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20 Nov Once more Sweetwater Wetlands report, Tucson, Az 11/20/09 [Jerry Bock ] 20 Nov out of area Big Bend TX [Karen Hochgraf ] 20 Nov Tres Rios Wetlands, Glendale Recharge Ponds [Tommy DeBardeleben ] 20 Nov Video of Williamson's Sapsuckers in Sawmill Canyon-11/20/09 [Rick and Ricki Thompson ] 20 Nov Re: SE AZ: FWD Rusty Blackbird continues at Woodland Road in Tucson 11/19/09 [Mark Stevenson ] 20 Nov NM, Alb: Eagle & Merganser sightings [Bosque Bill ] 20 Nov Re: AZ: Hawk in the 'hood [David Stejskal ] 20 Nov Re: AZ: RFI, use of abbreviations [chris mccreedy ] 20 Nov NM: Late Summer Tanager [Elaine Halbedel ] 20 Nov Re: AZ: RFI, use of abbreviations [Phil Jeffrey ] 20 Nov AZ: RFI, use of abbreviations [Jay Miller ] 20 Nov Re: Agua Caliente - November 18 [Jim Stuart ] 20 Nov AZ: Tempe Lawrence's Goldfinches [Magill Weber ] 20 Nov Re: Agua Caliente - November 18 [vivian mac kinnon ] 20 Nov Agua Caliente - November 18 [Pat ] 20 Nov AZFO - New photo of Rose-throated Becard [Mike Moore ] 19 Nov SE AZ: Sweetwater Wetlands, 11/19/2009 [John Saba ] 19 Nov Las Cienegas, San Raphael, Lake Patagonia [Barbara Burns ] 19 Nov Ruddy G Doves, Am. Robin, Prairie Falcon, WT Kites in Hidden Valley AZ 19 Nov. '09 [Nancy Lange ] 19 Nov se AZ: Sweetwater Wetlands - Chestnut-sided Warbler relocated [Andrew Core ] 19 Nov AZFO: New photos of Rusty Blackbird, Broad-winged Hawk, White-winged Scoter and Blackpoll Warbler [Mike Moore ] 19 Nov Common Bushtits & Northern Beardless Tyrannulet @ Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson, Az 11/19/09 [Jerry Bock ] 19 Nov SEAZ - Pena Blanca "Pond" - 19 Nov 2009 [John Harned ] 19 Nov SE AZ: 11/19/2009 - Sawmill Canyon Red-faced Warbler [Stuart Healy ] 19 Nov SE AZ: FWD Rusty Blackbird continues at Woodland Road in Tucson 11/19/09 [keith kamper ] 19 Nov AZ Tucson McCormick Pk Red-breasted Sapsucker [Olga Harbour ] 19 Nov SE AZ: Green Valley WWTP - 19 Nov 09 [Michael Marsden ] 19 Nov McCown's Longspurs at Rousseau Sod Farm, eastern Maricopa Co. ["Roy M. Jones" ] 19 Nov FW: AZ: ELEGANT TROGON returns to Patagonia Lake State Park [Mark Stevenson ] 19 Nov AZ: Tucson-Ft. Lowell Park No Magnolia Warbler [Darlene Smyth ] 19 Nov SEAZ: Pond at Elephant Head 11/17 [Darlene Smyth ] 19 Nov Tucson Western Tanager, other things [Rich Hoyer ] 19 Nov Re: SE AZ: Rusty Blackbird @ Woodland Road Tucson 11/19 [Andrew Core ] 19 Nov Re: SE AZ: Rusty Blackbird @ Woodland Road Tucson 11/19 [keith kamper ] 19 Nov Re: SE AZ: Rusty Blackbird @ Woodland Road Tucson 11/19 [Mark Stevenson ] 19 Nov SE AZ: Rusty Blackbird @ Woodland Road Tucson 11/19 [Keith Kamper ] 19 Nov Westerm Bluebirds in north Phoenix 19Nov.09 [Daniela Yellan ] 19 Nov Re: AZ: Scottsdale: Desert Botanical Garden: Gilded Flicker, etc. (11/18) [Magill Weber ] 19 Nov Re: AZ: Hawk in the 'hood [David Stejskal ] 19 Nov AZ: Scottsdale: Desert Botanical Garden: Gilded Flicker, etc. (11/18) ["Myron L. Scott" ] 19 Nov AZ: Hawk in the 'hood [David Stejskal ] 19 Nov NM RBA for 11/19/09 [] 18 Nov More details, Santa Cruz River @ Tumacocori / Santa Gertrudas Lane, Az 11/18/09 [Jerry Bock ] 18 Nov Parker area - Albino/Leucistic Gull - 11/15/09 [Jake Mohlmann ] 18 Nov AZ:11/18/09:Sweetwater Wetlands ["Clifford A. Cathers" ] 18 Nov FW: AZ: San Rafael Valley Raptors [Mark Stevenson ] 18 Nov Fw: Rufous-capped Warbler in Florida Canyon 11/18/09 [donald burk ] 18 Nov Pink-Sided Junco-- Elfrida [Ed Henley ] 18 Nov FW: Ancient Murrelet "next door" [Mark Stevenson ] 18 Nov AZ: 11/18/09 Tumacacori ROSE-THROATED BECARD [Jo Smith ] 18 Nov Video of Foraging Louisiana Waterthrush on the San Pedro River-11/18/09 [Rick and Ricki Thompson ] 18 Nov AZ: Tucson: KERP birding guidelines--no sightings [Kendall Kroesen ] 18 Nov SEAZ: ROSE-THROATED BECARD at tumacacori 11-18 [Keith Kamper ] 18 Nov LCRV: Lake Havasu City to Topock Marsh [Lauren Harter ] 18 Nov Oracle Gray Catbird, another appearance [G L BRADLEY ] 18 Nov SEAZ: Amado Pond Gray Hawk 11/17/09 [Peter Collins ] 18 Nov Patagonia and beyond 11/16-17, 2010 [Melody Kehl ] 17 Nov Phoenix:Desert Botanical Garden Lesser Nighthawk yes, blackburnian warbler no 11/17/09 [Larry Langstaff ] 17 Nov Sweetwater Wetlands - November 17 [Pat ] 17 Nov AZ: Sulfur Springs Valley, a few rarities [Duane Nelson ] 17 Nov Wrong Robin [Leanna Shaberly ] 17 Nov AZ: The Miller House of Mesa, Brewer's Blackbird, 11-17. [Jay Miller ] 17 Nov AZ:11/17/09:Sweetwater Wetlands & More ["Clifford A. Cathers" ] 17 Nov Townsend's Warbler PHOTO Fort Lowell Park Tucson 11/17/09 [Tom Ryan ] 17 Nov Tucson Blackpoll Warbler, Osprey [Rich Hoyer ] 17 Nov AZ: American Crow, etc. - Sulphur Springs Vly [Alan Miller ] 17 Nov AZ: Ftn. Hills Lake Hooded Mergansers 11/17 [JERRY PAVLOCK ] 17 Nov Fw: AZ, Pinal Co., Santa Cruz Flats [Mark Stevenson ] 17 Nov AZ: HAS Trip, San Pedro Riparian NCA--17 Nov 09 [Erika Wilson ] 17 Nov Tucson: Fort Lowell Park [Mark Stevenson ] 17 Nov Fwd: AZ: Crested Caracara in Chandler [John Yerger ] 17 Nov Re: Birds at the Suet Feeder [Richard Messenger ] 17 Nov se AZ: Sweetwater Wetlands BALD EAGLE [Andrew Core ] 17 Nov Re: Roadrunner on Speedway, Tucson 11-17-09 [chris mccreedy ] 17 Nov Roadrunner on Speedway, Tucson 11-17-09 [vivian mac kinnon ] 17 Nov Sweetwater Northern Shrikes [Jim Wolf ] Subject: Once more Sweetwater Wetlands report, Tucson, Az 11/20/09 From: Jerry Bock <wditch AT DAKOTACOM.NET> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:52:06 -0700 Greetings Avianfans Brigid Pollock, Andrew Core & I spend the morn wandering around Sweetwater to see what might surprize us. 12 species of ducks were the most I've had for a while with a surprize mommy Hooded Merganser on Shoveler pond showing off her mag do. That Snowy Egret continues to loiter. Not sure if a Sharp Shinned Hawk made a size miscalculation error or not but a it's collision with a Northern Flicker near the gazebo was dramatically vocal. The flicker looked as if it might have been swearing. More drama was on tap when a Peregrine Falcon checked out the possible breakfast items in the recharge basins. We estimated at least 200 Least Sandpipers flushed at one point. They were probably cursing too. The continuing Black Necked Stilts might've been swearing but still were as dapper as can be. Mark Stevenson refound the Northern Beardless Tyrranulet at the Hidden Pond / Gazebo area where he also saw our favorite Bobcat with a Northern Shoveler in it's jaws and worried it might be a bad omen for his Ducks this weekend when the travel to the U of A for a Pac-10 showdown. Go cats.....Go ducks......... We managed Plumbeous, Cassin's and Hutton's Vireos today at various locations throughout. An American Robin was a bit of a surprise at the Towhee Pond. Brigid tried her best to turn American Pipits into big shorebirds with no luck. We decided to call them Brigid's Great Pipits. They dwarf Killdeer. I tried to turn a Townsend's Warbler into the probably absent Blackpoll Warbler. We decided to call Jerry's Wishful Wallowing Warbler. Andrew didn't initially misidentify anything, or at least he never vocalized about it. 8 species of warblers in mid to late november is mighty fine. It would've been 9 as we heard about a Chesnut Sided report but never could find it. Andrew used his magic wand telephone to prompt a lonely Spooted Towhee into a lively sprite. Don't miss the continuing Lawrence's Goldfinch follies in the stream behing the restrooms at the parking lot. I don't think they swear or curse, although they've probably heard it all from the House Sparrows they're hanging out with there. I tallied a solid 91 species. I'm pretty sure there's at least nine more species around to get a hundred. Wallower deluxe and I don't think I swore the entire morning (in front of Andrew anyway) Jerry Bock Colognia Bolognia Tucson, Az Subject: out of area Big Bend TX From: Karen Hochgraf <klhochgraf AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:32:41 -0600 Hello Birders, I have been here for 2 weeks, and so far have not seen any birds that I had not seen in SE AZ. One exception: near the River I saw ALL 3 Phoebes, and a Vermilion Flycatcher in one morning. They tell me Spring migration is wonderfully diverse, I just have to wait until Spring. I have found, on the map, the canyon where the Colima Warbler comes. I'll need to wait until April for that one, too. In the backyard of the house I am living in, we have Black-chinned Sparrows, Chippings, a Pyrrhuloxia, Acorn Woodpeckers, Canyon Towhees, and Cactus Wrens. Waiting impatiently, Karen Hochgraf Subject: Tres Rios Wetlands, Glendale Recharge Ponds From: Tommy DeBardeleben <sunsfan1331 AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:18:54 -0700 Hello everyone, This morning (20 November 09) I birded at Tres Rios Wetlands for a few hours, followed by an hour and a half stop at the Glendale Recharge Ponds. Tres Rios didn't really have anything unordinary, but I had some enjoyable sightings. I saw both SHARP-SHINNED and COOPER'S HAWKS, which was great to see them both in a close time period together (helps separate the species alot easier!) Other birds of interest included many BLUE-WINGED TEALS, LEAST BITTERN, SORA, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, CRISSAL THRASHER, HERMIT THRUSH, and AMERICAN ROBIN. Heading out of Tres Rios while driving north up 91st Avenue to Broadway, I got lucky and found a nice adult light-morph FERRUGINOUS HAWK perched up on a pole. My first of the year! Glendale Recharge Ponds never fails to have something good. Right as I got out to start birding, I saw a pair of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS in the southeasternmost pond. From there, I managed to see even more Red- breasted Mergansers, and came up with a count of seven, all female plumaged, and most of the time they swam relatively close together. I also saw 4 HOODED MERGANSERS, all female type as well. Raptors seen here during the time there were OSPREYS, NORTHERN HARRIERS, and RED-TAILED HAWKS. The usual Peregrine wasn't around. Waterfowl conditions remain good, which many ducks in high numbers. The middle southernmost pond has good shorebird habitat, in which there were several hundred LEAST SANDPIPERS, and I managed to find one WESTERN SANDPIPER in the mix. The northwestern most pond had many GREATER YELLOWLEGS, around 20 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER. Good birding, Tommy DeBardeleben (Glendale, Arizona) http://www.arizonagoshawk.com/ Subject: Video of Williamson's Sapsuckers in Sawmill Canyon-11/20/09 From: Rick and Ricki Thompson <rixandzax AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:13:24 -0700 These two sapsuckers (one male and one female) were found several hundred yards apart in Sawmill Canyon this morning (11/20/09). The male was located on a sapwell tree ~100 yards down from the first really large alligator juniper next to the trail on the left. The female was ~100 yards above the second large diameter juniper which is about 20 feet off of the trail also on the left. We spent 30 minutes at 0900 with the male and <60 seconds with the female at 1000. Overall, we spent 4 hours and 40 minutes in the canyon, viewing several mixed flocks and seeing more total birds than ever before during similar walks. The odd thing is that we didn't see one warbler of any species. The link to the youtube video is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ESAlN_5mSY Please watch in the HQ mode if possible. Rick and Ricki Thompson Sierra Vista AZ Subject: Re: SE AZ: FWD Rusty Blackbird continues at Woodland Road in Tucson 11/19/09 From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:49:41 -0700 From the Tucson Audubon Society's RBA voice mail at 529-798-1005 X 1 John Saba reports refinding the RUSTY BLACKBIRD and observing it from around noon to 12:30 today (11/20) at 8500 Woodland Road, home to the miniature horses. He also noted an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER in the area. Thanks to John for the update. Happy Birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZ Subject: NM, Alb: Eagle & Merganser sightings From: Bosque Bill <bill AT BOSQUEBILL.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:35:55 -0700 Saw our winter resident Bald Eagle for the first time this season; others have seen him for about a week. This mature bird was perched in a tree next to the river just north of mile marker 5NW along the levee trail. There was also a Hooded Merganser showing off his crest in the Visitor Center pond at the Rio Grande Nature Center. I was unable to check the parking lot pond as the blind there was swarming with young school children. Bill I'm not an expert. I'm an enthusiast! New Mexico, U.S.A. - "The Land of Enchantment" http://www.bosquebill.com/ http://twitter.com/Bosque_Bill #abqbirds #nmbirds #birdoftheday http://www.youtube.com/BosqueBillNM http://twitpic.com/photos/bosque_bill Subject: Re: AZ: Hawk in the 'hood From: David Stejskal <dstejskal AT COX.NET> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:39:17 -0800 Hi birders, Well, I think it's time to offer up a very humble mea culpa. Upon further reflection, and more input from others, I think the raptor that I reported yesterday morning from my neighborhood wasn't a Broad-winged after all. It appears to be nothing more exotic than a juv. Red-tailed Hawk. This hawk apparently wasn't as small as I thought it was, which got my thinking headed in the wrong direction from the start. My apologies to anyone who drove over here to give chase. Another slice of humble pie, please.... Cheers, Dave Stejskal Field Guides Inc. www.fieldguides.com 800-728-4953 Subject: Re: AZ: RFI, use of abbreviations From: chris mccreedy <cristofolos AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:44:37 -0700 On number 2, It's just relative, Jay. There are listservs that I contribute to where no one minds if people use 4-letter codes, and there are some listservs where you immediately get scolded for using 4-letter codes. It's good to have a link where people can easily find the accepted codes (thanks Phil) so that we can educate ourselves and avoid making up codes [and tipping off people that you don't know your stuff]. Some people presume using the BBL codes obfuscates and turns off people, most who have done surveys understand the efficacy of the codes and know what you are taking about. Personally I'd rather quickly scan a post with a list of codes than a paragraph of "HOODED MERGANSER, HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER, CALIFORNIA GULL" etc, but I would wager that you'll get more flack if you use BBL codes, so perhaps that's where your answer lies! Chris On Fri, Nov 20, 2009 at 10:47 AM, Jay Miller wrote: >  AZ birders, >  I want to thank all for the very positive type posts that this list serve receives. Life is truly what you make of it. It is truly great how one can simply go to a few local parks and pick up some great birds and everyone is quick and willing to share such information. >    If you have ever lived in another area, I'm talking mostly northern areas, you know how hard it can be to be birding in the winter elements. Cold hands and feet, cold optics, few birds, and even shorter days. You can drive lots of miles and only get a list of ten or twelve birds and possibly more adventure than you would like, like sliding off the road and getting stuck in the middle of a winter wonderland. We are truly lucky here in Az, if you want snow you can find it. >    I have a friend in Colo. who seems to be at his wits end. He describes himself as being angry. Seems there is little to report on so he spends his time not birding but searching around on the internet. It drives him nuts to see all the birds being reported in other areas. I tell him to move or as I did, just go out and enjoy it anyway. It's so good for the soul just getting out. And really it's probably frustrating just reading what other people see. >    Anyway my friend was interested about the abbreviations used for recording birds, and was wondering where to find an official list so that we could do this properly. He too thinks the use of these abbreviations is great if used properly. He saw my post of the Magnificent Hummingbird I had here, where I used MAHU after spelling it out in the subject line. It reminded him of Mahi tuna. I had to laugh. He'd better move or he's going to eat the only birds around. >    So I was wanting directions on two things; (1) for my friend and every one on this list serve, where can we find an official list of abbreviations. (2) What is the proper use for such abbreviations on this list serve. >    PLEASE people, ( don't email me directly with your opinion ) understand I have no wish to start a huge discussion or argument, I want to bird and report my findings in the best way possible. So I'm looking for one or two people here in Az with a long time background ( AZFO group? ) to give US some direction. I'm not about listing a bunch of abbreviations as if it's a test. > > Luckily in AZ > Good Birding to all > Jay Miller > Mesa, AZ > Subject: NM: Late Summer Tanager From: Elaine Halbedel <inannaqoh AT AOL.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:07:36 -0500 This morning (11/20) at my home outside of Silver City, NM (near the former Nature Conservancy Bear Mountain Lodge property), I was surprised to observe a female SUMMER TANAGER at one of the water features. I kept trying to make her into either a Western or a Hepatic but no luck... The total lack of even a hint of white wing-bars eliminated Western. The long bill and yellow (instead of gray) flanks and no dark eye-line put paid to Hepatic. I played with the idea of an out of range Scarlet, but the undertail was definite greenish instead of gray. I have not had a Summer Tanager of either gender in my yard since summer of several years ago, which makes this a unique sighting in both time and space. Elaine Halbedel Silver City, NM (and Kitt Peak, AZ) Subject: Re: AZ: RFI, use of abbreviations From: Phil Jeffrey <phil.jeffrey AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:58:19 -0500 Commonly used 4-letter abbreviations are the BBL banding codes, and a quick google of that phrase brings up multiple sources, e.g.: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBl/manual/sname.htm (BBL = Bird Banding Lab, part of US Fish and Wildlife) Phil Jeffrey NJ Subject: AZ: RFI, use of abbreviations From: Jay Miller <arizonajay23 AT COX.NET> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:47:55 -0700 AZ birders, I want to thank all for the very positive type posts that this list serve receives. Life is truly what you make of it. It is truly great how one can simply go to a few local parks and pick up some great birds and everyone is quick and willing to share such information. If you have ever lived in another area, I'm talking mostly northern areas, you know how hard it can be to be birding in the winter elements. Cold hands and feet, cold optics, few birds, and even shorter days. You can drive lots of miles and only get a list of ten or twelve birds and possibly more adventure than you would like, like sliding off the road and getting stuck in the middle of a winter wonderland. We are truly lucky here in Az, if you want snow you can find it. I have a friend in Colo. who seems to be at his wits end. He describes himself as being angry. Seems there is little to report on so he spends his time not birding but searching around on the internet. It drives him nuts to see all the birds being reported in other areas. I tell him to move or as I did, just go out and enjoy it anyway. It's so good for the soul just getting out. And really it's probably frustrating just reading what other people see. Anyway my friend was interested about the abbreviations used for recording birds, and was wondering where to find an official list so that we could do this properly. He too thinks the use of these abbreviations is great if used properly. He saw my post of the Magnificent Hummingbird I had here, where I used MAHU after spelling it out in the subject line. It reminded him of Mahi tuna. I had to laugh. He'd better move or he's going to eat the only birds around. So I was wanting directions on two things; (1) for my friend and every one on this list serve, where can we find an official list of abbreviations. (2) What is the proper use for such abbreviations on this list serve. PLEASE people, ( don't email me directly with your opinion ) understand I have no wish to start a huge discussion or argument, I want to bird and report my findings in the best way possible. So I'm looking for one or two people here in Az with a long time background ( AZFO group? ) to give US some direction. I'm not about listing a bunch of abbreviations as if it's a test. Luckily in AZ Good Birding to all Jay Miller Mesa, AZ Subject: Re: Agua Caliente - November 18 From: Jim Stuart <jnstuart61 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:44:11 -0800 The turtles at Agua Caliente are Red-eared Sliders, likely discarded pets and their descendents, and seem to be established there. They're not native to AZ.  I've only been to AC once and was surprised at the number of turtles there. The area seems like a great birding spot although I didn't have much time to look around.    Thanks, Jim James N. Stuart Albuquerque, NM jnstuart61 AT yahoo.com http://flickr.com/photos/stuartwildlife ________________________________ From: vivian mac kinnon To: BIRDWG05 AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU Sent: Fri, November 20, 2009 8:36:58 AM Subject: Re: [BIRDWG05] Agua Caliente - November 18 Howdy Birdsters, Gotta take exception to this post, if you're local you know it is a fab location. If you're a lurker and trying to decide where to bird in the general Tucson area this is a fab location. This is a fab location!!! Pat, do go back and maybe tag along with the Thursday morning bird walk, there is an incredible diversity of habitats and birds and over the years there have been fabulous rarities from this location! Birds are everywhere, just gotta look! Virtual Vivian "Our tools for the pursuit of wildlife improve faster than we do, and sportsmanship is a voluntary limitation in the use these armaments. It is aimed to augment the role of skill and shrink the role of gadgets in the pursuit of wild things."...Aldo Leopold --- On Fri, 11/20/09, Pat wrote: > From: Pat > Subject: [BIRDWG05] Agua Caliente - November 18 > To: BIRDWG05 AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU > Date: Friday, November 20, 2009, 3:26 AM > Folks, > > Add Mallard ducks to the two lists for the Sweetwater > Wetlands, as well as Lawrence's Goldfinches to the first > one. > > As I learn to identify new birds, I then recognize those I > didn't before. > > And the wasp was a Tarantula Hawk. > > Went to Agua Calienta. All I saw was ducks, and one turtle > with a red "ear" (streak down the neck). Have been unable to > identify this turtle. > > Not a lot of variety, but I got some VERY nice shots. > Included: > > Mallards > Wigeons (they sure make a cute noise) > white duck, probably was domesticated; it was so tame it > was perfectly comfortable foraging a foot away from my > foot. > > Beautiful setting, but not the right kind of vegetation for > a lot of other birds. There was something on the ground they > were scarfing up, some kind of green small pellet, maybe > something from the palm trees? Or some leftovers? > > Pat > Subject: AZ: Tempe Lawrence's Goldfinches From: Magill Weber <magill_weber AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:56:44 -0700 I stopped by the Tempe Arts Center parking area (Rio Salado Parkway just east of Hardy) to check the far west end of Tempe Town Lake for waterfowl this morning (11/20), and was pleasantly surprised to find a small group (at least 4) of LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHES. They were foraging in the weedy tops of some invasive grasses (sp?) to the west of the spillway, due north of the parking lot. The whole area is pretty overgrown, and there may have been more out of view. The two Western Grebes continue at the west end of the lake, in addition to a flock of 5 Western Grebes that continue on the main basin. I also had 3 Osprey this morning, so far the high count for this winter season. Just a note of caution, if anyone is planning on heading down there this weekend, the Ironman triathalon is going on, and a number of streets in the area are already closed, including part of Rio Salado Parkway. Magill Weber, Phoenix, AZ _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: I wanted simpler, now it's simpler. I'm a rock star. http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/windows-7/default.aspx?h=myidea?ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_myidea:112009 Subject: Re: Agua Caliente - November 18 From: vivian mac kinnon <arcvivian AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:36:58 -0800 Howdy Birdsters, Gotta take exception to this post, if you're local you know it is a fab location. If you're a lurker and trying to decide where to bird in the general Tucson area this is a fab location. This is a fab location!!! Pat, do go back and maybe tag along with the Thursday morning bird walk, there is an incredible diversity of habitats and birds and over the years there have been fabulous rarities from this location! Birds are everywhere, just gotta look! Virtual Vivian "Our tools for the pursuit of wildlife improve faster than we do, and sportsmanship is a voluntary limitation in the use these armaments. It is aimed to augment the role of skill and shrink the role of gadgets in the pursuit of wild things."