Ash Canyon - October 9 and 19, 2026

 The changing season means we are seeing fewer species of birds in the canyon.  The Tanagers, Orioles, Grosbeaks and Buntings have all moved on to their winter locations.  We still have a fair number of Hummingbirds, just not the variety of species present back in August.  The more sensitive ones have migrated to Mexico or beyond.  So, we are left with those hardy birds who stay here year round, but will soon have wintering waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes arriving at the wetlands nearby.  Presumably, Black Bears have gone into hibernation and won't be raiding the bird feeders until spring.

House Finch (F)

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow

Ladder-backed Woodpecker (F)

Broad-billed (M)

Broad-billed (F)

Anna's (M)

Mourning Dove

Anna's (F)

White-breasted Nuthatch (M)

Acorn Woodpecker (M)

Acorn Woodpecker(F)

Bridled Titmouse

House Finch (M)

White-winged Dove

Rock Squirrel

 The Mexican Jay with the deformed bill (called "Bill" by sanctuary regulars) seems to have adapted well to his impairment.  He frequently perches on the railing of the blind, mere feet from us, to retrieve one of the peanuts put there by Tim.Only he and a couple of the brash Acorn Woodpeckers are willing to take that risk.


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