Jacana In Casa Grande

It was 11:00 pm the night before when Aaron and I finally decided to go. For all we knew this was our only chance. We had discussed the route carefully and planned our trip leaving little margin for error. By 6:00 am the next morning we were on the hwy trapped in Tucson's congestion. We needed to travel 70 miles each way, find our bird, and be back in Tucson (and working) before 10 am. The slow start made us question our schedule. But once the construction ended we were back up to 80 mph and only 5 minutes behind schedule. No big deal.

We arrived at the Casa Grade Golf Course moments behind another birder. The 3 of us approached the closest pond slowly with eyes glued to the banks. Five minutes of looking and no sigh of it. Numerous Coots distracted us before we shifted to the other side. Then down on the bank something caught our attention... was it? Yes! The Northern Jacana was searching for breakfast no more than 40 feet away. We spent the next 20 minutes following it around the pond, marveling at its huge feet and prehistoric walk. It seems perfectly comfortable. Even moving out into the open until the smack of a golf ball sent it returning to the waters edge.

Aaron made it to the office by 9:20 that morning. The rest of the day moved slowly but we were smiling through it.

The next day I read a report claiming that the Jacana had been there for several months. Then this morning someone said 3 years. Who knew, maybe next time we'll wait until the weekend.

For a better look at the Jacana http://www.azfo.org/gallery/noja.html




Location: Dave White Golf Course, Casa Grande
Observation date: 11/7/07
Number of species: 15

Snow Goose 1
American Wigeon 20
Gambel's Quail 1
Pied-billed Grebe 2
American Coot 40
Killdeer 1
Northern Jacana 1
Belted Kingfisher 1
Black Phoebe 1
Common Raven 2
Verdin 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
White-crowned Sparrow 10
Dark-eyed Junco 1
Great-tailed Grackle 10

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Green Valley WWTP & Madera Canyon

This past Tuesday I joined an Audubon field trip in search of waterfowl. We met at the same McDonalds but it was an entirely different crew. Once the 15 were gathered, we set off for the closest Waste Water Treatment Plant. I hitched a ride with the retired couple leading the group. On our ride over they talked about how slow birding has been and how they hoped that we'd see more than the Common Ravens along the road. I learned that Green Vally got its name from pecan groves as we drove through the tiny percentage that remained. One of the leaders commented with detest that the groves were being replaced by retirement communities as we passed suburban sprawl spread out to our right.

Our 8 car caravan pulled up to the parking area of the WWTP. We had received previous instruction not to park on the dead grass due to the high risk of fire. In case we didn't understand the new policy, a tough looking women in a cutoff flannel shirt with a smoke hanging from her lip was there to guide us. Once everyone signed the clipboard for insurance purposes, we focused on the 1st of 3 ponds. Right away someone called out Snipe! Then bird by bird the pond was conquered. I was surprised by the number of species that lay before us: A. Wigeon, N. Pintail, Green-Winged Teal, Bufflehead, Ring-Necked Duck, Ruddy Duck, N. Shoveler, Gadwall, Eared/Pied-Billed Grebes, and Coots. Until now my water birding in Arizona had been sparse.

As we moved on to the second, smaller pond I began to appreciate how close were were. I was getting some of the best looks of my life. With the aid of scopes we were seeing more detail than the I.D. books provided. This was the detail I had been longing for all those days straining out across lakes and rivers back east. Maybe I could get over the smell of the plant if the birding was always this good. Along the edge of the water I had several good looks at an American Pipit (a lifer for me). After everyone had their fill we moved on to the tough ones (sparrows). The group continued to rattled off I.D.s but not with the same confidence as before. Guide books were consulted while the sparrows seemed to morph before our eyes. After a long debate it was decided that we were looking at a Vesper Sparrow (another first for me) along with a mess of juvenile White Crowned, and a few Savannah Sparrows. Shortly after a Herring Gull captured the groups attention. I guess its all about where you see them. Before packing it back up we took a last look at the pond by the cars and were rewarded. Three Wood Ducks had flown in while our backs were turned. Absolutely beautiful in their bright fall colors.

Everyone feeling satisfied we moved down the road to Lower Madera Canyon. Our time there seemed brief but the visit didn't go unrewarded. There were several excellent looks at a Black Throated Gray Warbler, along with Hutton's Vireo, Say's Phoebe, Arizona and Acorn woodpeckers. The half dozen Acorn Woodpeckers were a thrill to watch as they stocked up on Acorns, stashing them in a nearby Alligator Juniper. We ended our morning around 11:30 and broke back for town. Most were going home for the day while one person took off up the mountain after the Eared Quetzel. Having attempted to see it over the weekend I knew what a long hike back it can be - if you're not one of the lucky few.



