Arizona Photography

 Compared to my last visit, today was very mundane.  I didn't see any of the rarities, although I was told the Ruby-throat and White-ear hybrid were still hanging around.  One of the Lawrence's Goldfinches finally came in close, but then perched behind a weed to prevent a good photo.  I suppose it's only normal for activity to slow down after migration ends, and I'm not sure when things will begin to pick up. Anna's (M) Anna's (M) Anna's (F) Acorn Woodpecker (M) House Finch (F) House Finch (M) Mexican Jay Curve-billed Thrasher Lawrence's Goldfinch (F) Hepatic Tanager (F) Inca Dove  

 I knew something special was up when I arrived and found only one vacant parking space.  Inside, at the big blind, it was standing room only and there was an air of excitement.  Someone explained that a Ruby-throated Hummingbird was reported yesterday, so the crowd here today was waiting and hoping it would return.  Sure enough, the young male appeared and thrilled the observers.  This was only the tenth Ruby-throat ever reported in our area. Ruby-throats mostly winter in Central America, then migrate to North America for breeding, as far north as Canada.  Many of them migrate by flying directly across the Gulf of America/Mexico, a journey of 500-600 miles and 20-24 hours non-stop, with no place to rest or get food/water.  They will often "bulk up" to prepare for that arduous trip.  Others fly a longer, but easier, route around the Gulf.  At the end of summer, they repeat the migration, except heading south  My theory is that our visito...