Date: 1/8/25 5:18 pm From: Harrison Karr <happynumber9...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] Fun birding day in the Santa Ritas - plus a question about ravens
Two friends and I had a great day birding the west side of the Santa Rita
mountains and vicinity today.
Perhaps the most interesting stop was around 3:30 pm when one of my
companions noticed a flock of ravens above the pecan groves along South
Nogales Highway, immediately north of Sahuarita. We pulled to the shoulder
and counted at least 18 raven sp. In my experience, I've seen Chihuahuan
Ravens in groups like that, but never Common Ravens. I wouldn't base an ID
on that behavior. but I'm curious if that general observation holds true
for other observers. Have you seen Common Ravens in larger groups like
that?
As we were watching the ravens, a flock of 17 Black Vultures flew in from
the west, substantially higher than the ravens. The identifying marks were
well-seen (see eBird checklist at https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/cgCFCXYBgvfnzWzK7T6fASWCJpo?<domain...>).
Then even higher above, we saw 5 large gulls with dark wingtips, certainly
not identifiable by me at that distance.
A Red-tailed Hawk joined the party just before we drove on back to Tucson.
Earlier in the day, we found the Rufous-capped Warbler at Florida Canyon
after some effort (about 0.2 miles above the dam, where the trail crosses
the stream bed). From there we drove to Madera Canyon, and along the way,
two Golden Eagles rode the thermals. After experiencing heavy winds
blowing down Madera Canyon around 12:30 pm, we were able to see the Elegant
Trogon at the Kubo B&B fruiting pyracantha. We noticed that the bird
approached the pyracantha from upcanyon, and departed from it also in an
upcanyon direction. I'm aware that the bird has been seen at the Madera
Picnic Area downcanyon from here, so I am wondering if it is also
frequenting areas upcanyon. Curious.
Many thanks & good birding,
Harrison Karr
Tucson, AZ
