Bird Sightings Report

Bird Sightings Report, October 1 to October 31, 2013

October’s sightings indicate that winter visitors are arriving in our area and that migrants are passing through. Note the number of sparrows seen this month.

Species Accounts

Ducks: Ken Dayer reported the following ducks from the Tyrone sewage ponds: Northern Shoveler (149 on 5 October, 36 on 19 October, and 33 on 27 October); Ring-necked Duck (nine on 19 October); and Ruddy Duck (one on 27 October). A Common Merganser was seen in the Gila Bird Area where they are becoming scarce (Roland Shook, 2 Oct).

Grebes: Ken Dayer reported a Pied-billed Grebe and an Eared Grebe at the Tyrone sewage ponds (19 October).

Hawks: Ken Dayer reported American Kestrels at the Tyrone sewage ponds (one on 5 October and two on 27 October). A Common Black-Hawk was seen in the Gila Bird Area by Roland Shook (9 October). Mid-October is the “rule of thumb” predicting the last Black-Hawk of the season.

Rails: A Sora was reported from Lake Roberts by Larry Malone (18 October).

Cranes: Two Sandhill Cranes (the season’s first at Deming) were reported by Larry Malone (12 October). Steve London reported 10 Sandhill Cranes between Hanover and San Lorenzo (16 October).

Shorebirds: Four Pectoral Sandpipers were seen by Larry Malone at the Deming treatment ponds (5 October). Ken Dayer  reported the following shorebirds at the Tyrone sewage ponds: Killdeer (seven on 5 October, one on 19 October, and nine on 27 October); Wilson’s Snipe (one on 5 October); and Wilson’s Phalarope (nine on 27 October). Roland Shook reported five Spotted Sandpipers from the Gila Bird Area (2 October).

Nightjars: Eleanor Wootten reported a Common Poorwill on Highway 293 north of Cliff near the Lichty Center (12 October).

Hummingbirds: Bill and Henri Hovarter reported a female Rufous Hummingbird and a male Black-chinned Hummingbird visiting their Silver City feeder through the end of October.

Kingfishers: A Belted Kingfisher was reported from the Tyrone sewage ponds (Ken Dayer, 5 October).

Belted Kingfisher by Robert Shantz, Pima Co. AZ, 23 October 2013

Woodpeckers: Peggy Spofford reported a Northern Flicker at her Silver Acres residence (14 October). Eleven Northern Flickers were detected in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 9 October). Ken Dayer reported four Red-naped Sapsuckers from the Tyrone sewage ponds (27 October), and Roland Shook reported two Red-naped Sapsuckers from the Gila Bird Area (2 October).

Falcons: Larry Malone reported a Peregrine Falcon from Lake Roberts (18 October).

Flycatchers: The following flycatchers were reported from the Tyrone sewage ponds by Ken Dayer: Say’s Phoebe (two on 19 October); Vermilion Flycatcher (one on 5 October); and Cassin’s Kingbirds (four on 5 October, three on 19 October, and one on 27 October). Five Black Phoebes were detected in the Gila Bird Area where they are becoming scarce (Roland Shook, 2 October). A Western Kingbird and an Empidonax Flycatcher were reported from the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 9 October). A “Western” Flycatcher was seen in the Gila Bird Area by Roland Shook (22 October). In the not too distant past the “Western” Flycatcher was split into Cordilleran and Pacific-slope Flycatcher. During migration these two species are virtually impossible to separate in the field.

Vireos: Two Cassin’s Vireos were reported from the Gila Bird Area by Roland Shook (22 October).

Shrikes: Ken Dayer reported a Loggerhead Shrike from the Tyrone sewage ponds (19 October).

Loggerhead Shrike by Robert Shantz, Arizona, 26 January, 2008

Jays: A Western Scrub-Jay was reported from Spring Canyon State Park south of Deming (Larry Malone, 21 October).

Wrens: Larry Malone reported three Rock Wrens from the Spring Canyon State Park south of Deming (21 October).

Kinglets: Fourteen Ruby-crowned Kinglets were detected in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 22 October).

Ruby-crowned Kinglet by Robert Shantz, Paradise, AZ, 16 January 2005

Thrushes: Townsend’s Solitaires were detected by Larry Malone in various places from Lake Roberts to Cherry Creek Campground (18 October). A Townsend Solitaire along with a Hermit Thrush were detected in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 2 October). Two Western Bluebirds and a Townsend’s Solitaire were detected in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 22 October).

Townsend’s Solitaire by Robert Shantz, New Mexico, 8 July 2008

Pipits: Five American Pipits were reported from the Deming treatment pond (Larry Malone, 5 October).

Warblers: Ken Dayer reported a MacGillivray’s Warbler (19 October) and three Yellow-rumped Warblers (27 October) from the Tyrone sewage ponds. A Wilson’s Warbler was reported from the Gila Bird Area  (9 October), while three Yellow-rumped Warblers were reported from the same location (22 October) by Roland Shook.

Sparrows: Bill and Henri Hovarter reported three Dark-eyed Juncos at their Silver City  feeder (16 October). Two Chipping sparrows were also reported by Bill and Henri Hovarter at the Silver City feeder (20 October). The following sparrows were reported from the Tyrone sewage ponds by Ken Dayer: Chipping Sparrows (23 on 19 October and 3 on 27 October); Brewer’s Sparrows (2 on 5 October, 2 on 19 October, and 12 on 27 October); Vesper Sparrow (one on 19 October); Song Sparrow (one on 27 October); Lincoln’s Sparrows (one on 5 October, one on 19 October and three on 27 October); and White-crowned Sparrows (10 on 5 October, 24 on 19 October, and 31 on 27 October). Larry Malone reported the following emberizids from Spring Canyon State Park south of Deming: Green-tailed Towhees (8 on 21 October, first in several years); Spotted Towhees (11 on 21 October, most in several years); and Black-chinned Sparrows (two on 21 October, first in several years). Larry Malone also reported a Clay-colored Sparrow in Deming (28 October) and 11 Lincoln’s Sparrows in the Deming area (28 October, the most in several years in the Deming area.). Twelve Green-tailed Towhees were detected in the Gila Bird Area by Roland Shook (9 October), while 10 more were detected (22 October) at the same location. Seven Brewer’s Sparrows, a Lark Sparrow, two Lincoln’s Sparrows, and three White-crowned Sparrows were also seen in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 9 October). On 17 October a Chipping Sparrow, six Brewer’s Sparrows, a Song Sparrow and three Lincoln’s Sparrows were reported from the Gila Bird Area by Roland Shook. The Gila Bird Area was the site of the detection of 128 Chipping Sparrows, 5 Brewer’s Sparrows, 4 Lark Sparrows, two Black-throated Sparrows, three Lincoln’s Sparrows,  and 36 White-crowned Sparrows (Roland Shook, 22 October).

Brewer’s Sparrow by Robert Shantz, Pima Co. AZ, 23 October 2013

Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks: Two Summer Tanagers and three Northern Cardinals were detected in the Gila Bird Area by Roland Shook (2 October). Twelve Blue Grosbeaks were reported from the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 9 October).

Blackbirds, Orioles: Steve London reported a Red-winged Blackbird at his feeder located at 7000 feet in pinyon/juniper habitat between Hanover and San Lorenzo (21 October).  Two Scott’s Orioles were reported from Spring Canyon State Park south of Deming by Larry Malone (21 October). Ken Dayer reported Brewer’s Blackbirds at the Tyrone sewage ponds (1 on 5 October, 1 on 19 October and 64 on 27 October). Roland Shook reported a Hooded Oriole from the Gila Bird Area (9 October).

I appreciate all who sent in bird reports. Even thought numbers are important, a list of birds seen in the field also has value. I want to encourage everyone to spend as much time as they can enjoying watching and identifying birds. I will give careful  consideration to all reports that I receive, and will try and include as many reports as I can, even if they do not include numbers of a particular species.

