Shoot Me Monday

It's been way too long since my last post, I just haven't been out birding much this year.  That changed this weekend when I heard a potential lifer and potential state bird were both being seen at Agua Caliente Park in northeast Tucson.  I've seen Willets many times in San Diego County (16 times according to my eBird), but I had never seen them in AZ.

Willets

Willets are not common in the Tucson area, but a couple groups were found here this weekend.  There were 9 individuals when I arrived at the park, then 3 more joined the party.  It's always nice to add a bird to your state list in your home county, it was a welcomed 2 for 1.

I searched for the reported Least Bittern in the reeds without any luck.  I was about to check out the rest of the park when I heard it calling, cool!  But it never did show itself, so it joined Brown-backed Solitaire on my ABA "heard-only" life list.  That bugs me, I hope to actually see them in the near future.

There was lots of bird activity in the area for a hot afternoon.

Townsend's Warbler (darn twig!)

Greater Roadrunner

Bell's Vireo

It felt good to get out and bird!