On July 23rd, Babe Webster and I flew to Tucson for five days of birding in southeast Arizona, mainly to see the variety and sheer numbers of hummingbirds that are there during late summer. Our schedule had to be altered because of a wildfire that closed Madera Canyon until later in the week.
On the 24th, we drove into the little town of Continental where we found a Rufous-winged Sparrow for Babe. At Patagonia Lake State Park, we spent four hours looking for a Black-capped Gnatcatcher for her. Although we heard a few gnatcatcher calls, we never were able to see one. Some of the birds we did manage to see included Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Black Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Bridled Titmouse, Verdin, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Summer Tanager, a nice male Varied Bunting, and lots of Bell's Vireos. Our stop at the famous Patagonia Roadside Rest was cut short by a thunderstorm that hit just as I found the male Rose-throated Becard at its nest, so we drove on to Beatty's Guest Ranch, our base for the next two days. We were amazed by the sheer numbers of hummingbirds buzzing around the feeders at the 'Controlled Access Site'. We saw nine species, which included Broad-billed, Blue-throated, Magnificent, Black-chinned, Anna's, Broad-tailed, Rufous, a male Calliope, and several White-eareds, which were 'lifers' for both of us.
On the 25th, we spent the morning and early evening at Mary Jo Ballator's Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast. There, we saw Arizona Woodpecker, Dusky-capped and Brown-crested Flycatchers, Black-headed and Blue Grosbeaks, and Scott's Oriole. Her hummingbird feeders produced five species that included our 'life' Lucifer Hummingbirds, two females and a striking male! We also got to study a Tarantula that walked in front of Babe as we left Mary Jo's yard at dusk. During midday at Beatty's, Violet-crowned was added as the eleventh species! A Black-tailed Rattlesnake was also seen there.
On the morning of the 26th, we again enjoyed the hummingbirds as they fought for position and chased each other within inches of our heads. We spent a few hours watching the feeders at the 'Hawk Watch' site where the Berylline x Magnificent hybrid spent most of its time. We eventually tore ourselves away and made the drive over to the Chiricahua Mountains.
Very early on the 27th, we headed up to the Barfoot and Rustler Park area of the Chiricahuas to search for Northern Pygmy-Owl. When we got there, it was extremely foggy and only 56 degrees! We couldn't even see the tops of the pines. We had no luck with the owl, but we were able to find Band-tailed Pigeon, Rufous and Magnificent Hummingbirds, Greater Pewee, Plumbeous Vireo, Steller's Jay, Bushtit, Red-breasted and Pygmy Nuthatches, Western Bluebird, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Hepatic Tanager, Yellow-eyed Junco, and the 'brown-throated' form of House Wren. Right below Onion Saddle were several Mexican Chickadees and a Red-faced Warbler. A little farther down, a Zone-tailed Hawk circled low over the road. Another birder told us about a Violet-crowned Hummingbird visiting a feeder at the Portal Peak Lodge. After a short wait, it flew in and we got nice looks. We then walked along the South Fork Trail in Cave Creek Canyon and found Arizona Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Cordilleran, Dusky-capped, and Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers, Mexican Jay, Bridled Titmouse, Brown Creeper, Painted Redstart, Summer Tanager, Yellow-eyed Junco, Black-headed Grosbeak, and a Golden Eagle soaring overhead, but no trogons. We also found another Red-faced Warbler, which is normally found at the higher elevations. A stop at Dave Jasper's feeders in Portal produced Gambel's Quail, Swainson's Hawk, Black-chinned and Rufous Hummingbirds, Western Scrub-Jay, Curve-billed Thrasher, Canyon Towhee, Black-throated Sparrow, Pyrrhuloxia, and Bronzed Cowbird. We left Portal and made the drive west to Tucson.
We arrived at the Red Rock feedlot at first light on the 28th, hoping to find a Ruddy Ground-Dove for Babe. We heard at least one but never saw it. Birds that did show themselves included Eurasian Collared-Dove, Inca Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Loggerhead Shrike, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, and Common Poorwills that were along the roadside at dawn. After several hours of the heat and unpleasant odors, we decided to head to Madera Canyon, which was now finally open again. We had hoped to see the Flame-colored Tanagers that had nested there, but they hadn't been seen since the fire and we struck out again. Surprisingly, Babe found a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak there! We had stumbled upon a Rose-breasted in California and now in Arizona. Local birders came to see the grosbeak and add it to their state lists. Other birds seen in Madera included another Zone-tailed Hawk, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Mexican Jay, Bridled Titmouse, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Painted Redstart, Hepatic Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Hooded Oriole, and a 'black-backed' Lesser Goldfinch.
On the 29th, we made one last try for the tanager before we had to leave for the airport, again with no luck. We ended up with a trip total of 108 species.
The following 19 images were taken during this trip. Since I don't have thousands of dollars of strobe-lighting equipment, some are blurry 'videograbs' that I included in order to show the intense colors of the hummingbirds as they 'flashed' the camcorder.
PYRRHULOXIA in Portal, Arizona on July 27, 2005.