I encourage the submission of records and photos. In order to increase the scientific value of your sightings, I encourage you to please include the number, a date and location for each species, as well as, the full name of the observer. Undated sightings, with or without a location or the number observed, are of a lesser value, however, all submissions are welcome. I do not know where many of you live, so a brief description would be much appreciated.  Please send your photos and reports to tyrannidae@gmail.com. Thanks to all who submitted this month and in the past.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Photo of Common Mergansers at the top of this page was taken by Robert Shantz.

Bird Sightings Report, September 1 to September 30, 2013

One can predict cooler temperatures and shorter nights as fall migrants move through our area or take up winter residency. Note the migrating warblers and sparrows in this month’s report.

Species Accounts

Herons: Brian Dolton reported a Great Blue Heron flying over his house in Indian Hills (16 September). Gene Lewis reported a White-faced Ibis in juvenal plumage from the Tyrone sewage ponds (5 September), while Ken Dayer reported the same species at the same location on 21 September.

Ospreys: Ken Dayer reported an Osprey from the Tyrone sewage ponds (21 September).

Hawks: Brian Dolton reported a Swainson’s Hawk on Separ Road, as well as, a Sharp-shinned Hawk at the Pitchfork Ranch (19 September). On 22 September Brian observed a Cooper’s Hawk at his Silver City residence, while a Cooper’s Hawk was also seen at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Ken Dayer, 21 September). Three Common Black-Hawks were seen in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook) on 3 September, two on 19 September, and two additional birds on 26 September. The estimated “late date” for this species in our area is approximately 15 October.

Shorebirds: Gene Lewis reported 80 Wilson’s Phalaropes from the Tyrone sewage ponds (5 September). Two Wilson’s Phalaropes were observed at the Lordsburg sewage ponds (Brian Dolton, 19 September).  Ken Dayer reported the following shorebirds from the Tyrone sewage ponds: Killdeer (eight on 21 September, 10 on 29 September); two Spotted Sandpipers (21 September); a Semipalmated Sandpiper (21 September);  four Baird’s Sandpipers (21 September);  and Wilson’s Phalaropes (78 on 21 September, 40 on 29 September).

Roadrunners: Wendy Shaul reported a Greater Roadrunner at the Alum Camp trailhead near the Gila Cliff Dwellings (14 September) and another sighting near the same location (12 September). In the photo below note the dark under feathers. Greater Roadrunners have the ability to let their body temperature drop at night, and then by exposing these dark feathers they can absorb solar radiation during the day in order to raise their body temperature, thus conserving energy. Brian Dolton reported a Greater Roadrunner along the Separ Road south of Silver City (19 September).

Greater Roadrunner by Wendy Shaul, near Gila Cliff Dwellings, 14 September 2013

Nighthawks: Martha Schumann Cooper reported a nighthawk (most likely a Common Nighthawk) along Highway 293 near Cliff (1 September).

Hummingbirds: Brian Dolton reported an adult male Rufous Hummingbird at his Indian Hills feeders in September (no specific date given).

Woodpeckers: Barbara Smith and John Wilson reported two Acorn Woodpeckers from the Little Walnut picnic area (30 September).

Falcons: Several American Kestrels were observed by Brian Dolton along the Separ Road south of Silver City (19 September). Ken Dayer reported two American Kestrels from the Tyrone sewage ponds (21 September). An American Kestrel was reported from the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 19 September). Roland Shook reported a Peregrine Falcon from the Gila Bird Area (19 September).

Flycatchers: A Western Kingbird was reported from Fort Bayard (Barbara Smith and John Wilson, 19 September). Ken Dayer reported Cassin’s Kingbirds (two on 21 September, one on 29 September) and a Western Kingbird (21 September) from the Tyrone sewage ponds. Two Empidonax flycatchers were seen in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 14 September). A Cassin’s Kingbird was reported from the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 19 September).

Shrikes: Brian Dolton reported a pair of Loggerhead Shrikes along the Separ Road south of Silver City (19 September). An additional Loggerhead Shrike was reported by Ken Dayer from the Tyrone sewage ponds (21 September).

Vireos: Roland Shook reported five Plumbeous Vireos from the Gila Bird Area (3 September).

Swallows: Ten Violet-green Swallows (29 September) and a Barn Swallow (21 September) were observed at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Ken Dayer).

Wrens: House Wrens were seen in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, one on 3 September and 14 September; two on 19 September and three on 26 September). Three Canyon Wrens were reported from the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 19 September).

Thrushes: Barbara Smith and John Wilson reported two Hermit Thrushes at the Little Walnut picnic area (30 September). Two Western Bluebirds were also seen by Barbara Smith and John Wilson on 30 September (Little Walnut picnic area) and an additional four Western Bluebirds were seen by the same observers at Fort Bayard (19 September).

Wood-Warblers: Eight Wilson’s Warblers and six Yellow Warblers were reported from the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 3 September). A Nashville Warbler and a Wilson’s Warbler were seen in the Gila Bird Area by Roland Shook (14 September). Additional Wilson’s Warblers were seen in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, two on 19 September and one on 26 September).

Sparrows, Juncos and Towhees: Two Rufous-crowned Sparrows were reported from Brian Dolton’s residence in Indian Hills (25 September). A pair of Canyon Towhees with fledgling young were seen in Indian Hills by Brian Dolton (25 September). Eight Dark-eyed Juncos were seen at the Little Walnut picnic area by Barbara Smith and John Wilson (30 September). Eight White-crowned Sparrows,  a Lark Sparrow, and a Brewer’s Sparrow were reported from the Tyrone sewage ponds (Ken Dayer, 29 September). Green-tailed Towhees were reported from the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, one on 14 September and six on 26 September). The Gila Bird Area produced sightings on 11 Chipping Sparrows, two Lincoln’s Sparrows, and four White-crowned Sparrows on 26 September (Roland Shook).

Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks and Buntings: Barbara Smith and  John Wilson reported a male Hepatic Tanager at the Little Walnut picnic area (30 September), and one at Fort Bayard (19 September). Two Blue Grosbeaks were observed at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Ken Dayer, 21 September). Roland Shook reported 19 Blue Grosbeaks from the Gila Bird Area (26 September). Three Lazuli Buntings were reported from the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 14 September).

Blackbirds and Orioles: Ken Dayer reported five Yellow-headed Blackbirds (21 September) and two Brewer’s Blackbirds (29 September) from the Tyrone sewage ponds. A Hooded Oriole was observed in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 19 September).

7 September Audubon Field Trip to Mangas Springs – led and reported by Brian Dolton – Vermilion Flycatcher (pair), Summer Tanager (male), Western Tanager (female), MacGillivray’s Warbler, Willow Flycatcher, Great Blue Heron (juvenile, injured – badly broken wing, unlikely to survive), Lincoln’s Sparrow (dead, allowing very careful inspection and demonstration of ID features)!, Northern Cardinal (pair), unidentified Rail (flushed briefly, did not respond to calls), probable Prairie Falcon (large falcon flying across Hwy 180 a couple of miles south of Mangas), Phainopepla (pair).

I appreciate all who sent in bird reports. Even thought numbers are important, a list of birds seen in the field also has value. I want to encourage everyone to spend as much time as they can enjoying watching and identifying birds. I will give careful  consideration to all reports that I receive, and will try and include as many reports as I can, even if they do not include numbers of a particular species.

I encourage the submission of records and photos. In order to increase the scientific value of your sightings, I encourage you to please include the number, a date and location for each species, as well as, the full name of the observer. Undated sightings, with or without a location or the number observed, are of a lesser value, however, all submissions are welcome. I do not know where many of you live, so a brief description would be much appreciated.  Please send your photos and reports to tyrannidae@gmail.com. Thanks to all who submitted this month and in the past.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Photo of Common Mergansers at the top of this page was taken by Robert Shantz.

Bird Sightings Report, August 1 to August 31, 2013

August is a transitory time for many species between the breeding season and fall migration.

Species Accounts

Ducks: Ken Dayer reported the following ducks at the Tyrone Sewage ponds: Mallard (4 August, 12 adults, six immatures; 10 August, 36 adults, five immatures; 17 August, 24 August, 31 August, 26, 6, 17 adults, respectively); Northern Shovelers (47 on 24 August, 30 on 31 August); a Green-winged Teal (24 and 31 August).

Hawks: A Sharp-shinned Hawk was reported by Karen Beckenbach at her residence on the northern edge of Silver City (25 August). Ken Dayer reported a Cooper’s Hawk from the Tyrone Sewage ponds (24 August) and a Zone-tailed Hawk on 10 August from the same location. Ken also reported an American Kestrel on 10 and 24 August from the Tyrone Sewage ponds. A Zone-tailed Hawk was reported by Roland Shook from the Gila Bird Area (24 August).

Shorebirds: Ken Dayer reported the following shorebirds from the Tyrone Sewage ponds: Killdeer (two, eight, seven, seven, six on 4, 10, 17, 24, 31 August, respectively); Spotted Sandpiper (24 August); two Lesser Yellowlegs (24 August); a Semipalmated Sandpiper (31 August); a Western Sandpiper (24 August); Wilson’s Phalarope (19, 186, 123, 81 on 10, 17, 24, 31 August, respectively). A Spotted Sandpiper was reported from the Gila Bird Area by Roland Shook (14 August and 24 August).

Wilson’s Phalarope photo by Robert Shantz. August 2006, Willcox, Arizona

Cranes: Martha Schumann Cooper reported a lone Sandhill Crane that summered near the Lichty Center above Cliff, NM.

Pigeons. Two dozen Band-tailed Pigeons are still visiting Karen Beckenbach’s feeders on the northern edge of Silver City (25 August). Kathy Cassell reported a flock of approximately 30 Band-tailed Pigeons in her Indian Hills neighborhood from 10 August through the end of the month. Ken Dayer reported three Eurasian Collared-Doves from the Tyrone Sewage ponds (10 August).

Caprimulgids: Karen Beckenbach reported a Common Poorwill vocalizing from her Silver City residence on the northern edge of Silver City (17 August). John Wilson and Barbara Smith reported six Nighthawks sp. at Fort Bayard (1 August). Martha Schumann Cooper reported nine Nighthawk sp. above the Highway 211 Bridge near Gila (16 August).

Roadrunners: John Wilson and Barbara Smith report an adult Greater Roadrunner and juvenile in Arenas Valley (21 August).

Hummingbirds: Karen Beckenbach reported a male Magnificent Hummingbird at her feeder located on the northern edge of Silver City (17 August). Karen also reported a female Magnificent Hummingbird at her feeder on 22 and 23 August.

Magnificent Hummingbird photo by Robert Shantz.

September 2005, Arizona

Swallows: A Tree Swallow was reported by Ken Dayer from the Tyrone Sewage ponds (10 August). He also reported three Northern Rough-winged Swallows (10 August); nine Cliff Swallows (31 August); and six, six, two, one Barn Swallows (4, 10, 17, 24 August, respectively) all at the Tyrone Sewage ponds. Wendy Shaul reported that Cliff Swallows and Barn Swallows were still present at Tyrone throughout the month of August.

Tree Swallow photo by Robert Shantz.

October 2007, Arizona

Wrens: An adult Rock Wren with two immatures was reported from the Tyrone Sewage ponds (Ken Dayer, 10 August).

Warblers: A migrating MacGillivray’s Warbler was reported from the Tyrone Sewage ponds by Ken Dayer (24 August). Ken also reported a Yellow Warbler from the same location (24 August). Roland Shook reported a migrating Black-throated Gray Warbler from the Gila Bird Area (24 August) and two migrating Wilson’s Warblers from the same location and date.

Sparrows: Four, eight and one Lark Sparrows were seen at the Tyrone Sewage ponds (Ken Dayer, 10, 17, 31 August, respectively).

Tanagers: A Western Tanager was reported by Ken Dayer from the Tyrone Sewage ponds on 10 August.

Towhees:  Junella Haynes reported a pair of Canyon Towhees with three chicks at her Silver City residence in early August (6 August).

Bluebirds: Six Western Bluebirds were reported from Fort Bayard (John Wilson and Barbara Smith, 1 August).

Western Bluebird photo by Robert Shantz.

November 2009, Hidalgo Co., NM

Blackbirds: Ken Dayer reported two Yellow-headed Blackbirds from the Tyrone Sewage ponds (31 August).

Orioles: A Scott’s Oriole was reported from Indian Hills (Barbara Smith, reported 21 August).

Grosbeaks: Karen Beckenbach reported a few Black-headed Grosbeaks are still at her feeders on the northern edge of Silver City (25 August). Wendy Shaul reported a Black-headed Grosbeak in her Tyrone yard (21 August).

I appreciate all who sent in bird reports. Even thought numbers are important, a list of birds seen in the field also has value. I want to encourage everyone to spend as much time as they can enjoying watching and identifying birds. I will give careful  consideration to all reports that I receive, and will try and include as many reports as I can, even if they do not include numbers of a particular species.

I encourage the submission of records and photos. In order to increase the scientific value of your sightings, I encourage you to please include the number, a date and location for each species, as well as, the full name of the observer. Undated sightings, with or without a location or the number observed, are of a lesser value, however, all submissions are welcome. I do not know where many of you live, so a brief description would be much appreciated.  Please send your photos and reports to tyrannidae@gmail.com. Thanks to all who submitted this month and in the past.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Photo of Common Mergansers at the top of this page was taken by Robert Shantz.

Bird Sightings Report, July 1 to July 31, 2013

For many species in our area, July is a month of transition between the breeding season to the beginning of migration. Mid to late summer is a time to find wandering individuals in unexpected places.

Species Accounts

Geese: Roland Shook, Linda Moore, and Martha Cooper reported three Canada Geese from the Gila Bird Area (19 July).

Ducks: Ken Dayer reported Mallards from the Tyrone sewage ponds (49 on 7 July; and 35 on 21 July)

Cormorants: Christopher Rustay, Nancy Hetrick, and Wyatt Egelhoff reported a Neotropical Cormorant from Pecan Park in Deming (27 July).

Photo by Robert Shanz, Willcox, Arizona, 2009

Hawks: Karen Beckenbach reported a Northern Goshawk with the following details, “I also have an adult Goshawk coming by occasionally.  I’ve seen it on July 11th, 14th, 16th, and 17th.  I also saw it in June but forgot to report it.  It had chased a Morning Dove into a window, which killed it.  The next hour or so the Goshawk kept coming around, so I put the dead dove on a rock so it would be easily visible and accessible to the Goshawk.  I saw it come down to the ground walk in side steps to the rock, hop up on the dove, secure its grip then fly off with it.  Very cool!” Karen Beckenbach also  reported a Zone-tailed Hawk nest with young at the Little Walnut Picnic grounds (17 July). Christopher Rustay, Nancy Hetrick, and Wyatt Egelhoff reported a Zone-tailed Hawk flying near Little Toad Creek Inn in the vicinity of Lake Roberts (27 July). Christopher Rustay, Nancy Hetrick, and Wyatt Egelhoff reported a Common Black-Hawk from Bear Canyon Lake in the Mimbres River Valley (28 July). A Peregrine Falcon was seen in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, Martha Cooper, Linda Moore; 19 July). Ken Dayer reported a Swainson’s Hawk at the Tyrone sewage ponds (7 July).

Photo by Robert Shantz, near Virden, New Mexico, 2003

Shorebirds: Ken Dayer reported seven Spotted Sandpipers from the Tyrone sewage ponds (21 July).

Pigeons: Karen Beckenbach reported Band-tailed Pigeons on a daily basis at her residence on the northern edge of Silver City (as of 17 July).

Nighthawks: A Common Nighthawk was reported from the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, Linda Moore and Heather Rux; 4 July).

Hummingbirds: Mike Sauber reported a Calliope Hummingbird that is a regular visitor to his hummingbird feeders (26 July). Junella Haynes reported several Rufous Hummingbirds at her Silver City residence since late July. Ken Dayer reported Black-chinned, Rufous, Calliope, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds at his Silver City  feeders during the month of July.

Woodpeckers: Mary Alice Murphy reported frequent visits of a male Acorn Woodpecker at her residence near W Mountain north of Silver City (18 July). Two American Three-toed Woodpeckers were reported from Willow Creek in the Gila National Forest (Roland Shook, Linda Moore; 17 July).

Flycatchers: A report was received from Karen Beckenbach of a pair of Ash-throated Flycatchers daily visiting her residence on the northern edge of Silver City (as of 17 July). Larry Malone reported a Black Phoebe as an early migrant in Deming (12 July). Junella Haynes reported four or five Western Kingbirds at her Silver City residence in early July. Sixteen Cordilleran Flycatchers were detected along Willow Creek in the Gila National Forest (Roland Shook, 10 July).

Photo by Robert Shantz, Greenlee Co., Arizona, 2009

Corvids: Karen Beckenbach reported Pinyon Jays on a daily basis at her residence on the northern edge of Silver City (as of 17 July). Junella Haynes reported a pair of Ravens (most likely Chihuahuan Ravens) in Ponderosa Pines near her Silver City residence. She believes they are nesting nearby and last year produced three young. No sign of chick as of July 31. Roland Shook reported an American Crow in the Cliff-Gila Valley (2 and 3 July).

Wrens: A pair of Bewick’s Wrens produced young in a nest box at Karen Beckenbach’s residence north of Silver City (17 July).

Gnatcatchers: Roland Shook, Linda Moore and Martha Cooper reported a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher from the Gila Bird Area (19 July).

Photo by Robert Shantz, near Virden, 11 September 2007

Phainopeplas: Gene Lewis reported a pair of Phainopeplas at his Silver City residence during the month of July. Wendy Shaul  reported a Phainopepla at her Tyrone residence (23 July).

Warblers: Wendy Shaul reported a Painted Redstart and a Yellow-breasted Chat at the Gila Cliff Dwellings (28 July). One Grace’s Warbler, two Red-faced Warblers, and a MacGillivary’s Warbler were reported from Willow Creek in the Gila National Forest (Roland Shook, Linda Moore; 17 July).

Sparrows: A Rufous-crowned Sparrow was visiting Karen Beckenbach’s yard on a daily basis (17 July). Junella Haynes reported a pair of Canyon Towhees and their three chicks at her Silver City residence all during July. Roland Shook reported three Song Sparrows singing in the Cliff-Gila Valley above the Highway 211 Bridge (2 July) and another record of a singing individual 3 July. An Abert’s Towhee was detected in the Cliff-Gila Valley above the Highway 211 Bridge (3 July).

Photo by Robert Shantz, Bill Evans Lake, 28 November 2009

Tanagers: Larry Malone reported an early migrant Western Tanager from Deming (12 July).

Grosbeaks: Mike Sauber reported a Blue Grosbeak new to his home checklist spotted on 21 July in the middle of an Indian Hills neighborhood. Wendy Shaul reported a Blue Grosbeak at her residence in Tyrone (8, 17, and 23 July).

Buntings: Christopher Rustay, Nancy Hetrick, and Wyatt Egelhoff reported a male and female Lazuli Bunting in the vicinity of Little Toad Creek Inn near Lake Roberts (27 July).

Photo by Robert Shantz, Paradise, Arizona, 2006

Cowbirds: Christopher Rustay, Nancy Hetrick, and Wyatt Egelhoff reported Bronze Cowbirds from Pecan Park in Deming (27 July). Gene Lewis reported a Bronzed Cowbird at his residence in Silver City the first two weeks of July.

Orioles: Dennis Beaver reported a Scott’s Oriole at his Silver City residence (16 July). Christopher Rustay, Nancy Hetrick, and Wyatt Egelhoff reported a Hooded Oriole from Pecan Park in Deming (27 July). Wendy Shaul reported a Hooded Oriole at her Tyrone residence (26 July) and a Scott’s Oriole off the Chisolm Trail south of White Signal (25 July). An additional Hooded Oriole was reported from the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, Martha Cooper, Linda Moore; 19 July).

Finches: At least 40 Lesser Goldfinches were visiting daily Karen Beckenbach’s residence on the northern edge of Silver City (as of 17 July). Wendy Shaul reported an American Goldfinch from her Tyrone residence (17 July).

I appreciate all who sent in bird reports. Even thought numbers are important, a list of birds seen in the field also has value. I want to encourage everyone to spend as much time as they can enjoying watching and identifying birds. I will give careful  consideration to all reports that I receive, and will try and include as many reports as I can, even if they do not include numbers of a particular species.

I encourage the submission of records and photos. In order to increase the scientific value of your sightings, I encourage you to please include the number, a date and location for each species, as well as, the full name of the observer. Undated sightings, with or without a location or the number observed, are of a lesser value, however, all submissions are welcome. I do not know where many of you live, so a brief description would be much appreciated.  Please send your photos and reports to tyrannidae@gmail.com. Thanks to all who submitted this month and in the past.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Photo of Common Mergansers at the top of this page was taken by Robert Shantz.

Bird Sightings Report, June 1 to June 30, 2013

The month of June saw much of our area in extreme drought conditions. Hopefully the monsoon rains will bring much needed moisture, but many species have completed much of the nesting season by the end of June.

Species Accounts

Ducks: Ken Dayer reported the following ducks from the Tyrone sewage ponds: Blue-winged Teal (one on 2 June, one on 9 June, and one on 16 June);  a Canvasback (one on 9 June); and Northern Shovelers (eight on 9 June).

Cormorants: Larry Malone reported an immature Double-crested Cormorant in the Deming area (25 May to 24 June).

Herons: Kathy Hill reports scaring up a Great Blue Heron on the Mimbres River near the Mimbres Culture Heritage Site on 18 June. A White-faced Ibis was reported from the Lichty Center pond by Roland Shook and Linda Moore (3 June). A Great Egret was reported seen along the Gila River in TNC’s Iron Bridge property by Roland Shook and Heather Rux (12 June).

Hawks: A Harris’s Hawk was reported by Larry Malone in Deming’s Mount View Cemetery (7 June). According to Larry this is only the second one seen this year. Linda Moore reported a Swainson’s Hawk from the Gila Bird Area (5 June). A Mississippi Kite was reported from the Cliff/Gila Valley on 10 June (Roland Shook, Linda Moore). Ken Dayer reported an American Kestrel from the Tyrone sewage ponds (6 and 30 June).

Pigeons: Karen Beckenbach reported approximately 200 Band-tailed Pigeons are visiting her northern Silver City residence on a daily basis. David Griffin, a doctoral candidate, writes,

Nighthawks: Two Common Nighthawks were seen feeding and drinking at the Lichty Center pond by Roland Shook and Linda Moore (3 June). A Common Nighthawk was detected in the Gila Bird Area (Linda Moore, 5 June) and an additional Common Nighthawk was observed in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 28 June). Martha Schumann Cooper reported six to eight Common Nighthawks at the Licthy Center pond on 27 June.

Hummingbirds: Karen Beckenbach reported her first Rufous Hummingbird at her feeders in the northern part of Silver City (25 June). Henri Hovarter reported a Rufous  Hummingbird at her residence south of Silver City on Highway 90 (29 June). Mel Moe reported a male Lucifer Hummingbird five miles north of Rodeo that stayed at his residence for 3 days in June (no specific date).

Photo by Mel Moe, near Rodeo, June 2013

Woodpeckers: Roland Shook, Linda Moore, and Allena Thompson reported an American Three-toed Woodpecker along Willow Creek above the Ben Lilly Campground (6 June). A Gila Woodpecker was vocalizing along the San Francisco River above Alma (Roland Shook, Linda Thompson, Angela Corliss, Heather Rux; 18 June). An Acorn Woodpecker, now becoming scarce in the Cliff/Gila Valley, was heard vocalizing on the TNC’s Iron Bridge property (Roland Shook, Heather Rux, 12 June).

