One of the most noteworthy features of the Winter season was the impact that unusually low precipitation from the summer monsoon rains had on wintering bird populations. The probable scarcity of grass seed, for example, reduced the number of wintering sparrows in the southern part of the state. One indication was shown by the number of sparrows reported from 35 Christmas Bird Count circles in the state between 14 December and 5 January. A comparison with CBC results from the past 25 years (since 1985-86) of six species revealed that this year's counts of Brewer's, Vesper, Lincoln's, and White-crowned Sparrows had the second lowest figures for that period, as measured by numbers per party hour, and Lark and Savannah Sparrows were well below average. Several reports also suggested that the unusually dry conditions may have reduced the number of wintering raptors. In the Sulphur Springs Valley, typically harboring concentrations of wintering raptors, the Elfrida CBC on 21 Dec recorded below average figures for both Northern Harriers and Ferruginous Hawks. The number of harriers was 29 compared to the average of 79 reported in the 12 counts held since 1985, and the number of Ferruginous Hawks was 16 compared to the average of 31. Both species also had below average counts for the number seen per party hour. In the Santa Cruz Flats, Pinal Co., another area that attracts wintering raptors, the annual raptor count on 16 Jan reported the lowest number of Ferruginous Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, and Northern Harriers in the five years of the count.
On the other hand, the unusually large numbers of American Robins and Western and Mountain Bluebirds reported from the lowlands in the fall continued through winter, possibly pushed down by heavy snowfalls in the northern mountains in early December. Most remarkable was that 17 of 34 CBC count circles reported their highest numbers ever for Western Bluebird and six more their second or third highest. (See table at end of report.) The total of 8921 birds was the highest recorded since CBCs began in the state more than 60 years ago. The highest previous count was 4798 in 2006-07. The per party hour rate was second highest with only the 1969-70 count, which had far fewer observers, recording a higher rate.
John Arnett and others under his guidance conducted specific surveys for wintering Gray Vireos in the southwest desert region of Arizona. These preliminary surveys focused primarily in foothill drainages known to contain elephant trees (Bursera microphylla), whose fruit is a regular winter food source for these vireos. A total of 15 vireos were detected between late December and late February in Maricopa, Pima, and Yuma Counties. These intriguing surveys will hopefully be repeated and expanded next winter in an effort to better determine the winter distribution and ecology of these short-distance migrants.
This report is the third consecutive AZFO seasonal report for the Winter season. As more data are accumulated, more comparisons of the observed patterns of bird occurrence in the state will be possible.
Our regional coordinators have assembled their reports for the Winter season from the AZFO seasonal reports database, the Arizona-New Mexico Listserv, Northern Arizona Birding Forum, Christmas Bird Counts, data from the Phoenix Urban Aquatic Bird Survey and the Santa Cruz Flats Raptor Count, records submitted to the Arizona Bird Committee, and eBird. We encourage those who want to contribute to these reports to submit their noteworthy sightings directly to the AZFO database. Sightings that appear only on the listserv or other sites and are not on the AZFO site may be missed or otherwise not included in the seasonal reports. Moreover, the database offers a cumulative and searchable repository of unusual sightings in the state. There are nine reporting regions, primarily based on biological and geographical criteria, which can be viewed on an interactive map. In this report, documented sightings of species on the ABC Review List and observations of exceptionally large numbers of a species are in boldface. Many of these sightings are hyperlinked to photos on the AZFO web site. All included reports of review species have had documentation submitted to the ABC and are “pending acceptance” by the ABC. Species and numbers underlined are “sketch details” species or exceptional reports for the specific region or season, and some of them are documented with photos at AZFO’s online Photo Documentation gallery. The list of cited observers and initials is at the end of the report. Infrequently cited observers are indicated in the text by first initial and last name.
Abbreviations used throughout the reports include: Arizona Bird Committee (ABC), Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas (Atlas), Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZG&F), Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), Important Bird Area (IBA), National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), State Park (SP), Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP), Wildlife Area (WA), photographed (ph.), sound recording (s. r.), video recording (v. r.), many observers (m. ob.), on the authority of (fide), and date + (birds seen through end of season).
—Doug Jenness, Statewide Coordinator, AZFO Seasonal Reports
Abbreviations: Bill Williams Delta (BWD), Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge (BWR NWR), Lake Havasu City (LHC), Site 6, Pittsburgh Point, Lake Havasu City (Site 6), Havasu National Wildlife Refuge (HNWR), Bullhead City (BHC), lower Colorado River Valley (LCRV)
December and early January were relatively cool and dry, but El Niño appeared later in January, bringing strong winds and above-average precipitation. Although the weather was less severe in February, Mohave Co. experienced below-average temperatures and average amounts of precipitation. An unusually high number of winter storms, however, did not significantly increase the number of rare or accidental species or appear to affect the number of species reported during the season. Most of the published records from the LCRV appear in the Birds of the Lower Colorado River Valley (Rosenberg, K. V. et al. 1991), which remains the comparison standard for reports from that area.
An uncommon transient during late September and early October, three Greater White-fronted Geese in South Topock Marsh, HNWR 28 Dec (JMc) may have spent the winter in the area. Another winter sighting of one Greater White-fronted Goose occurred at Princess Cove near Katherine Landing 7 Feb (D. Duxbury-Fox). A grand total of 3049 Snow Geese were reported 29 Dec during the Havasu CBC (fide DDe). Within one of the Snow Goose flocks, three Ross’s Geese were detected 29 Dec (NMI). Between 29 Dec and 25 Feb three first-winter Tundra Swans were seen at various sites on and near Topock Marsh, HNWR (DDe, m. ob.).
During the Havasu CBC 29 Dec three uncommon resident or transient duck species were reported on Topock Marsh: eight Blue-winged Teal, 10 Cinnamon Teal, and 78 Canvasback (fide DDe). Greater Scaup are rare but regular visitors and are usually found with Lesser Scaup below spillways of dams or on lakes with other diving ducks. Two reports of eight Greater Scaup in the BWD were made 1 Dec (KB) and 8 Feb (JRi). One Greater Scaup was below Davis Dam 2-5 Feb (TC, CLu). A large number of 285 Lesser Scaup was observed at the BWR NWR 11 Feb (JRi, JWe). Recently a very rare winter visitor, one White-winged Scoter spent much of the season, 26 Jan+ in the BWD (JRi, ph. JWe, m. ob.). Another White-winged Scoter was observed north of Pittsburgh Pt., LHC 30 Jan (SPu). Small numbers of one to six Barrow’s Goldeneye were in the BWD from 6 Jan-6 Feb (m. ob.). Below Davis Dam a female Barrow’s Goldeneye was found 2-5 Feb (TC, CLu).
Throughout the winter months mergansers were observed along the Colorado R. from Cabinsite Point on L. Mohave in the north south to the BWD. During the Havasu CBC five Hooded Mergansers were observed from Five Mile Landing on Topock Marsh, HNWR (KO et al.). Below Davis Dam seven to eight Hooded Mergansers were found 2-15 Feb (TC, CLu, DDe.). Also on 5 Feb approximately 14 Hooded Mergansers were on the Colorado R., BHC (CLu). An exceptionally high concentration of 161 Common Mergansers were reported on the BWD 8 Feb (JRi). Another large gathering of 59 Common Mergansers was found on the Colorado R. north of Willow Beach 7 Jan (HHo). Considered rare to uncommon winter visitors to the lower Colorado R., Red-breasted Mergansers were reported irregularly throughout the season along the river, typically in numbers from one to five (m. ob.). However, during an Aerial Waterfowl/Waterbird Survey conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 142 Red-breasted Mergansers were reported 6 Jan on Topock Marsh (J. Allen, J. Bredy).
Loons were seen on a regular basis throughout the northern end of the LCRV. Between 30 Jan and 11 Feb one Red-throated Loon was documented at the BWD (ph. SPu, m. ob.). At the BWD one Pacific Loon was identified among many other species of waterfowl 4 Dec (BGro). One to two Pacific Loons were observed on L. Havasu from Site 6 northward from 31 Jan (MSt, MPo, BC, et al.) to 8 Feb (D. Duxbury-Fox, B. Fox). Common Loons were, as expected, more widespread than the other loon species, but may have been fewer than usual. One to four were observed throughout the season between L. Havasu and L. Mohave (m. ob.).
A few Horned Grebes, often found alone on open water, were discovered in several locations in the northern part of the LCRV: one was observed 4 Dec on Mesquite Bay (CBab, SSt); two were seen on L. Havasu 7 Jan (JWe); one was on L. Mohave near Cabinsite Point 3-5 Feb (TC, CLu); and another was located 4 Feb on the north side of Pittsburgh Pt., L. Havasu (PN).
Until recently American White Pelicans were rarely seen in the LCRV between November and mid-February. However, their increasing presence the past several winters is noteworthy. This year they were regularly observed throughout the HNWR beginning with a report of 18 on Topock Marsh recorded during the Aerial Waterfowl/Waterbird Survey 1 Dec (J. Allen, J. Bredy). Additional sightings in the Topock Marsh area included: (54) 3 Dec; (14) 10 Dec; (20) 17 Dec; and (88) during the Havasu CBC. In addition, 66 and five were found 14 Jan and 18 Feb on S. Topock Marsh; 48 flew over N. Topock Marsh 21 Feb; and 15 were at Beal L., HNWR 21 Feb (DDe et. al.). Previously considered only casual in the winter, small numbers of Brown Pelicans were observed once again in the northern parts of the LCRV: six to eight were reported at the BWD 1-4 Dec (JRi, BGro); one was found at Site 6, 4 Dec (CBab, SSt); and one was reported at Alamo L. 11 Jan (LP). Reports of one Neotropic Cormorant in the BWD were submitted from 29 Jan+ (m. ob., ph. John West); this species remains casual in the LCRV. Uncommon in the southern part of the LCRV and rare farther north, a Least Bittern at Mineral Wash, BWR NWR 9 Feb was unexpected (KB).
An imm. Red-shouldered Hawk was photographed in a stand of cottonwoods in Pintail Slough, HNWR 3 Feb (JWe) and 4 Feb (ph. TC). This is a very rare vagrant or migrant in Arizona; most observations have been made in fall and winter (Atlas). A rare and irregular visitor to the LCRV, one Golden Eagle was reported at S. Topock Marsh, HNWR 28 Dec (JMc).
Once thought to migrate to Mexico in the winter, eight Yuma Clapper Rails were detected in Topock Marsh during the Havasu CBC, 29 Dec (fide DDe). Rare but regular winter visitors, nine Herring Gulls were seen with a significant flock of 1200-1500 Ring-billed Gulls on the Colorado R. below Davis Dam 2-5 Feb (TC, CLu). To the delight of many, a first-cycle Black-legged Kittiwake appeared at Site 6, 30 Jan (ph. SPu) and remained throughout the season (m. ob.). The most recent prior report of a Black-legged Kittiwake in Arizona was also a first-cycle bird and also found at Site 6, 25-31 Mar 2007.
