Arizona Photography

 We're still waiting for migrating birds to return, which should happen within a couple weeks.  In addition to the regulars, however, I had the good fortune to see one Montezuma Quail.  He stayed hidden in bushes most of the time, but finally made a brief appearance, allowing me to get a couple quick photos.  You would be surprised how many birders show up hoping to see this rare and elusive bird, but many never do. Then, on the way home, I drove by a place in Hereford known to have Scaled Quail, which I had never seen.  Well, there were a few of them there, but scurrying away from me and toward the sun.  My photos aren't great, but I'm pleased to have them at all, and I'll keep trying for a better photo op. Acorn Woodpecker Acorn Woodpecker Mexican Jay House Finch (M) House Finch (M) Lesser Goldfinch (M) Lesser Goldfinch (F) Lesser Goldfinch (F) Lincoln's Sparrow Pyrrhuloxia (M) Yellow-rumped Warbler Montezuma Quail (M) Montezuma Quail (M) Scaled Quail (M) Scaled Q

 On my way back from Willcox, I stopped at the usual places in Benson and St. David.  While it wasn't a great success, I think it was worth my time.  Oh, there were lots of ducks on the water, but on the far side of the pond.  Most of them were totally out of range, but I got decent shots of those that were close enough. Domestic Goose Domestic Goose Ring-necked Duck (F) Ring-necked Duck (F) American Coot Mallard (M) Mallard (F) Ruddy Duck (F) Ruddy Duck (F) Northern Shoveler (M) Bufflehead (M) I'll throw in a few more taken the previous day in Ash Canyon, including one of the baby javelinas that were present that day.  Lesser Goldfinch (M) House Finch (M) House Finch (F) Orange-crowned Warbler Baby Javelina

 Since there was so little activity near home, I made a little day trip to Willcox.  You may recall that Willcox is one of the places where sandhill cranes and snow geese hang out for the winter, and other species can also be found.  While there are large numbers of sandhills, in the thousands actually, the place is so large that the birds are able to keep a big distance from spectators.  Even with an 800mm lens, it is difficult to get sharp photos from so far away.  The guys with $16,000 lenses can do better, but I will settle for these. Circling the lake, there are mountains in every direction, and today there were interesting clouds over each mountain range.  If it looks like the lake is tilted in some shots, it's because of the perspective caused by the circular lake.  The camera is actually level for these photos. American Wigeon (M) American Wigeon (F) Northern Shoveler (M) American Kestrel House Finch (F) American Coot American Coot Western Meadowlark