Jays: Karen Beckenbach reported that 5 – 20 Pinyon Jays were visiting her feeders daily during the month of June.

Photo by Dennis Lane, Silver City, June 2013

Wrens: Teri Matelson & Paricia Taber report watching four juvenile Rock Wrens being fed by their parent near Boston Hill (12 June). Ken Dayer reported a Cactus Wren from the Tyrone sewage ponds (9 June).

Bluebirds: Ken Dayer reported a Mountain Bluebird at the top of Jack’s Peak (15 June) along with two or three Western Bluebirds.

Warblers: Fran Land reported three Yellow-breasted Chats from Spirit Canyon Lodge near Lake Roberts (3 June). Larry Malone reported a Yellow-breasted Chat below Lake Roberts Dam on 26 June. Roland Shook, Linda Moore, and Allena Thompson reported Graces’s, MacGillivary’s , Red-faced, Olive, and Yellow-rumped Warblers singing near the Ben Lilly Campground on Willow Creek (6 June). Ken Dayer reported a Virginia’s Warbler from the Tyrone sewage ponds on 30 June.

Sparrows: Henri Hovarter reports a Lark Sparrow at  her residence south of Silver City (24 June). Ken Dayer reported a Lark Sparrow from the Tyrone sewage ponds (2 on 9 June and 11 on 30 June).  Junella Haynes reported both Canyon and Spotted Towhees at her 6th Street yard on both 3 and 14 June. A Song Sparrow was observed singing at the Highway 211 Bridge over the Gila River (Roland Shook, Linda Moore; 24 June). Ken Dayer reported a Black-chinned Sparrow carrying food along the Jack’s Peak Trail (15 June). Ken Dayer also reported a Yellow-eyed Junco on top of Jack’s Peak (15 June).

Buntings: A Lazuli Bunting was seen by Larry Malone in Deming’s Mount View Cemetery (7 June). This was a late date for the Luna count.

Blackbirds and Cowbirds: Gene Lewis reported a Bronze Cowbird at his Silver City residence (1 June to 24 June). Four Yellow-headed Blackbirds were seen in a field along the Gila River near Cliff (Roland Shook, Angela Corliss, Linda Moore, Heather Rux; 25 June). Ken Dayer reported a Yellow-headed Blackbird at the Tyrone sewage ponds on 30 June.

Upcoming Events

The 2013 Annual Hummingbird Celebration sponsored by The Little Toad Creek Inn & Lodge will take place July 20th & 21st. Festivities will engage all ages in the magical lives of our tiniest avian residents featuring adult and children programs each day. Renowned New Mexico hummingbird Bander Bill Talbot and his team will capture, band and
release these tiny jewels allowing visitors a chance for rare up close looks at them during
this process. Talbot will follow the banding experience with a slide presentation and talk on the lives and habitats of hummingbirds.

Raymond VanBuskirk, owner of BRANT (Birding, Research and Nature Tours), will present a colorful slide show on hummingbird identification.

An entire program dedicated to children will be led by experienced hummingbird bander Joan Day-Martin and her friend Janice Ward.   The program will get children having fun while learning about nature, the
environment and specifically, hummingbirds.

July is the height of the migration season for the thousands of hummingbirds that stay or pass through the Sapillo Creek valley each year. Species identified in the immediate area include the Magnificent, Blue-throated, Black-chinned, Broad-tailed, Allen’s, Broad-billed, Rufus, Anna’s, Calliope, Lucifer, and Costa hummingbirds.  Natural land formations have drawn these little birds through the Sapillo Valley as a nesting destination for generations making the area rich in mass numbers as well as species.  The festival is a unique opportunity to see them up-close and learn about their lives,
habits, and migration patterns.

The festival is held at Little Toad Creek Inn & Tavern near Lake Roberts.  The remote restaurant, lodge,and brewery is located on Hwy 35 at the junction of Hwy 15, on the way to the Gila Cliff Dwellings north of Silver City.

The event is free and open to the public.   For more information call 575-536-9649 or visit littletoadcreek.com.

I appreciate all who sent in bird reports and made comments on the Bird Sightings Report. Even thought numbers are important, a list of birds seen in the field also has value. I want to encourage everyone to spend as much time as they can enjoying watching and identifying birds. I will give careful  consideration to all reports that I receive, and will try and include as many reports as I can, even if they do not include numbers of a particular species.

I encourage the submission of records and photos. In order to increase the scientific value of your sightings, I encourage you to please include the number, a date and location for each species, as well as, the full name of the observer. Undated sightings, with or without a location or the number observed, are of a lesser value, however, all submissions are welcome. I do not know where many of you live, so a brief description would be much appreciated.  Please send your photos and reports to tyrannidae@gmail.com. Thanks to all who submitted this month and in the past.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Photo of Common Mergansers at the top of this page was taken by Robert Shantz.

Bird Sightings Report, May 1 to May 31, 2013

There were two major counts during this  month, the first was the Gila River Count on 4 May, 2013. The results of this count are posted on a separate page. The second major count was the Grant County Migratory Count on 11 May, 2013. The results of this count will be posted soon.

Noteworthy during the month of May was the presence of Red Crossbills at the feeder of Bill Norris and Denise Friedrick, in Silver City. Pictures and a comment by Dale Zimmerman will follow in this report.

The  month of May was characterized by extreme to exceptional drought in our part of the state. For current drought  conditions you can visit the web site http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_west.htm.

Please see the information at the bottom of this account about reporting sightings for the NMOS Field notes. March 1 to May 31 sightings are due at this time.

Species Accounts

Ducks: Gene Lewis reported a Blue-winged Teal from the Tyrone sewage ponds (27 May).

Herons: Wayne Spitzer of the Mimbres Valley reports, “We had a Little Blue Heron on our pond, roughly May 4 – May 8. The Little Blue may have been in the company of four Snowy Egrets that have also been there four several days. The Snowy Egrets are still around so hopefully the Little Blue will stay long enough for the bird count.” A visit to the NMOS Database, http://nhnm.unm.edu/partners/NMOS/query.php5, reveals that this species has been reported 194 times in NM, with the last NM report in November 2008. There are no reports from Grant Co. in the database. If this sighting is verified, this would be a great addition to the list of species found in Grant Co. Seven White-faced Ibis were reported feeding north of Gila (Brian Dolton, 11 May). Patricia Taber, Karen Blisard and Betty Spence reported 21 White-faced Ibis near the Silver City sewage plant (11  May).

Kites, Eagles, Hawks: A Swainson’s Hawk was reported on 16 May near Riverside. Swainson’s Hawks occasionally nest along the Gila River (Roland Shook). A Harlan’s Hawk (a color morph of the Red-tailed Hawk) was seen at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis, 27 May).

Pigeons: Henri Hovater reported approximately two dozen Band-tailed Pigeons visited her residence south of Silver City (31 Many).

Owls: Brian Dolton reported two Great Horned Owls, one from the Lichty Center and one from Mogollon Box (11 May). A Northern Pygmy-Owl was reported by Elaine Helbedel feeding in the middle of the afternoon near Meadow Creek (7 May).

Photo by Elaine Helbedel, near Meadow Creek, 7 May 2013

Woodpeckers: Linda Moore reported an adult Lewis’s Woodpecker at her residence on the Gila River below Bill Evans Lake (2 May). Dennis Taylor reported an Acorn Woodpecker at his Silver City residence (17 May). Two Gila Woodpeckers were reported near Gila (Roland Shook, 20 May).

Vireos: Three Warbling Vireos were still present and singing in the Cliff/Gila Valley on 21 May (Roland Shook).

Wrens: A Cactus Wren was heard singing west of the Iron Bridge in the Cliff/Gila Valley (Roland Shook, 23 May).

