The month of September has resulted in some fantastic birding opportunities here in the Arizona Central Highlands. All kinds of birds have shown up—many unexpectedly. Migration is such an unknown event. It is sometimes hard to explain why birds show up where they do.
When you look at a bird field guide, there are usually “range” maps accompanying the illustration of the bird species being discussed. Range maps are typically color coded with a variety of colors indicating when and where bird species can typically be found.
For example, the color purple is often used to show the permanent occurrence of birds in a given area, meaning any range map where the color purple is overlaid on the map indicates that a species can be found there year-round. The color yellow is frequently used to illustrate the migration route, or the area over which birds migrate.
The color blue is frequently used to indicate where birds winter, while the color orange is used to show where they summer, which is usually also where they breed. Range maps, like illustrations, are a tool to assist birders in their bird identification efforts.
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 where they would not typically be found. 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—one 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, serious birders race out the door to see it while it is still in the area. This was certainly the case with the blue-headed vireo, as people came from all over the state for a chance to see this rare bird.
Chasing rarities is not an uncommon practice for serious birders. People (like myself) who like to do more than watch birds from the comfort of their home, will practically drop everything they are doing for the chance of seeing a new, rare bird. I certainly fit into this category. However, having a full-time job along with serving on Prescott City Council really cramps my style. If I were retired, I would probably be the first person to hit the road to chase down a rare bird.
Time permitting, I certainly 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 (a large sandpiper species) reported at Watson Lake this past week, and I was successful in finding 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 free exhibit will open to the public on Monday, October 2nd, at 8:00 a.m., in the conference room here at the store. 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.
