Towhee, 5 Black-throated Sparrow, 1 Song Sparrow, 3 Lincoln's
Sparrow, 8 White-crowned Sparrow, 5 Northern Cardinal, 15 Red-winged Blackbird,
12 House Finch, 4 Pine Siskin (flying over the picnic area, and calling
in flight); 6 Lesser Goldfinch and 6 House Sparrow.
From: Carl Tomoff
Date: Friday-through-Sunday, February 6, 7, 8
In addition to most expected species, I saw the spring's first Rough-winged
Swallow near the Picket Post House and a male Vermilion Flycatcher calling
from the hilltop east of Ayer Lake. I noted a Sora at Ayer Lake, a Golden
Eagle soaring over Picket Post Mountain at sunset , a Sharp-shinned Hawk
and a Green-tailed Towhee along Queen Creek near the picnic area, one White-throated
Sparrow in the Olive Grove, as well as a solitary "Oregon" Junco
and one Orange-crowned Warbler near the Smith Building. I enjoyed studying
intricate details of the turkeys' feathers at close range while admiring
their exquisite iridescence. Plumbeous and Hutton's Vireos continue in the
Smith-picnic-demo areas. Sapsuckers, "Red-shafted" Flickers, Hermit
Thrushes, mockingbirds, and Phainopeplas were scarce.
From: Richard Ditch and Cindy
West
Date: Saturday, February 7
Birds seen on our Saturday walk -- in the order seen along the trails --
include Verdin, Cactus Wren, House Sparrow, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch,
Northern Cardinal, Plumbeous Vireo, Gambel’s Quail, Phainopepla, Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Northern Mockingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Dark-eyed Junco, Canyon Wren,
Cassin’s Vireo, Gila Woodpecker, White-crowned Sparrow, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Red-naped Sapsucker, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Red-winged
Blackbird, Marsh Wren, Black-throated Sparrow, Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Rock Wren, Black Phoebe, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert’s
Towhee, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Curve-billed Thrasher,
House Wren, Common Raven, Spotted Towhee. In addition a Northern Flicker
and a White-throated Sparrow were seen by a few partcipants.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Wednesday, February 4
The Arboretum's Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird. was there in the Hummingbird
Garden to greet me first thing Wednesay morning, but it wasn't until around
10:30 that I found the pair of Merriam's Turkey hens just west of the Herb
Garden. Two Red-tailed Hawks were circling and calling high over Queen Creek
and male Phainopeplas are doing their seasonal "Pretty Bird" courtship
call. Ayer Lake had three Pied-billed Grebe, an American Coot, Marsh Wren
and at least two dozen Red-winged Blackbirds. Also seen and heard today
were Cooper's Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird,
Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Common Raven,
Verdin, Rock Wren, Cactus Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher,
Black-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch Lesser
Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Jerry & Shary Hammon
Date: Tuesday, February 3
This morning was the first of our new series of weekly guided Tuesday bird
walks and we had a nice, small group of six people -- and the opportunity
to see both Merriam's Turkey hens in Queen Creek Canyon. Pine Siskin was
another notable find today, and we also had a good look at the Arboretum's
unique Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird. Other birds found today, in
order you'll find see them on the BTA bird checklist, were Gambel's Quail,
Anna's Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker,
Plumbeous Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's);
Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, House Finch Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Cathy Wise & National Audubon Society Directors' field trip
Date: Sunday, February 1
Members of the National Audubon Society visited BTA with me Sunday for a
quick lunchtime birding trip while they were in the valley for a meeting
-- we saw a myrtle race of the Yellow-rumped Warbler right in the picnic
area (Audubon's race later as well) close to our table. Others seen and
heard in the gardens ncluded Red-naped sapsucker, Canyon wren, Bewick's
wren, Harris's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Dark-eyed Junco, House Finch, Northern
Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, House
Sparrow, American Coot, Black-throated Sparrow, Phainopepla, Lesser Goldfinch,
Costa's Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Verdin,
Pied-billed Grebe, Red-winged Blackbird, Ruby-crowned kinglet, Black Phoebe,
and Red-shafted Flicker. I'm guiding the weekend walk at BTA Feb. 21 along
with Pierre Deviche -- maybe I'll see you then?