Gnatcatchers: Roland Shook and Angela Corliss reported a Black-tailed Gnatcatcher in desert scrub west of Redrock (11 May).

Kinglets: A Golden-crowned Kinglet were heard at Willow Creek on 24 May (Roland Shook, Linda Moore).

Waxwings: A Cedar Waxwing was reported by Brian Dolton in the Big Ditch (10 May).

Warblers: Brian Dolton submitted a report of a MacGillivray’s Warbler at his Indian Hills residence (8 may). Brian also reported six species of warblers : Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Orange-crowned, Virginia’s, Wilson’s and Common Yellowthroat from the Big Ditch (10 May). On May 15th, Teri Matelson & Patricia Taber reported a Northern Waterthrush feeding around a shallow pool at Cameron Creek. Red-faced, MacGillivary’s, Olive, and Yellow-rumped Warblers were reported from Willow Creek (Roland Shook, Linda Moore; 24 May)

Sparrows: Two Green-tailed Towhees were still present south of Silver City on 12 May (Henri Hovater). An Abert’s Towhee was heard singing on the Forest Service’s Fort West Ditch property in the Cliff/Gila Valley (Roland Shook, 22 May). Five Lark Sparrows were seen on The Nature Conservancy property near the Iron Bridge (Roland Shook, 23 May). Eugene Lewis reported a White-throated Sparrow at his Silver City residence (2 – 1o May).

Tanagers, Cardinals, Grosbeaks and Buntings: A report of two Hepatic and five Western Tanagers was received from Brian Dolton (16 May, Mangas Springs). Elaine Helbedel reported a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak from her residence near Bear Mountain Lodge (6 May). A a male Lazuli Bunting, a male and female Indigo Bunting were reported by Henri Hovater from her residence south of Silver City (12 may).

Orioles: Brian Dolton reported a Baltimore Oriole from Mangas Springs (16 May).

Cowbirds: Gene Lewis reported a Bronzed Cowbird at his Silver City residence (21 – 31 May).

Finches: Beginning 5 May, and continuing at least through the middle of June, Bill Norris and Denise Friedrick had Red Crossbills visit their yard in Silver City. Dale Zimmerman writes the following:

Gila River May Count, 4 May, 2013

This count has historically been on the first Saturday of May. Birds are counted in the vicinity of the Gila River from the Cliff Dwellings to the Arizona Border. Compiler of this year’s count was Roland Shook.

Route 1 – U Bar Ranch from south of the Highway 211 Bridge to approximately

2 miles north of the bridge. Karen Blisard, Denise Friedrick.

Route 2 – Mangas Springs, Bill Evans Road and Bill Evans Lake. Bill Norris, Keller

Suberkropp, and Amanda Karpa

Route 3 – Lichty Center and vicinity. Ken Dayer and Eugene Lewis

Route 4 – Gila Bird Area – Karen Beckenback, Dennis Lane, Susan Teller-Marshel

Route 5 – Redrock and Nichols Canyon – Roland Shook and Linda Moore

Route 6 – Gila Cliff Dwellings and Lake Roberts – Julian Lee and Wendy Shaul

Route 7 - Iron Bridge, Sycamore Canyon – Larry Malone

Bird Sightings Report, April 1 to April 31, 2013

It is refreshing to again post the Bird Sightings Report. I appreciate your patience and interest in seeing what species are showing up in our area. Please send in your records and photos.  Also, please see the information at the end of this report on NMOS Field Notes. You can play a role in documenting the bird life of New Mexico by submitting reports.

Quiz Bird

Photo by Dale Zimmerman, 24 April 2009, Silver City, NM

Species Accounts

Ducks and Geese: Ken Dayer reported the following species from the Tyrone sewage pond: Two Gadwalls (13 April); 12 American Wigeons (13 April); Mallards (eight on 5 April, 12 on 6 April, nine on 7 April, 61 on 13 April, 11 on 14 April, four on 21 April, and eight on 26 April); a Blue-winged Teal (5 April); Cinnamon Teal (five on 5 April, 12 on 6 April, 19 on 7 April, 18 on 13 April, 17 on 14 April, and 12 on 21 April); Northern Shovelers (188, 155, 143, 129, 153, 55, 26 on 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 21  and 26 April, respectively. Also seen by Ken were a Green-winged Teal (5, 6, 13 April); Ring-necked Ducks (three on 6 April, 13 on 7 April, 14 on 13 April, 15 on 14 April, four on 21 April, and two on 26 April); Lesser Scaup (12 on 5 April, seven on 6 April, five on 7 April, two on 13 April, three on 14 April, and six on 21 April); Bufflehead (one and four on 6 April and 7 April, respectively); and Ruddy Ducks ( six on 5 April, five on 6 April, five on 7 April, four on 13 April, six on 21 April and three on 26 April).

Herons: Larry Malone reported a Great Egret (25 April) and a Cattle Egret (4 April) in the Deming area. Roland Shook reported a Green Heron from the Gila Bird Area (20 April).

Ibis: Twenty-six White-faced Ibis were reported from the Tyrone sewage ponds (Julian Lee, 17 April) and five, 15 and 6 on 6 April, 13 April, and 21 April, respectively (Ken Dayer). Jackie Blurton reported 15 White-faced Ibis at the Silver City KOA ponds (13 April).

White-faced Ibis by Jackie Blurton, 13 April 2013, Silver City KOA

Cranes: Martha Schumann Cooper reported a late Sandhill Crane at the Lichty Center near Cliff on 27 April.

Plovers: From three to 10 Killdeer were recorded at the Tyrone sewage ponds between 5 – 21 April (Ken Dyer).

Shorebirds: The Tyrone sewage ponds had two Wilson’s Snipes, two Wilson’s Phalaropes, and two Lesser Yellowlegs on 17 April (Julian Lee). There were 31 Wilson’s Phalaropes on 26 April (Ken Dayer). Ken Dayer reported Lesser Yellowlegs at the Tyrone sewage ponds (three on 13 April, one on 14 April and one on 26 April). Ken also reported without details Greater Yellowlegs at the sewage ponds (two on 13 April, one on 14 April and one on 21 April). Between two and 37 Western Sandpipers were reported at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Ken Dayer, 5 to 21 April), while 17 Least Sandpipers were reported on 21 April and 16 on 26 April (Ken Dayer). Ken also reported three Long-billed Dowitchers there on 21 April. A Wilson’s Snipe was seen at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Ken Dayer, 26 April).

Gulls: Julian Lee reported six Franklin’s Gull and one Ring-billed Gull from the Tyrone sewage pond (17 April). Ken Dayer reported that there were two to 25 Franklin’s Gulls at the sewage ponds between 5 April and 26 April. Ken also saw one to seven Ring-billed Gulls between 5 April and 26 April at the sewage ponds. Larry Malone reported a Herring Gull at the Tyrone sewage ponds 19 April.

Roadrunners: Dale Zimmerman reports that he has had a Greater Roadrunner at his house for approximately one month. This effective predator has been dining on House Mice. “If you build a better  mousetrap…..”

Greater Roadrunner by Dale Zimmerman, 8 April, 2013, Silver City, NM

Hummingbirds: Larry Malone reported a Calliope Hummingbird (20 April) and a Rufus Hummingbird (28 April).

Woodpeckers: A Three-toed Woodpecker was seen off Meadow Creek Road by Larry Malone (28 April)

Flycatchers: Patricia Taber reported the first Western Kingbirds at her Silver City residence (8 April). She reported that they were displaying mating behavior on 22 April. A Cassin’s Kingbird was reported from the Tyrone sewage ponds (Ken Dayer, 26 April), and another Cassin’s Kingbird was seen in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 12 April) . A Willow Flycatcher was observed in the Gila Bird Area by Roland Shook (12 April).

Vireos: Roland Shook reported three singing Bell’s Vireos from the Gila Bird Area (12 April).

Shrikes: A Loggerhead Shrike was seen at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Ken Dayer, 5 April and 21 April).