...Aldo Leopold --- On Fri, 11/20/09, Pat wrote: > From: Pat > Subject: [BIRDWG05] Agua Caliente - November 18 > To: BIRDWG05 AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU > Date: Friday, November 20, 2009, 3:26 AM > Folks, > > Add Mallard ducks to the two lists for the Sweetwater > Wetlands, as well as Lawrence's Goldfinches to the first > one. > > As I learn to identify new birds, I then recognize those I > didn't before. > > And the wasp was a Tarantula Hawk. > > Went to Agua Calienta. All I saw was ducks, and one turtle > with a red "ear" (streak down the neck). Have been unable to > identify this turtle. > > Not a lot of variety, but I got some VERY nice shots. > Included: > > Mallards > Wigeons (they sure make a cute noise) > white duck, probably was domesticated; it was so tame it > was perfectly comfortable foraging a foot away from my > foot. > > Beautiful setting, but not the right kind of vegetation for > a lot of other birds. There was something on the ground they > were scarfing up, some kind of green small pellet, maybe > something from the palm trees? Or some leftovers? > > Pat > Subject: Agua Caliente - November 18 From: Pat <pgoltz AT SEGHEA.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:26:08 -0700 Folks, Add Mallard ducks to the two lists for the Sweetwater Wetlands, as well as Lawrence's Goldfinches to the first one. As I learn to identify new birds, I then recognize those I didn't before. And the wasp was a Tarantula Hawk. Went to Agua Calienta. All I saw was ducks, and one turtle with a red "ear" (streak down the neck). Have been unable to identify this turtle. Not a lot of variety, but I got some VERY nice shots. Included: Mallards Wigeons (they sure make a cute noise) white duck, probably was domesticated; it was so tame it was perfectly comfortable foraging a foot away from my foot. Beautiful setting, but not the right kind of vegetation for a lot of other birds. There was something on the ground they were scarfing up, some kind of green small pellet, maybe something from the palm trees? Or some leftovers? Pat Subject: AZFO - New photo of Rose-throated Becard From: Mike Moore <mcmoore32 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:23 -0700 Field Ornithologists, Keith Kamper contributed a photo of the recent Rose-throated Becard from Tumacarcori which appears likely to be a different bird from the one seen and photographed in late October. Thanks Keith! Thanks to all who use the online form below to submit photos. It makes my job a lot easier and ensures your photos will be posted more quickly. Photos posted at: http://www.azfo.org click on "Photo Documentation" Arizona Field Ornithologists welcomes Arizona rarity photo contributions from all photographers throughout the state. Use our online form to submit photos: http://www.azfo.org/gallery/PhotoContribution.html If you enjoy the photo web site, please consider joining AZFO and supporting our other activities. Details on the web site. We strive for accuracy. Please email any corrections to postings to me. Mike Moore AZFO Photo Editor Subject: SE AZ: Sweetwater Wetlands, 11/19/2009 From: John Saba <sabaj AT THERIVER.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:26:47 -0700 19 Nov 2009 Sweetwater Wetlands was in fine form today, with a number of continuing goodies. HIGHLIGHTS: 75 species 7 warblers (Black-and-White, Yellow, Townsend's, Black-throated Gray, etc.) 3 falcons ( Peregine, Prairie, American Kestrel) 10 ducks (Bufflehead, Pintail, Gadwall, 3 Teal spp., etc.) 5 egrets/herons (Snowy, Great, Green, Black-crowned Night-, Great Blue) Lawrence's Goldfinches continue in the area between the bridge and the hidden pond. A Spotted Towhee continues near the Gazebo. A Cassin's Vireo was along the south trail. I somehow missed the more-or-less expected Northern Harrier, Cooper's Hawk, Red-naped Sapsucker, Bewick's & House Wrens, Northern Mockingbird, Phainopepla, and Brewer's Blackbird. I also missed the reported (today) Lesser Scaup, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Chestnut-sided Warbler. Further failing to make the list were the recently reported Common & Ruddy Ground-Doves and Blackpoll Warbler. --- John Saba Tucson, Arizona Nature Study Is a Grand Adventure! Subject: Las Cienegas, San Raphael, Lake Patagonia From: Barbara Burns <azbirdlover AT LIVE.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:07:59 -0700 Greetings Birders, Lorel Picciurro and I teamed up with John Yerger for a glorious day of birding from sun-up to sundown. As we headed down to Las Cienegas, along the Sonoita Highway we saw the first of many RED-TAILED HAWKS. Next on the list was a GREAT-HORNED OWL perched on a power pole. We didn't go down into the cienega area but instead birded along several dirt roads. Highlights included a MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD, PRAIRIE FALCON, and EASTERN MEADOWLARKS which were abundant. Also seen were nine Pronghorn Antelope making their way down a ravine. Next stop was Harshaw Canyon where we were delighted with CHIPPING & VESPERS SPARROWS, RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER, MEXICAN JAYS, and AMERICAN KESTREL. As we entered the San Raphael Valley sparrows were plentiful. CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPURS flew all around us but would only land on the ground for a second or two and then fly off. There were scads of HORNED LARKS and GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS gave us great views but the real treat were the BAIRD'S SPARROWS which perched on the fence wires right in front of us. VESPER'S and SAVANNAH SPARROWS were plentiful. To round out the eye candy, a WHITE-TAILED KITE was perched on a fence post and then took to the air offering up a great kiting display. A prairie race MERLIN was perched on a fence post. Of course, NORTHERN HARRIERS displayed their hunting techniques. Our next stop was the Spirit Tree Inn. A WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER was gorging himself on the pyracantha berries along with AMERICAN ROBINS, PYRRHULOXIA, and HERMIT THRUSH. Other notables included a SPOTTED TOWHEE, HUTTON'S VIREO, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, and CANYON TOWHEE. We stopped for lunch/ice cream in Patagonia. Perched on a distant snag was a rufous-morph RED-TAILED HAWK. The best is still to come. We made our way to Patagonia Lake and hiked along the Sonoita Creek where we saw the usual suspects. Empids could be heard and seen with the most common being GRAY FLYCATCHER. It was hard to discern between DUSKY and HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHERS. As we approached a side creek, there in the middle was an AMERICAN BITTERN which then proceeded to scamper across the "forest floor." What a sight! On our return, back towards the lake, a GREAT-HORNED OWL flew overhead and landed high up in a tree. Far to the right of the owl we saw movement and John shouted out, "It's a trogon!" "It's a male!" To our amazement, the ELEGANT TROGON proceeded to vigorously scold the owl, displaying defensive posture and flying from branch to branch. We were in awe. That was the icing on the cake. We thinks we were the first to see this wintering Patagonia Trogon. Good grief! I forgot to mention the WESTERN GREBES, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS out on the lake and back in the trees a PLUMBEOUS VIREO, COOPER'S HAWK, lots of RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, and HOUSE WREN. Whew! Much thanks to John for his expertise and guidance on this most wonderful of birding trips. Happy, happy birding, Barbara Burns Tucson _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/ Subject: Ruddy G Doves, Am. Robin, Prairie Falcon, WT Kites in Hidden Valley AZ 19 Nov. '09 From: Nancy Lange <grdnwmn AT MSN.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:40:24 -0700 Driving the fields and groves in the Hidden Valley area (NW Pinal Co) today was very rewarding with two White-tailed Kites, a FOS Prairie Falcon, four Ruddy Ground Doves bathing with a flock of Common Ground Doves, an American Robin, two Rock Wrens, numerous Dark-eyed Juncos -- Oregon and Pink-sided, Chipping Sparrows and a Ferruginous Hawk along with the usual Phoebes, Warblers, Flickers, Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels. Doesn't get much better than this! Good birding! Nancy Lange grdnwmn AT msn.com Subject: se AZ: Sweetwater Wetlands - Chestnut-sided Warbler relocated From: Andrew Core <andrewcore AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:37:28 -0700 Hello, As an addendum to Jerry's Sweetwater report, I spied the Chestnut-sided Warbler on the north side of the Keyhole Pond this afternoon on the way home today (11/19). I believe it is the same individual I saw on the 16th - it has just a trace of chestnut on the flanks. At least one Yellow Warbler, multiple Lawrence's Goldfinches, and the Snowy Egret continue. There was a female Lesser Scaup in the western pond as well. For anyone looking for Bushtits... good luck sorting through the myriads of Verdins! They were everywhere today... five on one branch. As far as I know, Jerry's sighting is the first report of Bushtits for Sweetwater. Good birding, Andrew -- Andrew Core Tucson, AZ Subject: AZFO: New photos of Rusty Blackbird, Broad-winged Hawk, White-winged Scoter and Blackpoll Warbler From: Mike Moore <mcmoore32 AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:18:59 -0700 Field Ornithologists, Dave Stejskal contributed photos of the Broad-winged Hawk, Rusty Blackbird and Blackpoll Warbler from Tucson and the White-winged Scoter from Sunrise Lake. Dave also contributed excellent status and ID write ups for these birds. Thanks Dave! Thanks to all who use the online form below to submit photos. It makes my job a lot easier and ensures your photos will be posted more quickly. Photos posted at: http://www.azfo.org click on "Photo Documentation" Arizona Field Ornithologists welcomes Arizona rarity photo contributions from all photographers throughout the state. Use our online form to submit photos: http://www.azfo.org/gallery/PhotoContribution.html If you enjoy the photo web site, please consider joining AZFO and supporting our other activities. Details on the web site. We strive for accuracy. Please email any corrections to postings to me. Mike Moore AZFO Photo Editor Subject: Common Bushtits & Northern Beardless Tyrannulet @ Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson, Az 11/19/09 From: Jerry Bock <wditch AT DAKOTACOM.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:47:45 -0700 Greetings Birdfolk, Diana Davis & I spent some time this morning AT Sweetwater Wetlands in search of those warbler goodies. At the Hidden Ponds we found a continuing Black and White Warbler but couldn't relocate the Blackpoll and Chestnut Sided Warblers in their usual haunts. Consulation prizes can be just as tasty though, while searching for the other items, we stumbled on yet another displaced species or two. Most surprizing were a small contingent of Common Bushtits AT the Hidden Pond where the birds were plentiful once more. I thought I might be having some ear hallucinations when I first heard them, but a bit of patience produced the birds They were hanging out with a bunch of Verdins among other things. Moments later a not as much displaced Northern Beardless Tyrannulet put in a brief appearance. Also present there was a White Breasted Nuthatch. The most recent recharge basin holding the Eared Grebes and Buffleheads was very low on water today and those birds were not present unfortunately. Plenty of shorebirds and ducks found these conditions perfectly suitable though. The Lawrence's Goldfinch show continues near the entrance bridge where a Yellow Warbler continues to be late too. The Yellow Headed Blackbird show is also ongoing. That segment of the entertainment here is particularly dramatic across the river at those other sewage ponds where Prairie and Peregrine Falcons kick up the birds on a regular basis. 84 species this fine morn Wallowing in the continuing surprizes AT Sweetwater Jerry Bock Colognia Bolognia Tucson, Az Subject: SEAZ - Pena Blanca "Pond" - 19 Nov 2009 From: John Harned <john AT HARNEDS.