Birds in Southeast Arizona

I had no idea there was such a variety of birds in southeast Arizona. I’m not a birder by any means, I prefer to think of myself as a wildlifer. Any and all wildlife are what I like to see, and photograph. This part of Arizona is pretty well known for all the different areas were birds hang out though. Generally it’s higher elevation were you can find these places, and they are sometimes referred to as sky islands. The places we have gone are also noted bird conservation areas, and areas of importance for the birds.

Vermillion Flycatcher. Can’t miss these little guys, so bright and colorful.

We went to a birding area near Patagonia Lake. I’m sure that more towards spring we would have seen a lot more birds. But, we did get to see a few of the year round residents.

A female cardinal is not as flashy as her bright red boyfriend, but beautiful all the same.

Northern flicker is a bird I love, and see when we are in the north. Of course. They are usually very skittish, and impossible to get photos of. This male was more than happy to sit and pose for us.

This is a young gila woodpecker, you can really see the similarities with flickers in the feather pattern. And they are noisy like a flicker.

A mockingbird is pretty common, but I love the way they sing. Quite the personality packed into the little feathered body.

One place that was definitely on my list was Madera Canyon. Again, this area is much better for birds in March going into April. But there are birds that live here year round, that are fairly easy to see with some hiking.

Bluebird. Cute, colorful and we saw several of these little guys.

Mexican scrub jay. There were lots of these guys around. Noisy squawking things. That color though!

Acorn woodpecker. I’m glad we saw these birds again and got better photos actually in the sun. Look at those shimmery feathers! I had no idea that Arizona has their very own oak tree. They are everywhere in this part of the state. So these guy, have lots to eat.

And the number one reason for going to Madera canyon was this guy. An Elegant Trogan. They normally winter in Mexico, and in April there are 3 or 4 nesting pairs in Madera. Apparently this male got tired of traveling 3 years ago, and is now a year round resident. He’s the only one, but he must not mind it. Have you ever seen anything more beautiful?

He’s a funny bird, slow moving mostly. He sat on this branch and slowly rotated his head. But, when they decide to fly it happens quick.

I’m hoping to get back and see him again.

Another area well known for birds is Whitewater draw. The big draw is the massive amount of sandhill cranes that winter there. But that’s going to have to be a whole post on it’s own. These birds also live there, and are fun to see too.

Black Phoebe. Cute fluffer little thing. Nice of him to give me such a great backdrop.

Canyon Towhee. I new bird for me, and quite common in the area.

Northern Harrier. What an awesome bird, and a new one for me. A raptor about the size of a hawk. We have watched them skim low over the grasses looking for prey.

Kestrel. These guys are so hard to photograph normally. Always moving fast, and rarely sitting still. The males are so striking, and this guy was nicely cooperative.

Speaking of cooperative. This redtail hawk was the most cooperative, non cooperative bird ever. He sat in one place forever, but almost always in either bad light, or behind sticks.

We saw a loggerhead shrike a couple times. I really like to get birds when they are preening.

He sang us a nice song too.

And waterfowl. There are about 100 snow geese. Not many by comparison of some places, but fun to see.

Pintail ducks.

And a green winged teal. These guys are gorgeous too. Why are the males in birds so colorful?

For someone who isn’t a birder, I guess I have lots of bird photos. LOL. I hope you enjoyed all these guys as much as I have. My next post is going to be about the sandhill cranes. I have tons of photos and videos to get through so I can share with you guys.