Fall in Tucson

It was an IBA day today, and the morning’s walk at the Sabino / Bear Creek site was spectacular: not so much for the birding, perhaps, which was good but not overwhelming, as for the vegetation, which truly deserves the appellation “rank.” Tremendous floods had swept through the area, laying down many inches, even feet, of fresh silt, and the plants have taken advantage of the loose soil and abundant moisture to create a herbaceous jungle in the desert. Unfortunately, the floods seem to have killed the tall cottonwood that has for many years now supported the nest of the local Great Horned Owls; interesting to see where they move to.

One of our best birds was among the first, an Osprey perched on a eucalyptus snag, no doubt looking for the most direct route to the Gulf of California; not coincidentally, Kathi had photographed one yesterday morning on Oracle Road. It’s the time of year for desert fishhawks!  

It’s also the time of year for migrant passerines, and though there was no evidence of a strong “push,” we did have such great birds as MacGillivray’s and Orange-crowned Warblers, Brewer’s Sparrow, and Lazuli Buntings. The season has changed, and our next visit will be just as exciting.