I'll Take 'Em!

Finally!!!  This early spring I had a difficult time spotting certain birds reported around the area.  However, during a warm and hot day in Madera canyon, I was finally able to get the shots.  But first, check out this colorful character shedding that old skin.

Sonoran Spotted Whiptail Lizard

Of course it was during my hummingbird challenge that I would finally spot birds that I had specifically gone to see earlier.  BUT that doesn't matter. The important part was that I could finally capture these lovely birds in their natural settings.  The shot below almost didn't happen.  The corners of my eye spotted movement and I turned around slowly and just in time to snap this shot.  It was just one pic and it turned out!  The birds that I'm about to show you are very skittish around people and the camera.  I've seen them in person but by the time, I had the camera ready, they were gone.

Hooded Oriole

The pic above was exciting!  I've never seen this kind of Oriole before.  What a treat!!  I love the yellow head.  I sat with 3 very kind birders.  Quiet and maybe a little clannish, but they weren't mean at all.  It looked like a mother and father.  The father lacked social skills, but the mother was really nice.  And their daughter...who was in Jr. High?  knew so much about birds.  I was impressed.  At one point, I think I had spotted a Violet Crowned Hummer and asked the young lady in a whisper if that's we she saw as well and replied, "Yes, I think it was."   And the camera equipment they had on them!!!  This little girl pulled out what looked like a machine gun of a camera.  Talk about putting some muscle into the shots.

Young Blue Grosbeak

And then, I looked up.  Finally.  Thank you!  Thank you!!!  Thank you!!! A splotchy young Blue Grosbeak sat just long enough for me to snap off a couple shots.  There are several Grosbeaks that are pretty common and don't mind people around them.....but this particular Grosbeak is very secretive.

I barely noticed it but I felt a presence in the force and luckily looked up.  Anyhow, while the hummingbird search was a bust for new species, it wasn't a complete loss with both these additions....which were life birds for me. And that's what I love about birding......you never know when someone will pop in for a visit. The summer is just warming up.  Wait until you see what I have in store:)  Muggy hot but some of the best wildlife happening right now with all the rains going on around Southern Arizona.  More tomorrow.....