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:58:55 -0700 After an early visit to Santa Gertrudis Lane and the Anza Trail, I took Ruby Road to Pena Blanca "Pond" (the Big Dig). The first bird to greet me at the Recreation Area was a RUFOUS-WINGED SP. of which there were many in the area. As I paused to look at sparrows on the first dirt road to the overlook, a flock of about 20 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS landed on the hillside above and below the road. Also found sizeable flocks of CHIPPING and WHITE-CROWNED SP. Other sparrows in the area included LINCOLN'S, SONG, RUFOUS-CROWNED, BREWER'S, LARK, and DARK-EYED JUNCO. I flushed three coveys of MONTEZUMA QUAIL around the first and second picnic areas, where there were BRIDLED TITMOUSE, BEWICK'S, ROCK and CANYON WRENS along with a few YELLOW-RUMPED and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBS. Numerous other birds were pretty standard for Oak & Mesquite grassland (ie: MEXICAN JAY). The roadside spring west of the "Pond" entrance rewarded me with more sparrows, the resident BLACK PHOEBE and a beautiful HERMIT THRUSH. On the way back I took a side trip part way up Walker Canyon, and found flocks of Chipping and White-crowned Sp. along with more Mexican Jays and Montezuma Quail. The two things which surprised me were no shorebirds around the South end of the "Pond" (couldn't see the other end), and I saw no perched or soaring raptors after I left I-19. It was, however, a spectacularly beautiful day of enjoyable fall birding. John Treat each and every day as a gift... ____________________ John Harned john AT harneds.com ____________________ Subject: SE AZ: 11/19/2009 - Sawmill Canyon Red-faced Warbler From: Stuart Healy <stuarthealy AT COX.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:22:50 -0700 Sawmill Canyon, Huachuca Mountains; Thursday November 19, 2009 I headed to Sawmill Canyon this morning (mad dogs and Englishmen), primarily to check for Williamson's Sapsucker. It was chilly. I didn't find the Sapsucker and had to "settle" for a RED-FACED WARBLER. It was loosely associated with a mixed flock about 1/2 mile into the canyon. I stayed with the bird for 45 minutes as it foraged (mostly in oaks) on both sides of the main trail. Perhaps this is the same individual that spent last winter here. Also present were 5 MONTEZUMA QUAIL, several RED-NAPED SAPSUCKERS, 4+ ARIZONA WOODPECKERS, TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE and at least 8 OLIVE WARBLERS. Stuart Stuart Healy, Western U.S. Bird Guide, Specializing in SE Arizona and the White Mountains. Personal Guiding and Custom Tours; 220 Stardust St., Sierra Vista, AZ 85635. (520) 458-7603 mailto:stuarthealy AT cox.net http://www.aztrogon.com Birding journal: http://www.aztrogon.com/journal/Main.htm Subject: SE AZ: FWD Rusty Blackbird continues at Woodland Road in Tucson 11/19/09 From: keith kamper <keith AT ADVENTUREBIRDING.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:55:02 -0500 Birders, Gavin Bieber called at 3:45pm to report that the female Rusty Blackbird was present on Woodland Road between the adresses of 8350 and 8500. He also observed a Merlin. Directions and further information on Woodland Road can be found in Tucson Audubon's Birdfinding Guide to Southeast Arizona. Good Birding, Keith Kamper adventurebirding.com Subject: AZ Tucson McCormick Pk Red-breasted Sapsucker From: Olga Harbour <oharbour AT DERU.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:29:52 -0700 Hi Birders, Just a quick note to let you know that my husband and I spotted the RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER in a large tree at the NE corner of McCormick Park about 10am Nov. 18. This tree is the same variety as the large one near the swing set, with lots of sap running down the bark of the main trunk as you look up into the leaves. Good Birding! Olga Harbour Gilbert, AZ (soon to be Tucson) Subject: SE AZ: Green Valley WWTP - 19 Nov 09 From: Michael Marsden <birdanza AT COX.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:20:44 -0700 Just 33 species at the Green Valley WWTP late this morning, including: 22 Buffleheads, 1 Ferruginous Hawk - on one of the utility posts close to the NE corner of the WWTP (the same post that the last FEHA sighted here - 2 winters ago - used). 1 juv Northern Harrier (oddly uncommon here), 4 Spotted Sandpipers, 3 Long-billed Dowitchers, 5 Tree Swallows, 2 Barn Swallows & c120 Chihuahuan Ravens (in a muster above the pecans). Full list on www.eBird.org Michael Marsden (520) 269-6240 Green Valley, AZ Subject: McCown's Longspurs at Rousseau Sod Farm, eastern Maricopa Co. From: "Roy M. Jones" <barbet03 AT MSN.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:07:02 -0700 This morning I made a quick trip over to the Rousseau Sod Farms east of Scottsdale and found 3 McCown's Longspurs amongst the Horned Larks and American Pipits. Roy Jones Tempe, AZ Subject: FW: AZ: ELEGANT TROGON returns to Patagonia Lake State Park From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:49:17 -0700 From the Tucson Audubon Society's RBA voice mail at 520-798-1005 X 1 Sally Lockwood reports that an ELEGANT TROGON was found during the bird walk today at Patagonia Lake State Park, presumably along the Sonoita Creek Trail. Back for another winter! Thanks to Sally for the report. Happy Birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZ Subject: AZ: Tucson-Ft. Lowell Park No Magnolia Warbler From: Darlene Smyth <dsmyth3 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:50:12 -0700 Hi Birders, I stopped by the park this morning about 11:30AM after taking my Mother to the doctor's office. I mostly checked Cottonwood Lane to see if the Magnolia Warbler had returned, and did not see that bird. Some previously reported birds were in the Lane including 1 Yellow, 1 Wilson's, 1 Townsend's, and 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, and juncos, including a Red-backed Dark-eyed Junco. The full list from the hour and 10 minutes I spent in the area follows, courtesy of e-Bird. Darlene Tucson, AZ Location: Ft. Lowell Park and Pantano Wash Observation date: 11/19/09 Notes: Out and heading home, I stopped at Ft. Lowell Park for just a short time to see if the Magnolia Warbler was back. I spent most of my time in Cottonwood Lane where most of the passerines were observed and only spent about 10 minutes at the small pond. Number of species: 30 American Wigeon 25 Mallard X Ring-necked Duck 4 Great Blue Heron 1 Great Egret 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Kestrel 1 Rock Pigeon X Mourning Dove X Anna's Hummingbird 2 Gila Woodpecker 1 Red-naped Sapsucker 1 Ladder-backed Woodpecker 1 Say's Phoebe 1 Vermilion Flycatcher 1 Common Raven 1 Verdin 2 Bewick's Wren 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 Orange-crowned Warbler 1 Yellow Warbler 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) X Townsend's Warbler 1 Wilson's Warbler 1 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 4 Dark-eyed Junco (Red-backed) 1 Brewer's Blackbird 7 Great-tailed Grackle 5 House Sparrow X This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org) Comfy Birding www.comfortablebirdingforall.com Take a course in good water and air, and in the eternal youth of Nature you may renew your own. Go quietly, alone; no harm will befall you. John Muir Subject: SEAZ: Pond at Elephant Head 11/17 From: Darlene Smyth <dsmyth3 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:13:25 -0700 Birders, The following is from Andy Rogers, a professional photographer who conducted a TAS photography workshop at the "Pond at Elephant Head" on Tuesday, 11/17. Thanks to the generosity of Bill Forbes, owner of, "The Pond at Elephant Head" nine TAS members spent a wonderful morning viewing and photographing birds on Tuesday November17th. Please visit Bill's website,http://www.phototrap.com/pond.htm for a complete discussion regarding this unique property. Cheers, Andy Rogers The following bird list was prepared by Jim Hays and are the birds which were coming into the pond and surrounding areas, and were observed and photographed from the blinds. From 11/17/2009 to 11/17/2009 ~ All Places ~ 20 seen NEW WORLD QUAIL Gambel's Quail PIGEONS AND DOVES Mourning Dove CUCKOOS Greater Roadrunner HUMMINGBIRDS Broad-billed Hummingbird WOODPECKERS Gila Woodpecker CROWS, JAYS, AND MAGPIES Common Raven PENDULINE TITS Verdin WRENS Cactus Wren MOCKINGBIRDS AND THRASHERS Curve-billed Thrasher SILKY-FLYCATCHERS Phainopepla BUNTINGS,SPARROWS,SEEDEATERS Canyon Towhee Rufous-winged Sparrow Brewer's Sparrow Black-throated Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow SALTATORS, CARDINALS, AND ALLIES Northern Cardinal Pyrrhuloxia SISKINS, CROSSBILLS, AND ALLIES House Finch Lesser Goldfinch OLD WORLD SPARROWS House Sparrow --------- STATISTICS --------- Species seen - 20 Families w/seen species - 14 Best regards, Darlene Tucson, AZ Comfy Birding www.comfortablebirdingforall.com Take a course in good water and air, and in the eternal youth of Nature you may renew your own. Go quietly, alone; no harm will befall you. John Muir Subject: Tucson Western Tanager, other things From: Rich Hoyer <birdernaturalist AT ME.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:44:47 -0700 Thursday, November 19 Dear Birders, Before our last stop of the morning, when Mark Stevenson found the lovely female Rusty Blackbird on Woodland road, Mark, Molly Pollock, Keith Kamper and I walked about 2.4 miles through the Forty Niner County Club estates in NE Tucson. Our most unexpected find among the 48 species there was a first fall female WESTERN TANAGER. It was in a mesquite on the south side of E Barbary Coast Rd just east of its junction with E Sutter Mill St. Other birds of moderate interest were: HUTTON'S VIREO PLUMBEOUS VIREO BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER WESTERN BLUEBIRD (14) AMERICAN ROBIN (3) CEDAR WAXWING (3) "MYRTLE" YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, intergrade YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER (2) SPOTTED TOWHEE Good Birding, Rich --- Rich Hoyer Tucson, Arizona http://birdernaturalist.blogspot.com/ Senior Leader for WINGS http://wingsbirds.com --- --- Rich Hoyer Tucson, Arizona http://birdernaturalist.blogspot.com/ Senior Leader for WINGS http://wingsbirds.com --- Subject: Re: SE AZ: Rusty Blackbird @ Woodland Road Tucson 11/19 From: Andrew Core <andrewcore AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:06:16 -0700 Hello birders, Philip Kline an I watched the female Rusty Blackbird until 12:44pm (11/19), when it flew west toward 8501 Woodland Rd. I assume it is still in the area. Andrew - Andrew Core Tucson, AZ - sent from phone On Nov 19, 2009, at 10:55 AM, Keith Kamper wrote: > Rich Hoyer, Molly Pollock, and I are looking at an adult female > Rusty Blackbird at Woodland Road across the street and 50 yards west > of the mailbox 8610. > > Keith Kamper Subject: Re: SE AZ: Rusty Blackbird @ Woodland Road Tucson 11/19 From: keith kamper <keith AT ADVENTUREBIRDING.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:01:59 -0500 Birders, In my haste to provide a timely update from the field, I left out Mark Stevenson who first discovered and identified the blackbird. Sorry Mark, and thanks again for the state bird! I hope to have a few photos up on our blog tonight or tomorrow of the blackbird, and have recently posted photos of the Tumacacori Rose-throated Becard and a few recent rare warblers to the blog. Good Birding, Keith Kamper http://adventurebirding.com http://adventurebirding.blogspot.com/ Subject: Re: SE AZ: Rusty Blackbird @ Woodland Road Tucson 11/19 From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:10 -0700 Hi Birders, The Rusty Blackbird stayed around and the next two birders to arrive and join us got to see it. Don't know what it did after we left. Just a reminder about birding this section of Woodland Road: The home owner at 8610 claims rights over the area between the fence and the pavement. If you park on that land he will, at the least, threaten to have your vehicle towed away and at the most have your vehicle towed away. Discussion of the legality of that viewpoint isn't within the topics of birdwg05. It's very easy to park elsewhere and there is no upside to creating ill will in the neighborhood. The bird was on the OPPOSITE side of the road anyhow, but it may be tempting to park near the 8610 mail box. Please don't. Good birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZ Subject: SE AZ: Rusty Blackbird @ Woodland Road Tucson 11/19 From: Keith Kamper <spindalis AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:55:17 CST Rich Hoyer, Molly Pollock, and I are looking at an adult female Rusty Blackbird at Woodland Road across the street and 50 yards west of the mailbox 8610. Keith Kamper Subject: Westerm Bluebirds in north Phoenix 19Nov.09 From: Daniela Yellan <azpajaros AT COX.