Limosa Holidays Trip Report
Arizona
“WILD WEST” BIRDING
Mon 25 Apr–Sat 7 May 2016
____________________________________________________________________________
Arizona highlights (Clockwise from top left): Gila Woodpecker • Red-faced Warbler • Vermilion Flycatcher •
Yellow-eyed Junco • Montezuma Quail • Elf Owl. Photos © Chris Charlesworth
Report compiled by tour leader:
Chris Charlesworth
____________________________________________________________________________
© Limosa Holidays
Limosa Trip Report
Arizona 25 April-7 May 2016
Arizona | “Wild West” Birding
Leader – Chris Charlesworth
Tour participants – Harry Baillie, Tim & Janet Dean, John Durell, Barbara Greatorex, John & Lynne Hunt,
John Lockwood.
April 26
I met up with the group of six flying in from the UK in the evening on Apr 25, and this completed our group
of eight, as John and Lynne had also done the Texas tour with me. Weather this morning was lovely with
nothing but sunny skies and temperatures hovering in the 20s. We made our way to the Riparian
Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch and spent a couple of hours exploring this fantastic spot. A series of
ponds here attract waterbirds, which are not particularly easy to find at other locations on this tour.
Shorebirds were about in numbers with Long-billed Dowitchers, Least, Western, Spotted and Solitary
sandpipers, Black-necked Stilts, American Avocets and Killdeer all seen quite well. Wading birds noted
here included Great Blue Herons, Great and Snowy egrets, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron
and White-faced Ibis all noted. For waterfowl, in addition to Mallard, we had two pairs of Cinnamon Teal,
a few Northern Shoveler and a couple of Canada Geese, a species not all that easy to get on this
particular tour. One of the more interesting birds we found at the water ranch was a single Western
Grebe, while we saw a couple of Pied-billed Grebes as well. Neotropic Cormorants were about in good
numbers, though I couldn’t pick out any Double-crested Cormorants. Overhead we saw both Vaux’s and
White-throated swifts among the Violet-green, Cliff, Barn and Northern Rough-winged swallows. We had
an adult Peregrine Falcon that tried unsuccessfully to catch swallows on the wing. A few migrants flitted
about in the trees and included Yellow and Wilson’s warblers, Western Wood-Pewee, Western Tanager
and Lazuli Bunting. Abert’s Towhee showed off quite well and Green-tailed Towhees made brief but much
appreciated appearances. We had several Black-chinned Hummingbirds here, including a male that put
on quite a display show for a hidden female. Near the parking lot a grove of stately Saguaro Cacti
attracted several Gila Woodpeckers and we also noted our first Verdin here. Desert Cottontails were quite
numerous this morning and we caught a glimpse of a Hispid Cotton Rat as well.
After an action-packed morning at the water ranch we carried on east of Phoenix, past the Superstition
Mountains, then had to make a little detour due to a road closure. The detour took us to the city of
Florence where we had lunch. A couple of quick stops before lunch, mostly to look for Harris’s Hawks,
offered up viewing opportunities for a nice group of lingering Lark Buntings! Also new for the trip list, was
an Ash-throated Flycatcher. Several tiny Round-tailed Ground Squirrels showed off here as well. After
lunch we carried on and eventually enjoyed excellent views of Harris’s Hawk.
We spent the remainder of the afternoon exploring Aravaipa Canyon, a scenic place studded with giant
Saguaros and ragged rocky cliffs. Birding was sensational here this afternoon and we enjoyed watching
several raptor species including a Common Black Hawk on a nest and a Zone-tailed Hawk that soared
by, doing its best Turkey Vulture (TV) imitation. We had views here of Plumbeous Vireo as well as the
rather drab Bell’s Vireo, while stunningly colorful birds like Vermilion Flycatcher and Hooded Oriole stole
the show. Olive-sided Flycatchers, Cassin’s and Western kingbirds and Brown-crested Flycatchers also
appeared on cue. A tiny Black-tailed Gnatcatcher appeared in the bushes and was seen by all and some
caught a glimpse of Lark Sparrow. As the afternoon wore on we began the journey to Tucson and arrived
at our hotel just before 6 PM. We had a nice dinner at a nearby pub before retreating for the night.
April 27
At 6:30 AM we made our way to Agua Caliente Park in Tucson for a little birding before breakfast. The
park was bustling with bird life this morning and we saw quite a nice selection of species, beginning with a
male Lesser Goldfinch. Next, we caught up with Lucy’s Warblers and soon thereafter, a very confiding
Northern Beardless Tyrannulet. Vermilion Flycatchers, stunning as they are, are almost becoming blasé
as they are fairly common in this part of the world and we saw several this morning including gorgeous
males, females and immatures. An adult female Cooper’s Hawk sat atop a dead eucalyptus tree and
caught the warmth of the morning sun. Good numbers of migrant Chipping Sparrows were noted here at
Agua Caliente this morning, but the real highlights were yet to come. One of North America’s most
boisterous wrens, the Cactus Wren, put on a nice show for us this morning as it called from atop a
Saguaro Cactus. This turned out to be the ‘bird of the day’ for some. A male Pyrrhuloxia sang incessantly
2 • © Limosa Holidays
Limosa Trip Report
Arizona 25 April-7 May 2016
as we snapped photos of him, and to finish things off a Greater Roadrunner pranced in front of us with a
lizard dangling from his bill. What a morning, and all this before breakfast!
We were entertained as we ate breakfast, while bee-keepers moved a swarm of bees from a palm frond
next to the pool. Once the bees had settled down and we had eaten our breakfast we set off for a day in
the Catalina Mountains. Our first stop was at the Cypress Picnic Area where new birds came fast and
furious, beginning with the comical Acorn Woodpecker. Soon thereafter we spotted our first Grace’s
Warbler, then White-breasted Nuthatch and a noisy group of Mexican Jays. A Bridled Titmouse showed
nicely, as did a House Wren, all new trip birds. Tim pointed out our first Yellow-eyed Junco as it hopped
on the ground, oblivious to our presence. Not a bad start! Our next stop, at Chiricahua Pines, produced
more new birds; Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Spotted Towhee and Hutton’s Vireo to be exact. Higher up the
mountain we went, enjoying stunning views along the way.
We had lunch at Loma Linda Picnic Area, accompanied by Steller’s Jays and several American Robins. A
little group of Pygmy Nuthatches appeared here and we had good looks at a female Olive Warbler. One
of North America’s most impressive squirrels, the Tassle-eared Squirrel, was seen well too. After lunch
we made our way to Bear Wallow, where it didn’t take us long to find the target bird, one of the most
impressive of the day, Red-faced Warblers. Also here, amongst the Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pines,
were our only Mountain Chickadee, along with Brown Creeper. A quick stop at the ski area at Mt.
Lemmon produced Northern Flickers, Red-tailed Hawk and sweeping views of Tucson far below. We
popped into the village of Summerhaven where a warm coffee was a welcome treat on this rather cool,
blustery afternoon. As we were inside the cafe we spotted a Virginia’s Warbler foraging in a tree right
outside the window! Along a small creek near the cafe John D. spotted a male Common Grackle, a rarity
here in Arizona. Tim pointed out a Hermit Thrush, one of two seen here, along the same creek. Not a bad
haul and, as Lynne would say, ‘Not a bag of sugar’. Feeling the effects of the elevation of 9000 feet with
chilly temps and rather thin air, we began our decent of Mt. Lemmon. One last stop, at Molino Basin,
added a few new birds to the list; Black-throated Gray Warbler, Townsend’s Warbler and Bewick’s Wren.