A Long-eared Owl was discovered at Kohen, BWR NWR 12 Jan (KB). This species is a rare but probably regular transient or visitor with records throughout the year in the LCRV. Another unlikely find was a Northern Saw-whet Owl at Mosquito Flats, BWR NWR 27 Jan (W. Painter, B. Painter). This species is highly migratory and is known to irregularly stray far from its usual range and breeding habitat.
At the northern edge of its range, one Gila Woodpecker was found at the maintenance yard of the Havasu NWR during the Havasu CBC 29 Dec (JPar) and noted again 14 Jan (DDe). A rare winter visitor with about 20 records since 1976, a Red-breasted Sapsucker was reported at Kohen, BWR NWR during the BW CBC 30 Dec (fide KB). Also at what seems to be the edge of its northwestern range within Arizona, one Gilded Flicker was at Havasu Heights, LHC 21 Feb (JRi). The most frequently encountered wintering Empidonax flycatcher in Arizona is the Gray Flycatcher, and one was observed at Mineral Wash/Esquerra Ranch, BWR NWR 9-10 Feb (KB et al.) Also at the same site 9 Feb was a Dusky Flycatcher (KB, JRi), a casually reported winter bird. Uncommon to rare in winter, one Ash-throated Flycatcher was located in Pintail Slough, HNWR 4 Jan (JWe).
A casual fall and winter visitor to the extreme northern edge of Arizona, one Black-capped Chickadee, first observed in late November in Colorado City, was seen again 1 Dec (R. Fridell). Three days later, 4 Dec a pair of Black-capped Chickadees was located along the same wash in Colorado City near Center Street (ph. BGro). At least one remained through the season at this location (ph. SPu). Found in dense riparian woodlands comprised of willows and salt cedar, one Golden-crowned Kinglet was seen and heard on the BWR NWR at the Hwy 95-riparian gate location 5 Feb (JRi, JWe). This is a rare but regular visitor from late October through December and irregular in January and February. Since the Sage Thrasher is an uncommon to fairly common late winter and early spring transient, the discovery of one in Pintail Slough, HNWR 4 Jan was unusually early (ph. JWe). Wilson’s Warblers do not usually arrive in the northern parts of the LCRV until April, so the report of one in the BWR NWR at the Hwy 95-gate riparian site 2 Feb was surprising. The bird may have wintered at that location (JRi, JWe). Another unusual find at the Hwy 95-gate riparian site was one (Pink-sided) Dark-eyed Junco 9-10 Feb (JRi, JWe). The Pink-sided race, along with the Slate-colored and Gray-headed forms, is a rare but regular visitor, usually mixed with other juncos. Of these three forms, the Pink-sided is perhaps the most numerous. With no previous records of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks in the LCRV in late winter, the report of one adult female at Havasu Heights, LHC, 21 Feb is noteworthy (JRi).
Abbreviations: Continental Country Club in Flagstaff (CCC), South Rim of Grand Canyon (South Rim), Upper Lake Mary (ULM)
Beginning in early December this region was hit by heavy snowfall throughout the winter; the heaviest storm dropped 54 inches of snow in the Flagstaff area, nearing the historical record for a single storm. The inclement weather caused widespread road closures and kept birding activity low. Many Flagstaff-area winter birding hotspots, including Oak Creek Canyon, Mormon L., and L. Mary, were inaccessible from late January through February. At the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, several irruptive species present in the fall did not continue into the winter. Numbers of Williamson's Sapsuckers, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Cassin's Finches dropped after mid-November, although corvids and Evening Grosbeaks remained into the winter season.
The only expected goose in the region is Canada Goose, so sightings of any other species are notable. Two or three Greater White-fronted Geese were found at CCC: one 9 Jan and two 14 Jan (both JWi). One Snow Goose was at CCC 8 Jan (TBl, DLam), and a flock of 17 in Doney Park 25 Feb (JCn, JLo, ShL) was remarkable. One Ross’s Goose, the rarest of these species, was present at CCC 26 Dec-9 Jan (ph. E. Salay, m. ob.). Swans are considered rare winter visitors in Arizona, so two Tundra Swans making a brief stop at ULM 4 Dec was notable (PN).
Wood Ducks are rare above the Mogollon Rim in any season, but one at the I-40 Wetlands 26 Dec (TL, m. ob.) was very unusual for midwinter and a first for the Flagstaff CBC. The returning male Eurasian Wigeon at CCC was noted only briefly this winter, from 14-15 Jan (JWi, ph. SPu).
Common Goldeneye numbers for the Flagstaff area peaked 4 Dec when 12 were on ULM (PN). Hooded Mergansers continued to use ULM after several were noted this fall, with five present 4 Dec (PN). Two to three wintered on the I-40 Wetlands 2 Jan +, with a high count of six 11 Dec (JWi, ph. BH, m. ob.). One Red-breasted Merganser was on ULM 6 Dec (TL).
Rare but regular in the region, a Rough-legged Hawk was at Mormon L. 6 Dec-15 Jan (PN, TL, ph. SPu). A Prairie Falcon in Doney Park throughout the season (ph. PKo) was the first during the Flagstaff CBC in 17 years.
White-winged Doves are increasing above the Mogollon Rim, perhaps most notably as winter visitors. This season one was in Doney Park 30 Dec + (ph. PKo), and another was spotted in Flagstaff 6 Jan (GH and TBar). Sightings of Greater Roadrunners, another species increasing above the Rim, were many this season. Flagstaff-area sightings ranged from 4 Dec-16 Feb (m. ob.). Another individual was at the South Rim in late December (L. Wagner, J. Cox, fide BGa).
The continuing Northern Shrike at Mormon L. was reported 11 Feb (JWi). Irruptive corvids continued at the South Rim from the fall, with Steller's Jays present in pinyon-juniper habitat until early February and Clark's Nutcrackers seen through early January (BGa). Following a good fall for Varied Thrushes in the region, another report of this casual visitor came from Doney Park 9 Dec (ph. PKo).
Rare as a migrant in the county, a Swamp Sparrow wintered at the I-40 Wetlands 11 Dec + (JWi, ph. BH, m. ob.). This is an unusually high elevation for a wintering Swamp Sparrow. Another rare sparrow in the county, a Golden-crowned Sparrow visited a Flagstaff feeder 16-20 Dec (JCn). Small numbers of Chestnut-collared Longspurs were present at Mormon L. this winter, with four to six reported 17 Dec (ph. T. Weber) and two remaining until19 Dec (JCn, CLR), providing the first occurrence of this species for the Mormon L. CBC. A Rose-breasted Grosbeak made an unseasonal appearance at a Flagstaff feeder during a snowstorm 23 Jan (ph. BH). Although Great-tailed Grackle is a regular wintering species in Flagstaff, two to three birds at Mormon L. 19 Dec (CHo, m. ob.) represented another first for the Mormon Lake CBC. At the South Rim, high numbers of Evening Grosbeaks continued, with a high count of 50 at a Desert View feeder during a storm 21 Jan (BGa).
Most winter reports for this region are from the Glen Canyon CBC 5 Jan, which is centered in the north-central part of the state near Page. The count circle is located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and includes southern bays of L. Powell. Twenty birders participated this year, by far the most in 12 years of the count.
One Greater White-fronted Goose reported at the Page STP 15 Dec (SPu) continued through 5 Jan (JS). The number of Canada Geese tallied on the CBC was 825, more than double any previous year of the count. With Canada Geese on the Page Golf Course there were also two Snow Geese that had been there at least since 15 Dec (SPu). A presumed Tundra Swan flew into the Page STP 28 Dec (SPu), but was not relocated for the CBC. Two drake Wood Ducks were reported at the Wahweap Marina on L. Powell 28 Dec (SPu) and were still there for the CBC. A high count of 342 Redheads on the CBC was noteworthy, as was that of 1042 Lesser Scaup. More unusual was a single Long-tailed Duck found on the Page STP 15 Dec (ph. SPu) that continued through the CBC (JS). The 1174 Common Goldeneyes reported on one day in a 15-mile diameter circle is impressive. During the winter, Barrow's Goldeneye is expected along the Colorado R., but 24 during the CBC was a notable number. A rare Hooded Merganser was seen at Antelope Point Marina 28 Dec (SPu). Red-breasted Mergansers are rare transient and winter visitors, so six on the CBC was an unusually high number.
A high count (31) of Pied-billed Grebes was reported the day of the CBC. The most unusual sighting of the season for the region was a Red-necked Grebe on the Colorado R. below Glen Canyon Dam and upstream from Lee's Ferry (ph. SPu, CLR). This was the first time this species had been seen on a Glen Canyon CBC, and there are fewer than a dozen records for the state.
The Eurasian Collared-Dove numbers continued to rise in the first years of the count, but surprisingly have decreased the last two years. The 147 reported this year was the lowest in the past four years. Meanwhile the much smaller number of wintering White-winged Doves continues to increase; 26 were counted on the CBC.
Black Phoebes are rather uncommon and local in the region as breeding birds and quite scarce in winter, when they are known only from along the Colorado R. One was reported on the CBC on the river below the dam (SPu, CLR).
This far-north part of Arizona rarely reports Red-winged Blackbirds in the winter, and this year three found during the CBC was only the second time they've been reported on the count.
What began as a potentially record dry winter, swung rapidly by season’s end to one headed to the record books for the opposite reason. A dry December gave way to frequent wet storms in January and February, which produced local precipitation accumulations approaching 10 inches in the lowlands and deep snows in the high country. The influx of sparrows and other seed-eating birds from the previous (cold, dry) winter was not repeated, but exceptional snowfalls to the north of the county may have contributed to near record numbers of winter thrushes, such as robins and bluebirds, in some areas. Cooler, unsettled weather extending all the way into spring, without the usual month of calm, appeared to slow the progress of early northbound migrants such as swallows and Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal, with none reported by season’s end.
Casual in the Prescott area, three Greater White-fronted Geese first noted 4 Nov remained through at least 6 Dec (BT, DM, CT et al.). Although records are increasing in Arizona, Ross’s Geese are still considered rare winter visitors in Yavapai Co. Therefore two observed on the Prescott CBC 15 Dec were of note (CT). On 3 Jan, the Camp Verde CBC reported an exceptionally high number of 1766 Canada Geese (fide BFei, TBl), which is another species whose winter populations appear to be increasing in the state. Rare anywhere in the state, two Tundra Swans were observed 20 Dec during the Jerome CBC (BH et al.). Yavapai Co. consistently produces the highest concentrations of Wood Ducks anywhere in Arizona. The Prescott CBC circle held a high of 86 Wood Ducks 15 Dec (fide CT). Always a rarity in Arizona, two separate drake Eurasian Wigeons were discovered in the region this winter. The first was at the Antelope Hills Golf Course near Prescott 12-24 Dec (CT, MN) and the other near Sedona during the Sedona CBC (ph. JGR). A male “Mexican” Mallard was observed at Willow L. 7 Feb (WA, DM, KAr). Cinnamon Teal are infrequently reported during the winter in the region so a female detected at Willow L. 12 Jan and a pair at the Prescott recharge ponds 27 Jan were noteworthy (DM). Waterfowl concentrations were exceptional for several species during the 15 Dec Prescott CBC. This included 409 Canvasback, 67 Common Goldeneye, 21 Hooded Merganser, 1060 Common Merganser, and 1070 Ruddy Ducks (fide CT). Still rare anywhere in Arizona away from the lower Colorado R., two Red-breasted Mergansers at Willow L. 10 Dec was a good find (MN).
A Common Loon was at Willow L. Nov 30-Dec 6 (m. ob.). Possibly only the second record for Yavapai Co, a Red-necked Grebe was discovered at L. Pleasant 15 Jan (ph. TC). Although found annually during the winter at larger southern reservoirs such as L. Pleasant and Horseshoe Res., a Western Grebe on the Prescott CBC 15 Dec was considered casual at that location (fide CT). Two American White Pelicans present since 6 Nov were still at Willow L. 6 Dec (m. ob.). Double-crested Cormorants were already busy courting and constructing nests at Willow L. 31 Jan (ErH et al.).
It was a good year for wintering Great Egrets in the region before the winter storms set in. Six were counted 15 Dec during the Prescott CBC with all remaining through at least 12 Jan (DM) and two still present on 27 Jan (CT). Two were noted 20 Dec during the Jerome CBC, including one at Peck’s L. (BH). Accidental during the winter in the region, the Snowy Egret present in November remained through 12 Jan (DM). Wintering Black-crowned Night-Herons are still considered rare and local so of note were two on the Jerome CBC 20 Dec (fide BFei) and at Page Springs on the Sedona CBC 20 Dec + (RR).
The first arriving Common Black-Hawk for the spring was noted at the Bubbling Ponds Fish Hatchery 24 Feb+ (S. Taylor; ph. G. Botello). A Harris’s Hawk was photographed at Sedona (where casual) 21 Dec (M. Philippart, Y. Shu-yin). Another photographed at Prescott Country Club near Dewey 31 Jan (WA) was noted intermittently through the period (JOe, WA). The Red-shouldered Hawk first noted in November at Watson Woods in Prescott remained through at least 31 Jan (m. ob.).
Sandhill Cranes are casually reported within the Verde Valley at any time of year, so one found 20 Dec during the Jerome CBC was exceptional, and may have been the same individual reported staying in the Camp Verde area beginning 21 Dec (fide RR). Casually reported during the winter at Willow and Watson Lakes in the Prescott area, at least four Spotted Sandpipers, over 20 Least Sandpipers, and eight Long-billed Dowitchers remained through mid-January (m. ob.). A single Greater Yellowlegs foraged at the Prescott recharge ponds 11 Dec (CT) and another bird was noted at Del Rio Sparing in Chino Valley 16 Feb (DM). A surprising concentration of 25 Wilson’s Snipe was at Watson L. 1-11 Dec (CT, MN, DM). Also casually noted in the Prescott area during the winter, two California Gulls were discovered 15 Dec at Willow L. during the Prescott CBC with at least one still present through 7 Jan (DM). A rare Herring Gull discovered at Willow L. 6 Dec may have been the same individual detected on the Prescott CBC 15 Dec (m. ob.) and likely represented a late migrant.
Band-tailed Pigeons are irregularly reported in central Arizona during the winter so 23 counted during the Prescott CBC 15 Dec were noteworthy (B&M Tinney). White-winged Dove is now a rare to locally uncommon winter resident in the Verde Valley, particularly in neighborhoods with feeders. Lewis’s Woodpeckers wintered in several pine-oak forest locations. Two were still on Spruce Mtn. on 13 Feb (MN) and two at Goldwater L. on 4 Feb (CT); two at Lynx L. and several of the nine or more in the Sierra Prietas Mtns. remained through the period (CT). A single Lewis’s visited feeders in Skull Valley 9 Feb-13 Apr (RPe). Likely more common than anyone really knows, Long-eared Owls were found in the southeast corner of the region in January. One was near Badger Springs in the Agua Fria NM (MN), and a significant roost containing a minimum of 14 owls was found in a drainage off of Dugas Rd. 28 Jan (JWi).
Vermilion Flycatchers wintered in unprecedented numbers in the middle Verde Valley with at least a dozen birds and likely more (RR, m. ob.). One was noted 20 Dec on the Jerome CBC. Casual in winter, an American Crow at Prescott Country Club 31 Jan accompanied ravens (WA, JOe). A Verdin 9 Dec near Willow Cr. in north Prescott was surprising (CT). Likely returning for its second winter a Northern Shrike was once again found on the Camp Verde CBC in the Verde Valley just north of where FR 618 crosses Wickiup Cr. 3 Jan (TL, ph. ErH et al.) and continued through at least 11 Jan. Brown Creepers (irregular in lowlands during winter) were reported at numerous locations with up to three noted at Page Springs at one time (RR). Black-tailed Gnatcatchers are casually reported in the Verde Valley so one discovered 30 Jan at Wet Beaver Cr. was unexpected (CLR).
As in many other lowland areas of the state, exceptionally high to unprecedented numbers of Western Bluebirds were reported on many CBCs in central Arizona this winter. The highest CBC total in the region for Mountain Bluebirds was 480 on the Chino Valley CBC 20 Dec (fide RDue).
Olive Warblers are casually reported during the winter in the Prescott area so one at Granite Basin 6 Jan and 21Feb were good finds (DM, MiR). Also casually reported in central Arizona during the winter, an Orange-crowned Warbler was discovered on the Chino Valley CBC (fide RDue), and another wintered at Page Springs through at least 2 Jan (RR). Painted Redstarts are considered accidental during the winter in central Arizona with very few reports, so one found 11 Jan along Sycamore Cr. north of Clarkdale was exceptional (T. Weber).
Like most sparrows this winter, Fox Sparrow distribution and numbers appeared to be well below normal in most of Arizona even for this typically rare sparrow, so three discovered 15 Dec on the Prescott CBC were noteworthy (fide CT). At least one remained through the season at Granite Basin (DM). Always a rare find, a Swamp Sparrow was located along the Verde R. near Dead Horse Ranch SP 21 Feb (CLR, RR). White-throated Sparrow is also a rare winter visitor in Arizona. The only one reported in the region this season came to a feeder in the Village of Oak Creek 1 Feb (B. Hart). Two Red Crossbills called in flight over Aspen Springs in the Sierra Prietas Mtns.14 Feb (CT). Although Lawrence’s Goldfinches made a strong movement into s. Arizona this winter, the only ones reported in Yavapai Co. were found 20 Dec on the Jerome CBC (fide BFei).
Abbreviations: Mogollon Rim (Rim), Hidden Cove Golf Course (HCGC)
Typical for an “El Niño” year, the White Mtns. saw several storms that resulted in above-average snowfall and rain totals. A blizzard that moved east from Flagstaff through the White Mtns. during the first week of December produced wind gusts up to 70 mph that blew down many trees, snapping in half and uprooting both live trees and snags. This may affect cavity-nesting birds in some areas this coming spring and summer with fewer trees available for nesting. Due to the cold temperatures, deep snow, and fewer acorns and other suitable food the abundance and diversity of bird species was noticeably lower than usual. Waterfowl was concentrated at reservoirs in lower elevation areas of the region, with lakes in the White Mtns. completely frozen over and covered with a few feet of snow. Few birders visited the region because of the inclement weather and associated road closures, which contributed to the small number of sightings for the season.
Rare in winter, two Greater White-fronted Geese were found among a flock of 98 Canada Geese at the reservoir behind the HCGC in Holbrook 17 Dec (CLR et al.). Three imm. Tundra Swans were found 14 Feb+ at Jacques Marsh WA in Pinetop-Lakeside (ph. LL).
This species is a rare, but regular winter visitor to the region. Detections of hybrid/intergrade "Mexican" Mallards have increased in recent years above the Rim. One of these birds was present at Show Low L. 11-16 Dec (ph. ErH, ElH). A female Red-breasted Merganser, the rarest merganser species in n. Arizona, was seen 16 Dec at Show Low L. (ErH). Rare to uncommon in the region, Hooded Mergansers were reported twice this season with three birds 16 Dec at Scott Res. (ElH) and two at Rainbow L. in Pinetop-Lakeside 19 Dec on the Timber Mesa CBC (fide SSi ). Although an uncommon breeder and migrant in the region, Double-crested Cormorants are rare in winter. Therefore, one individual 17 Dec at Cholla L. near Joseph City was unusual (CLR et al.).
White-winged Doves have expanded across n. Arizona in recent years and are permanent residents in several of the larger towns. During the 19 Dec Timber Mesa CBC, 10 birds were found in Pinetop-Lakeside (fide SSi). A rare subspecies in Arizona, an apparently “pure” female ‘Yellow-shafted’ Northern Flicker first observed near the end of the fall season in Heber was seen again 30 Dec and 2 Feb (ElH, BHo). Since intergrades between ‘Red-shafted’ and ‘Yellow-shafted’ are being seen more frequently in the state, careful attention to plumage detail should be given to these birds. Northern Mockingbirds are common breeders in the region but are rare in winter on the Colorado Plateau. Therefore, it was a surprise when a mockingbird was found 5 Feb with a mixed flock of American Robins and bluebirds foraging on a Russian olive in the tree farm behind the HCGC in Holbrook (ErH). Rare and local residents in the region, Crissal Thrashers were found twice this season with one south of Woodruff near the confluence of the Little Colorado R. and Silver Cr. 17 Dec (CLR et al.) and another at the tree farm behind the HCGC in Holbrook 10 Jan (ErH).
It is rare for blackbirds to linger above the Rim in winter, so the observation of four Yellow-headed Blackbirds and one Brewer’s Blackbird 5-17 Dec at agricultural fields in Woodruff (CLR) was noteworthy. A flock of eight Brewer’s Blackbirds was also present in a Heber yard 22 Jan (BHo, ElH). Cassin’s Finches are an uncommon, but regular visitor to the region. An irruption of this species occurred two winters ago, but only scattered reports came this season. A total of 16 birds were found 19 Dec during the Timber Mesa CBC in Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside (fide SSi), and one bird was in Heber 2 Feb (ElH, BHo). Evening Grosbeak, another irruptive species in the region, was encountered only once with one bird found during the 19 Dec Timber Mesa CBC (fide SSi).
Abbreviations: Hidden Shores RV Park, Yuma (Hidden Shores); lower Colorado River valley (LCRV)
This season was marked by higher-than-usual number of thrushes, especially Western and Mountain Bluebirds, American Robins, and Townsend’s Solitaires. Waterfowl and sparrows were reported in typical numbers, as were wintering warblers. During the Christmas Bird Count centered at Imperial Dam a record number of 146 species was tallied for count week, including some birds that were “firsts” for this count.