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:14:03 -0700 This morning I observed 4 WESTERN BLUEBIRDS in Moon Valley Park. The birds flew from one of the trees into the open grassy park area. This park is located south of Greenway Parkway, north of Coral Gables,west of Seventh Ave. Daniela Yellan Phoenix Subject: Re: AZ: Scottsdale: Desert Botanical Garden: Gilded Flicker, etc. (11/18) From: Magill Weber <magill_weber AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:56:01 -0700 Hi Myron, I saw two nighthawks over the canal on Indian School near Arizona Falls when I was driving home from a mtg in Scottsdale last night, prob around 5:40pm. It seems really late, but in looking back at my records, I had one at the Biltmore on Thanksgiving day in 2004, and one in mid-December last year in Scottsdale. And I've had them around the lake in Tempe as early as March, and as late the last week of November. (They hang out in the Lopiano bike trail area on the north side of the lake, and I'll see them when I'm driving in in the morning, while its starting to get light out). All these sightings are all from around the Papago-Tempe Town Lake-Indian Bend Wash 'triangle' and its probably the warmest spot in the city that still has some native desert. I wouldn't be surprised if a bird or two overwinters in this area if we get a warm winter combined with the heat island. Climate change I guess. Magill > Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:20:01 +0000 > From: gaia_3 AT NETZERO.NET > Subject: [BIRDWG05] AZ: Scottsdale: Desert Botanical Garden: Gilded Flicker, etc. (11/18) > To: BIRDWG05 AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU > > I (and at least 3 other birders) failed to relocate the Blackburnian Warbler at Desert Botanical Garden yesterday (11/18) morning. I did notice a Gilded Flicker as well as Red-Shafteds on saguaros atop the hillside "Nature Trail" there. Also, both Blue-Gray and Black-Tailed Gnatcatchers, a male Harrier, a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet and a few Audubon's Warblers. > > I found Larry Langstaff's 11/17 report of Lesser Nighthawks moving from Papago Buttes toward the Salt River/Tempe Town Lake interesting, since there were nighthawks just north of the Lake along McClintock late last fall. They were around the billboard lights along the east side of McC north of the river/"lake" and south of McKellips. > > Here at home, a verdin was busily engaged in gathering nesting materials yesterday afternoon. Also, still 2 Western Grebes by the lower Tempe Town Lake dam (from Tempe Center for the Arts) > > Myron Scott > Tempe _________________________________________________________________ Windows 7: It works the way you want. Learn more. http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/windows-7/default.aspx?ocid=PID24727::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WWL_WIN_evergreen:112009v2 Subject: Re: AZ: Hawk in the 'hood From: David Stejskal <dstejskal AT COX.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:23 -0800 Birders, I just took a walk around the neighborhood and the Broad-winged Hawk was nowhere to be seen. If it shows up again, I'll let you know. Cheers, Dave Stejskal Field Guides Inc. www.fieldguides.com 800-728-4953 Subject: AZ: Scottsdale: Desert Botanical Garden: Gilded Flicker, etc. (11/18) From: "Myron L. Scott" <gaia_3 AT NETZERO.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:20:01 GMT I (and at least 3 other birders) failed to relocate the Blackburnian Warbler at Desert Botanical Garden yesterday (11/18) morning. I did notice a Gilded Flicker as well as Red-Shafteds on saguaros atop the hillside "Nature Trail" there. Also, both Blue-Gray and Black-Tailed Gnatcatchers, a male Harrier, a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet and a few Audubon's Warblers. I found Larry Langstaff's 11/17 report of Lesser Nighthawks moving from Papago Buttes toward the Salt River/Tempe Town Lake interesting, since there were nighthawks just north of the Lake along McClintock late last fall. They were around the billboard lights along the east side of McC north of the river/"lake" and south of McKellips. Here at home, a verdin was busily engaged in gathering nesting materials yesterday afternoon. Also, still 2 Western Grebes by the lower Tempe Town Lake dam (from Tempe Center for the Arts) Myron Scott Tempe Subject: AZ: Hawk in the 'hood From: David Stejskal <dstejskal AT COX.NET> Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:05:38 -0800 Hi birders, Yes, there is a rare hawk in the neighborhood (on the big Italian cypress near Ridgeway & Seneca St. in Tucson), but it's not a Short-tailed. Looks to be an imm. BROAD-WINGED HAWK, and I've got pics of the perched bird, but I'd feel better with a flight shot to eliminate imm. Red-shouldered. This was as of 7:40 this morning, 11/19/09. I'm headed back there for another look and I'll let you all know. BTW, no sign at all of the Short-tailed here by me since that original 2 Nov. sighting. Cheers, Dave Stejskal Field Guides Inc. www.fieldguides.com 800-728-4953 Subject: NM RBA for 11/19/09 From: Pinyonjay AT AOL.COM Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:04:25 EST - RBA New Mexico Bird Report November 19, 2009 NMEX0911.19 . Transcript Hotline New Mexico date: November 19, 2009 compiler Patricia R. Snider Phone: 719-46-3174 Cell phone 505-03-107 e-mail address _pinyonjay AT aol.com_ (mailto:pinyonjay AT aol.com) This is Pinyon Jay with the New Mexico Bird Report for November 19, 2009, sponsored by the New Mexico Ornithological Society. When phone numbers are given for private property, please call before going to ask for permission. In ranch country do not stray off the roads. , Highlights: White-tailed Kites, Pacific Loon, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Long-tailed Duck, Surf Scoter, Lawrence’s Goldfinches, and Black-legged Kittiwake. Montane species seem to be invading the lowlands. A star is added for new birds to the RBA today. . . Places mentioned and a checklist of N.M. birds are in the N.M. Bird Finding Guide. Check for earlier reports and database At _http://www.nmbirds.org_ (http://www.nmbirds.org/) or in the archives of the AZ/NM listserve. For photos of rarities and directions to some birding sites check _http://sites.google.com/site/oldenettelspage_ (http://sites.google.com/site/oldenettelspage) . . For the Bird Records Committee and both Field Notes please send reports to Dr. Sartor O. Williams, III, 119 Meadowview NW, Albuquerque, NM, 7104 or to _sunbittern AT earthlink.net_ (mailto:sunbittern AT earthlink.net) . . . Birds Mentioned and Counties: Light Geese (Chaves) Ross’s and Cackling Geese (San Miguel) Tundra Swan (Sierra) Wood Duck (Sierra) Surf Scoter (San Miguel) Long-tailed Duck and Barrow’s Goldeneye (San Juan) Hooded Merganser (Chaves, Colfax) Common and Red-breasted Mergansers (Colfax) Pacific Loon (Colfax) Common Loon (Colfax) Horned Grebe (Colfax) Western Grebe (Bernalillo, Cibola, Catron) Brown Pelican (Sierra) Neotropic Cormorant (*Cibola) American Bittern (Chaves) Great Egret (Cibola) White-tailed Kite (Luna, Socorro) Bald Eagle (Catron) Northern Harrier (Chaves) Harris’s Hawk (Luna) Golden Eagle (*Bernalillo) Merlin (Bernalillo, Curry, San Miguel) Peregrine Falcon (Bernalillo) Prairie Falcon (Catron) Sora (Sierra) Common Moorhen (Sierra) Sandhill Crane (Chaves, Curry) American Avocet (Luna) Least Sandpiper (Bernalillo) California Gull (Bernalillo) Black-legged Kittiwake (*Socorro) Inca Dove (Sierra, *Socorro) Great Horned and Long-eared Owls (Curry) Hammond’s Flycatcher (Sierra) Eastern Phoebe(Sierra, Socorro) Vermilion Flycatcher (Sierra) Cassin’s Vireo (Doña Ana) Steller’s Jay (San Miguel, Sierra) Blue Jay (Socorro) Western Scrub-Jay (Socorro) Mountain Chickadee (*Socorro) Juniper Titmouse (Socorro) Bridled Titmouse (Sierra) Brown Creeper (Sierra) House Wren (Curry) American Dipper (Sandoval) Eastern Bluebird (*Santa Fe) Hermit Thrush (*Doña Ana) American Robin (Sandoval) Gray Catbird (Doña Ana, *Sierra) Brown Thrasher (Bernalillo) Cedar Waxwing (*Sierra) Common Yellowthroat (Sierra) Black-chinned Sparrow (Luna) Sage Sparrow (Doña Ana, *Bernalillo) Fox Sparrow (Valencia) White-throated Sparrow (Santa Fe, Bernalillo, Sierra, *Socorro) Slate-colored Dark-eyed Junco (Bernalillo, Cibola) Pyrrhuloxia (Curry) Common Grackle (Luna) Rosy Finches (Bernalillo) Lawrence’s Goldfinch (Luna) Lesser Goldfinch ( Curry) American Goldfinch (Curry) Pine Siskin (Doña Ana) Orange Bishop escape (Doña Ana) . . In Bernalillo County: JJ on November 15 at the Alameda Bridge on the Rio Grande saw an adult winter and a probable immature CALIFORNIA GULL and a WESTERN GREBE north of the dam. LN on November 17 at the Rinconada Canyon of the Petroglyph NM west of Albuquerque saw five SAGE SPARROWS. JJ on November 15 had a SLATE-COLORED JUNCO at the Cedro Canyon Group Campground south of Tijeras. RY had a MERLIN at the UNM North Campus Area on November 5 east of the Law School. He had a PEREGRINE on November 6, near the Post Office. On November 16 he had a GOLDEN EAGLE along I-25 near the Sandia Pueblo Casino. At the Rio Grande Nature Center in Albuquerque GO, JM, and others saw a tan-striped WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and a BROWN THRASHER on November 7. GO saw the sparrow again on November 13. HS had three LEAST SANDPIPERS at the Tramway/Roy Wetlands on Fourth Street on November 12. Feeders were put up at the Crest House for the the ROSY FINCHES, 30 early ones were seen by November 6, and the SNC team has begun banding on Sundays. They did not band on November 15 due to a snowstorm. . In Catron County: CR on November 14 at Quemado Lake saw six WESTERN GREBES and an adult BALD EAGLE. He had a PRAIRIE FALCON on NM 12 east of Horse Springs. . In Chaves County: JSa on the Bitter Lake Refuge near Roswell on the November 5 count recorded 2522 light geese, one BITTERN, 22,859 CRANES, two HOODED MERGANSERS on Unit 16, and 20 HARRIERS. . In Cibola County: CR on November 14 at Acomita Lake saw four WESTERN GREBES, a GREAT EGRET, and two NEOTROPIC CORMORANTS. JO on November 17 had The two cormorants. On NM 117 at the El Malpais Visitor Center CR found a SLATE- COLORED JUNCO. . In Colfax County: JP, WW, LL, and JO on November 6 at Lake 13 on the Maxwell Refuge had a COMMON LOON, five HORNED GREBES, and all three MERGANSERS. On adjacent Stubblefield Lake there was four COMMON LOONS with one PACIFIC LOON. . In Curry County: JLo on November 3-4 at his home in southeast Curry Co. had two LONG-EARED OWLS with an AMERICAN GOLDFINCH on November 10 and a MERLIN for several days. On November 14 there were two PYRRHULOXIAS, a HOUSE WREN, a HORNED OWL, and three LESSER GOLDFINCHES. . In Doña Ana County: At their home near Radium Springs JZ and MS on November 13 had a CASSIN’S VIREO. A HERMIT THRUSH has been present for a month and may winter. DG reported an ORANGE BISHOP escape at a home in Las Cruces on November 6. He saw it November 7 (photos) by going along the ditch behind the home at 2500 Walter Lane, call the Martens at 575-523- 1681 to let them know you will be at the ditch. There were many birds there, including PINE SISKINS. MAO had a CATBIRD on November 9 in her Las Cruces yard. Call her at 575-526-1368 to see if it is still there. In Hidalgo County: County Hwy.1 south of Animas crosses the Diamond A (Gray) Ranch. Because of events with thoughtless birders, one must NOT go off the road. . In Luna County: JO on November 14 at Pancho Villa State Park near Columbus saw about ten LAWRENCE’S GOLDFINCHES. Up to 15 were there on November 15 for JP, WW, JO, and CW with a COMMON GRACKLE. At a pond south of Pancho Villa JO on November 14 found an AVOCET and two HARRIS’S HAWKS. The Avocet was there on November 15 for JP, JO, WW, and CW with three Harris’s Hawks, and a WHITE- TAILED KITE. On November 14 JO at Spring Canyon State Park near Deming saw two BLACK-CHINNED SPARROWS. . In Otero County: DG contacted the biologist at Holloman AFB on the Holloman closures. There is a beetle infestation at Lagoon G that they are trying to rid, and they don’t want anyone to spread them. One can walk past the gate to Stinky Lake, but not drive in and can still bird there. Contact David Griffin at 575-32-200 for more details. . In San Juan County: ChB on November 11 found a female LONG-TAILED DUCK and a male BARROW’S GOLDENEYE. . In San Miguel County: At the Las Vegas Refuge on November 6 JP, WW, LL, and JO had CACKLING and ROSS’S GEESE on Crane Lake. Northwest of McAllister Lake there were five STELLER’S JAYS. JP and WW on November 14 had an immature SURF SCOTER on Crane Lake and a MERLIN on the refuge. . In Sandoval County: GS on November 14 saw a DIPPER on the rocks at the Cochiti Dam spillway. RY on November 10 had a large flock of ROBINS near Santo Domingo Pueblo from the Rail Runner train, possibly along the Galisteo Creek drainage. . In Santa Fe County: At his home in north Edgewood PN on November 3 had a tan-striped WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. There were two male EASTERN BLUEBIRDS Seen on November 18. . In Sierra County: At North Monticello Point of Elephant Butte Lake DC on November 5 found one immature BROWN PELICAN still present. JO and DC had a TUNDRA SWAN present November 15. On November 13 and 15 JO saw the three BROWN PELICANS on South Highland Point of the lake. AM on November 11 and later had 30 CEDAR WAXWINGS in the area of The Ralph Edwards Park in Truth or Consequences. At the Paseo del Rio Park below the Elephant Butte dam AM on November 6 found a CATBIRD. At Percha Dam State Park JP, WW, and LL on November 7 had four INCA DOVES, three MOORHENS, one SORA, a female WOOD DUCK, a female YELLOWTHROAT, a male VERMILION FLYCATCHER, HAMMOND’S FLYCATCHER, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, one STELLER’S JAY, and up to three BRIDLED TITMICE. LL and DH had an EASTERN PHOEBE in the south woods. In Riverside Park below Caballo Dam they had a pair of WOOD DUCKS and three BROWN CREEPERS. . In Socorro County: JS at his Socorro home on November 10 to 12 had a BLUE JAY with a SCRUB JAY and a JUNIPER TITMOUSE. Another titmouse was on the NMTU campus. JO at his home near Luis Lopez south of Socorro on November 17 had up to three WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, a MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, and an INCA DOVE. JP, WW, and LL on November 7 at Bosque del Apache Refuge south of San Antonio had an EASTERN PHOEBE at the boardwalk and a WHITE- THROATED SPARROW at headquarters. BH on November 11 had a WHITE- TAILED KITE from the Boy Scout Deck, and an immature and adult white striped WHITE-THROATED SPARROW at headquarters. DB on November 14 at the south end of the Marsh Loop found a BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE (photos). . In Valencia County: LLa at her home east of the Laguna Pueblo had a dark FOX SPARROW on November 7. . . Initials of Observers: . ChB, Charles Black; DB, Doug Brown; DC, David Cleary; \SNC, Steve and Nancy Cox; DG, David Griffin; DH, David Hawksworth; BH, Bill Howe; JJ, Jim Joseph; LLa, Linda Lawrence LL, Lane Leckman; JLo, James Lofton; AM, Amy Morrison; JM, Jim Mosley; LN, Lannois Neely; PN, Paul Noble; JO, Jerry Oldenettel; MAO, Mary Anne Owen; GO, Gale Owings; JP, John Parmeter; CR, Chris Rustay; JSa, Jeff Sanchez; HS, Hans Schenk; MS, Marcy Scott; JS, John Shipman; GS, Grant Soehnel; WW, Bill Wittman; CW, Cole Wolf; RY, Rob Yaksich; and JZ, Jimmy Zabriskie. . . Field Trips: . Central Audubon in Albuquerque has Thursday field trips. All phone numbers begin with 505. No trip is planned for Thanksgiving. On December 3 to Bear (Oso) Canyon at the end of Spain with Donna Royer 869-0882; December 10 to Bernardo wildlife Area with Roger Grimshaw, 407-319-0280; Holiday Potluck and Manzano/Four Hills Open Space with Rebecca Gracey, 242-3821; no trip December 24; December 31 raptors on Torrance Co. eastern plains with Bonnie Long, 379- 1985. . Mesilla Vslley Audubon on Saturday, November 21, will bird Otero Mesa’s grasslands and Alamos Mountain. Contact is David Griffin at 575-382-2080. . Southwest Audubon on November 21 will bird at Lichty Center in the Gila Valley near Cliff. Contact is Roland Shook at 575-388-3441. . The Las Vegas Refuge will have trips on Sundays in November to the back road of the refuge (usually closed) with programs. On November 22 “South from Alaska with the Roving Ruges” a travel show with a local family. . The Cox banding team will be banding Rosy Finches at the Crest House in the Sandias on Sundays at 9:30 with the exception of the Christmas Count period. Check for snowstorms when planning to climb the mountain. . The Festival of Cranes at Bosque del Apache Refuge will be November 17-22 this fall. Details on the NMOS web page. . The Rio Grande Nature Center has morning bird walks on Sunday and Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. . Christmas Bird Counts will be listed on the NMOS web page (above) or on the New Mexico Audubon page. . . -End Transcript_[1]_ (aoldb://mail/write/template.htm#_ftn1) ____________________________________ _[1]_ (aoldb://mail/write/template.htm#_ftnref1) Subject: More details, Santa Cruz River @ Tumacocori / Santa Gertrudas Lane, Az 11/18/09 From: Jerry Bock <wditch AT DAKOTACOM.NET> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:27:24 -0700 Howdy Birdfans, Besides that stunning, cooperative but very quiet and not very active 1st year male Rose Throated Becard this morning at San Gertrudas Lane AT Tumacacori this morning, Keith Kamper & I had a few more goodies / details to pass along. The flockage that contained the becard was about 150 to 200 yards north of the stream crosssing. Other birds in the flock were a couple of vireo species, a Painted Redstart and the usual assortment of Nuthatch, Titmice, various Warblers (an American Redstart today too!!!)and Vireos, Kinglets and Bewick's Wren. In order to see the becard, I might suggest giving any flock down there plenty of patience and time since the becard was particularly quiet and sluggish today. We were fortunate to catch a glimpse of a slight movement of the bird. In the 20 to 30 minutes we observed the becard it moved only slightly a few times within 12 or so inches from it's original spot. Nearby we also had a calling female Hepatic Tanager. A brief visit at the berry grove along the lane produced Western & Mountain Bluebirds, Crissal Thrasher and a few American Robins. We really didn't give the Rufous Backed Robin any amount of time to see if it was around. 61 species for the day with a shorter early afternoon walk north of the Tubac Bridge included in that total. wallowing about Jerry Bock Colognia Bolognia Tucson, Az Subject: Parker area - Albino/Leucistic Gull - 11/15/09 From: Jake Mohlmann <mohlmann2 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:53:30 -0800 birders- sorry for the belated post as internet has eluded me until now... 3 days ago on 11/15/09 I almost had a heart-attack when a snow-white gull flew into a flooded field full of hundreds of birds I was observing south of Parker, AZ (exact location belew). Many "HOLY S AT #!S" were spewed before the bird landed amongst a few Ring-billed Gulls and its size was made apparent. The best conclusion I came to was that this bird was an albino or leuistic Ring-billed Gull. Given the bird was the same size as a Ring-billed (our smallest white-headed gull) and shared many characteristics other than pigment I felt this was the only conclusion. I've posted photos to our blog as well as some more description: adventurebirding.blogspot.com If I'm wrong and this turns out to be something more interesting please let me know. Your thoughts are welcome. I'm not sure of the occurrence of such gulls in Arizona. Anyone seen these 'things' around? exact location: turn west off Mojave Rd. when you see a sign for 'Ahakhav Tribal Preserve. This is a few minutes drive south of Parker. The field to the south as soon as you cross the canal was flooded. This field will most likely already be drained, but these birds will just move around to the next flooded field, wherever that may be... other birds of note in this field: ferruginous hawk - 2 mountain bluebird - 1 greater white-fronted goose - 6 - circled a couple of times then flew south prairie falcon - 1 california gull - 10 cheers, Jake Mohlmann Tucson, AZ www.adventurebirding.com Subject: AZ:11/18/09:Sweetwater Wetlands From: "Clifford A. Cathers" <azcliffy AT Q.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:09:01 -0700 I went back to Sweetwater Wetlands in Tucson this morning to try out a new Canon lens I had purchased and decided to spend a little time with the LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHes that have been hanging out near the bridge. The light went from perfect to marginal in about 30 minutes, but I got a few decent shots. This species is among my favorites here in the desert southwest and if you're interested in a few amateur shots, they're at: http://www.economybirding.com/Ophotos02.html I saw practically everyone I know this morning (!) at the wetlands (good to see everyone) and I didn't even carry my binoculars but I did see TOWNSEND'S WARBLER, the continuing YELLOW WARBLER in the bridge cottonwood and the normal assortment of species (gotta love those BLUE-WINGED TEAL). SORA's normally invisible but vocal, flushed away from me and across open water three separate times. The LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHes are coming down to the water in waves of 10-15 birds about every 15 minutes. As many as 50-60 are in the bridge cottonwood at any time, foraging among the quaking leaves. Clifford A. Cathers Economy Birding Services, Inc. "Quality Birding With Your Budget in Mind" http://www.economybirding.com Budget Bird Guiding for the Desert Southwest AZCliffy AT q.com Subject: FW: AZ: San Rafael Valley Raptors From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:52:40 -0700 From the Tucson Audubon Society's RBA voice mail at 520-798-1005 X 1 David West and Sylvia Foster reported several raptors from along Forest Road 58 today: An immature Golden Eagle, an adult White-tailed Kite, and a bird that is so exceptional and unexpected this time of year in the US and AZ as to merit careful documentation, an immature Mississippi Kite. Happy Birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZ Subject: Fw: Rufous-capped Warbler in Florida Canyon 11/18/09 From: donald burk <burk32cats AT COX.NET> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:45:53 -0700 From: donald burk Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 2:58 PM To: birdwgo5 AT listserve.arizona.edu Subject: Rufous-capped Warbler in Florida Canyon 11/18/09 At approx. 10:30 am this morning, 11/18/09, I observed a Rufous-capped Warbler feeding in the dry, cotton weed on the east side of the dry creek......approx. 100 ft. upstream from the sharp left turn in the creek (100 yds. above the dam). The bird was visible for 1 to 2 mins., then flew across the creek and moved further upstream on the west side, vocalizing as it moved. I was able to get a number of good photos, but not then able to keep contact with it. Good birding D. Wayne Burk Green Valley Subject: Pink-Sided Junco-- Elfrida From: Ed Henley <SpeshilEd AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:30:42 EST Hi All, I had a pink -sided Junco mixed in with my house Finches at my Feeding area Today, That's a first for my place. Thanks, Ed Henley Hedges Rd. Elfrida Subject: FW: Ancient Murrelet "next door" From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:06:15 -0700 This is over the state line and all but sufficiently rare and close that I thought it might be of interest and not too far off topic. Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZ Subject: Ancient Murrelet at Salton Sea From: Bob Miller Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:40:48 -0500 (EST) Hi all, Just got a call (11:35am) from Eric Duerkop at the Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR. A Steve A.(unknown last name) posted on their sightings list this morning an Ancient Murrelet on the Salton Sea. Eric went out and confirms that there is one Ancient Murrelet just off of the sea wall at the north dead end of Lack Road, where the sea wall turns east, which is just south of Obsidian Butte and north of the intersection with Lindsey Road on the SE side of the Salton Sea. Funny thing is that, to my understanding, Ancient Murrelet are the only Alcids ever recorded at the Salton Sea and rarely at that! (!__!) (0V0) HAPPY BIRDING {}~~{} BOB MILLER ='''='''== Subject: AZ: 11/18/09 Tumacacori ROSE-THROATED BECARD From: Jo Smith <josmithgv AT COX.NET> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:38:00 -0800 This morning (11/18) I walked the gated Anza trail 100-150 yards north of Santa Gertrudis Lane in Tumacacori where I spotted the ROSE-THROATED BECARD AT 9:30 among some Bridled Titmice in a large tree on the left which contained small red berries (Hackberry?). I marked the spot with a discarded Anza trail sign. After observing the bird for a few minutes, the Becard flew east toward the river. I crossed back over to the river side trail at this point and came out at the clearing where the old refrigerator is located. Other sightings this AM: --Rio Rico: Great Egret, White-faced Ibis (2), Vermilian Flycatcher --Ag fields south of Tumacacori: Peregrine Falcon --Gertrudis Lane: Crissal Thrasher, Hermit Thrush --No. of Tubac Bridge: Plumbeous Vireo, Red-naped Sapsucker, Song Sparrow --Amado Pond: Lark Bunting Good Birding, Robert Smith Green Valley Subject: Video of Foraging Louisiana Waterthrush on the San Pedro River-11/18/09 From: Rick and Ricki Thompson <rixandzax AT AOL.