Rock Corral Canyon, Tucson Audubon’s Paton Center

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A trip to Rock Corral Canyon for Five-striped Sparrow, followed by a visit to the Paton Center. What could be better?

Rock Corral Canyon:

FIVE-STRIPED SPARROW was the main target bird and we were again able to locate a pair in the same area as my other recent sightings.

Also in the canyon, calling MONTEZUMA QUAIL, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, GREATER ROADRUNNER, COSTA’S and BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRDS, NORTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET, HAMMOND’S, GRAY FLYCATCHER, DUSKY-CAPPED and ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS, GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE, and LAZULI BUNTING.

Tucson Audubon’s Paton Center, Patagonia:

I love the Paton Center, and hummingbirds are obviously a big part of the attraction. Numbers are increasing, and today we were able to enjoy BLACK-CHINNED, ANNA’S, RUFOUS, BROAD-BILLED and VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRDS.

A super-smart male ‘MYRTLE’ YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was a nice find.

Also in and around the yard, GRAY and ZONE-TAILED HAWKS, INCA DOVE, PLUMBEOUS VIREO, CEDAR WAXWING, WILSON’S WARBLER, LINCOLN’S SPARROW, ABERT’S and GREEN-TAILED TOWHEES, PYRRHULOXIA, LAZULI BUNTING, PINE SISKIN, and my first BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK of the year.

Blue Haven Road, Patagonia:

A couple of GREAT BLUE HERONS were on nests, and a fluffy juvenile could be seen on one of them. This is also a nest site for ZONE-TAILED HAWK and I was pleased to find one back in the area, presumably ready to nest again this year. Also here, GRAY HAWK, a BELTED KINGFISHER along the creek, and DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER.