FIELD TRIP REPORTS By Marjorie Eckman

Wednesday, March 23 - Native flowers and plants, Sahuaro Lake area led by Mel Bramley

We met at Denny's in Fountain Hills and with fourteen people in attendance, drove to Sahuaro Lake, and descended into a small canyon where the microenvironment was replete with various forms of wildlife. We were there about six hours. We identified about 54 plants and observed others.
Birds noted were Osprey, Common Raven, Gambel's Quail, Lesser Goldfinch, Black-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western (Clark's?) Grebe, Eared Grebe, American Coot, Mallard, Rough-winged Swallow, Cactus Wren, and Black-tailed Gnatcatcher. Gila Woodpecker and Curve-billed Thrasher were heard.
Highlights of the trip was a female Black-chinned Hummingbird sitting on a nest in a bush about 30 inches off the ground and out in the open where we were able to observe her at close range and where she endured horse traffic passing by at about ten feet every day. Ask me about the wild cucumber we saw!  Mel Bramley

Saturday, March 26 - Picacho Peak led by Bob Obmart

Eight participants made the drive to Picacho Peak. It was my first visit, and I thought it was far more scenic than I expected. The weather was perfect and with Bob Ohmart patiently explaining many interesting facts about all the plants and birds, the time went by all too quickly. The flowers were lovely even though the peak had passed. I should have asked a plant person to write that part of the trip for me, but I can tell you about the birds we saw - all desert species but what great close-up views of them all! Ash-throated Flycatchers gave us terrific views several times, and Rock Wrens were on the huge rock outcrops and all of them singing. I never appreciated until then how varied their song is.
Many thanks to Bob Ohmart for taking the time to lead us on this trip.  Marjorie Eckman

Saturday, March 30 - Seven Springs Area led by Joy Dingley

Fourteen birders set out early from Carefree Sundial to arrive at Seven Springs by 7 AM. We started first at the CCC Campground area where we were rewarded by the sight of a flock of around thirty Cedar Waxwings, which were feeding in the trees above us and gave everyone good views. The area also provided Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Northern Flicker, Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Juniper Titmouse, Brown Creeper and Violet Green Swallow.
Amongst the Lesser Goldfinches, Bewick's Wrens and Northern Cardinals at the next car park, a strange bird gave rise to some excitement. At first sight it seemed to be a Blackburnian Warbler but the bird was not easy to see. Gradually it became clear that the markings weren't quite right for a Blackburnian. Finally the clear sight of a yellow rump allowed a post field trip identification as a very orange Yellow-rumped Warbler. Thanks to Ken Linker for finding Troy Corman's posting on the Internet of another similar Yellow-rumped with vivid orange markings. The wind on Mt. Humboldt was probably responsible for the lack of birds, at least audible or visible birds. Rackensack Gulch was still flooded so we finished the morning at Lower Camp Creek. Here the Zone-tailed Hawk and the Common Black Hawk obliged by being in the air at the same time so that we were able to make good observations of their differences. Lower Camp Creek was as delightful and peaceful as usual with Canyon Wrens calling, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Verdin amongst the trees and the call of Bell's Vireo led to a sighting. By the time we returned to Carefree we had a species list of 44. Thanks go to Marjorie Eckman for compiling the list. It was an enjoyable morning - thanks to everyone for making it so.  Joy Dingley

Wednesday, May 4 - Slate Creek led by Russ Widner

Eight of us enjoyed the nice weather and nice birds today. The area was heavily burned recently, but large patches of intact foliage remain. The birds seemed to be adapting well and at 7000' elevation, lunch in the shade was very comfortable.
Birding highlights included migrating Olive-sided Flycatcher and Hermit Warbler. Species presumed to be nesting included six warbler species (Olive, Virginia's, Black-throated Gray, Grace's, Red-faced and Painted Redstart), Gray and Plumbeous Vireo, Black-chinned Sparrow, Scott's Oriole and both Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatches.
Missing were Juniper Titmouse, Warbling Vireo and Hepatic Tanager. Many thanks to my companions, Anita, Bill, Bix, Cathy, Gretchen, Liz and Ken. Thanks also to Bob Witzeman and Scott Burge who introduced me to the area six years ago.  Russ Widner

Saturday, April 16 - Spur Cross led by John Gunn, Wildlife Biologist & Park Ranger & Laurie Nessel

