This past week has been amazing in terms of the variety of bird species observed here in the Arizona Central Highlands. Over a week ago, a purple gallinule was discovered near the south shore of Willow Lake. I mentioned this in my column last week when my efforts to see the bird were initially unsuccessful.
Fortunately, on another attempt I was successful in seeing the gallinule which was very rewarding. Additionally, while birding at Willow Lake, I saw 43 other species including several sora rails, wood ducks, solitary sandpiper, least sandpiper, spotted sandpiper, Wilson’s phalarope, long-billed dowitcher, white-faced ibis, black tern and belted kingfisher.
Our local lakes—which are actually reservoirs—are an important stopping place for thousands of water-dependent migratory bird species, including ducks, grebes, ibis, sandpipers and more. The number and variety of birds occurring at the lakes changes every single day during migration, as different species drop in to rest and refuel before continuing on their southward journey. You never know what will be present at the lakes this time of year from one day to the next.
Last Wednesday, I was on my routine walk through Watson Woods Riparian Preserve and the Peavine Trail when I got totally enveloped by a monster monsoon storm. I was about a mile and a half from my car when the storm overtook me. I felt like a sitting duck, being so open and exposed on the Peavine Trail with lightning striking all around me.
The rain and hail pelted me mercilessly and I felt my only recourse was to get back to the car as fast as possible. The wind was swirling the rain in all directions. The trail, particularly in Watson Woods, turned into a small stream and I was thoroughly drenched from head to toe. By the time I reached my car, I felt that I couldn’t have been any wetter had I jumped into a swimming pool with all of my clothes on. I’m grateful for my safety, as the lightning was intense!
On my day off this past week, I made a trip to Mingus Mountain to take in the spectacle of fall warbler migration. I had a wonderful morning and saw nine species of warblers: black-throated gray, Grace’s, orange-crowned, red-faced, painted redstart, hermit, Townsend’s, Virginia’s and Wilson’s. I was hoping to see olive warbler, Nashville warbler and MacGillivray’s warbler as well, but struck out on each of them. Earlier that morning, when I was birding at Willow Lake, I saw two warbler species so I had eleven warbler species in one day!
On Wednesday, August 21st, at 12:30 p.m., I will be presenting a program at the Highlands Center for Natural History on my recent birding adventures in the British Isles. The event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP at highlandscenter.org.
Later the same day, at 3:00 p.m., The Lookout, located at 1230 Willow Creek Road (the entrance to the store is off of Black Drive), will be hosting guest presenter Joe Webster who will be teaching a free class on bird photography. Joe’s presentation, titled “Birds, Birds, Birds: Ornithology Anyone?” will examine the world of bird photography and will offer tips for composition and techniques for getting that “keeper” image.
Webster will discuss how to attract birds, where to find them in their preferred habitats, and provide information on some great birding spots in the Prescott area, and elsewhere in Arizona. Part of his presentation will be a discussion on the ethics of wildlife photography, a topic that is frequently overlooked. Please call The Lookout at 928.443.5900 to register. The class is limited to 40 individuals.
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 Swarovski and Vortex optics. Eric has been an avid birder for over 55 years. Eric can be contacted at eric@thelookoutaz.com.
