[obol] AZ birds

[Tom Crabtree]

Earlier in the week I returned from a week long trip to SE Arizona.  While I
was stuck in a conference for two of those days, I did manage to get out and
go birding several days.  The highlights (in addition to 75 degree, sunny
weather) were Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Baird's Sparrow and Ruddy
Ground-dove.  I missed the Crescent-chested Warbler by 3 days and the Aztec
Thrush by 3 weeks.  I added about 25 new state birds (were that only
possible in Oregon!) and missed the Floras Lake Mountain Plovers that were
here when I wasn't.  The first spring migrants were just starting to show up
down there.  It is always nice to see Vermillion Flycatchers, Broad-billed
Hummingbirds, Cactus Wrens, Verdin and the like.  

I spent one exceptional day birding with Oregon ex-patriot Rich Hoyer.  I
think the last time I birded with him in Oregon was in the fall of 1993 when
the Streak-backed Oriole was at Malheur headquarters.  Since then Rich has
turned into an incredibly top-notch birder.  If you ever get a chance to go
birding with him or take one of his Wings, Inc. Tours, do so.  Not only does
he know his birds and bird calls, he can tell you anything about the local
butterflies, dragonflies, mammals, trees and even all 18 (?) species of
ferns that are native to the region.  I can't tell you the last time I
enjoyed a birding outing so much.  Rich leads tours in Central America,
Brazil, Alaska as well as the Western U.S.  He also does private tours in
Arizona.  I highly recommend him as a birding guide.  

Tom Crabtree, Bend, OR (physically) but still in Tucson, AZ (mentally)
[not affiliated in any way with Wings, Inc.]