Arizona Photography

 It was another nice day at Ash Canyon, and another full house drawn by the Lucifer Hummingbird.  However, the Lucifer did not show while I was there, but a few species showed up that weren't there on my last visit. Ladder-backed Woodpecker (M) Turkey (M) Brown-headed Cowbird (M) Bullock's Oriole (M) Bullock's Oriole (F) Mexican Jay Northern Cardinal (F) Northern Cardinal (M) Curve-billed Thrasher Chipping Sparrow Lark Sparrow Black-headed Grosbeak (M) Black-headed Grosbeak (F) House Finch (M) Lazuli Bunting (M) Lazuli Bunting (F) Gila Woodpecker (F) Scott's Oriole (F)

 It was a very busy day at Ash Canyon.  It has been widely reported that the Lucifer Hummingbird has been showing up regularly, and this little bird attracts a lot of people.  I got there early, but had to settle for the last parking space.  From where I sat, I only saw the Lucifer twice, both times on a feeder, never hovering.  While not my preference, I took a few shots that included the feeder. Lucifer (M) Lucifer (M) There was a nice variety of birds today, a few I had not seen since last year.  In particular, It was nice to see the Western Tanager back again.  Both male and female Lazuli Buntings made an appearance, too. Western Tanager (M) Western Tanager (M) Lazuli Bunting (M) Lazuli Bunting (M) Lazuli Bunting (F) The Orioles and Grosbeaks are still coming around, and all the regulars were there. Curve-billed Thrasher Mexican Jay Brown-headed Cowbird (M) Brown-headed Cowbird (F) Acorn Woodpecker Cactus Wren Lark Sparrow Black-headed Grosbeak (M)...

 Since Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary is closed on Thursday mornings, I went to nearby San Pedro House to see what kind of activity was going on there.  Normally, the line-up of birds is just a bit different than what I've been seeing at Ash Canyon.  This was once again the case, although a few of them were the same. Gilded Flicker (M & F) Brown-headed Cowbird (M) Brown-headed Cowbird (F) Lark Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow House Finch (M) House Finch (F) Red-winged Blackbird (M) Red-winged Blackbird (F) Northern Cardinal (M) Lesser Goldfinch (M)