We were happy to welcome Brian Finch to Tucson this past weekend, where he was able to do a little birding in habitats  sometimes surprisingly similar to his usual haunts in Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Brian at Catalina State Park. Photo: Rick Wright.

Catalina State Park produced Woodhouse’s (Western Scrub-) Jay and noisy Crissal Thrashers; best of all were two Steller’s Jays, part of what is shaping up to be a nice lowland invasion here in southeast Arizona.

Steller's Jay in mesquite at Catalina State Park. Photo: Rick Wright.

Brian also visited the Patagonia area with Gavin Bieber and Jake Mohlmann; that day’s considerable highlights included Baird’s Sparrow and a vagrant Palm Warbler.

Safe travels home, Brian, and see you next time!