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:47:19 -0700 This waterthrush was first reported several days ago by Stuart Healy and again yesterday by Erika Wilson in the river just south of sign #7. This morning (11/18/09) I had ~20 minutes with the bird between 0830 and 0900 and was able to capture several minutes of video. The 1.5-minute piece linked to here is from the closest point to the bird. The YouTube link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB4_VbwXceA Please watch in the HQ mode if possible. Rick Thompson Sierra Vista AZ Subject: AZ: Tucson: KERP birding guidelines--no sightings From: Kendall Kroesen <kkroesen AT TUCSONAUDUBON.ORG> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:28:17 -0700 Birders, There has been some discussion here about the rules for birder access at KERP (Kino Environmental Restoration Project), located adjacent to Sam Lena Park north of Ajo Way and west of Country Club Road. County officials have now spelled out guidelines for birding there. Please see http://www.kinosportscomplex.com/kerp_birdwatching.html. Please read the guidelines. One of the primary rules is to stay on the path around the perimeter of KERP, and do not go through the railings to walk on the maintenance trails inside the area. There are links and phone numbers on the page for more information. There is also a link to the guidelines under the "KERP" tab at the Kino Sports Complex home page at www.kinosportscomplex.com/index.html, and Tucson Audubon soon will be getting links to this information up on our newly redesigned website at www.tucsonaudubon.org . A big thanks to Pima County staff for working with us on this issue. Kendall Kroesen Tucson Audubon Society Subject: SEAZ: ROSE-THROATED BECARD at tumacacori 11-18 From: Keith Kamper <spindalis AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:52:06 CST Jerry Bock and I, with several othe birders observed a first fall male Rose-throated Becard about 100 yards north of the Santa Gertrudis Lane river crossing on the west side of the river. Also present was an American Restart, a female type. Keith Kamper Subject: LCRV: Lake Havasu City to Topock Marsh From: Lauren Harter <lbharter AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:34:10 -0700 Yesterday (17 Nov) I spent the morning birding the Colorado R. from Rotary Park in Lake Havasu City to Catfish Paradise on Topock Marsh. Not much of interest to report! On the beach at Rotary Park, all the gulls were Ring-billed. Among the gulls, though, were 11 AMERICAN AVOCETS (listed in Rosenberg et al. as rare in mid-November). A Peregrine Falcon cruised by very high overhead. I checked Lake Havasu from various vantage points on the "island" and a viewpoint just north of Mesquite Point. I had a total of 3 Red-breasted Mergansers and 16(ish) Common Loons. One loon seen from north of Mesquite Point looked good for Pacific, but was too distant to tell for sure. By the time I got to Topock Marsh, landbirds were quiet. I checked the New South Dike and Catfish Paradise without much luck. Good birding, Lauren Harter Subject: Oracle Gray Catbird, another appearance From: G L BRADLEY <glbradley53 AT MSN.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:55:01 -0700 Hello All This morning at about 08:10 (18 November 2009) the Gray Catbird first observed and photographed on 14 November was seen again briefly in the oaks of my front yard. It landed momentarily on our birdbath then was frightened off by a herd of Javelina that moved through. Good Birding, George ------------------------ The outstanding scientific discovery of the twentieth century is not television, or radio, but rather the complexity of the land organism. Only those who know the most about it can appreciate how little we know about it. The last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant: "What good is it?" If the land mechanism as a whole is good, then every part is good, whether we understand it or not. If the biota, in the course of aeons, has built something we like but do not understand, then who but a fool would discard seemingly useless parts? To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering. Aldo Leopold: Round River Subject: SEAZ: Amado Pond Gray Hawk 11/17/09 From: Peter Collins <pcollins AT HOUSTONE.COM> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:12:13 -0700 Amado Pond 11/17/2009 Yesterday on the way down and back to Tubac I made 2 quick stops at the Amado Pond. On the second noon time stop there was an adult GRAY HAWK soaking up the noon sun on the top of a large metal light pole near the intersection just past (east) the northbound on ramp to I19. Other birds on the pond proper then included a couple of Vermilion Fly Catchers, Lark Buntings and an Am. Pipit. In Tubac highlights included a White-winged Dove and Plumbeous Vireo on the road from the Deli to the river. Peter Collins Vail, AZ Subject: Patagonia and beyond 11/16-17, 2010 From: Melody Kehl <outdoor1 AT COX.NET> Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:36:01 -0700 A tough couple days in the field, but still some nice birds to share. San Rafael Grasslands: McCown's and Chestnut-collared Longspurs. . . tough to find, just a gift from the great Birding God. . . found along the fence line near Vaca Ranch. Baird's Sparrow around the little pond on the hill at the west corner of the valley. Harshaw Creek Road: Montezuma Quail. . . again a gift from the Great Birding God. Rio Rico Ponds: If you ever want to really see a Wilson's Snipe now is the time. One lonely White-faced Ibis, a couple Long-billed Dowitchers. Santa Gertrudis Lane: NO Rufous-backed Robin. We did see the Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Crissal Thrasher. Again, the Great Birding God rained a couple Lawrence's Goldfinches for a two second look. Montosa Canyon: was as quiet as I have ever seen it. However, thanks to the sharp eyes of the back seat. . . we saw two coveys of Montezuma Quail along the roadside. Eastern and Western Bluebirds seem to be everywhere. They have been in every area visited the last two days. One more note I wanted to share was the continuing Greater Roadrunner at 8000 feet in the Catalina Mountains. This was the second time I have seen a roadrunner in the area of Mt Bigelow. Seems so far out of range. Melody Kehl http://www.melodysbirding.com Subject: Phoenix:Desert Botanical Garden Lesser Nighthawk yes, blackburnian warbler no 11/17/09 From: Larry Langstaff <foglark AT COX.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:08:56 -0700 I dropped into the garden after work today, just before sunset, but realized I had gotten too late a start. It was cool and shady there. Little activity in the pond area. All I saw were cactus wrens, Abert's towhees, Northern mockingbirds and Gambel's quail. Pishing pulled no warblers out of the brush. I heard a yellow-rumped in the trees near the parking lot on the way in. But I looked toward the setting sun and the Buttes west of the Garden as I was leaving, and saw two groups of three lesser nighthawks fly east from there toward the Salt River/Tempe Town Lake! Third time I've seen them in the last three before-sunset visits I have made there. Larry Langstaff Chandler Subject: Sweetwater Wetlands - November 17 From: Pat <pgoltz AT SEGHEA.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:06:41 -0700 Folks, I did go back to Sweetwater Wetlands today, and saw some different birds. I was there from about 1:30 to 3:30 PM. American Wigeons (in what I think is a recharge pond, one of those flat ponds out in the open) Blue-winged Teal (which is what I should have said yesterday instead of green-winged) American Coot (saw yesterday, too) Common Moorhen Yellow-headed Blackbirds (a huge flock flying back and forth; didn't get a single decent shot) Red-shafted Flicker (beautiful red underwings in flight, but couldn't get a picture) in three locations, and heard the call Northern Shoveler (lots of them as always) Black Phoebe (was sitting out in the open for many pictures; unfortunately none turned out sharp) Hummingbird (just a silhouette, so can't tell you what kind) Verdin Yellow Warbler Yellow Rumped Warbler White-crowned Sparrow (yesterday, I said "Warbler", but I think that is incorrect) Another immature grosbeak, same location as yesterday: by the bridge And a couple of other ducks I'm not sure about, probably because they're females. Yesterday, I met Andrew Core, who identified a bird I heard as a Marsh Wren. I didn't see it. Question: I saw a blackbird that had prominent white on the underwings in flight; it was all I saw. What kind would that be? Talked to a birder who said she heard there was a golden eagle there, but she said it turned out to be an immature bald eagle. Also, didn't see the Blackpoll Warbler, and neither had anyone else. Also: Turtle (in two places; got pictures) Black wasp with golden wings Sulfur Butterfly Dragonflies I'm considering going to Agua Caliente tomorrow, if I have the energy. Pat Goltz Subject: AZ: Sulfur Springs Valley, a few rarities From: Duane Nelson <duanenelson1 AT COX.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:44:42 -0700 11/17/09 At Whitewater Draw: a single Cattle Egret. At Willcox/Cochise Lake: 1 Ross's goose, 1 Bonaparte's gull and 1 Ring-billed gull Subject: Wrong Robin From: Leanna Shaberly <Bendires60 AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:57:19 -0700 Hello all- For several week this fall, I've been hearing the single note that I associate with a robin. Once I definitely saw a Bendire's give it. And with the Curve-billed Thrasher also a good mimic, when I hear a strange bird song or call, I never assume what it is until I can see the bird. After seeing/hearing a Curve-billed sit on top of a saguaro and give a fabulous Killdeer call many years ago, I don't fully trust my ears out here. So hearing a 'robin' for the last several weeks has really stroked my curiosity. Today, just after noon, I was doing some cleaning in my garage and boy that single note robin call really sounded close, so I turned around to look for it. And just 8 ft. or so away from me, there's an American Robin that's found a left over worm from earlier this morning. I slowly moved to the video camera and managed to get several minutes of pictures. I'll confess that I tried and tried and tried, but I just could not find any reddish brown on the back. It showed its back to me quite a bit. It was not scared when I threw more worms out to it, or when a Curve-billed Thrasher joined it. I'm glad the roadrunner wasn't around. Later the robin was in one of my White-thorne Acacias, but I was never able to get a clear still shot of it. I'll have to keep an eye out for it, now that I know it's really a robin. I've had robins around over the years. One year I had a flock of 20 or so, but that was before I was feeding worms. I don't think a robin or group of them has ever stayed for more than a couple of days. Leanna South Phoenix Subject: AZ: The Miller House of Mesa, Brewer's Blackbird, 11-17. From: Jay Miller <arizonajay23 AT COX.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:43:55 -0700 Today, 11-17., I finally got my first BRBL here ever. I was expecting it for some time and I'm sure I've had them pass by in large flocks of Yellow-Headed and Red-Winged Blackbirds undetected. It was on a tower with European Starlings, a beautiful shinny male with striking white eyes. I grew up with BRBL and miss them. Yardbird #143 and my 100th for the year. I believe the Ruddy Ground-Dove has moved on after not seeing it yesterday or today, but I might have missed it. Jay Miller Mesa, AZ Subject: AZ:11/17/09:Sweetwater Wetlands & More From: "Clifford A. Cathers" <AZCliffy AT Q.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:42:52 -0700 My friend John Harned and I were casual birding today in various areas in and around Tucson. Our original plan of a week ago was to head up Reddington Pass today and that we did. What we didn't plan for was a gusty, coolish wind and tons of dust. We aborted the mission several miles into our trip and headed to Sweetwater Wetlands by mid-morning. A beautiful juvenile-plumaged (vertical breast streaks) PEREGRINE FALCON was along Tanque Verde Road east of Wentworth. Sweetwater Wetlands was packed with people at 10:30 AM, with two school buses, a parking lot full of cars, and overflow parking in the street stretching about 15 cars long. As Rich Hoyer posted, there were about six of us on the south dike at 11:00 AM when the BLACKPOLL WARBLER flew in from the willows along the ponds right past John and I and settled into a mesquite. John and I were a little further along and got excellent views intially on the back side of the mesquite. We then moved back with the other observers as the bird worked toward us all and it eventually flushed back across the path into the willows, pausing several times in photogenic poses, though none of us had a suitable camera (!). I have to say this is an interesting bird, what with droopy wings and a cocked tail. All the field marks were there, but as John so accurately observed, this bird "looks like a fall warbler with the field marks from a bunch of other fall warblers" all taped together. Thanks to everyone for finding and reporting on this bird, this was my third state eastern warbler in as many weeks! Other birds at Sweetwater included TWONSEND'S, YELLOW and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERs, GREEN HERON, all three teal, CANVASBACK, SORA, BELTED KINGFISHER, flyover WESTERN BLUEBIRDs and a mess of LAWRENCE'S GOLDFINCHes in the regular spot near the bridge among lots of other species. John and I tried the Roger Road Wastewater Treatment Facility and found only INCA DOVEs though I tried to make a dirt clod into a ground-dove unsuccessfully. Clifford A. Cathers Economy Birding Services, Inc. "Quality Birding With Your Budget in Mind" http://www.economybirding.com Budget Bird Guiding for the Desert Southwest AZCliffy AT q.com Subject: Townsend's Warbler PHOTO Fort Lowell Park Tucson 11/17/09 From: Tom Ryan <tgryan AT COX.