No Barrow’s Goldeneyes were reported from below Parker Dam this season, which is a first in recent years. However, they were seen in adjoining areas at L. Havasu (to the north) and Senator Wash (to the west in California).
Not seen every winter, at least two Bald Eagles were reported this year: one immature 17 Dec (HD, AB) and two immatures 19 Dec (JC, T. Beasley), all flying along the Colorado R. above Mittry L. Also noteworthy was a rarely seen imm. Golden Eagle over Mittry L. 17 Dec (HD, AB). A regular but rarely seen raptor in Yuma Co. was a Zone-tailed Hawk in a western Yuma yard 31 Dec (HD, SDe).
Two flocks of Mountain Plovers south of Yuma, one of 120 and another of 55, were quite notable 7 Dec (HD, AB). Most counts over the past 10 years have numbered fewer than 100 birds. A late Western Sandpiper and two late Dunlins were in the Dome Valley 23 Dec (PL). Rare for Yuma Co., a Herring Gull was at Mittry L. 19 Dec (PN). Uncommon were 14 Bonaparte’s Gulls located at Mittry L. 19 Dec (PN).
Three of the continuing Wellton Ruddy Ground-Doves were spotted 23 Dec (PL), three 19 Jan (PL), one 24 Jan (PL), and two 17 Feb (B. Ake). An additional two Ruddy Ground-Doves were seen north of Roll 23 Dec (PL).
An early Rufous Hummingbird came to a Yuma feeder 20 Feb (SDe). Usually seen annually in the winter or during migration, but still very uncommon, a Gray Flycatcher was at Imperial NWR 18 Dec (HD). In February, a total of eight wintering Gray Vireos were detected during specific surveys in the foothills of the Gila, Cabeza Prieta, and especially the Tinajas Altas Mtns. (JAr, S. Prevost, I. Sexton, S. Stewart). Another species seen only rarely in Yuma Co., a Bewick’s Wren was spotted along Mittry L. 18 Dec (PN). Casual in Yuma Co. during most years, Golden-crowned Kinglets continued from the fall season. At the Yuma West Wetlands, one was spotted 8 Dec and four were seen there 16 Dec (AB).
Western Bluebirds, uncommon in winter in the LCRV south of Blythe, were seen in small flocks (usually fewer than 16 individuals) in numerous areas all season by almost everyone who spent any time in the field (m. ob.). The number of Mountain Bluebirds was higher than usual with a single flock of a dozen or so at Aztec (west of Dateland) 15 Dec (LDS, M. Jackson), and scattered individuals and small groups in other locations. Two casual Townsend’s Solitaires were spotted this season: one at Fisher’s Landing 19 Dec (B. Hoover) and one close to Hidden Shores 19 Dec (T. Beasley). Curve-billed Thrashers continued from their fall incursion into s. Yuma Co.; a new one was photographed at the Yuma Proving Grounds 17 Dec (HD).
Yellow Warblers, rare but possibly increasing in the winter, were found at Hidden Shores 19 Dec (JC) and again 13 Feb (HD), and at Ave 5E east of Yuma 24 Dec (PL). A rare (but regular) Black-and-white Warbler was located at Imperial NWR 18 Dec (HD).
During the Imperial Dam/Mittry Lake CBC, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak was spotted and subsequently documented at Hidden Shores 19 Dec (JC). Rare, but regular in winter, a Golden-crowned Sparrow was found at Ave 5E east of Yuma 24 Dec (PL). Rarely seen in Yuma Co., a Pine Siskin in the Dome Valley was the only one reported this year 23 Dec (PL). Uncommon and irregular in the region, it was a treat to see nine Lawrence’s Goldfinches in the Dome Valley 17 Jan (HD).
Abbreviations: Boyce-Thompson Arboretum (BTA), Gila Bend STP (GBSTP), Gilbert Water Ranch (GWR), Glendale Recharge Ponds (GRP), Indian Bend Wash, Scottsdale (IBW),Phoenix Aquatic Bird Count (PABC)
The season started out warm and dry in December but by the end of the period, we had much higher than normal precipitation. Many of the birds noted in the fall report continued into winter. Some early signs of spring were being seen by the end of January with definite spring arrivals by the end of February.
Wintering Geese remained in many of the traditional spots with four Greater White-fronted Geese in the area of IBW in Scottsdale 9 Jan (MWeb) and a single bird at the GWR from 15 Dec until at least 9 Jan (CSt). Snow Geese also were noted in the IBW area with up to seven 23 Dec and again 7 Feb (TDeB). Ross's Geese were found in fairly high numbers with four at the IBW area 23 Dec until at least 7 Feb (TDeB), seven in the Sun Lakes area 16 Jan (TC), and a very large number (12) for our area along Lower River Rd., Palo Verde 10 Dec (DPe). Rare but likely regular in the region, a single Cackling Goose was reported at IBW 4 Jan (TC) with an additional four along Lower River Rd. 17 Dec (DPe).
The Phoenix area often hosts multiple Eurasian Wigeons in winter and this year single adult males were found in Jackass Cove on L. Pleasant 15 Jan (TC), on Bellaire Golf Club in Phoenix 16 Jan (DPo), and two were in Scottsdale 20 Dec-7 Feb (MWeb, TDeB). A record high of 12,357 American Wigeons were counted during the PABC 16 Jan (fide TC), by far the most abundant species on the count. An unusually high number of 1100 Ring-necked Ducks was reported from a gravel pond on the Fort McDowell Reservation during a CBC scouting trip 12 Dec (TC, JJ, MV). The PABC produced a respectable 97 Hooded and 1638 Common Mergansers (fide TC). Still a rarity away from the Colorado R., a Red-breasted Merganser was in a narrow pond near the Rousseau Sod Farm near Scottsdale 3 Jan (TC).
Casual away from the lower Colorado R. area in Arizona, a Red-throated Loon was discovered at an unlikely narrow agricultural pond near Luke AFB 15 Dec (JAr, ph. L. Dunn). Horned Grebes are not often found away from the lower Colorado R. and are considered rare in the region, so this season’s reports were like a mini-invasion. The first Horned Grebe reported was on L. Pleasant 15 Jan during a waterfowl survey (TC). The second report was of an unprecedented five birds on Saguaro L. at Butcher Jones Recreation Area 5 Feb, and at least two were noted there until at least 19 Feb (ph. TDeB; ph. BGr). For good measure, another Horned Grebe was located on the El Dorado Golf Course in Gilbert 11 Feb (ph. TDeB).
Several Brown Pelicans may arrive in late fall and remain for part of the winter; this year one was at the Tempe Town L. 5 Dec until at least 12 Dec (MWeb) and two others were farther west, near Buckeye 26-28 Dec (BGro). A Neotropic Cormorant was in an unusual location at Saguaro L. 13 Jan and still there 31 Jan (TC). As an example of how abundant Neotropic Cormorants really are, the PABC on 16 Jan produced an amazing 1821 individuals. An American Bittern roamed the Salt R. bed in the Rio Salado Riparian Habitat Restoration area 16 Jan until at least 23 Jan; however, with the river flowing after heavy winter rains and subsequent upstream dam releases there was no place for it to stay (TGa).
A high number of 100 Black Vultures were noted in Buckeye 13 Feb (MHe). White-tailed Kites are still considered rare and local in the region. Two individuals were noted in the Gila Bend area 5 Dec and two to three were detected through December near Palo Verde (both MHe). At least two Red-shouldered Hawks remained near Wickenburg to be included on the Hassayampa River CBC 20 Dec (fide V. Montgomery). An apparent Broad-winged Hawk, accidental at this time of year, was photographed at Tres Rios Wetlands, Phoenix, 14 Jan (ph. JRz). Zone-tailed Hawks are rare and possibly increasing wintering raptors and were seen in several locations this winter. One was detected at the GWR 15 Dec; an imm. Zone-tailed Hawk was discovered along the Phoenix 91st Ave wastewater treatment effluent channel19 Dec (ph. TC et al.), and a third was over Fitch Park, Mesa 12 Jan (CSt, BHol). Scottsdale also attracted a wintering individual from at least 16 Jan to 5 Feb (CR, KR).
An American Avocet in alternate plumage was probably an early spring arrival at the GBSTP 19 Feb (MHe). Rare, but apparently increasing in winter, three Lesser Yellowlegs were detected on the Phoenix-Tres Rios CBC 21 Dec (fide DPo) and another was at the GRP 7 Feb (MHe). Also increasing as a wintering species, up to seven Western Sandpipers wintered at the GRP (MHe) and another was noted 19 Jan at the Gila Bend power plant ponds. Slightly more expected during the winter, up to four Dunlins wintered at GRP (MHe) and two were near Palo Verde 26 Dec (TC). A casual winter report for a Semipalmated Plover came from north of Gila Bend 24 Jan (PL). Also casual in winter, a Wilson's Phalarope was at the GBSTP 19 Jan (PL). Nearly accidental in winter within the region and a first January record for Maricopa Co., a Red-necked Phalarope was discovered at the Gila Bend USAF Auxiliary Field STP 29 Jan (JAr, Dave Krueper et al.). The only unusual gull sightings were a Bonaparte's Gull at the Lower River Road ponds near Palo Verde 6 Feb (MHe) and another at the GWR 22 Feb (ph. B. Howe).
Two or three White-winged Doves were reported in February as "early arrivals" but they typically do not arrive in the region until early April. These birds may have wintered locally in the area and were not discovered until they started some sporadic calling. A Common Ground-Dove was uncommon at the BTA 31 Dec (BMz). Still a rarity in Arizona, the Ruddy Ground-Dove discovered at the GWR in November remained through at least 1 Dec (BGri). Another was at the Granite Reef recreation Area along the Salt R. most of December and January (JKo). Two others were detected 21 Dec on the Phoenix-Tres Rios CBC (fide DPo) and four were found on the Gila River CBC 28 Dec (fide TC). The first of the season Black-chinned Hummingbird came in slightly early 25 Feb (MSc), and a Costa's Hummingbird returned to the BTA 6 Feb (MV). The bird of the season had to be the female Green Kingfisher that frequented the Hassayampa River Preserve in Wickenburg 26 Feb+ (DShe, m. ob.). It is the first Maricopa Co. record and a long way north and west of its “normal” but sporadic range in se. Arizona.
Lewis's Woodpecker is an irregular winter visitor and this year we had two birds at a golf course in Mesa 16 Jan to at least 16 Feb (PN). Some Acorn Woodpeckers also invaded the lowlands of the region this winter. Two discovered on the ASU campus 15 Dec remained through the season (M. Chew) and another was detected on the Phoenix-Tres Rios CBC 21 Dec (fide DPo). Williamson's Sapsucker is a rare winter visitor to the lowlands and a female was found in Superior 26 Dec (JBa, et al.) and remained in the area at least through 24 Jan (JBa). Casually reported in Maricopa Co. a Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet was at Butcher Jones Recreation Area along Saguaro L. 18 Dec and remained elusive but present until at least 5 Feb (KR). A "Western-type" Flycatcher, most likely a Pacific-slope Flycatcher, was sighted at the Phoenix Zoo 29 Dec (SB). A Western Kingbird was photographed at the GWR on the extremely late date of 5 Dec (ph. DPe, NP, BMid). This may be the first documented December record for Maricopa Co.