Over a distant ridge, a Zone-tailed Hawk sailed by. What a great day it had been, with close to 80 species
of birds tallied.
April 28
After picking up lunch we headed for Sabino Canyon where we rode the ‘tram’ up the canyon, enjoying
the narrated tour and the lovely scenery. It was a warm day with sunny skies, and a stiff wind that kept us
on our toes…and chasing our hats. As we rode on the tram, Janet pointed out a Belted Kingfisher and
Tim spotted a male Northern Cardinal. We walked down the canyon from stop 5 to stop 1 and enjoyed
some leisurely birding along the way. Bell’s Vireos seemed to be everywhere, though they remained
mostly hidden in the mesquite and palo verde trees. We had great looks at a male Northern Cardinal and
saw several rather drab Pacific-slope Flycatchers, one of which called to solidify its identity. Both Canyon
and Rock wrens showed themselves this morning on the rocky slopes of the canyon. We had a Sharpshinned Hawk and a Cooper’s Hawk for comparison, while a Prairie Falcon soared over the Acropolis
Wall in the distance. Ladder-backed Woodpecker appeared briefly and we saw our first Black-throated
Sparrow, a very approachable subject. In addition to the birds we noted a Greater Earless Lizard and a
lovely butterfly, the Empress Leila. Some saw a Two-tailed Swallowtail as well.
We had a picnic lunch near the Sabino visitor’s center and then made our way to the Sonoran Desert
Museum where we spent a couple of hours exploring the trails and various exhibits. While walking along
the paths a few of the birds we encountered included Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting,
Pyrrhuloxia, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher and Hooded Oriole. Before we called it a day we made
a stop in a saguaro-studded area not far from the museum where we searched for and found a Gilded
Flicker. At first the flicker played hard to get but eventually we had good looks at it through the scope and
many agreed this had been the ‘bird of the day’.
April 29
Our day was spent in the Santa Rita Mountains in lovely Madera Canyon. Weather was quite cooperative
today and the strong winds had thankfully died down, though temperatures remained fairly cool for this
time of year. As we made our way up towards the canyon we paused to check out some sparrows near
Florida Wash. They turned out to be Rufous-winged Sparrows, while a Brewer’s Sparrow could be heard
singing but never did appear. Another highlight near Florida Wash was seeing two Black-tailed
Jackrabbits, showing off their massive ears to one another.
3 • © Limosa Holidays
Limosa Trip Report
Arizona 25 April-7 May 2016
Once in the canyon we headed straight up to the upper parking lot, stopping along the way to let a group
of Wild Turkeys pass by in front of us. We hiked up through the Madrean Pine/Oak forest along the Vault
Mine Trail, hoping for a glimpse of one of Arizona’s most sought-after birds, the Elegant Trogon. Today
was not our day, though we did meet some people who said they had seen two trogons. Birding was a bit
slow this morning, though we did see some stunning Painted Redstarts, as well as comparatively drab
Plumbeous Vireos and Hutton’s Vireos. Groups of Mexican Jays noisily roamed about in the canyon, and
Acorn Woodpeckers were rather common. A Northern ‘Red-shafted’ Flicker posed for scope views and
we heard several, but could not see any Arizona Woodpeckers. Farther up the canyon there were many
people searching for trogons but nobody had any positive information. Hammond’s Flycatcher,
Townsend’s Warbler, Hermit Warbler, Hermit Thrush and Bridled Titmouse were noted however. I heard a
rarity here, a singing Black-and-white Warbler, though we never did see it. A gorgeous flower, the Longspurred Columbine, identified by John L., was a treat for the botanists in the group.
We had lunch at the amphitheater after which time we walked down the canyon towards Santa Rita
Lodge. On the walk we had both Dusky-capped and Brown-crested flycatchers, as well as another
Hammond’s Flycatcher. House Wren poked around in the leaf-litter close by and White-breasted
Nuthatches showed nicely. New for the butterfly list here was a Red-spotted Purple, pointed out by Janet.
At Santa Rita Lodge we watched the feeders, which were busy with Mexican Jays, Acorn Woodpecker,
Lesser Goldfinch, Pine Siskin, Black-headed Grosbeak and White-winged Doves. Hummingbird feeders
produced Black-chinned and Broad-billed hummingbirds. The Wild Turkeys were busily feeding
underneath the feeders and one particular male was all puffed up doing a partial display. At the Kubo
Cabin feeders activity was quite good with a Painted Redstart sucking nectar from a hummingbird feeder
when we first arrived. Several Magnificent Hummingbirds were present, along with Black-chinned and
Broad-billed hummers and a couple of very obliging Lincoln’s Sparrows hopped about in the open. A
female Hepatic Tanager descended to the orange halves for a few moments before disappearing. In with
the Yellow-eyed Juncos I picked out a ‘Gray-headed’ Dark-eyed Junco. Several Western Gray Squirrels,
new for our mammal list, were seen in the canyon today, as were the ubiquitous Rock Squirrels.
Before heading back to the hotel in Green Valley we stopped in lower Madera Canyon at Proctor Road
where highlights included our first Summer Tanager - a lovely male - and a brief sighting of a Gray Hawk.
Two ‘Coue’s White-tailed Deer let us walk by them along the pathway about 5 feet away from us,
oblivious as they nibbled on Desert Hackberry. Just as we were about to leave the parking area I heard a
Western Meadowlark sing and managed to spot it and get it in the scope for the group to see. Back at the
hotel we had a little downtime before an early dinner in preparation for our first session of night birding.
After dinner we set off once again and did a little owling in the Santa Rita Mountains. Along the way, near
Florida Wash, we saw a Bobcat cross the road in front us! Night birding was extremely successful and we
had great views of three species of owl; Western Screech Owl, Whiskered Screech Owl and the
diminutive Elf Owl. On our way back to Green Valley we watched a Lesser Nighthawk foraging beneath
the streetlights and this was a great conclusion to the day.
April 30
It was a glorious day with lovely sunny skies, but the wind was vicious and wreaked havoc with our
birding efforts at times. We began back at Madera Canyon where we hiked quite some distance up the
trail chasing the sounds of a distant Elegant Trogon. Unfortunately we never did see the bird and it still
remains elusive to us. Otherwise, birding seemed a little slow though we did enjoy several nice views of
Painted Whitestart. Next we headed for Florida Canyon where we searched for another hard to get bird,
Black-capped Gnatcatcher. We heard the calls of one up on a steep slope, but alas it wouldn’t show itself.
We were quite happy to see two Scott’s Orioles here feeding on flowers of Ocotillo. Also in the Ocotillo
were several Lazuli Buntings. A White-striped Longtail, a rather large member of the skipper family, was a
new butterfly for our list here. On our way from Florida Canyon we saw quite a large Coachwhip snake,
which was a lovely pink color, as it slithered off into the desert.
We had lunch in Madera Canyon while Mexican Jays, Bridled Titmice, Hepatic Tanagers and Duskycapped Flycatchers kept us entertained, then we visited the Kubo Cabin feeders. The usual suspects
were here with Magnificent Hummingbirds, Broad-billed Hummingbirds and Black-chinned Hummingbirds
dominating the sugar feeders, though a Painted Whitestart did steal a sip of nectar as well. At the feeders
at Santa Rita Lodge we were quite happy to see a male Arizona Woodpecker appear, showing well the
red on his nape.