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:21:35 -0700 Hello Again, I found this warbler at the far end (west) of the cottonwood rows. The bird was in the last large cottonwood tree (north) early this morning around 8:30, and from 2:00 thru 3:30 this afternoon. The bird was still present when I left. I also spotted wilson's, orange-crowned, and yellow, but no sign of the MAG...tom Click on "view larger" for the BIG picture. http://www.redbubble.com/people/tomryan/art/4150252-1-townsends-warbler# Subject: Tucson Blackpoll Warbler, Osprey From: Rich Hoyer <birdernaturalist AT ME.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:22:54 -0700 Tuesday, November 17 Hi All, The BLACKPOLL WARBLER at Sweetwater Wetlands in the usual place for about 10 minutes starting at 10:58 this morning. I had been watching the bushes for about 1/2 hour with at least 4 other birders when it was suddenly there, amongst the Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Verdins. There was also a female Townsend's and a Black- throated Gray in the same area. The Blackpoll was mostly foraging at or just above eye-level and was not making any sounds. It was first in the mesquites on the south side of the trail, then worked its way to the willows, then was chased by a Yellow-rumped Warbler. I think it's best to just look at all the birds there, take your time, and it helps to have multiple pairs of eyes searching. It's not terribly conspicuous. When I arrived at Sweetwater, an OSPREY was flying around the recharge basins. Gavin later told me he saw the BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER at the hidden pond, which might have been around 11:30 or so. Good Birding, Rich --- Rich Hoyer Tucson, Arizona http://birdernaturalist.blogspot.com/ Senior Leader for WINGS http://wingsbirds.com --- Subject: AZ: American Crow, etc. - Sulphur Springs Vly From: Alan Miller <tyrannulet AT MSN.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:22:08 -0700 Sulphur Springs Valley - 17 November 2009 We had +10 AMERICAN CROW on Moore Road at the pecan groves north of Courtland Road at 9:30 AM. They are harvesting cotton in the area, and perhaps this attracted the numerous crows and Chihuahuan Ravens. Having the crows and ravens in close proximity permitted interesting and informative comparisons. We also had 1 SAGE SPARROW on Rucker Canyon Road east of Bell Road. This was one of those gratifying days when our field guide put us right on our sought after birds. The TAS “Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona” accurately predicted that AMERICAN CROW was sometimes found in the nut orchards on Moore Road (page 137), and that SAGE SPARROW might be seen on Rucker Canyon (page 140). For directions to the areas in Sulphur Springs Valley being referenced, see the TAS field guide. Ann & Alan Miller Sierra Vista Subject: AZ: Ftn. Hills Lake Hooded Mergansers 11/17 From: JERRY PAVLOCK <jerrypatti AT MSN.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:03:45 -0700 Birders, Two quick stops at Ftn. Hills Lake around noon rewarded me with these: North end of lake: Twenty Hooded Mergansers South end of lake: Twelve W. Meadowlarks, six Am. Pipits, a pair W. Bluebirds J. Allen Ftn. Hills, AZ Subject: Fw: AZ, Pinal Co., Santa Cruz Flats From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:58:28 -0700 ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Pearson" Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 3:43 PM Subject: AZ, Pinal Co., Santa Cruz Flats Anand Arya and I birded the Santa Cruz Flats today (17 Nov. 2009), and we found NO Mountain Plovers. The highlights were: -11 Crested Caracaras at Buamgartner and La Osa Ranch Road -single Lewis' Woodpecker continuing in the dead pecan trees at Baumgartner and La Osa Ranch Road -4 Sandhill Cranes flying high over Baumgartner Road at Picacho Hwy. -20+ White-throated Swifts over Green Reservoir Rd and Picacho Hwy. -a pair of Rudy Ground-Doves at Green Reservoir Rd and Overfield -65+ Lawrence's Goldfinches in a single flock at Green Reservoir and Sunland Gin Rd. David L. Pearson School of Life Sciences Arizona State University Tempe AZ 85287-4501 dpearson at asu.edu Subject: AZ: HAS Trip, San Pedro Riparian NCA--17 Nov 09 From: Erika Wilson <terika88 AT COX.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:26:44 -0700 Hi, birders, Six HAS members and five guests (OR, AK, BC, & ONT) had a good walk around the San Pedro House loop this morning. Billed as a winter sparrow walk, it was a flop, but we did have a few good birds on our short tally of 41 species. San Pedro Riparian NCA--17 Nov 09 Raptors: Sharp-shinned Hawk (1), Cooper's Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (3), and American Kestrel (1). Hard to credit, but we missed N. Harrier! Land birds of interest: Marsh Wren (1) at Kingfisher Pond; Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (1) at Garden Wash; LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (1) on the San Pedro River (just south of #7 marker); and Lark Bunting (1). Sparrows: we had ten species, including towhees, but the individual counts were all less than ten birds/species except for White-crowned Sparrow. It was a lot of work to get one Green-tailed Towhee, one Lark Bunting, one Lincoln Sparrow... Cheers, Erika Wilson (Sierra Vista, AZ) Subject: Tucson: Fort Lowell Park From: Mark Stevenson <drbrdr AT WORLDNET.ATT.NET> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:27:28 -0700 Hi Birders, I visited the park this morning for a few hours. In Cottonwood Lane, the highlights were Yellow, Wilson's and Townsend's warblers. An odd-looking bird came zagging in toward the pond and, sure enough, it was a Double-crested Cormorant. A new location bird for me. No Wood Duck today for me. Over on the east end was a single White-winged Dove. 22 Killdeer on the fields were surprisingly quiet until the utility cart came thru. W Bluebirds were eating mistletoe berries in the east-most cottonwood. There is water in the pond there, but no flow in the stream. Some men were working on the pump. At McCormick Park I looked for sapsuckers yesterday afternoon and mid-morning today w/o success. Wiley birds are probably still around. Three Vermilions, a Say's Phoebe, and several W Bluebirds were the highlights. Good birding, Mark Stevenson Tucson, AZ Subject: Fwd: AZ: Crested Caracara in Chandler From: John Yerger <john AT ADVENTUREBIRDING.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:18:10 -0700 Forwarded from the TAS Rare Bird Alert email (rarebirdalert AT tucsonaudubon.org): Wanda and Jim McCoy of S.C. report a CRESTED CARACARA fly-by at Veteran's Oasis Park in Chandler on 15 November 2009. They were at the Hummingbird/Butterfly display at the time. They also noted a "pinkish bill and more yellow tone to his neck and upper chest", indicating that it is probably an immature bird. Good birding, John Yerger Tucson, AZ Subject: Re: Birds at the Suet Feeder From: Richard Messenger <vagabondbirder AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:02:24 -0800 I've been quite surprised to see many of the same birds at my suet feeder on Mt Lemon.  The greatest surprise so far has  been a Ruby-crowned Kinglet.   Good Birding Richard Messenger  The Vagabond Birder Wherever the RV is parked --- On Mon, 11/16/09, Phyllis B. Martin wrote: From: Phyllis B. Martin Subject: [BIRDWG05] Birds at the Suet Feeder To: BIRDWG05 AT LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU Date: Monday, November 16, 2009, 1:33 PM Apologies to the gentleman who asked about the subject - deleted the e-mails with his name but here is our report from Mesa. We put up our suet feeder to deter House Finches and Gila Woodpeckers from hogging the hummingbird feeders.  To date we have had the following either on the suet or pecking at the leavings on the ground beneath the feeder: Cactus Wrens - Abert's Towhees - Flickers - Curve-billed Thrashers - House Finches - Gila Woodpeckers - Mourning & White-winged Doves - Gambel's Quail - Mockingbirds - Great-tailed Grackles - Yellow-rumped Warblers - White-crowned & House Sparrows. Hope this is of some help to you. Phyllis & Adam Martin Mesa, AZ Subject: se AZ: Sweetwater Wetlands BALD EAGLE From: Andrew Core <andrewcore AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:32:58 -0700 Hi y'all, A correction to my previous post, it was a juvenile BALD EAGLE that was at Sweetwater Wetlands this morning (11-17). John Yerger and Morgan Jackson noticed all the ducks in the recharge basins take off, and saw the eagle actually landed in the shallow water. When I got there it was in a distant eucalyptus in the golf course south of the river. It then flew back over Sweetwater and landed in one of the tall dead trees at Roger Road WWRF where we were able to get better looks at it. The last Bald Eagle to frequent the area was an adult that returned for 3 years and a spent a lot of time along the river north of Cortaro (2000-2001) and at Silverbell Lake in Columbus Park (2002), though it ranged widely over northwest Tucson. Sadly, it was found electrocuted 2/25/02 near a utility pole northeast of La Cańada Dr. and Ina Rd. Here are some pictures from this morning: http://bit.ly/44jfSG (ID points to note are the white axillaries under the wing, the very large bill, and a few white feathers coming in on the head.) Pretty cool! I hope it sticks around. Andrew PS - As I mentioned earlier, the BLACKPOLL WARBLER continues in the same spot south of the gazebo pond, though I did not see it. The late Yellow Warbler is still in the cottonwood by the bridge. No word on the Chestnut-sided, Black-and-white, or possible Palm Warblers. I don't think anyone has reported seeing the Tennessee Warbler for a while. Lawrence's Goldfinches are still coming in to get drinks and take baths by the bridge. -- Andrew Core Tucson, AZ Subject: Re: Roadrunner on Speedway, Tucson 11-17-09 From: chris mccreedy <cristofolos AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:02:41 -0700 Haha, there have been some other roadrunner sightings on campus of late as well. It must have been on a Circle K run. On Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 11:42 AM, vivian mac kinnon wrote: > Birdsters, > > No foolin' there I was FLYING to work (late as usual...) when from the north side of the road a famiiar shape started across 6 lanes, beep-beep! This was midway between Mountain and Park... > > I swerved into the fast lane and screeched to a halt stopping traffic and giving him time to leap to the median, not sure how he fared on the far side but hopefully he made it onto U of A campus! > > Glad I always bird while driving! > Virtual Vivian > > > > Subject: Roadrunner on Speedway, Tucson 11-17-09 From: vivian mac kinnon <arcvivian AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:42:52 -0800 Birdsters, No foolin' there I was FLYING to work (late as usual...) when from the north side of the road a famiiar shape started across 6 lanes, beep-beep! This was midway between Mountain and Park... I swerved into the fast lane and screeched to a halt stopping traffic and giving him time to leap to the median, not sure how he fared on the far side but hopefully he made it onto U of A campus! Glad I always bird while driving! Virtual Vivian Subject: Sweetwater Northern Shrikes From: Jim Wolf <jimwolf AT WBHSI.COM> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:09:53 -0700 Since I do not have any photos and Northerns are so rare down here, I will retract my siting and change them to Loggerheads. I sure wish I had had my camera so someone could help me either confirm our ID or point out where I went wrong. Jim Wolf