Swallows: Ken Dayer reported Tree Swallows at the Tyrone sewage ponds (three on 13 April, one on 14 April, and two on 26 April). Ken also saw Violet-green Swallows at the ponds (three on 13 April, one on 14 April, and one on 21 April). Sixteen Barn Swallows were seen by Ken at the ponds 26 April.

Pipits: Ken Dayer reported two American Pipits at the Tyrone sewage pond 26 April.

Warblers: On 20 April, Ken Dayer saw the following warblers at Little Cherry Creek and Cherry Creek Campground: Townsend’s Warbler (1), Black-throated Gray Warblers (3), Virginia’s Warblers (2), Olive Warbler(1), and numerous Red-faced Warblers. A Painted Redstart was seen in the Gila Bird Area by Roland Shook (5 April).

Sparrows: There was a Lark Sparrow and a Savannah Sparrow reported from the Tyrone sewage ponds 26 April (Ken Dayer). Dale Zimmerman writes the following about his experiences with migrating Lincoln’s Sparrow, “I had a Lincoln’s Sparrow here on 11 April this spring, and on several subsequent days — encouraging as I’ve known of none on our property, spring or fall, during the preceding three years. (Formerly, a regular migrant during both northward and southbound migrations.)

Buntings: Henri Hovarter reported a male Lazuli Bunting at their residence on Highway 905 (22 April).

Orioles: A Bullock’s Oriole was detected in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 26 April)

Finches: Kathy Cassell reported a male Cassin’s Finch at her Indian Hill residence (10 April to 13 April).

Quiz Bird Answer

Lincoln’s Sparrow by Dale Zimmerman, 3 March 2006, Silver City, NM

Dale writes about the initial picture of the quiz bird, “I deliberately selected this pose as it is typical, and shows the dorsal markings well. Many people rely on ventral features in identifying this bird, but often one sees only the upper surface. He adds for the second bird, “Here is a ventral view showing the underparts and the side of the head in different light from the other picture. It’s of course very different in most respects, but in case you wanted to show both aspects of this neat little bird I thought I’d send this one too.

I appreciate all who sent in bird reports and made comments on the Bird Sightings Report. Even thought numbers are important, a list of birds seen in the field also has value. I want to encourage everyone to spend as much time as they can enjoying watching and identifying birds. I will give careful  consideration to all reports that I receive, and will try and include as many reports as I can, even if they do not include numbers of a particular species.

I encourage the submission of records and photos. In order to increase the scientific value of your sightings, I encourage you to please include the number, a date and location for each species, as well as, the full name of the observer. Undated sightings, with or without a location or the number observed, are of a lesser value, however, all submissions are welcome. I do not know where many of you live, so a brief description would be much appreciated.  Please send your photos and reports to tyrannidae@gmail.com. Thanks to all who submitted this month and in the past.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Photo of Common Mergansers at the top of this page was taken by Robert Shantz.

NMOS Field Notes is published quarterly, and provides a seasonal overview of the changing patterns of New Mexico’s birdlife, including unusual records, breeding and wintering range changes, and changes in seasonal occurrence and migration patterns.

All individuals interested in birds in New Mexico are encouraged to submit their observations to NMOS Field Notes. Especially solicited are records of uncommon species, nesting birds, and early, late, or out-of-season/range birds. Records should be submitted in taxonomic order and should include species name, date, exact location, numbers of bird(s), age, sex, and color morph (if applicable), and name and contact information (including e-mail address) of observer(s). Remember, unless field observations are properly documented and submitted for consideration, they have no way of becoming part of the ornithological record. Reporting birds to eBird or to rare bird alerts or on list-serves does not constitute submission to NMOS Field Notes.

Please provide details for unusual records. Details are usually needed for sightings of birds appearing in light-faced type in the NMOS Field Checklist of New Mexico Birds; details are required for all species on the Review List. Written details and other documentation of very rare species will be circulated to the New Mexico Bird Records Committee for evaluation. Written details may be submitted on a New Mexico Rare/Unusual Bird Report Form (available electronically on this website as a PDF or a Word document or from the Editor), although any written format is acceptable. If photographs are submitted (electronically or as slides, prints or video), please include with the photograph the name of the species in question, date the picture was taken, the exact location, and photographer’s name.

The four reporting periods correspond to the four seasons of the year, which are:

• Winter (December 1-February 28/29)
• Spring (March 1-May 31)
• Summer (June 1-July 31)
• Autumn (August 1-November 30).

Please submit reports as soon as possible after the close of a reporting period. More information is available on the NMOS web site (http://www.nmbirds.org/). Reports should be sent to Sandy Williams at sunbittern@earthlink.net.

Bird Sightings Report, March 1 to March 31, 2012

March is the month of migration and the prelude to the spring breeding season. It is an exciting time for birding.

Species Accounts

Ducks and Geese: The following ducks were seen by Gene Lewis and Ken Dayer at the Tyrone sewage ponds: Cinnamon Teal - two on 4 March, four on 11 March; Northern Shoveler – 99 on 4 March, 202 on 11 March, 250 on 18 March, 318 on 25 March; Canvasback – two on 25 March; Ring-necked Duck – 16 on 4 March, eight on 11 March, 13 on 25 March; Lesser Scaup – five on 4 March, three on 11 March, five on 18 March and 14 on 25 March; Bufflehead – two on 4 March; one on 11 March, one on 25 March; Common Merganser – two on 4 March; and Ruddy Duck - four on 4 March, four on 11 March, six on 18 March, 15 on 25 March. A Canada Goose was heard in the Gila River Bird Area (Roland Shook, 16 March) and two were seen in the Gila River Bird Area (Roland Shook, 23 March). This species is becoming more common in the Cliff/Gila Valley.

Quail: Patricia Taber reported two Scaled Quail at Rockhound State Park (26-28 March).

Hawks: A Sharp-shinned Hawk has been dining on Karen Beckenbach’s Pine Siskins and Mountain Chickadees every two or three days throughout the month. Patricia Taber reported her first of the season Turkey Vultures in the area of WNMU (18 March). Becky Nolan Dees reported 6 Turkey Vultures in the vicinity of San Simon, AZ (23 March) and Larry Malone reported a Turkey Vulture over his Deming yard (26 march). Sandy Williams reported a Common Black-Hawk vocalizing in the Gila River Bird area on 14 March. Allison Boyd reported an American Kestrel on March 23rd along the Twin Sisters Creek, Dragonfly Trail at Ft. Bayard. Roland Shook reported an American Kestrel (13 March) from  the Gila Bird Area where they have now become scarce. A pair of American Kestrels was seen in the Gila Bird Area 29 March (Roland Shook). S

Gulls: Sixty one Ring-billed Gulls were seen on Bill Evans Lake (Roland Shook, 23 March).

Pigeons and Doves: Karen Beckenbach reported  Band-tailed Pigeons at her Silver City residence (11 March).

Cuckoos: Wendy Shaul reported a Greater Roadrunner near Redrock (11 March). It appears this species is becoming more uncommon in our area.

Owls: Larry Malone reported two Burrowing Owls at their nest burrow near Deming (14 March). A Northern Pygmy-Owl was heard vocalizing in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 13 March, 16 March, 23 March, and 27 March).

Hummingbirds: Steve London reported a Black-chinned Hummingbird near Hanover (31 March). He reported that this was the earliest date he has recorded in the past eight years. Kate Moitoret reported a Black-chinned Hummingbird from Tyrone (27 March). The number at Kate’s house had increased to two males on 31 March. A male Broad-tailed Hummingbird was heard in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 16 March).

Woodpeckers: Gene Lewis and Ken Dayer reported the following woodpeckers at the Tyrone sewage ponds: Lewis’s Woodpecker – one on 4 March, one on 11 March, two on 18 March, two on 25 March; Acorn Woodpecker – one on 4 March, one on 11 March, two on 18 March. Larry Malone reported a Hairy Woodpecker on the Meadow Creek Road in the Pinos Altos Mountains (16 March). He comments that they are now harder to find at this location than in previous times.

