Arizona visit 2008

Arizona
Birding

April 29 - May 5

2008

After we arrived in Tucson, we went to Tohono Chul Park and botanic garden for lunch and birding.
Hummingbird Nest, Tohono Chul	White-winged Dove on lamp at Tohono Chul
From Tucson, we went to Madera Canyon, where we stayed 3 nights at Santa Rita Lodge. The lodge has many feeders, which are a big help for photography. There was a hummingbird-photography class staying at the lodge using elaborate flash setups around feeders. It was interesting to watch them. We spent a morning with a guide, Jack Murray, who knew where to look for local specialties.
Flame-colored Tanager, the only one known to be in the U.S. this year.	Northern Pygmy Owl	Two of the many turkeys frequenting the Santa Rita lodge area.	Mexican Jay
Here are a few more Santa Rita pictures
Rufous-capped Sparrow	Black-headed Grosbeak on log that's also a feeder	Black-headed Grosbeak	Western Tanager at Santa Rita pond
We went next to Muleshoe Ranch, which is a Nature Conservancy property. It's farther from the Mexican border, so it doesn't attract as many species that barely cross the border. However, it's a pleasant place to stay, and it offers opportunities for pictures of some species that aren't common at some of the "hotspots."
Hooded Oriole	Cardinals and House Finch	Great-horned Owl at Whitewater Draw
The vista hike was attractive, with several varieties of cactus and other flowers.
View on the Vista Trail	Yellow cactus flowers	Poppies	Ocotillo blossom	Purple cactus flowers
We spent our last night at lovely Casa de San Pedro, near Hereford. Once again, feeders attracted many birds and a few more photo opportunities. We also stopped at Beatty's Ranch, in Miller Canyon, on the way back to Tucson to visit their hummingbird feeders.
Gambel's Quail pair	Lark Sparrow	Broad-billed Hummingbird	Broad-tailed Hummingbird female	Magnificent Hummingbird female

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