When you see the beautiful rosy-red plumage of the first male Summer Tanager of the year, you know two things. First: that spring is finally here and second: that you are in high quality cottonwood and willow riparian habitat. This handsome species is closely associated with this habitat in the Southwest and will nest along […]
Feathered Friends – Summer Tanager Read More »
Any hummingbird feeder hung in urban Tucson probably has a resident Anna’s Hummingbird defending it from all intruders. This beautiful and rather large hummer is a common sight in back yards all over the city and the male’s striking rosy-pink flashing head plumage makes it a compelling reason to keep your feeders full of nectar.
Feathered Friends – Anna’s Hummingbird Read More »
This bird’s questioning “wurp?” call is a common sound in desert habitat in and around Tucson. With the male’s handsome glossy black plumage, flashing white wing patches and ragged crest this bird often described as a ‘black cardinal with a red eye.’ The female is similarly attired but in a matte slate gray that is
Feathered Friends – Phainopepla Read More »
You most likely have heard that Arizona is a special place for Hummingbirds. Both the numbers and diversity of hummingbirds peak in Southeastern Arizona in August and this is just one more reason that Arizona is awesome in August! On this surface this seems rather odd. Why would hummingbirds be most abundant when it is
August Is Awesome in Arizona for Hummingbirds Read More »
Fall Migration in Arizona and the importance of Important Bird Areas The migration of large numbers of birds through Arizona, spring and fall, is one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. As a concept, it seems simple enough. As the year wanes, the weather turns frosty and food becomes much more difficult to find. To survive,
Birds on the Move! Read More »