SE Arizona, Part 1

[kestrel]

Just got back from a fantastic trip to southeastern Arizona, with Ed and Larry. We spent a week (July 30-Aug 6) here. The weather was great, but very hot. Our main targets were the numerous hummingbird species that call this region home, during the summer months.

We stayed in Green Valley for the first three nights. From here, we had easy access to Madera Canyon and the surrounding area, where we had Botteri's sparrow and Dusky-capped flycatcher.

Saw my lifer Varied bunting in Box Canyon:
Varied bunting by Joel Schmidt, on Flickr

Santa Rita Lodge, in Madera Canyon, was abuzz with activity.

Broad-billeds were by far the most numerous visitor at the hummingbird feeders:
Broad-billed hummingbird by Joel Schmidt, on Flickr

The regular feeders were also very busy, with such birds as Arizona woodpecker showing up:
Arizona woodpecker by Joel Schmidt, on Flickr

Later in the day, we met up with Dave Beeke and some of his family. Together, we were able to enjoy leisurely views of a Whiskered screech-owl. I will leave the exact location undisclosed.
Whiskered screech-owl by Joel Schmidt, on Flickr

Up on Mt Lemmon (near Tucson), we and the Beekes were able to track down Red-faced warbler, Virginia's warbler, and Grace's warbler. Later on, in Montosa Canyon, I was able to locate a Five-striped sparrow near the road. Unfortunately, Ed and Larry were unable to get to it in time to see it .
Five-striped sparrow by Joel Schmidt, on Flickr

[Chris]

Wow, a lot of great species. Looking forward to part 2.

Out of curiosity what was the highest temperature you recorded?

[kestrel]

Thanks, Chris! I wasn't paying too much attention to the temps, but I think the hottest it got was about 42 celsius.

[ed]

It was 42c in Phoenix when we arrived, but more like 39c in SE Arizona. The moderating influence was that we accessed 2 to 4 thousand feet of elevation so that temps were slightly lower. A few of the birding walks like Patagonia Lake and San Pedro House were in the flat valley bottoms were very hot and oppressive. We usually took an early afternoon siesta and then went out again in mid afternoon. The pursuit of Hummingbirds most often resulted in accessing known feeders available to the public.
For me a soaked tee shirt and a spritzer bottle in the car kept me cool. Drinking enough water is critical.

[Gord]

Enjoyed the reports, Joel, and the great photos. Well done to all on a great trip!