4 • © Limosa Holidays
Limosa Trip Report
Arizona 25 April-7 May 2016
We said goodbye to Madera Canyon and began the drive towards Nogales, popping in at Rio Rico to
check out the ponds. Unfortunately these ponds had completely dried up so we didn’t see too much here.
Over the irrigated fields were good numbers of Barn and Northern Rough-winged swallows. Along a fence
line a Say’s Phoebe and a pair of Vermilion Flycatchers showed off and high overhead we saw our first
Black Vultures. Lark Sparrows were moving through the area in great numbers today. The wind had really
picked up by this point so we called it a day and headed for our motel in Nogales.
May 1
The first of May was a great day for my group and we enjoyed gorgeous sunny weather, with temps in the
low 20s, and the wind almost non-existent. We began pre-breakfast out at Pena Blanca Lake, west of
Nogales. Bird activity was high, and we quickly added our first new trip bird, a Canyon Towhee as it sat
atop a rocky outcropping. Janet picked out a Nashville Warbler and some got to see it before it
disappeared. Also providing a very brief look was an Orange-crowned Warbler. Our first Black Phoebe
sallied out for insects from an exposed perch along the shore of the lake. Out on the water were several
American Coots and one or two Ruddy Ducks, as well as a couple of Mallards. Numerous swallows,
including Bank Swallow, N. Rough-winged Swallow and Violet-green Swallows showed nicely as they
flew over the water, while some perched on power lines. Vermilion Flycatchers were everywhere today
and who knows how many we eventually had seen at the end of the day. Breakfast was beckoning so we
returned to the van, along the way picking up our first Gray Flycatcher of the tour.
After breakfast we had a quick tour through downtown Nogales, turning around just before we came to
the Mexican border. Before entering Patagonia Lake State Park we paused in a bit of grassland to look
for Botteri’s Sparrow which was quite an easy task as one sat up in a bush for scope views. Once at the
lake we enjoyed a couple of hours of exploring this great park that has a variety of habitats including
reed-beds, muddy shores, desert and riparian cottonwoods. In the cottonwood / willow riparian habitat we
tallied species including Summer Tanager, Bullock’s Oriole, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Yellow Warbler,
Cassin’s Kingbird, Vermilion Flycatcher and Bewick’s Wren to name just a few. Desert scrub had Lucy’s
Warbler, Phainopepla and a Northern Beardless Tyrannulet. Along the muddy shoreline we picked up a
nice White-faced Ibis along with several species of duck including Green-winged, Cinnamon and Bluewinged teal. Spotted Sandpipers poked along the shore as well and several Neotropic Cormorants were
here. Great Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron and Great Blue Heron were all noted around the edge of
the pond. In the reeds and in bushes right along the lake we had brief views of Common Yellowthroat and
a very cooperative Yellow-breasted Chat! Everyone was very pleased with our morning so we made our
way into Patagonia for lunch at the Gathering Grounds.
After lunch we had a short wander around Patagonia and then headed over to the Paton’s Center for
Hummingbirds where we sat and enjoyed the birds coming to feeders for a while. There were loads of
birds here with most abundant species being White-winged Doves and Brown-headed Cowbirds. Also
present were many White-crowned and Lark sparrows and one or two Song Sparrows. Abert’s Towhees
fed out in the open, alongside comical Gambel’s Quail and our first Inca Doves. At suet feeders were
Ladder-backed and Gila woodpeckers, as well as White-breasted Nuthatch and a lovely male Summer
Tanager. Hummingbird feeders attracted Anna’s and Broad-billed hummingbirds, but we couldn’t find the
sought-after Violet-crowned Hummingbird today. A Hispid Cotton Rat or two fed on seeds beneath the
feeder, as did a tiny, unidentified brown mouse.
Final stop of the day was another fantastic one at the famous Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop. Upon
arrival we watched a hillside where numbers of Western Tanagers were noted and we had good looks at
a Hermit Warbler. A male Costa’s Hummingbird could be heard displaying, but never did show itself.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird showed however. A Rufous-crowned Sparrow, our first of the tour was seen
through the scope and John Hunt pointed out a male Lazuli Bunting. Overhead a Zone-tailed Hawk
teetered by, while in the distance a Gray Hawk called. White-throated Swifts zipped about above the
rocky cliffs and at the base of the cliffs were two Rock Wrens. A Canyon Wren sang its lovely descending
song here as well. We carried on, kicking Western Tanagers, Phainopeplas, Lucy’s Warbler, Warbling
Vireo and Brown-crested Flycatcher out of our boots and eventually we found the signature bird of the
rest stop, a Thick-billed Kingbird, perched nicely atop a dead cottonwood. Wow, what a day it had been
and we returned to our hotel in Nogales with big smiles on our faces.
5 • © Limosa Holidays
Limosa Trip Report
Arizona 25 April-7 May 2016
May 2
From Nogales we made our way east to the Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop this morning, where we spent
an hour exploring this well-known area for any avian delights. The ‘Patagonian Picnic Table Effect’, which
is the phenomenon of one observer finding a rare bird and then subsequent birders showing up to look for
it, finding more rare birds in the process, did not transpire today. We found nothing rare, though we
enjoyed looks at a multitude of birds including both Canyon and Rock wrens, Rufous-crowned Sparrow,
Thick-billed Kingbirds, Ladder-backed Woodpeckers and Western Tanagers, the latter of which many of
the group have coined their favorite bird of the trip.
In Patagonia we headed straight for the Paton’s feeders and about 5 minutes after we arrived a Violetcrowned Hummingbird appeared at the feeders and it never returned during the hour we remained there.
Luck was on our side! Many of the same species we had seen here the previous day were again seen.
After a short break for coffee and a treat at the local cafe we carried on east, stopping in at the Sonoita
Grasslands on the way. Not only were the birds quite cooperative here, the scenery was also very
stunning. A place that is often quite windy, it was a treat to bird here today in calm conditions. Birds
added to the trip list included the local race of Eastern Meadowlark known as ‘Lilian’s’ Meadowlark, as
well as several Horned Larks, a Grasshopper Sparrow, a flock of Brewer’s Sparrows, Chihuahuan
Ravens and a very cute Scaled Quail. A number of Pronghorn Antelope were seen on the grasslands as
well.
After a picnic lunch we headed for Sierra Vista and the Huachuca Mountains at Ramsey Canyon. We
headed straight up to an area where several recent sightings had been made of interesting birds,
including one of our most sought-after species the Elegant Trogon. We arrived at the scene and heard
the trogon calling and it didn’t take too long to spot it perched on a branch in the thick oak forest. It flew
off before everyone could see it, but not to worry because I spotted it again and we all had good views.
Great bird! As we made our way down the path I pointed out our first Greater Pewee of the tour and Tim
called out a nice male Hermit Warbler. In the parking lot of the preserve I found a singing Buff-breasted
Flycatcher that perched out in the open for scope views. This species is a specialty of the Huachuca
Mountains, but is usually found at higher elevations than lower Ramsey Canyon. Feeling quite content we
made our way to our hotel in Sierra Vista for a little R & R.
May 3
This morning we explored Carr Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains. The weather was spectacular
throughout the day with sunny skies and warm temperatures. We reached elevations of over 7000 feet
and it was comfortably cool at this elevation. Along the way up occupants of the van shouted out
‘bluebird’ so I screeched to a halt and we eventually saw a lovely male ‘Azure’ Eastern Bluebird very well.
Also in Lower Carr Canyon were Scott’s Oriole, Canyon Towhee, Bridled Titmouse and several other
species. We bumped up the rugged road to the Reef Townsite Campground where we spent quite a bit of
time. Buff-breasted Flycatchers, the Huachuca Mountain’s signature bird, were quite common here and
we even watched one pair as they built a nest in the fork of a pine tree. Bird of the day for many, a
Williamson’s Sapsucker, was also seen here very well as she foraged on the conifers. Warbler viewing
was fantastic as well with Red-faced, Olive, Grace’s, Virginia’s, Yellow-rumped, Townsend’s, Blackthroated Gray warblers and Painted Whitestart noted. New for the trip list was Red-breasted Nuthatch,
pointed out by Janet. We watched a group of Northern Ravens involved in a very nasty battle. Two of the
birds fell from the sky locked together and crashed to the ground. A noisy battle ensued and other ravens
came to join in. Overhead, a Zone-tailed Hawk sailed by. We had a picnic lunch and then began our
descent of the mountain. Along the way down we found a gorgeous Sonoran Mountain King Snake
slithering across the road.
For a couple of hours this afternoon we watched feeders at the Ash Canyon B & B where we had hoped
to find a Lucifer Hummingbird. Luck was not on our side and she never did show up, though we did see
Broad-billed, Anna’s, Black-chinned and Magnificent hummingbirds here. Other patrons of the feeders
included Canyon Towhee, Curve-billed Thrasher, loads of House Finches, Pine Siskins and Lesser
Goldfinches as well as Mexican Jays, Wild Turkeys and White-breasted Nuthatches. We saw Ladderbacked, Gila and Acorn woodpeckers together in the same tree and we were entertained by Scott’s
Orioles, of various ages and sexes, as they came in to the jam feeders. Also at the jam was a Yellowbreasted Chat. It was quite peaceful sitting in the shade watching the feeders and we left feeling content
even though we had not seen the hummingbird.
6 • © Limosa Holidays
Limosa Trip Report
Arizona 25 April-7 May 2016
After dinner we headed out for a little nocturnal exploring, beginning in lower Carr Canyon. We were very
delighted to find a Common Poorwill hunting on the road and we watched as it sat illuminated by the vans
headlights. Farther up the canyon we had a stunning view of a Whiskered Screech Owl while two others
called nearby. Elf Owl was also heard this evening. We finished off in Ramsey Canyon where we heard a
calling Mexican Whip-poor-will and yet another Whiskered Screech Owl. A successful night to say the
least!
May 4
After picking up our picnic lunches we headed back to the Huachuca Mountains for some birding in Miller
Canyon. Along the way Tim spotted a Greater Roadrunner just as I finished saying “Watch for
roadrunners along this stretch of road”. We hiked up Miller Canyon with high hopes of finding a roosting
Spotted Owl, but had no luck today, unfortunately. Feeders at Beatty’s Guest Ranch had Broad-billed,
Broad-tailed, Magnificent and Black-chinned hummingbirds, but it was a tad quiet here today. On our way
east from Sierra Vista we popped in to the local sewage ponds and finally ticked off Mexican Duck for our
lists. A quick stop at the San Pedro River House provided us with great views of Common Ground Doves
and a roosting Western Screech Owl.
We carried on to the border town of Douglas where we filled up with gas before our journey took us into
the ‘outback’ at Portal. Along the way to Portal we did see several interesting birds including Loggerhead
Shrike, Swainson’s Hawk, Black-throated Sparrow, Chihuahuan Raven, our first Northern Harrier and
about a million Mourning Doves. Along Stateline Road I surprised the group with a family of Great Horned
Owls I had heard about in an old hay barn. There were two adults and one large chick in the barn, all sat
atop the bails of hay. We arrived in Portal and checked into our rooms before heading to the little cafe for
an excellent dinner.
May 5
Today was perhaps the best day of birding on the entire tour. We began before breakfast along Stateline
Road, where in the mesquite scrub we had excellent views of a pair of Crissal Thrashers. Near the hay
barn where the Great Horned Owls were again seen, we watched a Bendire’s Thrasher scratch around in
the dirt. What a great start to the day! Other birds seen this morning along Stateline/Gin Road included
Scaled Quail, Greater Roadrunner and Swainson’s Hawk. We tried along Paradise Road for Blackchinned Sparrow with great success as well this morning, viewing two birds through the scope.
We returned to Portal for breakfast and then made our way to the Paradise Cemetery. We strolled
through the juniper woodlands looking for Juniper Titmouse and after a little bit of searching we did find
one. In the distance the first of several Zone-tailed Hawks soared overhead. Towards the settlement of
Paradise we drove, when suddenly John Hunt yelled out “Stop!” at the top of his voice. He had spotted
Montezuma Quail and there were three of them, a male and two females, along the roadside right beside
the van. What a great score. Our day was turning out to be epic. We bumped along the road up the
Chiricahuas until we got to Rustler Park where we took a walk through the mixed coniferous forest. It
didn’t take long to spot a few Mexican Chickadees here and eventually several came down quite close to
investigate us. Hairy Woodpecker was also new for the list here. Other species noted included Western
Tanager, Northern Flicker, Steller’s Jay and Pygmy Nuthatch. After lunch we descended back towards
Portal, stopping to admire the gorgeous scenery in Cave Creek Canyon along the way. We took a stroll
through Portal, popping in at a garden with feeders where we sat in the shade and watched for a while.
Two new hummingbirds were added to our trip list here; Blue-throated and Rufous hummingbirds, while
we were quite surprised to add a Barn Owl to the trip list as it flushed from a large sycamore tree in the
yard. Other goodies that visited the feeders and fountain included Green-tailed Towhee, Lazuli Buntings,
Yellow-rumped Warblers and Lincoln’s Sparrow. As we strolled back towards our hotel a group of Cedar
Waxwings appeared for scope views and we had good looks at an Orange-crowned Warbler. Tim
photographed a Blue Grosbeak, new for the trip list as well. In the evening, as we ate dinner, we saw a
Lesser Nighthawk flying out the window of the cafe. Tim and Janet went for a stroll and found a Hognosed Skunk along a dry creek bed in Portal.
May 6
Our final morning in Arizona was spent exploring the little village/hamlet of Portal. It was fairly windy
today, though birding was quite productive in town. Band-tailed Pigeons were a new species for our trip
list today, as was a male Indigo Bunting seen by John H. and myself. Thick-billed Kingbird, a fairly rare
species in the Chiricahua Mountains, was seen, along with Hooded Oriole, Bullock’s Oriole and a
7 • © Limosa Holidays
Limosa Trip Report
Arizona 25 April-7 May 2016
Northern Beardless Tyrannulet. Blue-throated Hummingbird was noted along a dry creek bed and a male
Pyrrhuloxia showed nicely as well. Reluctantly we left Portal and began the journey back to Phoenix. The
first part of our trip took us through New Mexico, where we added a new species to the trip list, a Golden
Eagle soaring above the road. We re-entered Arizona and were promptly greeted by highway patrol that
had closed off one particular part of Interstate 10 due to a dust storm. Luckily the closure didn’t last long
and we were on our way to Willcox. Once we arrived at the sewage ponds we quickly began ticking off
new birds for the trip list. Semipalmated Plover, Wilson’s Phalarope, Gadwall and American Wigeon were
all new for the list, boosting it up to 203. We had another Golden Eagle here as well. The drive back to
Phoenix was broken up by a lunch stop in Tucson. We arrived at Sky Harbor Airport before 3:30 PM and I
said goodbye to the group. What an amazing trip this was.