Specific surveys revealed Gray Vireos wintering in Maricopa Co. with two individuals on the south slope of South Mtn. near Phoenix 25 Dec and an individual in the Sand Tank Mtns. 6 Feb (both JAr). These were the first winter records for the county, although the vireos have likely been present but unnoticed in prior years.
Cliff Swallows continued their trend of arriving earlier each year and this year six birds were seen at Kiwanis Park in Tempe 23 Jan (BHi). Two late Violet-green Swallows were along the Verde R. n. of the Beeline Hwy. 12-14 Dec (TC, MV, JJ), and another was along the Gila R. near Estrella Mountain Regional Park 21 Dec during the Phoenix-Tres Rios CBC (fide DPo). Violet-green Swallows observed at GRP 23 Jan may have wintered locally or possibly were very early spring migrants (MHe). Two Rufous-backed Robins wintering at the BTA remained through the end of the period but got harder to find as the fruit supply dwindled. Brown Thrasher is casual at best in the region away from BTA so one at Butcher Jones Recreation Area along Saguaro L. 14 Dec was a good find (RBai). For the first time in years, no wintering Brown Thrashers were reported from BTA. Winter reports of rare warblers were good this year. There were four Northern Parulas: one at the Granite Reef Recreation Area 12 Dec (GL, TLo), one in Scottsdale 1 Jan+ (CR, KR), one at the Tempe Town L. 10 Dec (BSp), and the fourth at Tres Rios wetlands 6 Jan (TDeB). Rare, but increasing winter visitors, there were four Yellow Warblers reported during the season, all in areas with water and cottonwood trees that still had some leaves on them. A casual to rare winter visitor, a Chestnut-sided Warbler was found at 91st Ave. and the Salt R. 28 Dec (JJ, TC, GN,) and perhaps the rarest this winter was a male Black-throated Blue Warbler along the Verde R. on Fort McDowell tribal lands 12-14 Dec (ph. TC, JJ, MV). A Townsend's Warbler was also in the same area 12-14 Dec (TC, MV, JJ), and at Rio Salado both a Wilson's Warbler and a Black-and-white Warbler spent the winter (KR, TDeB, m. ob.).
A female Hepatic Tanager, considered both casual in the lowlands and rare in the winter, was seen in the town of Maricopa in Pinal Co. 31 Jan+ (ph. MH), and a Summer Tanager was noted in Chandler 10 Jan (JBr). The out-of-habitat Rufous-crowned Sparrow continued its stay through the period at the GWR (ph. TDeB, m. ob.). Fox Sparrows are considered rare in the winter and one of the expected Slate-colored type was found near the town of Superior 26 Dec (DJ, HBon). The only longspur reported this winter was a Chestnut-collared near Palo Verde 26-28 Dec (TC, MWeb, DPo).
Once considered a casual winter visitor, Orchard Oriole reports seem to be increasing, and three adult males amazingly wintered in the greater Phoenix area this season. All were photographed with the individual returning for its fourth winter in a Surprise yard and remaining through at least 16 Feb (D. Sherony); one in Ahwatukee, first found 18 Jan remained through 12 Mar (P&GH); and the third was in Sun Lakes 24 Jan-13 Feb (V. Shimp). Orchard Orioles breed not too far south of Arizona in Sonora, Mexico and our sightings may be of visitors from there.
The first major snowfall in the Payson/Pine area came in late December. Heavy rain and snow fell throughout the region in late January and February, resulting in about twice as much precipitation as normal. Roosevelt L. rose to 100% capacity and the excess moisture eased drought conditions substantially throughout the region. Runoff from the snow above the Mogollon Rim should keep the rivers/streams flowing and Roosevelt L. full at least until June. San Carlos L., less than 5 % full at the beginning of the season, was about 30% full and still rising at the end of the season.
Five Snow Geese, two Ross's Geese, and 200+ Canada Geese were reported from San Carlos L. Dec 28 (KKa, DJ). Geese are rare to uncommon transients and winter visitants in the region. A high number of 415 Canada Geese was reported on the Payson CBC 19 Dec ( fide D. Hallock). A female Greater Scaup, a casual transient and winter visitant, was reported on the Payson CBC 19 Dec (ph. ErH, ElH). Also on the Payson CBC, six Hooded Mergansers, an uncommon winter visitor, were noted (fide D. Hallock). On 28 Dec, 118 Common Mergansers and one female Red-breasted Merganser were seen at San Carlos L. (KKa, DJ). Red-breasted Merganser is a casual to rare winter visitor.
There were two separate reports of Montezuma Quail during the winter. Rare and very local in Gila Co., one Montezuma Quail (male) photographed in a backyard eating birdseed and drinking water in Pine in early November was observed again 14 Feb (BIs). Probably the same male was occasionally observed at another yard in Pine throughout the winter (JE). Another Montezuma Quail was reported calling above Horton Cr. 1 Jan (ErH, et al). Long-term drought, forest fire suppression, and overgrazing have reduced their range significantly, but populations may be increasing in the region again, where they were once considered common.
Rare winter visitors to the region, a high count of 80 American White Pelicans was noted at San Carlos L. 28 Dec (KKa, DJ).
Bald Eagles were plentiful at San Carlos L. 28 Dec, when at least four and possibly as many as six were observed (KKa, DJ). Several eagles joined ravens and a couple of coyotes at a cow carcass. The Payson CBC recorded two Bald Eagles 19 Dec (BIs, JE, et al.). A rare winter visitor, a Merlin (“prairie” form) was a nice surprise on the Payson CBC 19 Dec (ErH, ElH).
The San Carlos L. water level was very low on 28 Dec, exposing mudflats and shallow areas. Some seasonally high concentrations of shorebirds were found, including 10 American Avocets, a few dozen Least Sandpipers, 28 Greater Yellowlegs, and 47 Long-billed Dowitchers (KKa, DJ). Also on this date at San Carlos L. were 200+ Ring-billed Gulls, an unusually high number for this location in winter, and one adult California Gull (KKa, DJ), a casual winter visitor. Roosevelt L. hosted a first cycle Herring Gull 19 Dec. This species is rare in winter in Arizona away from the Colorado R. (KR, CR).
The Payson CBC had a high count of four Greater Roadrunners 19 Dec (fide D. Hallock). An irregular winter visitor, six Lewis’s Woodpeckers were a nice find in the Gila Co. portion of upper Mt. Ord 15 Nov (KR, JWa). A Williamson’s Sapsucker (male) was found just east of Pine near Bill Williams Spring 14 Feb (BIs). A Red-naped x Red-breasted Sapsucker was found in Pine 7 Nov (ph. BIs).
Corvid numbers were higher than normal this winter below the Mogollon Rim. High counts on the Payson CBC of 78 Steller’s Jays, 97 Western Scrub-Jays, and 121 Common Ravens were reported 19 Dec (fide D. Hallock). Also on the Payson CBC there were 349 Western Bluebirds, 54 Townsend’s Solitaires (a high count for this CBC), and 393 American Robins 19 Dec (fide D. Hallock). A new species for the Payson CBC, a Sage Thrasher, was an interesting find (ErH, ElH). Sage Thrasher is an uncommon winter visitor usually found in the Upper Sonoran Zone and Lower Sonoran and saltbush deserts.
A single White-Throated Sparrow, a rare winter visitor, was a great find on the Payson CBC 19 Dec (T. Conlin).
Abbreviations: SV EOP (Sierra Vista EOP), Sweetwater (Sweetwater Wetlands, Tucson), Whitewater (Whitewater Draw WA), Willcox (Lake Cochise and Twin Lakes Golf Course, Willcox)
The weather contributed markedly to the birding this winter. December was cool and dry, capping off the driest decade on record in Tucson. Birds continued to congregate in artificially irrigated areas but were sparse elsewhere. Many observers noted a dearth of birds in pine-oak woodlands in general and sparrows in all areas in particular. The irruption of montane species into the lowlands that began in fall continued but did not turn into a major invasion.
The promise of El Niño precipitation finally materialized in the southern part of the state with a shift in the jet stream in the third week of January. On 19 January, a wet storm arrived followed on 21 January by one of the strongest winter storms on record in Tucson, bringing the fourth lowest atmospheric pressure reading on record there. Winds gusting to 60 mph in the valleys and 80 mph in the mountains scoured remaining fall leaves from trees and snapped or knocked over other trees. A wind gust of 170 mph blasted Kitt Peak. January proved to be the eighth wettest on record in Tucson, while four sites in southeast Arizona experienced their wettest January on record and 12 experienced their second wettest, despite the rains not starting until the final third of the month. February saw six more storms and more than twice the average amount of precipitation in Tucson. Overall, this winter was the 18th wettest on record in Tucson and the January-February period was the fourth wettest. (Data from National Weather Service Tucson web site.)
Besides the great benefit of reducing the long-term drought, the repeated storms turned unpaved roads to mud, reducing birder access to areas such as the Santa Cruz Flats, and brought deep snow to the high mountains but little or no flooding. Peña Blanca L., which had been emptied for remediation of mercury contamination, refilled much faster than expected and Patagonia L. was topped off after dropping to relatively low levels.
Among the avian highlights of the season were the region’s first ever Mew Gull and first winter records of Magnificent Frigatebird and Ruff, all of which were well documented. There were reports from several winter trips to Greenlee Co., which is doubtless the least often birded county in Arizona, particularly in winter.
