Two Pacific storms brought rain to Tucson valley and snow to the higher elevations. Rain cleaned the air. Snow on the Catalinas was so pretty. Early morning sun on the foothills was photogenic, and by 10 am the sun had pushed out the clouds giving us a beautiful blue-sky day.
I joined birders in one section of the 15-mile circle that is the Tucson Valley Christmas Bird count. We patrolled our 1 1/2 miles of Rillito River, 3 city parks, and several neighborhoods. Best birds were 4 Harris's Hawks, Vermilion Flycatchers, Say's Phoebes, a Hutton's Vireo, and 3 species of Hummingbirds. Specialties like Verdins, Abert's Towhees, and Curve-billed Thrashers were also found. My group counted 33 species.
At the evening compilation event I learned the record of 152 species was set some years ago. Tucson's 2012 count may tie this record.
Photos: Snow in the Catalinas, as seen from the Ranch. An internet photo of a Say's Phoebe.
The sun is peaking out from an overcast sky, and the White-crowned Sparrows have just returned to the front yard. Mourning Doves and House Sparrows are crowding into the platform feeder, and a male Cardinal is sitting on an Agave leaf.
Two Pacific storms brought rain to Tucson valley and snow to the higher elevations. Rain cleaned the air. Snow on the Catalinas was so pretty. Early morning sun on the foothills was photogenic, and by 10 am the sun had pushed out the clouds giving us a beautiful blue-sky day.
Mid-morning walk added 3 new birds to my Ranch list: Hermit Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, and Bridled Titmouse. All birds found in the canyons with running water creeks, but a surprise here. The small fishing pond is the only water nearby.
This location challenges my sense of orientation. Sabino Canyon used to be quite a drive to the east, now I had to go WEST to get to Sabino. Alas their creek is dry as well. Below the dam there were a few puddles in depressions in the rocks. Early morning birds were good.