This photo shows the long, red crest plumes, the huge yellow bill, the red on the face continuing down the center of the belly, the gray on the head and the back, and the reddish patches in the wings and the tail. This adult was photographed at Dave Jasper's feeders.
BLACK-THROATED SPARROW in Portal, Arizona on July 27, 2005.
This photo shows the prominent white stripes on the head divided by the black lores, the large black throat patch, the brownish-gray wings and back, and the plain gray underparts. This adult was photographed at Dave Jasper's feeders.
SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER in Cave Creek Canyon, Arizona on July 27, 2005.
This photo shows the two white stripes on the head, the streaked neck and breast, the rusty-red tail, and the unmarked belly and undertail coverts. This bird was phototgraphed along the South Fork Trail.
VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD in Portal, Arizona on July 27, 2005.
This 'videograb' shows the all-white underparts that include the throat, the violet crown, the orange-red bill with a black tip, and the dull green wings and back. This adult was videotaped at the Portal Peak Lodge.
MEXICAN CHICKADEE in the Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona on July 27, 2005.
This photo shows the large black bib, the dark gray wings, sides, and flanks, and the white cheek patch extending up between the bill and the eye. This bird was photographed below Onion Saddle.
BERYLLINE x MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona on July 26, 2005.
This 'videograb' shows the green sheen on the head and neck and the bronze sheen on the back and the wings. This bird lacked the purplish gloss in the tail and the less obvious spot behind the eye that a true Berylline would have. This bird was videotaped at the 'Hawk Watch' site.
RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona on July 26, 2005.
This 'videograb' shows the overall rufous coloration on all parts of the bird that are visible here. Again, the orange-red gorget is not 'lit up', so it appears dark. This adult male was videotaped at the 'Hawk Watch' site.
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona on July 25, 2005.
This blurry 'videograb' shows the pinkish-rose irridescence encompassing the entire head and throat on the male on the right and another male feeding on the left. These two males were videotaped at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona on July 25, 2005.
This 'videograb' shows the violet band at the bottom of the gorget, which most often appears all black. Also note the white collar separating the dark head and the dark 'vest' on the breast. This adult male was videotaped at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
BLUE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona on July 25, 2005.
I included this blurry 'videograb' because it shows the striking blue throat and prominent white patches in the corners of its large tail. This adult male was videotaped at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD at the Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast, near Sierra Vista, Arizona on July 25, 2005. This photo shows the dark blue throat, the metallic green sides, and the orange-red bill with a dark tip. Overall, this is one of the most colorful North American hummingbirds. This adult male was photographed at Mary Jo Ballator's feeding area.
BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona on July 25, 2005.
This photo shows the emerald green back, white breast with gray-green 'vest', and the rufous edges on the tail. As often is the case, here the rose-colored gorget appears dark since it is not reflecting light towards the camcorder. This adult male was photographed at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona on July 25, 2005.
This blurry 'videograb' shows the dark red 'rays' on the throat and the dull white breast with a grayish wash on the sides. The very short tail is barely visible behind its plump body. This adult male was videotaped at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD at the Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast, near Sierra Vista, Arizona on July 25, 2005.
This photo shows the cinnamon wash on the sides and flanks, the tan eyeline above the dark cheek patch, the green back, and the distinctive long, decurved bill. This female was photographed at Mary Jo Ballator's feeding area.
LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD at the Ash Canyon Bed & Breakfast, near Sierra Vista, Arizona on July 25, 2005.
This mediocre photo shows the splayed gorget feathers, the light eyeline, the cinnamon wash on the sides and flanks, the bronze-green back, and the distinctive long, decurved bill. This adult male was photographed at Mary Jo Ballator's feeding area.
MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona on July 25, 2005.
This 'videograb' shows the brilliant turquoise-green gorget contrasting with the black breast, the violet cap on the head, and the white eyespot on the black face patch. This adult male was photographed at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona on July 25, 2005.
This photo shows the prominent white 'ear' stripe on the dark head, the orange-red bill with a black tip, and the centrally white breast with heavy green speckling on the sides. This adult male was photographed at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD at Beatty's Guest Ranch, near Sierra Vista, Arizona on July 25, 2005.
I included this blurry 'videograb' of a 'head-on' male because it shows the intense blue-violet head and chin and the turquoise-green throat, in addition to the green speckles of metallic green on its sides. This adult male was videotaped at the 'Controlled Access Site'.
RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW at Continental, Arizona on July 24, 2005.
Note the split rufous crown, the line behind the eye, the two dark 'whisker' stripes, the plain gray breast, and the light-colored bill. This bird was photographed in the mesquite across the road from the Continental Feed Lot Cafe.
On January 12th, 2005 my long-time birding friend, Babe Webster and I flew to south Texas for five days of birding to hopefully get a chance to see the numerous Mexican strays that were being reported in the area. After getting our car in San Antonio and not being able to find the Masked Duck at a pond in Ingleside (it had not been seen for several weeks but was still worth a try), we headed on down to the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
On the 13th, we visited the Fontera Audubon Sanctuary in Weslaco where we saw the White-throated Robin, several Clay-colored Robins, one of the male Crimson-collared Grosbeaks, and a pair of Tropical Parulas that was with a small group of warblers. Next, we headed for Bentsen State Park to look for the Social Flycatcher despite the high winds that were there. After searching for a few hours with no luck, we headed to the Los Ebanos Preserve near Russelltown for the Golden-crowned Warbler. Luckily, a few other birders were watching it when we got there. The bird came to within three feet of us at one point!
On the very cold morning of the 14th, we went back to Bentsen at dawn and joined the other birders at Kingfisher Overlook looking for the Social Flycatcher. Over two hours later, I noticed a lemon-breasted bird come out of the brush between the bird blind and the boat ramp. Expecting it to be just another Kiskadee, I realized that the back and wings were dull green, not reddish brown. Then, the bird turned its head and I realized that it had a tiny bill---it was the Social Flycatcher! After pointing it out to Babe, I notified the rest of the surrounding birders. We all got excellent looks at it as it sunned itself before flying off towards the old trailer loop. As it turned out, that was the last day that it was seen. Next, we headed to a McAllen backyard where we saw the Green-breasted Mango that was there among several Buff-bellied Hummingbirds. It was there that a birder told us that the Blue Mockingbird had just been seen at Allen Williams' residence in nearby Pharr. We went there and although we didn't see this skulker, we did find a female Crimson-collared Grosbeak and an Olive Sparrow among the expected birds. From there, we headed up the valley and stopped at Salineno in the late afternoon. Although we didn't see Muscovy Duck, we did see Green Kingfisher and six Brown Jays.
On the 15th, another unseasonably cold day, we spent the entire day unsuccessfully looking for the Blue Bunting that was being seen along the Las Palmas Trail in Laredo.
On the 16th, we met Martin Reid who took us into a private ranch near Pearsall to look for the Rufous-capped Warbler. Thanks to his friends, Willie Sekula and Derrick Muschalek, we got to see the bird within minutes of getting out of the car. We then drove back down to Laredo to once again try for the bunting. Within an hour of sunset, we finally got to see the male Blue Bunting feeding on grass seeds.
We headed back to San Antonio and flew home on the 17th. The White-throated Robin, Crimson-collared Grosbeak, Social Flycatcher, Rufous-capped Warbler, and Blue Bunting were 'lifers' for me and the Tropical Parula, Golden-crowned Warbler, and Green-breasted Mango were additional ones for Babe. The following nine photos were taken during this trip.
BROWN JAY at Salineno, Texas on January 14, 2005.
Note the yellow bill, which designates this as a young bird. This was one of six Brown Jays that were there in addition to 3 Great Horned Owls, and Belted and Green Kingfisher. This bird was photographed near the boat ramp at the Rio Grande River.
BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD at a backyard in McAllen, Texas on January 14, 2005.
This photo shows the bright green head, chestnut tail, and red bill with a black tip. The buff-colored belly is barely visible. This bird was one of several that were visiting the feeders at 500 Rose Ellen Boulevard.
GREEN-BREASTED MANGO at a backyard in McAllen, Texas on January 14, 2005.
Note the male's green color, white flanks, curved bill, and red-violet tail. This bird vigorously defended 'its' feeder from several Buff-bellied Hummingbirds. This male was visiting the feeders at 500 Rose Ellen Boulevard.
OLIVE SPARROW in Pharr, Texas on January 14, 2005.
Note the brown stripes on the head, the olive green wings and tail, and the unmarked gray breast. Also note the thin black line through the eye, which is bordered by white crescents. This bird was photographed in a Pharr resident's backyard.
GREAT KISKADEE in Pharr, Texas on January 14, 2005.
Note the black and white stripes on the head, the lemon yellow belly, and the rufous wings and tail. Also note the longer, thicker bill compared to the Social Flycatcher below. This bird was photographed in a Pharr resident's backyard.
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER at Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park, Texas on January 14, 2005.
Note the dull green wings and back and small bill compared to the Kiskadee's above. I refound this bird near the Kingfisher Overlook. It was the last day that it was seen. This bird represents only the 2nd record for the United States!
GREEN JAY at Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park, Texas on January 13, 2005.
Note the blue head with black markings, green back, yellow-green breast, and blue-green tail. The colors of the Green Jay have to be seen in person to be appreciated. This bird was photographed at (where else?) the Green Jay blind.
ALTAMIRA ORIOLE at Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park, Texas on January 13, 2005.
Note the orange head, black throat, and orange 'shoulder patch'. Surprisingly, the smaller orioles were actually driving the larger Green Jays away from the feeder. This bird was photographed at the Green Jay blind.
CRIMSON-COLLARED GROSBEAK at Frontera Audubon Sanctuary in Weslaco, Texas on January 13, 2005.
Note the crimson collar and breast on the otherwise all-black plumage. This male was eating the buds on the trees in the native thicket area. A White-throated Robin, several Clay-colored Robins, and a pair of Tropical Parulas were also seen there.