If it works, keep doing it! We went back to Catalina State Park and the Santa Cruz Flats to enjoy the great birding currently at these two sites. I’ve done this day a few times lately, but it’s worth repeating, especially when it’s so successful.
Catalina State Park:
We started by watching the creek in the spot where a variety of birds visit. It was again busy with a succession of species coming down to drink and bathe in the cool, running water.
We teamed up with a couple we met who were also looking for the Rufous-backed Robin (I’d taken them out a few years ago) and spent a while looking for the robin, but we couldn’t locate it in the time we had available. We were compensated with two of continuing WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, the wintering NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET, stunning VERMILION FLYCATCHERS, and close views of typical desert species such as RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW.
Reluctantly, we started to leave the park and head towards the flats. My phone rang, and it was my former clients, who were now watching the RUFOUS-BACKED ROBIN! We hadn’t even reached the park entrance, so we performed a quick u-turn and a minute later we were enjoying close views of this rare bird. It’s great when birders cooperate.
Santa Cruz Flats:
The flats were as good as ever, with MOUNTAIN PLOVERS at the sod farm, SAGEBRUSH SPARROWS in the usual spot, a couple of PRAIRIE FALCONS and all the expected species.
Another great day of winter birding in SE Arizona!
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