Systematic List of Species Recorded
(203 bird species)
Scaled Quail Callipepla squamata
First sighting was of a single bird at Las Cienegas Grasslands, west of Sierra Vista. Later sightings
came from Ramsey Canyon Road, and from State Line Rd near Portal.
Gambel’s Quail Callipepla gambelii
Common in desert habitats and seen throughout tour.
Montezuma Quail Cyrtonyx montezumae
Three seen together (1 male and two females), near settlement of Paradise.
Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo
Numerous in Madera Canyon. Also noted at Ash Canyon B & B, and at Rustler Park high up in the
Chiricahua Mountains.
Canada Goose Branta canadensis
Two noted at the Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix.
American Wigeon Anas americana
A few at Willcox Sewage Ponds.
Gadwall Anas strepera
Several at Willcox Sewage Ponds.
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Seen at Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix, Agua Caliente Park and at Sabino Canyon all near
Tucson, and also seen at Pena Blanca Lake.
Mexican Duck Anas diazi
In flight at Sierra Vista Sewage Ponds and on final day of tour at Willcox Sewage Ponds.
Blue-winged Teal Anas discors
Noted at Patagonia Lake State Park and at Willcox Sewage Ponds.
Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera
Several at Gilbert Water Ranch and others at Patagonia Lake State Park and Willcox Sewage Ponds.
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
A couple at the Gilbert Water Ranch and others at Willcox Sewage Ponds.
Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis
Female at Patagonia Lake State Park.
Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis
Found at Patagonia Lake State Park and at Willcox Sewage Ponds.
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
First sighting was at Gilbert Water Ranch, with later sightings at Patagonia Lake State Park.
Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
Found at Patagonia Lake State Park and at Willcox.
Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis
One at Gilbert Water Ranch.
White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi
Found at Gilbert Water Ranch, Patagonia Lake State Park and at Willcox.
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Sightings from Gilbert Water Ranch and Patagonia Lake.
8 • © Limosa Holidays
Limosa Trip Report
Arizona 25 April-7 May 2016
Green Heron Butorides virescens
Seen at Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix.
Great Blue Heron Ardea herdodias
Seen at Gilbert Water Ranch, Aravaipa Canyon and Patagonia Lake State Park.
Great Egret Ardea alba
Encountered at Gilbert Water Ranch as well as Patagonia Lake State Park.
Snowy Egret Egretta thula
Seen at Gilbert Water Ranch near Phoenix.
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Numerous at Gilbert Water Ranch. Single bird at Agua Caliente Park in Tucson. Also at Patagonia
Lake State Park.
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
Common throughout tour.
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
Seen in the Rio Rico and Patagonia areas at several locations.
American Kestrel Falco sparverius
One or two seen along Aravaipa Canyon Road on our first day. Also noted at the non-existent Rio
Rico Ponds. Several seen along hwy at various locations throughout tour as well.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
One at Gilbert Water Ranch.
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus
First one noted at Gilbert Water Ranch and later seen at Sabino Canyon.
Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperii
Seen fairly often, especially in wooded canyons such as Madera and Sabino.
Common Black Hawk Buteogallus anthracinus
Adult on nest in Aravaipa Canyon.
Harris’s Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus
Several seen along hwy on day 1 as we made our way from Phoenix to Tucson. One also seen from
tram at Sabino Canyon.
Gray Hawk Asturina nitida
Our first Gray Hawk was perched in tree along Proctor Rd at entrance to Madera Canyon. Later
sightings came from Ash Canyon B & B and from Patagonia area.
Swainson’s Hawk Buteo swainsoni
Most often seen from bus as we traveled along highways. We had one on the first day of tour near
town of Florence. Later on in tour we saw several in the Sierra Vista and Portal areas.
Zone-tailed Hawk Buteo albonotatus
Several noted during this tour, with first encounter in Aravaipa Canyon. Also seen on Mt. Lemmon at
Molino Basin, as well as at the Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop. In Portal area, we had one right over
the ‘village’ and had another over Paradise Cemetery.
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
Common buteo throughout tour.
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
One soared over highway in New Mexico on our last day of tour.
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus
One along hwy between Douglas and Portal.
American Coot Fulicla americana
Found at Gilbert Water Ranch, Agua Caliente Park, Patagonia Lake State Park and the Willcox
Sewage Ponds.
Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus
Seen at Gilbert Water Ranch and at the Willcox Sewage Ponds.
American Avocet Recurvirostra americana
Found at Gilbert Water Ranch and at Willcox Sewage Ponds.
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
Seen at Gilbert Water Ranch and at Willcox Sewage Ponds.
Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus
Two at Willcox.
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia
Found at Gilbert Water Ranch, Patagonia Lake State Park and at Willcox.
9 • © Limosa Holidays
Limosa Trip Report
Arizona 25 April-7 May 2016
Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria
First and only sighting of this species was of two at the Gilbert Water Ranch.
Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla
Fairly common at Gilbert Water Ranch and at Willcox Sewage Ponds.
Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri
Small numbers noted at Gilbert Water Ranch and Willcox Sewage Ponds.
Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus
Numerous breeding plumage birds at Gilbert Water Ranch and at Willcox Sewage Ponds.
Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor
Seen at Willcox Sewage Ponds.
Franklin’s Gull Leucophaeus pipixcan
One at Willcox.
Feral Pigeon Columba livia
Common throughout.
Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata
Finally noted on our last day right along the main road through Portal.
Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto
Common throughout.
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura
Common throughout.
White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica
Common throughout.
Inca Dove Columbina inca
Fairly common throughout, especially where feeders present such as at Paton feeders in Patagonia.
Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina
Briefly at Patagonia Lake State Park, then seen well at San Pedro House east of Sierra Vista.
Greater Roadrunner Geococcyx californianus
Fleeting glimpses in Aravaipa Canyon, but seen much better at Agua Caliente Park when one
emerged with lizard and walked across road in front of van. Several other sightings on tour as well.
Barn Owl Tyto alba
One flushed from a tree in a garden in Portal.
Western Screech Owl Megascops kennicottii
Seen in lower Madera Canyon and later seen roosting in hole in large cottonwood at San Pedro
House near Sierra Vista.
Whiskered Screech Owl Otus trichopsis
Seen well at Madera Canyon and in Carr Canyon.
Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus
Adults and fledgling seen in open hay barn near Portal along State Line Rd, where the birds were
actually in New Mexico.
Elf Owl Micrathene whitneyi
Seen well in lower Madera Canyon and heard in Carr Canyon and at Portal.
Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis
One seen well in Green Valley hunting for insects under street lights. One also seen flying around
Portal while we were inside restaurant eating dinner.
Common Poorwill Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
One seen well in lower Carr Canyon as it sat on the road illuminated by our headlights.
White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatilis
Seen several times, including locations of Gilbert Water Ranch, Aravaipa Canyon, Sabino Canyon,
the Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop and in Carr Canyon.