A Greater White-fronted Goose at a farm pond in Duncan 5 Dec-6 Jan (PN) was unusual in Greenlee Co. which has few bodies of still water. Other reports of this species comprised four at Green Valley WRF 25 Jan-2 Mar (DD), one at Benson STP 28 Jan (SBi), and one at Lakeside Park, Tucson 28 Jan-7 Feb (DW). A blue morph Snow Goose was at the same Duncan pond mentioned above 5 Dec (PN) and three were at Whitewater 13 Jan+ (DSt). Numbers of Snow Geese at Whitewater built up as high as 250 this winter (EW); elsewhere there were scattered singles and pairs totaling five. That same pond in Duncan hosted two Ross’s Geese 5 Dec (PN). The high count of Ross’s Geese at Whitewater was 18 on 21 Dec (EW) and some were present there through the end of the season. Three more were reported at other locations. The waterfowl rarity of the season was without doubt the Brant at Lakeside Park 22 Jan (A. Galli, J. Carragher; ph. MSt, TR). In the past decade there has been only one other documented occurrence of this species in the region (and just two statewide). At Whitewater, four “white-cheeked” geese present 13 Dec-26 Feb ((MTu; ph. MSh, SO, RWe) (presumably the same birds reported in fall) were identified by observers as Cackling Geese. Apart from the minima subspecies, this species continues to present a challenge in separating them from small forms of Canada Goose. Across the region, 20 Canada Geese were reported. Tundra Swans are rare winter visitors to the region. Singles were found at Patagonia L. 18 Dec (BA) and Roper L. 28-11 Jan Dec (MPo, MSt, ph. RS). Both were immature. Wood Ducks have been considered uncommon to rare winter visitors in the region; this season, 21 were reported, including up to 12 at Amado STP 12 Jan (MMa). Blue-winged Teal numbers at Sweetwater peaked at around 14 in Dec (m. ob.); elsewhere in the region, they are casual to rare in winter. As is often the case, a few Greater Scaup were reported, with singles at Whitewater 7 Dec-12 Mar (SH; ph. SO, RWe), one at Green Valley WRF 26 Dec-21 Jan (ph. LHal), and one at Nogales 19 Feb (MMa). An adult male Surf Scoter at Patagonia L. 8 Dec (MB) was “casual” and in the expected date range for this species. More casual yet, a Long-tailed Duck was at a golf course in Green Valley 28-29 Dec (RP; ph. JG, LHal). Small to moderate numbers of Common Goldeneyes were reported across the region. Hooded Merganser reports totaled 43 individuals across the region, including up to 12 at Sam Lena Park, Tucson (JH ). Some of these birds may represent the same birds moving between Tucson locations and being counted more than once. The highest reported count of Common Mergansers was 180 at Roper L. 31 Dec (JSab), a favored location for this species in the region in winter. The rarest merganser in the region, single female Red-breasted Mergansers were reported at Willcox 10 Dec (JSab), Parker Canyon L. 29 Dec (DJ), and Roper L. 31 Dec (JSab). Up to 12 Wild Turkeys were again along the San Pedro R. at Rancho Gulag near Palominas 18 Jan-8 Feb (GLe).
Western Grebe is considered rare in the region; up to 13 total were reported from 1 Dec-28 Jan, with most continuing from late fall or being found in December. American White Pelican is casual in winter, so a flock of 90 over Tubac 1 Dec (PC) was remarkable. Singles at Kansas Settlement 10-11 Dec and Whitewater 13-24 Dec (both JSab) may have been the same individual. Brown Pelican is even more “casual” than American White Pelican in winter. One continued at Patagonia L. through 1 Dec (m. ob.) and singles were seen over Tucson 21 Jan (G. Corman), and 31 Jan (C. Tepper) following strong winter storms. A Neotropic Cormorant was accidental in Graham Co. at Roper L. 31 Dec-9 Jan (JSab ), one was at Arizona City (where not unexpected) 16-30 Jan (PKl, DJ) and one to two were at various bodies of water in Tucson 1 Feb+ (m. ob.). Several Magnificent Frigatebirds, totally unprecedented in winter in the region and perhaps the state, were found over a few days, with documented sightings of singles at Buenos Aires NWR 22 Jan (D. Book), Tucson 22 Jan (A. Moore), one over Nogales 23 Jan (PL et. al). One crashed into a cactus at Mammoth 23 Jan (P. Clark; ph. PK) and later succumbed to its injuries. These sightings were associated with the strong winter storm that blew through the area, which likely brought the birds up from the Gulf of California. It is rare in this region to see such clear evidence of weather events moving birds. The American Bittern from the fall at Patagonia L. was reported through 6 Dec (m. ob.). Snowy Egret is casual in the region in winter. Up to two were at Sweetwater through 4 Jan (m. ob.) and one was at Whitewater 17 Jan (BGro). At SV EOP, eight Cattle Egrets were a winter surprise 13 Dec (RTh). Also casual in the region in winter, 13 White-faced Ibis were at Sweetwater 27 Jan (RP).
Ospreys have become more regular in the region in winter, though numbers remain small. One continued at Lakeside Park through 27 Dec (m. ob.), one was at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson 17 Dec (VMac), singles reported at three Green Valley locations 22 Dec-18 Jan (m. ob.) might have been just one bird, one was at Kennedy Park, Tucson 25 Dec (JH) and again 30 Jan-28 Feb (JSab), and one was at Patagonia L. 1 Feb (MMa). There were scattered reports of White-tailed Kites, with one at Green Valley 17 Dec (JG), one in Marana 5 Jan (MSt, MPo), three in the San Rafael Valley 5 Jan-24 Feb (JY), one at another Marana location 24 Jan-14 Feb (M. Hickey), and one in the Santa Cruz Flats 14 Feb (CG, MJH). As expected there were few Gray Hawks reported, with singles at Amado 2 Dec+ (MSt) and at Patagonia L. 22 Jan (B. Zimmer, B. Mulrooney). After a month without reports, the wintering Tucson Short-tailed Hawk turned up again 3 Dec+ (JHe, ph. DSt) near the intersection of Seneca and Ridgeway. In Tucson, there was a single report of a Zone-tailed Hawk, on 3 Dec (S. Forte); another one was seen at scattered Sierra Vista locations 5 Dec-12 Jan (TBa, SH); and one was reported at Tubac 21 Dec (JSab). The only Rough-legged Hawk reported was near Whitewater 2-12 Dec (AMi; ph. J. Bisschop). In the Santa Cruz Flats, the roving gang of Crested Caracaras built up from 16 on 6 Dec (CK, AP) to 37 on 10 Dec (MHe), 46 on 11 Dec (MSt, MPo), and 45 on 2 Jan (DPe). After that, numbers dropped and heavy rains reduced observer coverage of the area. Reports of smaller numbers of caracaras there continued through February. The large numbers suggest birds moving north not just from the Tohono O’Odham Nation but also from northern Sonora. Elsewhere in the region, single caracaras wandered to Avra Valley 19 Dec (G. Montgomery), the Sulphur Springs Valley 27-31 Dec (SO), Nogales 30 Dec (JY), Marana 5 Jan (MPo, MSt), Kansas Settlement 17 Jan (fide HHa), and Tumacacori 6-21 Feb (D. Muschalek). (Some of these reports may represent duplicate observations of the same individuals.)
The Sulphur Springs Valley saw its highest total of Sandhill Cranes ever when 40,500 were tallied in January (AZG&F). More than 33,000 were at Whitewater alone (Concurrently, numbers reported at Bosque Del Apache NWR were reduced this winter.) Sandhill Cranes also wintered in the Gila R. valley between Duncan and Threeway (PN, MSt, MPo), with hundreds present. Mountain Plovers were harder to come by than usual this winter. In the Sulphur Springs Valley, 50 were found 2 Dec (J. Bisschop) but the only other report was of nine 17 Jan (EW). Fields at San Simon are seldom checked so it is unclear how unusual the seven Mountain Plovers found there 14 Dec (RWe) really were. In the Santa Cruz Flats, they were found only sporadically at Evergreen Turf sod farm 11 Jan+ (JWi ), with a high count of 21. The first report of northbound American Avocets came from Willcox on the early date of 3 Feb (ACo). Long-billed Curlews winter regularly in agricultural areas in the region. Thirteen were in the Santa Cruz Flats 30 Dec (GR); at Kansas Settlement, up to 52 were present 14 Jan (EW). Dunlins are expected in small numbers in winter; one was at Avra Valley WRF 19 Dec (JMc). Quite extraordinary was a Ruff associating with Greater Yellowlegs along Sunshine Blvd. south of Interstate 10 in Eloy (Pinal Co.) 8 Jan (ph. RF). Though there have been recent winter records of Ruff from Maricopa Co., there are only two prior records of Ruff from this region, both in October. A phalarope at Benson STP 23 Jan (ph. C. Thommen) was identified in the field as a Red-necked but the photos did not allow certain separation from the more expected Red Phalarope. Quite certainly identified was a Red Phalarope at Green Valley WRF 25 Dec (ph. DD). Bonaparte’s Gull is considered casual in winter, yet there were multiple reports over a few days, comprising one at Lakeside Park 7 Dec (RL), two at Whitewater 7 Dec (SH), two at Benson STP 8 Dec (LEp), five at Patagonia L. 8 Dec (MB), one at Kansas Settlement 11 Dec (JH), and then an outlier at Lakeside Park 22 Dec (DJ). Outstanding was a well-documented adult Mew Gull at Willcox 3 Feb (ph. D. Filby; ph. MSt); there were no prior records of Mew Gull for the region and few for the state. Seven California Gulls were reported at Willcox and Tucson between 10 and 23 Dec (JSab, MSt).
As reported by a past AZFO Expedition to Greenlee Co., multiple White-winged Doves were found wintering in Duncan 6 Jan (MPo, MSt). Early in the winter, Ruddy Ground-Doves seemed plentiful, but numbers dwindled after December. Six were reported during the period 5-20 Dec (m. ob.) and nine were reported 1-18 Jan (m. ob.) after which there was a single report of three at Red Rock 19 Feb (N. Bono). A Whiskered Screech-owl found dead out of habitat in the Tucson foothills of the Santa Catalina Mtns. 17 Jan (J. Hursch fide RHo) may have been a victim of last summer’s drought and a resultant prey shortage. The only reports of Long-eared Owls were of one in ne. Tucson 16 Dec (BN) and 13 reported on the Green Valley-Madera Canyon CBC 28 Dec (fide MMa). In an expected location, two Short-eared Owls in the San Rafael Valley 30 Dec and 14 Feb (CBab) defied any assumed prey shortage. Quite surprising were two apparent Chaetura swifts reported among a larger number of White-throated Swifts over Tucson 29 Jan (RPa). There are no fully established records of this genus in the region in winter. Wintering at a relatively high elevation for the species, a female Broad-billed Hummingbird was at the Madera Kubo Cabins, Madera Canyon all winter (LHal). The first reported migrant Broad-billed Hummingbirds were in lower Ramsey Canyon 4 Feb (J&MH) and at Patagonia 20 Feb (RBa). Proving to be creatures of habit, first one then two Violet-crowned Hummingbirds returned to a Tucson yard 25 Nov-5 Feb (RHo). After one of them departed, one (the same bird?) was reported about a mile away 3 Feb (MBi). In lower Ramsey Canyon, a lingering Violet-crowned was joined by a second bird 19 Dec, but both departed by 21 Dec (J&MH). The only other winter report was of one in Portal 23 Dec (RWe). Northbound Violet-crowned Hummingbirds arrived in Green Valley 6-10 Feb (DRo), at Bisbee 24 Feb (MTu), and Patagonia 25 Feb (MMa, RBa). A Blue-throated Hummingbird was unusual in lower Ramsey Canyon 19 Dec (J&MH). A peculiar hummingbird in a Tucson yard through 18 Jan (RHo) was believed to be a hybrid of Black-chinned and Costa’s. DNA analysis of a feather is pending. A first winter male Broad-tailed Hummingbird successfully wintered in Tucson (DSt) and a male wintered at Beatty’s in Miller Canyon (TBe). An apparent northbound Broad-tailed was in Ash Canyon, Huachuca Mtns. 14 Feb+ (MJB). Several unidentified Selasphorous hummingbirds attempted to winter in Tucson, with one continuing from fall until 23 Dec (DSt) and three dwindling to one after December in far ne. Tucson (MKl). The first migrant Rufous Hummingbirds reported were at Bisbee 14 Feb (MTu), Stump Canyon, Huachuca Mtns. 18 Feb (PS), and Vail 20 Feb (JPr).
