Cooler birding has finally arrived here in the desert!
It was a gorgeous 58 degrees yesterday
morning when I set out to check a few local parks.
I started at Lakeside Park hoping for a
Blue-footed Booby or some other wayward treat.
I was disappointed when the only birds on the water were mallards and coots. I heard and briefly saw a distant kingfisher, but never located it. There were some active flycatchers out and about.
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| Vermilion Flycatcher |
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| Phainopepla |
A few Killdeer were on the ballfields as well as my first of the season lone White-crowned Sparrow.
Next I was off to Reid Park to check out what ducks had arrived. There were a couple Ring-necked Ducks and wigeon, but no Redheads or Lesser Scaup yet.
These two were at their usual hangout out near the pond.
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| Great Egret |
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| Double-crested Cormorant |
Not near the water was this Black Phoebe...
who was harassing this cute Vermilion Flycatcher.
A beautiful kestrel wasn't having any luck with breakfast...
and the goldfinches and Verdin were taking turns at the drinking fountain.
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| Lesser Goldfinch |
It was a great way to start off the weekend. Did I mention I'm loving the cooler temps?
Vermilion Flycatcher, Black Phoebe, Phainopepla, Verdin - so many of my favorite AZ birds!
ReplyDeleteJeremy, I am also enjoying the cooler temps. It is delightful to have chilly mornings again.
ReplyDeleteAny day with Vermillion Flycatchers, Phainopeplas and Verdins would be a spectacular day for me. Love these pictures.
Jeremy, I am loving the cooler temps as well and saw many swifts around town today as I was doing errands and counting birds. I have not been to Lakeside in awhile. Perhaps I should go! Love the pic of the verdin at the drinking fountain!
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