Seventeen birders enjoyed partly cloudy, slightly breezy altogether beautiful weather. Blue Palo Verde was in full bloom with saguaros just starting to bud but the profusion of spring perennials were mostly dried. At the corral we had great views of Lark Sparrows and Gambel's Quail were abundant thanks to the winter rains. We counted many species overlooking the cottonwood/willow canopy of the "Jewel of the Creek" including Bullock's Oriole, Wilson's and Yellow Warblers, Ladderback Woodpecker and a small flock of Cedar Waxwings. We saw a Common Raven sharing a thermal with Turkey Vultures. A circling Zone-tailed Hawk grasping a lizard was an especially nice sighting. We also saw a pair of Common Ravens attending to three nearly fledged nestlings. Barely nibbled Long-nosed and Common King Snake carcasses were discovered at the base of their cottonwood aerie -- John explained that in times of plenty, unused food is discarded. Cave Creek was flowing wide and strong the entire length of the preserve and harbored several tadpole species including Lowland leopard frog. One person got a soaking rock hopping the creek and four of us decided not to attempt a crossing. Before rejoining the group, we saw a Western Tanager, Warbling Vireo and Macgillivray's Warbler. Five of us continued birding into the afternoon and added thirteen more species including Black-headed Grosbeak, Cooper's Hawk, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Bushtit, Solitary Vireo and Lesser Goldfinches everywhere feasting on the bumper thistle crop. Tracy Wohl had a close encounter with a three-foot Western Diamondback  -- what a trooper she was! Bird species for the first leg came to 35, and pushed the total to 50 for the day, including a Townsend's Warbler.

Wednesday, April 20 - Butterflies and Birds at Sunflower led by Janet Witzeman

Since the construction of the new Beeline Highway, a wonderful section of the old road along Sycamore Creek near Sunflower has been blocked to through traffic and allows for undisturbed and quiet enjoyment of the wildlife there.
On a clear day, four of us turned our attention to the many butterflies along both sides of the road as well as to the nesting and migrating birds in the sycamores along the creek and junipers on the hillside. At least three Zone-tailed Hawks graced us with their presence overhead throughout the morning. Many Violet-green Swallows were nesting in the large sycamore tree next to our lunch spot. It was nice to encounter more than one pair of Summer Tanagers - a species that has become less common at Bushnell Tanks and along the rivers southwest of Phoenix in recent years. Our total species count of 34 also included a Common Black Hawk on its nest, five species of warblers, and one Lazuli Bunting.
The following species of butterflies were recorded: Pipevine Swallowtail, Two-tailed Swallowtail, Checkered White, Dainty Sulphur, Common Buckeye, Painted Lady, Checkered Skipper, and Spring Azure. The latter species was seen in large numbers in the mountain-laurel bushes.  Janet Witzeman

Wednesday, April 27 - Mt. Ord led by Bob Witzeman

The completely charming Gray Vireo and Black-chinned Sparrow were fully visible and singing beautifully on Mt. Ord's foothills. We locals may take these birds for granted but in reality the Gray Vireo has a "High Priority" rating on National Audubon's "Watch List". It was selected as the cover species for Birds of Phoenix and Maricopa County. Visiting birders frequently ask where to find it when they visit Arizona. The Black-chinned Sparrow has "Moderate Priority" on that NAS list. The vireo survives in our hot, dry juniper forests, and the sparrow on our dry, steep and rocky brushy hillsides. Up on top of Mt. Ord we had great views of nesting warblers: Virginia's Black-throated Gray, Grace's, Olive and Painted Redstart. Interesting migrants included Red-naped Sapsucker and Hammond's Flycatcher.  Bob Witzeman

Wednesday, May 11 - Rackensack and Lower Camp Creek led by Bix Demaree & Janet Witzeman

Ten of us enjoyed a beautiful cool day in one of our favorite birding areas in Maricopa County. Rackensack Gulch was quieter than usual. We missed seeing Costa's Hummingbird and the Black-chinned Sparrow that are often found there. However, the reliable Canyon Towhee was seen, plus at least one Hammond's/Dusky type Empidonax flycatcher.
The major part of the morning was spent walking down and along Lower Camp Creek where we encountered the usual assortment of flycatchers, vireos, wrens, warblers (including one Nashville), tanagers, orioles, and finches. The sighting of one pair each of nesting Zone-tailed and Common Black Hawks was a treat. The lovely yellow columbine growing along the shady parts of the creek added more beauty to the day.
Seven species of butterflies were observed along the road: Pipevine Swallowtail, Queen, Common Buckeye, Dainty Sulphur, Spring Azure, Empress Lelia Hackberry Butterfly and a Checkerspot (sp?).
During lunch at the CCC Campground above Seven Springs where we tallied 44 species for the day, a surprise Juniper Titmouse was singing out in the open over our heads in a sycamore tree. It is often difficult to find even in its preferred juniper habitat.  Janet Witzeman

Saturday, May 21 -- Oak Flat and Haunted Canyon led by Laurie Nessel

Five intrepid participants toughed it out under 100+ heat but had excellent views of a perched Crissal Thrasher through the scope. White-throated Swifts were circling and Violet Green Swallows were skimming the pond. Juniper Titmouse, Scrub Jay, Wilson's Warbler, and Cassin's Kingbird were observed. A Black-chinned Sparrow was heard but not seen.
We drove sixteen miles further east to Haunted Canyon trailhead. A pair of female Northern Harriers were cruising along the creek together. We shadow hopped to listen for birds and evade the sun. Lucy's and Black-throated Gray Warblers, Bushtit, and Hooded Oriole were seen. We heard the Gray, Bell's and Hutton's Vireos and Spotted Towhee. We also had a very cooperative Zebra-tailed lizard posturing on a rock, displaying her orange throat and flanks. We later dipped our hats in the creek and ate lunch under the dense canopy above. We saw Summer Tanager, Sharp-shinned Hawk and Daddy Long-lets mating on a Sycamore.

Saturday, June 4 - Hassayampa River Preserve and & US #60 Rest Area led by

Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton

This field trip never took place as the Preserve was closed May 30 for the summer and the participants were notified. However, Cynthia and Pete had scouted the area on the 28th before the closure, and I enclose his comments below as he wrote them.
We spent about three hours birding at the Preserve near Wickenburg during the morning hours. For anyone wishing to give the Preserve one last try before it closes for the summer on the 30th, there are some good birds to see. There were at least three Thick-billed Kingbirds along the south shore of Palm Lake. Look and listen for them between the first and second benches. The Mesquite Meander produced a group of five (!) Tropical Kingbirds, all chasing each other and twittering like mad.
No sign of the presumed nesting Lawrence's Goldfinches, nor the Red-shouldered Hawks, and we neither saw nor heard any Northern Beardless Tyrannulets.  Pete Moulton

Saturday & Sunday, June 11-12 -- Mogollon Rim area near Payson as guests of Mel Bramley

Eight ambitious birders arrived at the Tonto Fish Hatchery at 8 AM Saturday. This number included two birders from Payson who were a big help. We turned up 28 species of birds, in addition to a herd of elk, and saw some of the hatchery's very large trout while enjoying gorgeous vistas of the surrounding countryside.
About noon we journeyed to my cabin on the East Verde River where we watched the Acorn Woodpeckers duking it out with the Gray Squirrels, plus occasional visits by the Black-headed Grosbeaks, White-breasted Nuthatches, Steller's Jays, Mexican Jays, Broad-tailed and Magnificent Hummingbirds. Some of the party made an afternoon side trip to the Dude Fire area and saw additional species. Saturday night for dinner we feasted on the many goodies brought by all the members, told a few lies and watched the raccoons take over the feeders. Much later we crawled into the sleeping bags and were treated to the sounds of a thunderstorm and several hours of a gentle rain.
Sunday we allowed enough time to make pancakes for breakfast and then went to Tonto Natural Bridge, birding along the way. At the Bridge we encountered 35 species and one Turquoise Lizard. The unique vistas down along Pine Creek from the rim held us for quite a while as we watched White-throated Swifts, Violet-green and Cliff Swallows swooping over the creek along with Yellow Warblers, Hooded Oriole, Phainopepla, Summer and Western Tanagers. Some members had never seen this bridge before which is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world 183 feet high over a 400 foot long tunnel all in a narrow valley surrounded by a forest of pine trees. We later returned to the cabin for lunch and the inevitable trip home.  Mel Bramley

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