Box Canyon & Madera Canyon - June 26, 2025

 Seeking a change of scenery and a different selection of birds, I set off to visit Madera Canyon.  The 1.5 hour drive goes through Box Canyon, a beautiful gorge with  a winding and unpaved road.  This little-visited canyon is home to the rare Five-striped Sparrow, which I've never seen, as well as several uncommon birds.  However, on this day, there was minimal bird activity and I photographed only a Red-tailed Hawk.

Red-tailed Hawk
 

Madera Canyon has always been good to me, with a variety of birds that don't appear, or not often, on our side of the mountains.  On past visits, I've gotten photos of Rivoli's Hummingbirds, Beryline Hummingbirds, Hepatic Tanagers, Arizona Woodpeckers, and others.  All of those birds were here today, but stayed far away, or in the trees, or in the shade.  Bottom line, I didn't get acceptable photos of any of those cool birds.  I had to remind myself that birding is like golf: It's the bad days that make you appreciate the good days.  So, here are the few photos I can share from this trip.

Broad-billed (M)

Broad-billed (F)

Black-chinned (M)

Black-chinned (F)

Acorn Woodpecker (M)

White-breasted Nuthatch

Black-headed Grosbeak (F)

Bridled Titmouse

House Finch (M)

 

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