The month of September has resulted in some fantastic birding here in the Arizona Central Highlands. All kinds of birds have shown up—many unexpectedly. Migration is such an unknown event. It is hard to explain why birds show up where they do sometimes
When you look at a bird field guide there are usually “range” maps accompanying the illustration of the bird species being discussed, along with text to aide in identification. Range maps are typically color coded, with the map of where the bird occurs overlaid with a variety of colors indicating when a bird can be found where.
For example, the color purple is often used to show the permanent occurance of birds in a given area, meaning any range map where the color purple is overlaid in the map indicates that species can be found in that area, or part of the country, year-round. The color yellow often is used to illustrate the migration route, or the area over which birds will migrate.
The color blue is frequently used to indicate where birds winter, and the color orange is used to show where they summer, which is usually where they also breed. Range maps, like illustrations are a tool to assist birders in confirming their bird identification skills.
However, there’s one problem. Birds don’t look at range maps, and sometimes they show up completely off course from their normal migration route and show up where they would not typically be expected. Such has been the case numerous times over the last few weeks.
For example, I participated in a Prescott Audubon Society bird walk at Fain Lake in Prescott Valley two weeks ago. In the course of our bird walk we discovered a rare bird, a bird that is typically found east of the Rockies. What was it? It was a yellow-bellied sapsucker (I lie not, there really is such a bird). It is a close relative to the red-naped sapsucker that occurs in western North America.
About a week ago, a birder discovered a blue-headed vireo at Willow Lake. I believe this is the first time this species has ever been documented in Yavapai County. When a rare bird shows up, a lot of serious birders race out the door to see the rare bird while it is in the area. This was certainly the case with the blue-headed vireo—people literally came from all over the state for a chance to see this rare bird.
Chasing rarities is not an uncommon event for serious field birders. People, like myself, who like to do more than watch birds from the comfort of their home, will practically drop everything at the chance of seeing a new, rare bird. I would fit into this category if I didn’t have a full-time job, and serve on City Council. But if I was retired, man I would be the first person to hit the road to chase down a rare bird.
Time permitting, I certainly will chase rarities. I did make two attempts last week to see the blue-headed vireo, but came up empty-handed both times. There was a willet reported at Watson Lake this past week, and I did get to see it. Birding is very much a sport—an addictive one at that!
This Saturday, September 30th is the last day to submit pictures for our 15th annual wild bird photography contest. The exhibit will open to the public on Monday, October 2nd, at 8:00 a.m. We will announce the winners of the photo contest, and the 2023 Birding Challenge, at our 20th anniversary celebration event on Saturday, October 28th.
Until next week, Happy Birding!
Eric Moore is the owner of The Lookout, in Prescott, where you will find a Hallmark Gold Crown Store, wild bird products, and Vortex and Swarovski optics. Eric has been an avid birder for over 55 years. Eric can be contacted at eric@thelookoutaz.com.