As is typical, a few Elegant Trogons were found this winter, with one at Patagonia L. delighting birders again all season (m. ob.), one at Ramsey Canyon Preserve 10 Dec (ph. S. Wetmore), one in Madera Canyon 28 Dec (fide MMa), and one in Bear Valley, Atascosa Highlands 3 Jan (D. Hodsen). There was one occurrence of Green Kingfisher, along the San Pedro R. near Kingfisher Pond 1-14 Feb (S. Stebbins, ph. RTh, CMe). Numbers of Lewis’s Woodpeckers were moderate this winter, with one continuing along Woodland Rd, ne. Tucson through the season (m. ob.), one continuing in the Santa Cruz Flats through 11 Dec (m. ob.), up to two at Dudleyville 6 Dec-2 Jan (DJ), one near the San Pedro River Inn, Hereford 19 Dec (JWo), one at Continental (Green Valley) 9-28 Feb (D. Bierman ), and one in Willow Canyon, Santa Catalina Mtns. 25 Feb (MA). All but the last bird were found in or near pecan groves. Continuing the trend from the fall, Acorn Woodpeckers were out of habitat in the lowlands, with up to two at Reid Park, Tucson through 3 Jan (m. ob.), and singles in Udall Park, Tucson 14 Jan+ (MSt, MPo), and at Tubac 29 Jan (KKa). Williamson’s Sapsuckers are expected in the mountains in migration and winter but are rare in the lowlands. A male was at Santa Gertrudis Lane, Tumacacori 17 Dec-24 Jan (DT). Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is rare anywhere in the region. A female was along the Santa Cruz R. north of Ina Rd., Marana 20 Dec (ph. DSt) and an immature bird was in Kennedy Park, Tucson 16 Jan+ (MSt). The Red-breasted Sapsucker in McCormick Park, Tucson was reported through 16 Feb (m. ob.) The lowland Arizona Woodpecker found in fall at Woodland Rd. was last reported 3 Feb (m. ob.). Singles were also found at Patagonia L. 5 Dec-11 Mar (TDeB) and Sabino Canyon 15 Feb (J. Wolf). Reports came in of an above average total of three Yellow-shafted Northern Flickers. Singles were at Agua Caliente Park, Tucson 3 Dec+ (J. Smith), Santa Gertrudis Lane 30 Dec (JY), and continuing at Hereford through 7 Jan (JWo).
Considered “rare” in winter, single Northern Beardless-Tyrannulets were at Patagonia L. 1 Jan (DSt), in Sycamore Canyon 3 Jan (PK, NC), and at Tanque Verde Wash, Tucson 31 Jan (RPa). Casual in winter, a Greater Pewee was at Trini Alvarez Golf Course, Tucson 20-21 Dec (SBi et al, ph. PK). A vocalizing flycatcher at Santa Gertrudis Lane 21 Dec (JBoc, CBen, LHal) was identified as a Pacific-slope Flycatcher. (Cordilleran Flycatcher is not expected in the winter in the region or the lowlands.) A larger than usual number of Eastern Phoebes was reported. At Patagonia L. one continued all season and three were reported on 5 Dec (WR) at the lake and along the creek. Elsewhere, singles were at Sweetwater 3-5 Dec (MK, ph. W. Higgins), at Duncan 5 Dec-6 Jan (PN), at Proctor Rd., Madera Canyon 18 Dec (LHal), along the Santa Cruz R. north of El Camino del Cerro (Tucson) 20 Dec (ph. EB), along the Rillito R. (Tucson) 22 Dec (RE), at Arivaca L. 3 Jan (ph. MSh), at Tubac 29 Jan (KKa), and again at Sweetwater 1-2 Feb (ph. RHo). A few Cassin’s Kingbirds were found this winter, including one that spent the entire winter at Randolph and Reid parks, Tucson (JSab); one at Freedom Park, Tucson 6 Jan-16 Feb (JH) (two on the latter date); and one in Patagonia 7 Feb (DPt). The Rose-throated Becard found in October at Santa Gertrudis Lane was last reported 16 Jan (m. ob.). Extremely rare in winter in the region, a Bell’s Vireo was at Fort Lowell Park, Tucson 2 Dec-5 Feb (ph. PK) and possibly longer. A species not often detected in Pima Co. during the winter, specific surveys for Gray Vireo revealed one individual in the Little Ajo Mtns., two in the Growler Mtns. 9 Jan (JAr), and one in the Ajo Mtns. in Organ Pipe NM 22 Feb (JAr, I. Sexton).
The irruption of corvids into the region that began in fall continued but did not turn into a full-scale “invasion.” Two Steller’s Jays were found in Tucson and one was in Hereford. Seven Western Scrub-Jays were found in the Tucson/Marana area and one was in Patagonia. Clearly from farther away, a Pinyon Jay was in a Hereford yard all winter (TBa). Also from farther away, American Crows were widespread though mostly in small numbers. In Pima Co. up to three were at Marana 12-15 Dec (RWr, JSab) and three flew by Sweetwater 18 Dec (JBoc). In Santa Cruz Co., up to 15 were at Tumacacori 26 Dec-12 Jan (JY, m. ob.). In Pinal Co. five were near Dudleyville 28 Dec-2 Jan (DJ, KKa). Crows were also seen near Duncan and Safford in Greenlee and Graham Counties. In Cochise Co., crows occur more regularly but good-sized flocks were seen with up to 200 present 22 Dec-25 Jan (m. ob.) Swallows are mostly absent in December and January but small numbers of several species have been reported in recent years. Observers are encouraged to submit their observations of all swallow species in the region in winter. A few Tree Swallows were reported, with singles at Whitewater 7 Dec (JH), Green Valley 28 Dec (fide MMa), and Kansas Settlement 30 Jan (JH). The first apparent migrants were 10 at SV EOP 21 Feb (EW). Violet-green Swallows were represented too, with singles at Lakeside Park 7 Dec (PC), Patagonia L. 22 Jan (B. Mulrooney), and two at Columbus Park, Tucson 12 Feb (KKr). There were fewer reports of Northern Rough-winged Swallows, with two at Sweetwater 13 Jan-2 Feb (ACo) and one at Randolph Park 17-30 Jan (MSt, MPo). Nearly unprecedented was a sight report of a Bank Swallow at Sweetwater 26 Jan (SO, RPa). The first report of Cliff Swallows came with two at Sweetwater 21 Feb (MSt), which were likely spring arrivals. Last but not least, Barn Swallow reports comprised one in Marana 9 Dec (MSt), one at Avra Valley WRF 24 Dec (JH), and one at Sahuarita 17 Jan (MSt).
There was little evidence of down slope movement of parids in the region, with a Bridled Titmouse in ne. Tucson 16 Dec (BN) being the only report. Bushtits move into the lowlands in winter at irregular intervals. Reports totaling 30 individuals in Tucson were received. Also out of their usual haunts, three White-breasted Nuthatches were reported in Tucson. Another was at Amado 1 Jan (DSt). There was a scattering of lowland Brown Creepers, with one in York, Greenlee Co. 4 Dec (PN), one at Tubac 21 Dec (JSab), one at Reid Park 28 Dec (MSt), and eight on the Dudleyville CBC 2 Jan (fide DJ). Wayward Rock Wrens were found at Evergreen Cemetery, Tucson 7 Dec (MSt), SV EOP 13 Dec (EW), and Avra Valley WRF 18 Jan (MPo). Similarly, a Canyon Wren was at Tubac 29 Jan (KKa, JBoc). The Patagonia Sinaloa Wren went unreported all season and may be gone. Every so often, an American Dipper winters in the region and the winter rains provided habitat for one along Sabino Cr. at Hutch’s Pool in the Santa Catalina Mtns. 16 Jan-1Feb (ph. W. Higgins). There were scattered reports of Golden-crowned Kinglets in the lowlands with a total of nine birds from five locations 12 Dec-11 Jan (m. ob.). Black-capped Gnatcatchers have become numerous enough in the region that they no longer generate great excitement among locals and have been downgraded from “review species” to “sketch details” status. (Thorough sketch details are still requested for any found beyond their known range in the region and state.) Although it may be just a seasonal fluctuation in detections, there was a drop off in reports after December. All were reported from locations where they have been documented in the past. Up to three were near Proctor Rd. 1-10 Dec (MMa), up to four were at Patagonia L. and adjacent Sonoita Cr. 5 Dec-23 Jan (WR), three were near the Patagonia Roadside Rest 27 Dec (MSt), one was in Rock Corral Canyon, Tumacacori Mtns. 3 Jan (JM), and up to five were in lower Florida Canyon, Santa Rita Mtns. through 28 Dec (LHal).
Another group on the move this winter was the bluebirds. Eastern Bluebirds were found in areas seldom birded in winter, with two at Gillespie Wash in the southern foothills of the Pinaleño Mtns. 4 Dec (JSab) and three at Duncan 6 Jan (MPo, MSt). Western and Mountain bluebirds were more widely distributed in the lowlands, with many reports posted, including from Duncan. The Rufous-backed Robin at Santa Gertrudis Lane was reported through 8 Mar (m. ob.), and another was found in Jalisco Canyon, Atascosa Mtns. 3 Jan (BH, DWa, M. Wall). American Robins appeared in good-sized flocks in ne. Tucson beginning in late January and remained through the period (WR, m. ob.). Elsewhere, smaller sized groups were widespread across the region. The Varied Thrush at Santa Gertrudis Lane was reported through 31 Jan (m. ob.) when the pyracantha and privet fruit ran out. Singles were also found in lower Miller Canyon 10 Jan (ph. TBa) and in Bisbee 23-29 Jan (MTu). Gray Catbird is a casual, nearly annual winter visitor and one was at Holy Trinity Monastery, Saint David 12 Feb (ph. ARi).
After the great diversity of warblers found in the preceding fall, this winter was somewhat anticlimactic. A Northern Parula was at Randolph Park 4-20 Dec (PC, ph. RPa). Casual in winter, two Yellow Warblers were present all season at Sweetwater (m. ob.). The Bay-breasted Warbler from fall at Woodland Rd., Tucson reappeared 7-18 Dec (J. Barr, BN) but was missed on the CBC. At least one Black-and-White Warbler was at Sweetwater 31 Dec+ (F. Heath, MKl) and there were several reports of two being present there. The Louisiana Waterthrush found along the San Pedro R. south of Hwy 90 on 6 Nov was last reported 26 Dec (ph. ACo). Another was found along Sonoita Cr. near the Patagonia Roadside Rest 27 Dec (MSt). Wilson’s Warbler has become annual in small numbers in winter in the region. One wintered successfully at Sweetwater (m. ob.), another continued at Santa Gertrudis Lane through 20 Dec (m. ob.), one was at Patagonia L. 5 Dec-18 Jan (WR, m. ob.), and two were reported there 26 Dec (JY). In lower Florida Canyon one Rufous-capped Warbler continued all the way through the season (MMa, m. ob.), and there was a single undocumented sighting of a second bird.
