Arizona Photography

 After an absence of more than a week, I was determined to visit Ash Canyon.  Leaving home on a beautiful, cool and calm morning, I was surprised to find it was extremely windy in the canyon.  I saw a couple birds braving the conditions, but it was apparent that most birds were too smart to show themselves on such a day.  I left after only a few minutes.   Gila Woodpecker (M) Yellow-rumped Warbler Searching various birding reports, It seemed that Whitewater Draw was an active area.  While I thought it may be a little early for the wintering birds, reports were favorable for both Sandhill Cranes and songbirds.  I made the 50 mile trek based on what I had read, but was disappointed when no cranes were in sight.  I could hear a few, but they were hidden far away, apparently in a low area.  Further, there was little water near the trail, so any ducks on site were also hidden away.  Fortunately, there were a few shore birds and song birds available, as well as the usual raptors, to save my