Ash Canyon - Oct. 29, 2024, Whitewater Draw & Benson - Oct. 31, 2024

 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 day.

 

Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Great-tailed Grackle (F)

Chihuahuan Meadowlark

House Finch (F)

Wilson's Snipe

Killdeer

Vermilion Flycatcher (J)

Black Phoebe

Lark Bunting

Loggerhead Shrike

I decided to swing by Benson, where the city has a Stormwater Treatment Facility that attracts waterfowl.  I've had good days there in the past, but the variety today just wasn't what I'd hoped for.  Still, it was a good supplement to what I had gotten at Whitewater Draw.  And, I had to appreciate the drive in the country on such a beautiful day.

American Coot

American Wigeon (F)

American Wigeon (M)

Ruddy Duck (M)

Canvasback (M)

Northern Shoveler (non-breeding M)

Northern Shoveler (breeding M)

Northern Shoveler (F)

Vermilion Flycatcher (F)



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