Rare in winter, there were reports of seven Hepatic Tanagers in the region, with one spending the entire winter at Patagonia L. (MMa) and another succeeding in lower Ramsey Canyon (J&MH). Casual in winter, single Summer Tanagers were reported at Patagonia L. 3 Dec (MMa), Fort Lowell Park 3 Dec (DSt), near the University of Arizona in Jan (fide JBoc), and at Roger Road WRF, Tucson 1 Feb (PK). As a broad generalization, wintering sparrows were in short supply across the region. (For numerical comparisons, consult CBC data online.) A notable exception was Rufous-winged Sparrows, which were found at several atypical locations. In Cochise Co. two continued at the Fort Huachuca fishing ponds through at least 17 Dec (SH) and two were in a Sierra Vista yard 28 Feb+ (ph. T. Gerrodette). In Santa Cruz Co. one was at the Sycamore Canyon parking area 3 Jan (DSt) and seven were along Ruby Rd. between Peña Blanca L. and Summit Motorway the same day (MSt, MPo). In Tucson, there was an apparent movement of the species into more developed areas with scattered reports in residential and park locations, perhaps in response to the drought. A total of nine Fox Sparrows were reported, with one of the “Red” race at Patagonia 23-30 Dec (ph. C. Rasmussen). The others were either “Slate-colored” or not identified to race. (Since this species may be split into multiple species in the future, it is of interest to determine and report the race of each observed Fox Sparrow if possible.) A total of eight Swamp Sparrows, three White-throated Sparrows and seven Golden-crowned Sparrows was reported. It is somewhat unusual for Golden-crowned to outnumber White-throated. A total of six Dark-eyed Juncos of the dorsalis (“red-backed”) race were reported with adequate details, including one in the lowlands at Columbus Park 30 Nov-1 Dec (PK, ph. ACo). They are far outnumbered in this region by caniceps (“gray-headed”) juncos. In Tucson, the lowland Yellow-eyed Junco at Woodland Rd. was last reported 13 Dec (BN) and another was found at Evergreen Cemetery 1 Dec-22 Feb (RHo, SO, ph. ACo). This species very seldom descends to the desert. Lower than is typical but not down to the desert, others were found at residences in the eastern foothills of the Huachuca Mtns. at Stump (PS), Miller (TBa), and Ramsey (J&MH) canyons. Along the Super Trail in upper Madera Canyon, an apparent hybrid of Yellow-eyed and Dark-eyed Juncos was identified by its intermediate eye color and other features 28 Dec (ph. PK). Similar birds have been found in the Sierra Ancha and Pinal Mtns. of Arizona.
So few birders report sightings from the lowlands of Greenlee Co. that a Pyrrhuloxia at Duncan 6 Jan (MPo, MSt) may be of interest. Rose-breasted Grosbeak is casual to rare in the region in winter, usually found in December. This season single males were found in Portal 16-23 Dec (RAR), Tucson 18-20 Dec (ph. M. Womack), and at Santa Rita Lodge, Madera Canyon 7 Jan (ph. W. Higgins). Indigo Bunting is quite casual in winter, so a male at Udall Park 8-24 Feb (MPo, ph. DSt) and another San Bernardino NWR 26 Feb (RWe) were unexpected. A Common Grackle at Sweetwater 4 Feb (ph. PK) was especially remarkable for being the first to be found and documented in February in the region. Purple Finches are less than annual in the region so the documented occurrence of two was remarkable. One was at Ash Canyon Bed and Breakfast, Hereford 29-31 Jan (ph. A. Cherry, B. Starks; MJB) and the other was at George Walker House, Paradise 22-Feb-4 Mar (ph. JLew). Reported numbers of Cassin’s Finches did not seem out of the ordinary and some were reported in the lowlands. Lawrence’s Goldfinches continued in good numbers from the fall.
|
Western Bluebird Totals |
||||
|
Count Circle |
Number |
Highest |
2nd |
3rd |
|
Chino Valley |
923 |
√ |
||
|
Prescott |
825 |
√ |
||
|
Dudleyville |
571 |
√ |
||
|
Salt-Verde Rivers |
547 |
√ |
||
|
Jerome |
534 |
√ |
||
|
Gila River |
501 |
√ |
||
|
Atascosa Highlands |
487 |
√ |
||
|
Carefree |
446 |
√ |
||
|
Santa Catalina Mountains |
382 |
√ |
||
|
Sedona |
373* |
|||
|
Green Valley-Madera Canyon |
351 |
√ |
||
|
Payson |
349 |
√ |
||
|
Camp Verde |
316 |
|||
|
Hassayampa River |
310 |
√ |
||
|
Patagonia |
281 |
√ |
||
|
Superior |
253 |
√ |
||
|
Ramsey Canyon |
207 |
√ |
||
|
Martinez Lake-Yuma |
201 |
√ |
||
|
Tucson Valley |
198 |
√ |
||
|
Appleton-Whittell |
144 |
√ |
||
|
Portal |
135 |
|||
|
Phoenix-Tres Rios |
134 |
√ |
||
|
Bill Williams Delta |
104 |
√ |
||
|
Saint David |
95 |
√ |
||
|
Avra Valley |
70 |
√ |
||
|
Nogales |
56 |
|||
|
Havasu NWR |
32 |
√ |
||
|
Elfrida |
30 |
|||
|
Buenos Aires NWR |
20 |
|||
|
Flagstaff-Mt. Elden |
17 |
|||
|
Pipe Spring Natl. Monument |
15 |
|||
|
Ajo-Cabeza Prieta NWR |
14 |
√ |
||
|
Glen Canyon |
0 |
|||
|
Mormon Lake |
0 |
|||
|
Timber Mesa |
Figures unavailable |
|||
|
Total |
8921 |
√ |
||
*Below average of 440 for 38 years of count.
Cited observers: Bill Adler (BA), Moez Ali (MA), Walt Anderson (WA), Keith Archibald (KAr), John Arnett (JAr), Charles Babbitt (CBab), Rich Bailowitz (RBai), Mary Jo Ballator (MJB), Todd Barnell (TBar), Jack Bartley (JBa), Tony Battiste (TBa), Robin Baxter (RBa), Ethan Beasley (EB), Terry Beasley (TeB), Tom Beatty (TBe), Chris Benesh (CBen), Susan Birky (SBi), Michael Bissontz (MBi), Kathleen Blair (KB), Terence Blows (TBl), Al Borgardt (AB), Helga Borgardt (HBor), Jamie Bradford (JBr), Matt Brown (MB), Barbara Carlson (BC), Jeff Coker (JC), Peter Collins (PC), John Coons (JCn), Andrew Core (ACo), Troy Corman (TC), Nigel Crook (NC), Tommy DeBardeleben (TDeB), DeeDee DeLorenzo ( DDe), Henry Detwiler (HD), Suzanne Detwiler (SDe), Dick Dionne (DD), Russel Duerksen (RDue), Roger Eastman (RE), Lanie Epstein (LEp), Jeff Estis (JE), Betsy Feinberg (BFei), Richard Fray (RF), Tom Gaskill (TGa), Brian Gatlin (BGa), Jeff Gilligan (JG), John Grahame (JGr), Clive Green (CG), Bill Grossi (BGro), Mary Jean Hage (MJH), Laurens Halsey (LHal), Homer Hansen (HHa), Brooks Hart (BH), Mike Hawk (MH), Stuart Healy (SH), Julie Hecimovich (JHe), Melanie Herring (MHe), Bill Higgins (BHi), John Higgins (JH), John & Marty Hirth (J&MH), Bryan Holliday (BHol), Celia Holm (CHo), Bob Hoover (BoH), Gretchen Hornberger (GH), Bob Hough (BHo), Elaine Hough (ElH), Eric Hough (ErH), Helen Howard (HHo), Rich Hoyer (RHo), Brian Ison (BIs), Doug Jenness (DJ), Justin Jones (JJ), Keith Kamper (KKa), Melody Kehl (MK), Claudia Kirscher (CK), Philip Kline (PKl), Mary Klinkel (MKl), Pam Koch (PKo), Jim Kopitzke (JKo), Kendall Kroesen (KKr), Dave Lamkin (DLam), Larry Langstaff (LL), Chuck LaRue (CLR), Richard Lasky (RL), Mary Leeper (ML), Paul Lehman (PL), Gordon Lewis (GLe), Jackie Lewis (JLew), Sherry Lewis (ShL), Tom Linda (TL), Jim Logan (JLo), Tyler Loomis (TLo), Carl Lundblad (CLu), Vivian MacKinnon (VMac), Michael Marsden (MMa), Janine McCabe (JMc), Charles Melton (CMe), Bobbie Metz (BMz), Barbara Middleton (BMid), Alan Miller (AMi), Norma Miller (NMi), Jake Mohlmann (JM), David Moll (DM), Brian Nicholas (BN), Michael Nicosia (MN), Phil Norton (PN), Joanne Oellers (JOe), Scott Olmstead (SO), Richard Palmer (RP), Robert Payne (RPa), Dave Pearson (DPe), Nancy Pearson (NP), Robert Pearson (RPe), Anne Peyton (AP), Molly Pollock (MPo), Dave Porter (DPt), Dave Powell (DPo), James Prudente (JPr), Shaun Putz (SPu), Cindy Radamaker (CR), Kurt Radamaker (KR), Roger Radd (RR), Micah Riegner (MiR), Arlene Ripley (ARi), Jeff Ritz (JRz), Gary Rosenberg (GR), Donna Roten (DRo), Rose Anne Rowlett (RAR), Will Russell (WR), Tom Ryan (TR), John Saba (JSab), Myron Scott (MSc), Robert Shantz (RS), Mark Sharon (MSh), Dominic Sherony (DShe), Sue Sitko (SSi), L.D. Smith (LDS), Pete Sockness (PS), Bill Sparklin (BSp), John Spence (JS), Carl Stangeland (CSt), Dave Stejskal (DSt), Mark Stevenson (MSt), Bob Thomen (BT), Rick Thompson (RTh), Carl Tomoff (CT), Diane Touret (DT), Michael Turisk (MTu), Marceline VandeWater (MV), Dennis Wall (DWa), Tim Weber (TW), Magill Weber (MWeb), Richard Webster (RWe), David West (DW), Jason Wilder (JWi), Erika Wilson (EW), Joe Woodley (JWo), Rick Wright (RWr), John Yerger (JY).