Vaux’s Swift Chaetura vauxi
Several noted at Gilbert Water Ranch and one more in Aravaipa Canyon.
Broad-billed Hummingbird Cynanthus latirostris
Perhaps most common hummingbird species throughout tour.
Violet-crowned Hummingbird Amazilia violiceps
One of the rarest hummingbirds in the USA, just one seen at Paton’s feeders in Patagonia.
Blue-throated Hummingbird Lampornis clemenciae
Largest hummingbird in the U.S.A., seen at feeders in Portal.
Magnificent Hummingbird Eugenes fulgens
Fairly common at feeders at Madera Canyon, Miller Canyon, Ramsey Canyon and in Portal.
10 • © Limosa Holidays
Limosa Trip Report
Arizona 25 April-7 May 2016
Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri
Common at feeding stations throughout.
Anna’s Hummingbird Calypte anna
Common throughout.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird Selasphorus platycercus
Fairly common at feeding stations in all the canyons.
Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus
One female type at feeder in Portal.
Elegant Trogon Trogon elegans
Heard along Vault Mine Trail in Madera Canyon, and eventually seen well at Ramsey Canyon.
Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon
Seen just once, in Sabino Canyon from moving tram.
Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus
Common in oak and pine woodlands throughout.
Gila Woodpecker Melanerpes uropygialis
Common and seen almost daily, with the exception of the Portal area
Williamson’s Sapsucker Sphyrapicus thyroideus
One female type at Reef Townsite Campground in Huachuca Mountains.
Ladder-backed Woodpecker Picoides scalaris
Seen often, especially in desert habitats. Perhaps best views came from Paton’s feeding station.
Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus
Seen near Rustler Park in the Chiricahua Mountains.
Arizona Woodpecker Picoides arizonae
Noted at several locations including Madera, Ramsey, Carr and Miller Canyons.
Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus
Found at several mountainous locations during out tour, including Mt. Lemmon, Madera Canyon,
Carr Canyon and Rustler Park in the Chiricahuas. All birds noted of ‘Red-shafted’ race.
Gilded Flicker Colaptes chrysoides
One seen well in saguaro habitat near Sonoran Desert Museum, Tucson.
Northern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma imberbe
This tiny flycatcher was seen several times, with our first encounter being at Agua Caliente Park in
Tucson. Subsequent observations were made at Patagonia Lake State Park, as well as the
Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop and one slightly out ofhabitat individual in Portal.
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans
Seen at Pena Blanca Lake near Douglas and later noted in the Chiricahuas near Rustler Park.
Say’s Phoebe Sayornis saya
Noted at several locations throughout tour, including Aravaipa Canyon, the dried upRio Rico Ponds,
Patagonia Lake State Park and at the Sierra Vista Sewage Pond, to name a few spots.
Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi
Encountered first at Aravaipa Canyon on day 1, and seen at a number of other spots such as
Ramsey Canyon, Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop, Rustler Park and in Portal.
Greater Pewee Contopus pertinax
First seen at Ramsey Canyon Preserve and seen again in the Huachuca Mtns at Carr Canyon.
Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus
Common and seen often throughout tour.
Hammond’s Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii
Migrants encountered several times at locations including Madera Canyon, Patagonia Lake State
Park, Miller Canyon and at Rustler Park.
Gray Flycatcher Empidonax wrightii
Noted at Pena Blanca Lake, as well as at Sonoita Grasslands and at the Paradise Cemetery.
Buff-breasted Flycatcher Empidonax fulvifrons
One seen at parking area at Ramsey Canyon Preserve, where it is somewhat unusual. Several at
Reef Townsite Campground in Carr Canyon in the Huachucas, including one pair building a nest.
Pacific-slope Flycatcher Empidonax difficilis
Noted at several locations including Sabino Canyon, Patagonia Lake State Park, Patagonia
Roadside Rest Stop, Miller Canyon and Rustler Park.
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus
Fairly common yet spectacular nonetheless. First seen at Aravaipa Canyon and later at Sonoita
Creek in Patagonia, Rio Rico Ponds, Patagonia Lake State Park and others.
11 • © Limosa Holidays
Limosa Trip Report
Arizona 25 April-7 May 2016
Cassin’s Kingbird Tyrannus vociferans
Fairly common throughout in open areas.
Thick-billed Kingbird Tyrannus crassirostris
Found at traditional location at Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop, and near end of trip a slightly out of
range bird was flycatching in Portal on our last morning.
Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis
Found at a number of locations including Aravaipa Canyon, Rio Rico, Patagonia Lake State Park,
Sonoita Grasslands and others.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer
Smallest Myiarchus flycatcher in USA. Fairly common in canyons and riparian areas throughout.
Ash-throated Flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens
Medium-sized Myiarchus. Fairly common in open desert areas throughout.
Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus
Biggest Myiarchus in the region, found in most wooded canyons throughout the tour.
Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus
First sighting was along road into Patagonia Lake State Park and we later saw another at the Sonoita
Grasslands.
Bell’s Vireo Vireo bellii
Common in desert scrub habitats, especially near water. Found at Aravaipa Canyon as well as at
Agua Caliente Park, Sabino Canyon, and a number of other sites.
Plumbeous Vireo Vireo plumbeus
Common and found in all canyon and mountain habitats.
Hutton’s Vireo Vireo huttoni
Found at Ramsey Canyon, Miller Canyon, Madera Canyon, Carr Canyon and other sites.
Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus
Seen well at Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop. Also seen well at Ash Canyon B&B near Sierra Vista.
Steller’s Jay Cyanocitta stelleri
Seen on two occasions at upper elevations, first at Mount Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains
and later on at Rustler Park in the Chiricahua Mountains.
Mexican Jay Aphelocoma wollweberi
Common in canyons such as Madera, Cave Creek and Miller. Usually seen at feeders.
Western Scrub Jay Aphelocoma californica
Fleeting glimpse in upper Carr Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains.
Common Raven Corvus corax
Common throughout.
Chihuahuan Raven Corvus cryptoleucus
Fairly common in the open desert areas around Portal and Sierra Vista.
Phainopepla Phainopepla nitens
Common throughout in desert habitats.
Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum
Good numbers seen in Portal.
Mountain Chickadee Poecile gambeli
One seen nicely at Bear Wallow on Mount Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mtns.
Mexican Chickadee Poecile sclateri
Several seen well in the Chiricahua Mountains at Rustler Park.
Bridled Titmouse Baeolophus wollweberi
Fairly common in canyons, especially where feeders present.
Juniper Titmouse Baeolophus wollweberi
One seen very nicely near Portal at the Paradise Cemetery.
Verdin Auriparus flaviceps
Common in desert areas such as those at the Desert Museum near Tucson and the lower reaches of
Madera Canyon. Also numerous at the Gilbert Water Ranch.
Sand Martin (Bank Swallow) Riparia riparia
Seen at Gilbert Water Ranch, as well as at Pena Blanca Lake and at Willcox.
Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina
Good numbers noted on day 1 at Gilbert Water Ranch and at Aravaipa Canyon. Later seen at Pena
Blanca Lake, Patagonia Lake State Park and in Portal.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis
Fairly common migrant at lower elevations near water.
12 • © Limosa Holidays
Limosa Trip Report
Arizona 25 April-7 May 2016
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Common throughout, especially where water present.
Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Good numbers noted at Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix.
Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus
We saw our first at Molino Basin on Mt. Lemmon. Later noted at Miller Canyon and Carr Canyon.
Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris
First seen at Sonoita Grasslands at Las Cienegas, and later seen well at Sierra Vista Sewage Pond,
as well as at Willcox.
Cactus Wren Campylorhynchyus brunneicapillus
This rather large wren was first found at Agua Caliente Park in Tucson and later seen in numbers at
Sonoran Desert Museum as well as several other locations. The state bird of Arizona.
Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus
Seen well at Sabino Canyon and later found at the Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop on rocky cliffs.
Canyon Wren Catherpes mexicanus
Seen well at Sabino Canyon and at the Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop.
Bewick’s Wren Thyromanes bewickii
Fairly common in riparian habitats.
Northern House Wren Troglodytes aedon
Common in mountain and canyon habitats throughout.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea
Seen on Mt. Lemmon at Molino Basin and in Madera Canyon.
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher Polioptila melanura
Superb views at Aravaipa Canyon and at Sabino Canyon, as well as at the Sonoran Desert Muesum.
Pygmy Nuthatch Sitta pygmaea
We found our first Pygmy Nuthatches at the Loma Linda Picnic Area on Mt. Lemmon and near end of
trip we saw one or two at Rustler Park in the Chiricahuas.
Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis
Two encounters; one in upper Carr Canyon and the other at Rustler Park in the Chiricahuas.
White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis
We saw our first of these charismatic nuthatches in Bear Canyon on Mount Lemmon. Fairly common
in all canyons, especially those with bird feeders.
Brown Creeper Certhia americana
Several of the ‘treecreeper’ look-a-likes seen on tour at Mt. Lemmon, Carr Canyon, Miller Canyon
and Rustler Park.
Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos
Fairly common, especially in the Phoenix area. Otherwise we had scattered sightings, often along
roadsides on fence posts or telephone wires.
Bendire’s Thrasher Toxostoma bendirei
Seen quite well near Portal along Gin Road, which is actually in the state of New Mexico.
Crissal Thrasher Toxostoma crissale
Two noted along State Line Rd, on the New Mexico side.
Curve-billed Thrasher Toxostoma curvirostre
Common throughout in desert areas.
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Common throughout.
Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialias
One male of ‘Azure’ race, seen along lower reaches of Carr Canyon Rd.
Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus
Seen often in canyon and mountain habitats. First noted along small creek in Summerhaven atop
Mt. Lemmon, and later seen in Madera, Carr and Miller Canyons.
American Robin Turdus migratorius
Fairly common in wooded canyons and at higher elevation forests such as Mount Lemmon, Carr
Canyon and Rustler Park in the Chiricahuas.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Common in urban and rural areas throughout.
Olive Warbler Peucedramus taeniatus
First good looks were at a female at Loma Linda Picnic Area on Mt. Lemmon. Male seen later on in
upper Carr Canyon.
13 • © Limosa Holidays
Limosa Trip Report
Arizona 25 April-7 May 2016
Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus
Fairly common this year, especially at feeding stations such as the Paton’s Feeders and those at
Madera Canyon.
Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria
Common throughout, especially at feeders.
House Finch Haemorhous mexicanus
Common throughout at low elevations and especially where feeders present.
Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra
Single bird seen and heard by a few participants near top of Mt. Lemmon.
Orange-crowned Warbler Leiothlypis celata
Brief view of single bird at Gilbert Water Ranch and later seen much better at Portal.
Virginia’s Warbler Leiothlypis virginiae
Great views of two in tree next to ‘Cookie Cabin’ in Summerhaven on Mt. Lemmon. Later in trip, we
had a quick encounter atop Carr Canyon as well.
Nashville Warbler Oreothlypis ruficapilla
One sighting at Pena Blanca Lake.
Lucy’s Warbler Leiothlypis luciae
Common in desert habitats and seen at a variety of locations including Aravaipa Canyon, Sabino
Canyon, Agua Caliente Park and right in Portal, amongst others.
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
Always a bit elusive, but seen at a number of locations including Gilbert Water Ranch on day 1, and
later Pena Blanca Lake, Patagonia Lake State Park, the Sierra Vista Sewage Pond and in Portal.
American Yellow Warbler Setophaga aestiva
Common in bottomland habitat near water; Gilbert Water Ranch, Aravaipa Canyon, Pena Blanca
Lake, Patagonia Lk State Park, Agua Caliente Park and Sabino Canyon to name a few locations.
Audubon’s (Yellow-rumped) Warbler Setophaga auduboni
Fairly common migrant throughout. Seen at many locations including Gilbert Water Ranch, Mt.
Lemmon, Madera Canyon, Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop, Carr and Miller Canyons and in Portal.
Black-throated Gray-Warbler Setophaga nigrescens
Fairly numerous in mountain canyons throughout; Madera Canyon, Carr Canyon, Ramsey Canyon,
Miller Canyon, Mt. Lemmon.
Townsend’s Warbler Setophaga townsendi
First seen on Mt. Lemmon at Molino Basin. Migrants noted at Sabino Canyon, Madera Canyon,
Patagonia Lake SP, Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop, Carr, Ramsey and Miller canyons and Portal.
Hermit Warbler Setophaga occidentalis
Sightings from Madera Canyon, Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop and Ramsey Canyon.
Grace’s Warbler Setophaga graciae
Small numbers present in the mountains on each visit with sightings on Mt. Lemmon, Madera
Canyon, Carr Canyon and Rustler Park.
Wilson’s Warbler Cardellina pusilla
Common migrant throughout.
Red-faced Warbler Cardellina rubifrons
Great views at Bear Wallow at Mt. Lemmon, and later seen briefly in Madera Canyon. Great views
again later on in trip at Reef Townsite Campground in the Huachuca Mtns.
Painted Whitestart Myioborus pictus
Present in most canyon habitats; Madera Canyon, Ramsey Canyon, Miller Canyon and Carr Canyon.
Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens
Seen well along path at Patagonia Lake State Park. Later seen at orange feeders at Paton’s
Hummingbird Center, and seen again at Ash Canyon B & B.
Hooded Oriole Icterus cucullatus
Fairly common. First seen at Aravaipa Canyon, and seen again at Agua Caliente Park, Madera
Canyon and in Portal.
Scott’s Oriole Icterus parisorum
First sighting in Florida Canyon where two were feeding on Ocotillo flowers. Later noted at jam
feeders at Ash Canyon B & B as well.
Bullock’s Oriole Icterus bullockii
Noted in Madera Canyon, Patagonia Lake State Park, lower Carr Canyon and in Portal.
14 • © Limosa Holidays
Limosa Trip Report
Arizona 25 April-7 May 2016
Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater
Common throughout. Generally not liked by local birders since these birds are highly parasitic, laying
their eggs in nests of other birds.
Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
Fairly common throughout, especially where a little water present. Gilbert Water Ranch, Pena Blanca
Lake, Patagonia Lake State Park, Agua Caliente Park and the Sierra Vista Sewage Ponds.
Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus
Common throughout.
Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula
One male at Summerhaven on Mt. Lemmon. Locally rare.
Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta
One seen in lower Madera Canyon, singing in open range habitat.
Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna
‘Lilian’s’ race seen at Sonoita Grasslands at Las Cienegas.
Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia
Uncommon in wetland areas of Gilbert Water Ranch near Phoenix, Patagonia Lake State Park and at
the Paton’s feeders.