From: John Ray (with a few additional sightings -- see Editor's Note
at the end)
Date: Saturday, January 31
A Green-tailed Towhee kicking around leaf litter in the center of the Picnic
Area was a highlight this morning, and other notable birds included a Summer
Tanager which flew over, Harris Hawk, and Plumbeous Vireo. Our group didn't
see the Turkey hens, but bird walk participant Alison from Liberty Wildlife
reported seeing them near the Herb Garden prior to the 8:30 a.m. start of
our walk (she also added Costa's Hummingbird to our list). Others seen and
heard today were Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Inca
Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Red-naped
Sapsucker, Say's Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla,
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, Song
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird,
Great-tailed Grackle, House Finch Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow. Editor's
Note: resident volunteers Gerry and Shary Hammon reported that around noon
two Golden Eagles circled over the main parking lot and Highway 60 being
dive-bombed and hazed by a Cooper's Hawk and a Common Raven.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Thursday, January 29
A "Myrtle" race of the Yellow-rumped Warbler was the most intersting
bird found Thursday, along with both of the Turkeys, Marsh Wren at Ayer
Lake, Black-throated Sparrow, Hutton's Vireo, Red-tailed Hawk and the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird . My checklist from Thursday
also included Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Mourning
Dove, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker,
Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Rock Wren,
Canyon Wren, Cactus Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Phainopepla, Spotted Towhee, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow,
Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch Lesser Goldfinch and
House Sparrow.
From: Diane Krpan
Date: Sunday, January 25
Arboretum groundskeeper Becky reported both Merriam's Turkey hens were near
the Herb Garden around 9:00 a.m.; otherwise Sunday was unremarkable except
for finding five wren species (Marsh Wren at Ayer Lake while Rock, Canyon,
Cactus and Bewick's were throughout the gardens) and the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird was huddling on a chilly day
in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden. Broad-billed and Anna's Hummingbird
were here, too. One other notable sighting was a Red-tailed Hawk perched
on the power pole as you uproach the best viewpoint of Picketpost Mansion
-- with a small flock of Brewer's Blackbirds lined up on the wire not far
away. Others seen and heard today were Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail,
American Coot, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black Phoebe,
Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Abert's Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow,
Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and
Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Friday, January 23
Brown Thrasher was a highlight this morning, along with five different wrens
(Rock, Canyon, Cactus, Bewick's and Marsh); the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird and also Broad-billed and Anna's
(all found in the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden). Others on my Friday checklist
include Pied-billed Grebe, Gambel's Quail, American Coot, Inca Dove, Gila
Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern
Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Spotted Towhee, Black-throated
Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird,
House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Tuesday, January 13
So far in 2009 I have enjoyed birding at BTA twice, but the numbers of birds
and species seem to be down from past years. Still, was pleasantly surprised
to see
the two turkeys at 9:00 am Tuesday near the herb garden. Also on
my checklist for this week were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American
Coot, Inca Dove, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird (all of them found in the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden); Gila Woodpecker, Verdin, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Cactus Canyon,
Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed
Thrasher, European Starling, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped "Audubon's"
Warbler, Spotted Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, and Lesser
Goldfinch.
From: Scott Burge and Bob Witzeman (Maricopa
Audubon Society)
Date: Saturday, January 10
A handsome male Townsend's Warbler foraging around the Herb Garden was our
surprising bird-of-the-day on an otherwise quiet Saturday morning. Two additional
warblers today were Orange-crownd and Yellow-rumped (Audubon's), we found
the season's first returning migrant Costa's Hummingbird for the Arboreum,
we saw the pair of Merriam's Turkey hens, and also a soaring Harris Hawk.
Others on our checklist include Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed Grebe, American
Coot, the Arboretum's resident Anna's and Broad-billed Hummingbirds and
also the Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird in the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden. Gila Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, Ruby Crowned
Kinglet, Bewick's Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, and Marsh Wren; Northern
Mockingbird, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged
Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.
From: Jane Wicklund
Date: Friday, January 9
Inca Dove, Hutton's Vireo, and four Wren species (Cactus, Rock, Canyon and
Marsh) were notable; also found Friday were Gambel's Quail, Pied-billed
Grebe, American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, the
Arboretum's unique resident Broad-billed
x. Violet-crowned Hybrid Hummingbird (in the Hummingbird-Butterfly
Garden); Gila Woodpecker, Common Raven, Verdin, Hermit Thrush, Northern
Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Abert's Towhee,
Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Northern Cardinal,
Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and House Sparrow.
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.
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