Short-tailed Hawk

Our return of 74 species was good, especially considering it was a COLD and WET day in JUNE on Mt Lemmon. I wonder if I’ll ever say that again…

Agua Caliente Park:

A pair of NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULETS was along the mesquite-lined trail to the empty ponds, and the same or another pair appeared near the Tucson Audubon Nature Shop.

Also there, NEOTROPIC CORMORANT, GREATER ROADRUNNER, a couple of BRONZED COWBIRDS, and HOODED ORIOLE.

Soldier Trail, near Agua Caliente Park:

A PEREGRINE FALCON was circling, carrying prey, presumably in some kind of display to a watching mate, or maybe to tempt newly-fledged young (too early for this? And in town?)

Also along Soldier Trail, BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, good numbers of ‘DESERT’ PURPLE MARTINS, and RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW.

Soldier Canyon (Catalina Highway, mile 0):

A singing male VARIED BUNTING was a nice addition. Also there, a couple of showy female-type BLACK-TAILED GNATCATCHERS.

Incinerator Ridge Rd:

We were treated to a SHORT-TAILED HAWK, which flew over the lookout at the end of the road.

Also along the road, HAIRY WOODPECKER, GREATER PEWEE, CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER, MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE, BROWN CREEPER, WESTERN BLUEBIRD, a pair of OLIVE WARBLERS, and several RED-FACED, a singing VIRGINIA’S, and ‘AUDUBON’S’ YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS.

Summerhaven:

MAGNIFICENT, ANNA’S and BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRDS jostled for the feeder outside the Living Rainbow Gift Shop.

Ski Valley:

MAGNIFICENT and BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRDS adorned the feeders outside the Iron Door Restaurant.

Rose Canyon:

GRACE’S WARBLER and PINE SISKIN were added to the day list, but the Buff-breasted Flycatchers near the Lizard Rock Group Area were a no show mid-afternoon. This was perhaps due to the persistent light rain and temperature of 59F! I checked the calendar, and it definitely said it was June! If I hadn’t been there to witness it for myself, I’m not sure I’d have believed it…