Lincoln’s Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii
A couple of birds seen well at Kubo feeders at Madera Canyon. Also seen at Patagonia Lake State
Park and in Portal.
White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys
First seen at Gilbert Water Ranch. Seen also at feeding stations at Paton’s Hummingbird Center, Ash
Canyon B & B, and at San Pedro House.
Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus
One at Las Cienegas in the Sonoita Grasslands.
Yellow-eyed Junco Junco phaeonotus
Fairly regular at higher elevations on Mt. Lemmon, in Madera Canyon, and in Carr Canyon.
Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis
One ‘gray-headed’ race at feeders at Kubo feeders in Madera Canyon.
Grasshopper Sparrow Ammodramus savannarum
Several seen very well at the Las Cienegas Grassland area west of Sierra Vista, with another seen
later on in trip near Portal.
Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina
Fairly common migrant this year. First seen at Agua Caliente Park in Tucson. Later noted at feeders
at Santa Rita Lodge in Madera Canyon. Also at Ash Canyon B & B, and in Portal.
Black-chinned Sparrow Spizella atrogularis
Two seen along lower reaches of Paraside Road near Portal.
Brewer’s Sparrow Spizella breweri
Several seen in flock at Las Cienegas on the Sonoita Grasslands.
Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus
Quite common in desert habitats; Aravaipa Canyon, Agua Caliente Park, Patagonia Lake State Park,
Paton’s Hummingbird Center, Ash Canyon B & B, Las Cienegas, and others. Large numbers of
migrants counted around Rio Rico.
Black-throated Sparrow Amphispiza bilineata
Found at Sabino Canyon, as well as the Sonoran Desert Museum, and at the Sonoita Grasslands.
Rufous-winged Sparrow Aimophila carpalis
Noted at Florida Wash, Florida Canyon and at Patagonia Lake State Park.
Botteri’s Sparrow Aimophila botterii
Seen well in grassland along entrance road to Patagonia Lake State Park.
Rufous-crowned Sparrow Aimophila ruficeps
Uncommon in arid, rocky habitats, with birds seen at Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop, Pena Blanca
Lake and at feeders at Paton’s Hummingbird Center.
Green-tailed Towhee Pipilo chlorurus
Fairly numerous this year with sightings at Gilbert Water Ranch, Summerhaven on Mt. Lemmon,
Sabino Canyon, Florida Canyon, San Pedro House and in Portal.
Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus
Found at Mt. Lemmon, Madera Canyon, Carr Canyon and in Miller Canyon.
15 • © Limosa Holidays
Limosa Trip Report
Arizona 25 April-7 May 2016
Canyon Towhee Pipilo fuscus
Fairly common in arid, canyon areas. Seen at Pena Blanca Lake, the Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop,
Carr Canyon, Ash Canyon B & B, and in Portal.
Abert’s Towhee Pipilo aberti
Riparian counterpart of Canyon Towhee, found at Gilbert Water Ranch, Agua Caliente Park, Paton’s
Feeders, Patagonia Lake State Park and at San Pedro House.
Hepatic Tanager Piranga flava
Seen in mountain habitats at Madera Canyon, Carr Canyon, Miller Canyon and Ramsey Canyon.
Summer Tanager Piranga rubra
Lower elevation counterpart to Hepatic, seen at Aravaipa Canyon, Madera Canyon, Pena Blanca
Lake, Patagonia Lake State Park, Paton’s Center for Hummingbirds, Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop,
San Pedro House and in Portal.
Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana
Fairly common migrant thoughout.
Black-headed Grosbeak Pheuticus melanocephalus
Common throughout tour, especially at feeders.
Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis
Common in pine / oak forests of canyons. Also common where feeders present.
Pyrrhuloxia Cardinalis sinuatus
Superb views at Agua Caliente Park in Tucson. Also seen at Sabino Canyon, the Sonoran Desert
Museum, Patagonia Lake State Park, and in Portal.
Blue Grosbeak Passerina caerulea
Seen by some in Portal.
Lazuli Bunting Passerina versicolor
Quite common on this trip with sightings from Gilbert Water Ranch, Aravaipa Canyon Sabino
Canyon, Florida Canyon, Madera Canyon, Patagonia Roadside Rest Stop, Paton’s Center for
Hummingbirds and in Portal.
Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea
One male seen briefly on tour at feeders near end of trip in Portal.
Systematic List of Mammals seen
(14 species recorded)
Rock Squirrel Spermophilus variegatus
Fairly common and seen most days.
Round-tailed Ground-Squirrel Spermophilus tereticaudus
First noted on day 1 as we stopped in desert habitat, east of Phoenix. Also seen at Sabino Canyon.
Cliff Chipmunk Neotamias dorsalis
Several sightings in the mountain ranges.
Tassle-eared Squirrel Sciurus aberti
A couple seen at upper elevations on Mt. Lemmon.
Arizona Gray Squirrel Sciurus arizonensis
Several sightings in canyons and mountains.
Hispid Cotton Vole Sigmodon hispidus
Seen at Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix and later at Paton’s Center for Hummingbirds.
Black-tailed Jackrabbit Lepus californicus
Several sightings, but first was most memorable, along road to Madera Canyon, as two jackrabbits
sat under the shade of a mesquite and compared ear size with one another.
Desert Cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii
Noted in numbers at Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix. One or two also seen at Agua Caliente Park in
Tucson as well as other locations.
Hog-nosed Skunk Conepatus leuconotus
One seen after dark by two observers along dry creek bed in Portal.
Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus
One seen briefly along road to Ramsey Canyon.
16 • © Limosa Holidays
Limosa Trip Report
Arizona 25 April-7 May 2016
White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus
Common in canyons. All seen were of tiny ‘Coues’ race.
Pronghorn Antilocapra americana
Small numbers seen at Las Cienegas Grasslands near Sierra Vista.
Coyote Canis latrans
One ran across road in Tucson early one morning, as we made our way back to hotel from Agua
Caliente Park. Another seen near Sonoran Desert Museum.
Collared Peccary Pecari tajacu
Several seen early in morning near Portal.
Bobcat Lynx rufus
One seen crossing road to Madera Canyon at dusk.
List of Reptiles and Amphibians
Lowland Leopard Frog Lithobates yavapaiensis
Red-eared Slider Trachemys scripta
Common Chuckwalla Sauromalus ater
Ornate Tree Lizard Urosaurus ornatus
Greater Earless Lizard Cophosaurus texanus
Southwestern Fence Lizard Sceloporus cowlesi
Yarrow’s Spiny Lizard Sceloporus jarrovii
Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Aspidoscelis sonorae
Coachwhip Masticophis flagellum
Sonoran Mountain King Snake Lampropeltis pyromelana
List of Butterflies
Pipevine Swallowtail Battus philenor
Two-tailed Swallowtail Papilio multicaudata
Sleepy Orange Eurema nicippe
Marine Blue Leptotes marina
Mourning Cloak (Camberwell Beauty) Nymphalis antiopa
Texan Crescent Phyciodes texana
Variable Checkerspot Euphydryas chalcedona
Common Buckeye Junonia coenia
Red-spotted Purple Limenitis arthemis
Arizona Sister Adelpha bredowii
Empress Leila Asterocampa leilia
American Snout Libytheana carinenta
Queen Danaus gilippus
White-striped Longtail Chioides catillus
17 • © Limosa Holidays