Location: Green Valley WWTP
Observation date: 11/6/07
Number of species: 38

Wood Duck 3
Gadwall 5
American Wigeon 10
Northern Shoveler 18
Northern Pintail 14
Green-winged Teal 13
Ring-necked Duck 39
Bufflehead 8
Ruddy Duck 10
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Eared Grebe 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Northern Harrier 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
American Coot 25
Killdeer 40
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Least Sandpiper 15
Wilson's Snipe 1
Herring Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 40
Mourning Dove 1
Black Phoebe 3
Vermilion Flycatcher 1
Loggerhead Shrike 1
Common Raven 10
Horned Lark 30
European Starling 15
American Pipit 3
Vesper Sparrow 1
Savannah Sparrow 3
White-crowned Sparrow 4
Red-winged Blackbird 40
Brewer's Blackbird 25
Great-tailed Grackle 50
House Finch 1


Location: Madera Canyon, Pima Co.
Observation date: 11/6/07
Number of species: 23

Northern Harrier 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
American Kestrel 1
Mourning Dove 15
Acorn Woodpecker 10
Ladder-backed Woodpecker 1
Arizona Woodpecker 2
Say's Phoebe 1
Hutton's Vireo 1
Mexican Jay 6
Common Raven 3
Bridled Titmouse 14
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 2
Black-throated Gray Warbler 1
Hepatic Tanager 2
Canyon Towhee 2
Brewer's Sparrow 1
White-crowned Sparrow 5
Dark-eyed Junco 3

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Sycamore Canyon

Long before daybreak the group met in the McDonald's parking lot in Green Valley. Once everyone arrived, the carpooling was arranged and the ground rules set for the day. There would be no wondering off under any conditions, the entire group must stick together at all times. If you need to pause for a moment behind a tree the group will certainly wait for you.

After an hour or more of driving we finally arrive in the parking area/campground for Sycamore Valley. Our anxious group moved briskly descending into the canyon. The air felt 20 degrees cooler than what I had woken up to in Tucson. I was under prepared, wishing for gloves and a hat. During the first portion of our walk most of the chatter came from fellow Audubon members instead of the birds. The main topic of conversation were the reports of illegal immigration incidents along our route. What incidents actually took place were left to the imagination. Was it just an encounter, robbery, or a brutal attack? Are we looking for a crazy Mexican leader with a machine gun as one person described a friend of a friend of a friend seeing... From what several were saying, it is very rare for Audubon to take trips so dangerously close to the border these days.

Once the warm sun hit the west canyon wall the group's attention shifted to the sudden spring of life. I had been wondering if we would see anything walking so quickly, talking, and making racket in the loose stones. But before long, we found ourselves on the edge of a flock that didn't seem intimidated. The trip leader even made a comment to keep talking because the chatter might grab their curiosity and draw them in. Everyone laughed, and the birds drew closer. I began to loosen up. It started with dozens of Chipping Sparrows and Dark Eye-d Juncos but before long we were looking at Ruby Crowned Kinglets, a flock of Montezuma Quail, Acorn woodpeckers, Red-Naped Sapsuckers, and 3 kinds of Wrens (Rock, Canyon, and House). A belted Kingfisher dashed through just long enough to get everyone excited and talking about the Green Kingfisher. From what i could tell, very few had ever seen the green variety. We had two wonderful looks at the Townsend's Solitaire, followed by the Townsend's Warbler, and Black throated Gray.

We reached our turn-around point near a pool of deep green water with plenty of room to stretch out in the sun. A few people complained about not going further, while others commented on 3 miles from the boarder being plenty close enough. Our walk back was quieter. The group spread out and started shedding layers in the sudden heat. By 10 am most of the birds were silent and attention shifted to the insects, vegetation, and frogs. The onset of what seemed like 20 or more species of Butterflies hovering over wildflowers was mesmerizing. Conversations turned to kaufman's new insect book and past birding trips.

By the time we were nearing the end of the canyon I was ready to get out of the hot sun and have some lunch. When we got back to the cars there were two Arizona woodpeckers waiting for us over the picnic table. It was a very peaceful ending until a pack of camo covered ATV's came flying through kicking up dust and receiving mumbles from the group. Most of the drive home was spent talking about places visited and where everyone wants to go next. It ranged from the next canyon over to countries all over the world. It was refreshing to spend the morning with a whole group of people enjoying the outdoors even if there was a mighty generation gap.



Location: Sycamore Canyon, Santa Cruz Co.
Observation date: 10/30/07
Number of species: 31

Montezuma Quail 6
Red-tailed Hawk 2
American Kestrel 2
White-winged Dove 8
Belted Kingfisher 1
Acorn Woodpecker 6
Red-naped Sapsucker 5
Ladder-backed Woodpecker 2
Arizona Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
Black Phoebe 3
Say's Phoebe 10
Cassin's Kingbird 3
Mexican Jay 12
Chihuahuan Raven 3
Bridled Titmouse 25
Bushtit 15
Rock Wren 2
Canyon Wren 5
House Wren 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 12
Yellow-rumped Warbler 20
Black-throated Gray Warbler 3
Townsend's Warbler 2
Hepatic Tanager 2
Chipping Sparrow 15
Lincoln's Sparrow 3
White-crowned Sparrow 8
Dark-eyed Junco 3
Lesser Goldfinch 16
Townsend's Solitaire 1


This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)