Southern Arizona Birding (South of Tucson)

Sunday Feb 1, 2015: After two days of rain we are ready to get outside.  We headed out by 8:00 am for Madera Canyon.  It was a bit foggy and since we were going up into the mountains a little bit cooler than in Tucson.

It looked more like we were in Northern Minnesota or Montana!  the park is so beautiful and serene.

We hiked for about 6 hours but only went about 5 miles...  we hike very slow...  but we did get a few new birds!  beautiful day to be outside enjoying nature.

Monday Feb 2:  we got up really early (5am) to go about 75 miles for a bird walk at

It was a ranger led walk, he was very good..  we did seen 2 new birds (I was hoping for 9) but did not get the Elegant Trogan!  will need to revisit the park.  we did see some good birds

ducks

cow birds  (the cows roam freely around and leave lots of pies..  have to be careful where we walk.

rufus winged sparrow

we made two more bird stops on the way home

the Paton center was a home where the woman loved birds and people.  after she passed the house was bought by the Audubon society, keeping it open to the public.  unfortunately no new birds but did meet some really nice and knowledgeable couple!

we seen the Pacific loon here!  

A quick stop at the casino to give them $5 each..  before getting home..

We are trying to get a few top birding stops in before we leave on Friday.  When we get back we will be able to repeat those places where we missed the big bird.