Category Archives: Birding Arizona

Hooded Orioles and Bronzed Cowbirds

Posted on August 26, 2017 by

Due to a few simple twists of fate, we’ve been ‘stuck in Dodge’ this summer enjoying an unending string of phenomenal monsoons instead of our usual getaway to the foggy coast of Oregon.  However, this unplanned layover brought some unexpected … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding Arizona | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Vultures and the Zone-tailed Hawk

Posted on August 13, 2017 by

There are two species of vultures found in the U.S., and both are seen in southern Arizona. For the most part, Turkey Vultures (the more widespread and common) are Arizona migrants, flying up from Mexico in the spring to nest … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding Arizona | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Exterior Decorating for the Birds

Posted on June 30, 2017 by

We get plenty of advice when it comes to interior decorating, but fewer suggestions when our yards are involved. More often than not, those limited ideas seldom consider all the creatures we share our outdoor living space with, especially birds. … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding Arizona | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

It’s that Quail Time of Year

Posted on May 21, 2017 by

Not sure why, but for some unexplained reason we’ve seen more Gambel’s Quail this year than usual. On our quarterly Tucson Bird Counts along the Canada del Oro Wash and along Willow Springs Road we’ve counted far more quail in … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding Arizona | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Big Bird Holiday at Rooster Cogburn’s

Posted on December 1, 2016 by

If you’re looking for a bird-oriented holiday outing designed for kids, grandkids and adults, too, there’s a great option about an hour from Tucson.  The Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch is a 600-acre tract on the south side of Picacho Peak … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding Arizona | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Rare Birds in Catalina State Park

Posted on March 15, 2016 by

Catalina State Park is one of Arizona’s state park gems, and remarkably the nearest one to a major population center.  The park was established in 1983, and consists of 5,493 acres of high desert/lower Sonoran Life Zone. The park entrance … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding Arizona | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Sharpie, the Cooper’s ‘Innocent’ Cousin

Posted on January 19, 2016 by

Wherever you find birds in the greater Tucson area, sooner or later you’ll find a Cooper’s Hawk, as well.  This is to be expected, since Cooper’s Hawks feed almost exclusively on other birds.  And, being resourceful, Cooper’s Hawks are commonly … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding Arizona | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Silky Flycatchers

Posted on December 16, 2015 by

With 10,000 species of birds in the world, it’s difficult to pick favorites, but I can’t resist a family with the name ‘Silky-flycatchers.’  Actually, the scientific name for this small family is Ptilogonatidae, but ‘Silky-flycatchers’ is easier to pronounce. There … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding Arizona | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Canada del Oro Wash; a Natural Aviary

Posted on September 27, 2015 by

One of metropolitan Tucson’s major washes, the Cañada del Oro ‘flows’ some 80 miles south and west from the slopes of Mt. Lemmon,  past SaddleBrooke and Catalina and through Oro Valley until it finally joins the Santa Cruz River west of Interstate 10.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding Arizona | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Ravens and Crows and Ravens, Oh My!

Posted on October 12, 2014 by

Like a lot of other folks, you might think Edgar Allen Poe when someone mentions ‘raven’, and in fact many western poets, authors and cultures have associated the raven with danger and death. But not all is midnight dreary with … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding Arizona | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments