Our first full day was to be spent in the hills around Arivaca, AZ. Tim planned on prospecting for gold while I searched for birds. The area is very arid with rolling hills.
This day was also Scarlett’s 2nd Birthday! 🙂
Happy Birthday Scarlett!
On the way to the hills, we passed through the small town of Arivaca. Among the tall trees around town, vultures were warming themselves up for a day of soaring. I was happily surprised to see both Black and Turkey Vultures.
Turkey Vulture on the left. Black Vulture on the right.
We finally made it to the hills. The views were expansive.
Hills around Arivaca, AZ
As soon as I got out of the truck, I heard birdsong everywhere. I thought to myself, “this is going to be a good day!” 🙂
On my list of birds to find, was the Rufous-Winged Sparrow. As we were driving along the road to our destination, I figured I better play its song so I knew what to look for. We had the windows down in the truck. When I played the recording of the birdsong, we heard one reply outside the window. Bingo!!! I was gonna see this new bird for me! And almost as soon as I started exploring around the truck, I saw one singing in a large bush.
Rufous-Winged Sparrow
I had a great time hiking the area. I saw so many birds. As barren as the place looked, it was really full of life.
Black-Throated Sparrow
Phainopepla
Pyrrhuloxia
Ash-Throated Flycatcher
Verdin with soft stuff to line its nest 🙂
One bird I saw and heard everywhere was the Lucy’s Warbler. But it was a challenge trying to get a photograph of this quick, tiny bird!
Lucy’s Warbler
Another bird I heard often was the Bewick’s Wren. But in this part of the country, it’s song is way more simplified than where I live. So it took me a while to realize it was the same species.
Bewick’s Wren
I saw a few butterflies that day as well. Most of them were new butterflies for me. My friend Joe will hopefully tell me if I’ve incorrectly identified any.
Empress Leilia
Dotted Roadside Skipper
Marine Blue
Pahaska Skipper
Mormon Metalmark
Desert Checkered Skipper
Common Streaky Skipper
Tiny Checkerspot
Pacuvius Duskywing
Near the end of the day, we decided to move to a different area so Tim could explore a different gold claim. I was surprised at how the area offered different birds even though we only drove a few miles.
Bell’s Vireo
Cassin’s Vireo
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
Juvenile Golden Eagle
Canyon Towhee
American Crow
We had a wonderful day together. The weather was gorgeous, the birds plentiful and fun times exploring. More fun ahead!
Very interesting birds 1nm, you certainly had a great birding experience 😊
Thanks aussiebirder! It was great!
I am always amazed [and a bit envious] as to the great number of bird species you living in the southwest encounter. A joy to view and hear about, keep up the good work and happy birding.
Thanks so much gsctrails! I love birding in the southwest. Never disappointing. 🙂
Love the butterflies tool. Nice post.
Thanks Sherry!
What an amazing day you had! Your photographs are wonderful! Are you still using your Nikon 1? I bet Scarlett enjoyed her birthday outing!
Thanks Stephanie! Scarlett definitely enjoyed our road trip. I used the Nikon 1 for this trip. But I’ve just ordered me a new camera setup. It’s an olympus 4/3 camera. I rented it for a trip to Las Vegas and didn’t want to return it. It’s going to be a hard transition as it’s not an easy camera to learn.
I can’t wait to hear how you like your new camera!
It arrives this week. I’m anxious to try it out. I’ve heard lots of good reviews and seen some awesome bird photos with the new setup. I will keep you posted.
Oh, so many beautiful birds, many completely new to me! And happy belated birthday to Scarlet <3
Thank you Tiny! Scarlett says thank you too! Our birds are quite a bit different from your area. I love seeing your birds on your blog.