Summer Birding in Tucson

Bridled Titmouse

What's more exciting than birding in winter and spring?  Well how about birding during the summer!!!??  Yeah it's hot and miserable.  I put food out the night before and it's gone before I get up the next day which says a lot about getting up early and birding.

These pics capture the beauty of any garden full of art and nature.  This is the Bridled Titmouse checking out potted plants in a patio area.   A cooler breeze makes me happy as the sun was hot. So many of us will head to the mountains or canyons during the day.....or get up very early before the 100 degree temps start up:)

And while waiting for other birds rumoured in the area, a nuthatch joins in on the fun.

But some special guests arrive....like this cowbird.  For some, including myself, it's a lifer. Note the red eyes.  This bird lives up to its reputation.  Black with red eyes can mean many things in the bird world, but this guy is fierce.  It will kick other birds out of their nests for its own use.  How's that for vicious!?

While waiting for some more fun, a Lesser Goldfinch drops by to get a sip of juice out of this cup.

A Black Headed Grosbeak takes off in the distance.

And the biggest surprise comes from this Summer Tanager.  Move over Vermillion Flycatchers and Cardinals.....there's another red bird around:) 

Yes indeed.  It twas a fun day birding during this hot summer day:) Best times to bird?  Sun up and sun down.  Best time to hike?  Before 10 AM and after 4 PM.  Please be careful with the monsoon rains coming.  Water and lighting are very powerful things here in the desert.  Be safe!  I'll be back tomorrow from our vacation and look forward to catching up with everyone.  More tomorrow....

Sit Down and Bird!

One Saturday, I headed down to Madera Canyon in search of the Elf Owls reported near the Santa Rita lodge.  I didn't find the owls, but I did see lots of wild bird action going on.....and what was everyone looking at?

Scrub Jay

Could it be the birdseed on the ground?

A dragon eating a noisy dog or child in the woods?

Or were the birds staring at the people staring at them?

The moon over the canyon was perhaps the best sign of something special happening.

But this Acorn Woodpecker could care less.  He was on the feeder getting his fill. 

This Black Headed Grosbeak could care less as well.

Western Bluebird  Lazuli Bunting(thank you Laurence !) So I did see one afterall:)

Well it turns out several of the male Wild Turkeys(or Toms) were putting on a show for the females and everyone was getting a fantastic show.  That's what I love about the shoots.....you never know what is going to happen.  So I didn't get the Elf Owls, but I did get some fancy turkey moves:)

By the way, the best part about all of this was that you could sit and bird at the Santa Rita Lodge.  I've never really seen this before but the lodge has an amazing area for birders to enjoy Madera Canyon's gems.....However, it's all about the exercise as well.  So I parked my car on the bottom on the canyon and walked up the hill.  I don't mind sitting and birding but there has to be some work out involved....otherwise it's what I call cheating:)