Tufted Flycatcher

With Steve Nesbitt, I hiked the two miles up Ramsey Canyon to see the rare TUFTED FLYCATCHER. It didn’t disappoint.

The bird has a nest. There has been talk of a pair being present, but this has yet to be confirmed.

It should be noted that, while it doesn’t sound far, this is a VERY tough, steep, rocky hike, with a 600 feet elevation rise over the second half mile. It is not for everyone. After about a mile, there is a scenic overlook with spectacular views. Further up canyon, the creek is flowing and the canyon is really gorgeous.

On the hike back down, I had another one of those ‘London buses’ moments. You wait your whole life to see a SONORAN MOUNTAIN KINGSNAKE, and then see two in nine days.

Other birds in the canyon included ELEGANT TROGON, SULPHUR-BELLIED FLYCATCHER and RED-FACED WARBLER. We didn’t find the Flame-colored Tanager.