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.....

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....