September 04: Jon Dunn on his recently completed tour, Arizona: Second Spring
We experienced a weak monsoon this year and the lack of rain meant warmer than normal temperatures. Still we saw nearly all of the expected species, more than 200 in all, and a few surprises; highlights included a pair of Rose-throated Becards nesting along the Santa Cruz River near Tumacocori National Monument, a cooperative male Elegant Trogon in Madera Canyon, Five-striped Sparrow in Box Canyon, five Black-capped Gnatcatchers around the Santa Rita Mountains, eleven species of hummingbirds including a half dozen Lucifer Hummingbirds, a pair of Montezuma Quail, excellent views of both Crissal and Bendire’s Thrasher, Rufous-capped Warbler, and dozens (mostly adult males) of Lazuli Buntings. A Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Green Valley) and a Groove-billed Ani (Whitewater Draw) were rarities for Arizona. Non avian highlights included a family of Ringtails, a White-nosed Coati, a Black-tailed Rattlesnake, Pronghorn, many lizards, and a Western Diamondback.
Female Rose-throated Becard at nest
Male Elegant Trogon
Black-capped Gnatcatcher
Lucifer Hummingbird
Montezuma Quail
Crissal Thrasher
Rufous-capped Warbler
Groove-billed Ani
Black-tailed Rattlesnake
Pronghorn
Posted: September 04, 2018