10,000 Birds

APRIL 3, 2019

When we first landed here in Tucson, Arizona, fate worked her magic, and one of the first people I met was Luke Safford. Luke is a coordinator with the Tucson Audubon Society, and was incredibly helpful with getting my feet on the ground, as far as South East Arizona Birding. The American Bittern makes a pretty regular appearance.

Tucson 114

Tucson Arizona Sanctuary Virginia 114

10,000 Birds

MAY 8, 2019

In my continuing tour of the many sites for birding here in the Tucson, Arizona area, I have run across the Sam Lena Park, and athletic complex. This winter the waters were consistently holding Ring-neck Ducks, Buffleheads, Northern Shovelers, American Wigeon, Green-wing and Cinnamon Teal, Gadwalls, Ruddy Ducks and Common Mergansers.

Tucson 130

Tucson Arizona Ducks Shelters 130

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 24, 2018

This 57,331 acre refuge was set aside as a critical wintering location for tens of thousands of Geese, Ducks and Sandhill Cranes. This nice little group of shorebirds, including a Killdeer, three Long-billed Dowitchers and a Spotted Sandpipers all got together for a photo. There was also a small raft of Ruddy Ducks.

New Mexico 113

New Mexico Mexico Tucson Costa Rica 113

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 12, 2018

Things had just started to settle down a bit, now that we had parked the RV in Tucson. We left Tucson on Monday, and drove to Alpine, Texas for our first night. There better be at least 30” was that number she threw out at me, as we were driving away from Tucson. Mottled Duck. Now the pressure was on. Plain Chachalaca.

Texas 132

Texas Tucson San Antonio Owls 132

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 10, 2018

In the past, seeing some of these Ring-necked Ducks would have been rather scarce, so here is a shot of the small group that were on the larger pond. The largest group of ducks turned out to be the Ruddy Ducks, with well over 200 in three or four large rafts. This male Lesser Goldfinch posed nicely for me.

Colorado 113

Colorado Texas Trinidad Albuquerque 113