Flycatchers: Karen Beckenbach reported her first Ash-throated Flycatcher at her Silver City residence (5 March). Ken Dayer and Gene Lewis reported an Ash-throated Flycatcher at the Tyrone sewage ponds (4 March). Carol Fugagli reported a Vermillion Flycatcher at her residence on the Gila River near Cliff (15 March). Gene Lewis and Ken Dayer reported a Vermillion Flycatcher at the Tyrone sewage ponds (18 March).

Shrikes: Ken Dayer and Gene Lewis reported Loggerhead Shrikes from the Tyrone sewage ponds – three on 4 March, two on 11 March and one on 18 March.

Corvids: Four American Crows were reported on Little Walnut Creek (Karen Beckenbach, 11 March). On going through out the month was a flock of 50-100 Pinyon Jays at Karen Beckenbach Silver City residence.

Swallows: Gene Lewis and Ken Dayer reported an early Tree Swallow from the Tyrone sewage ponds (4 March).

Thrushes: An Eastern Bluebird was reported by Larry Malone at Bear Canyon Lake (16 March). Kate Moitoret reported Western Bluebirds from Tyrone Park (eight on 3 March, 17 on 11 March, and 3 on 18 March).

Thrashers: Becky Nolan Dees reported two Bendire’s Thrashers near San Simon, AZ (23 March).

Waxwings: Gene Lewis reported approximately 25 Cedar Waxwings near his Silver City residence (21 March).

Warblers: The first Lucy’s Warbler was detected in the Gila River Bird Area on 27 March (Roland Shook). Most years Lucy’s Warblers are present around 21 March.

Emberizids: Gene Lewis and Ken Dayer reported the following sparrows from the Tyrone sewage ponds: numerous Brewer’s Sparrows (4-25 March), five Lark Buntings (25 March), three to four Song Sparrows (4-25 March), and one to two Lincoln’s Sparrows (11 and 18 March). Steve London reported a White-crowned Sparrow near Hanover (18 March).

Cardinals and Grosbeaks: Gene Lewis and Ken Dayer reported a Blue Grosbeak at the Tyrone sewage ponds (25 March).

Finches: Throughout the month Karen Beckenbach reported a flock of 70-300 Pine Siskins visiting the feeders at her Silver City residence.

Ebird.org

Deena Gentle suggested that local birders report their sightings on ebird.org. It is an interesting site and is well worth checking out.

I appreciate all who sent in bird reports and made comments on the Bird Sightings Report. Even thought numbers are important, a list of birds seen in the field also has value. I want to encourage everyone to spend as much time as they can enjoying watching and identifying birds. I will give careful  consideration to all reports that I receive, and will try and include as many reports as I can, even if they do not include numbers of a particular species.

I encourage the submission of records and photos. In order to increase the scientific value of your sightings, I encourage you to please include the number, a date and location for each species, as well as, the full name of the observer. Undated sightings, with or without a location or the number observed, are of a lesser value, however, all submissions are welcome. I do not know where many of you live, so a brief description would be much appreciated.  Please send your photos and reports to tyrannidae@gmail.com. Thanks to all who submitted this month and in the past.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Photo of Common Mergansers at the top of this page was taken by Robert Shantz.

Bird Sightings Report, February 1 to February 29, 2012

Species Accounts

Ducks: Gene Lewis reported the following ducks from the Tyrone sewage ponds:  Northern Shoveler – 120 on 26 February and a few on other dates; Ring-necked Ducks – seven on 4 February, four on 12 February, and 11 on 26 February; Lesser Scaup – six on 4 February, three on 12 February, three on 19 February and five on 26 February; and Ruddy Ducks – two present all month. A Canvasback was reported from Bill Evans Lake (Roland Shook, 24 February).

Pelicans: Larry Malone reported eight American White Pelicans from the Lordsburg Waste Water Plant (14 February).

Hawks: Sonnie reported a pair of Red-tailed Hawks courting near her residence two miles north of the Silver City High School (17 February). Walter “Ski” Szymanski photographed a Sharp-shinned Hawk at his feeder (23 February). A Golden Eagle was seen at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis, 2 February).

Sharp-shinned Hawk by Walter “Ski” Szymanski, Silver City, 23 February, 2012

Cranes: Jim Rogers photographed a large flock of Sandhill Cranes at Deming (12 February). Becky Dees reported a large flock of Sandhill Cranes near San Simon, AZ (12 February), while Larry Malone reported 3,000 Sandhill Cranes in Deming (22 February). Roland Shook reported three Sandhill Cranes from the Gila Bird Area (16 February) where they are uncommon.

Sandhill Cranes by Jim Rogers, Deming, 12 February 2012

Shorebirds: A Spotted Sandpiper was reported from the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 10 February and 24 February).

Pigeons and Doves: Larry Malone reported a White-winged Dove sitting on a nest at Poncho Villa State Park  (25 February).

Woodpeckers: A Red-naped Sapsucker was reported in Indian Hills during the first half of the month (Barbara Smith). One to two Lewis’s Woodpeckers were seen all month at the Tyrone sewage ponds (Gene Lewis). Acorn Woodpeckers were reported from the Tyrone sewage ponds (three on 19 February, and one on 26 February (Gene Lewis).

Shrikes: Gene Lewis reported Loggerhead Shrikes from the Tyrone sewage ponds (two on 4 February, four on 12 February, and one on 26 February).

Jays: A flock of approximately 100 Pinyon Jays was seen feeding at a residence two miles north of the Silver City High School (Sonnie, approximately 10 February). A flock of approximately 67 Pinyon Jays were seen in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 10 February).

Bushtits: Fifteen Bushtits were seen at a feeder in Indian Hills during the first half of February (Barbara Smith).

Nuthatches: A Red-breasted Nuthatch was reported from Clanton Canyon (Larry Malone, 14 February).

Thrushes: Seven Eastern Bluebirds were reported in the Deming Area (Larry Malone, 1 February). A Hermit Thrush was reported from the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 3 February). A Townsend Solitaire was heard piping in the Gila Bird Area (Roland Shook, 24 February).

Thrashers: Ken Dayer and Gene Lewis reported two Crissal Thrashers at Redrock (19 February). A Bendire’s Thrasher was reported from Larry Malone’s residence in Deming (15 February).

Silky Flycatchers: Three Phainopeplas were reported from Indian Hills during the first half of February (Barbara Smith).

Longspurs: Fifteen McCown’s Longspurs were seen by Larry Malone in the Animas Valley (15 February).

Warblers: An Audubon Warbler was seen in Indian Hills during the first half of February (Barbara Smith).

Emberizids: Two Abert’s Towhees were reported by Gene Lewis and Ken Dayer at Redrock (19 February).

Icterids: Jackie Blurton owner of the KOA Kampground wrote, “In the past we’ve only seen a few Red-winged Blackbirds at the KOA migrating through. This year we’ve had a flock from 50 to 100 at the KOA since mid-January. They’re feasting at my goose feeder. It’s seems like they came early.”

Red-winged Blackbirds by Jackie Blurton, Silver City, 20 February 2012

I appreciate all who sent in bird reports and made comments on the Bird Sightings Report. Even thought numbers are important, a list of birds seen in the field also has value. I want to encourage everyone to spend as much time as they can enjoying watching and identifying birds. I will give careful  consideration to all reports that I receive, and will try and include as many reports as I can, even if they do not include numbers of a particular species.

I encourage the submission of records and photos. In order to increase the scientific value of your sightings, I encourage you to please include the number, a date and location for each species, as well as, the full name of the observer. Undated sightings, with or without a location or the number observed, are of a lesser value, however, all submissions are welcome. I do not know where many of you live, so a brief description would be much appreciated.  Please send your photos and reports to tyrannidae@gmail.com. Thanks to all who submitted this month and in the past.

All photographs displayed in this Bird Sightings Report remain the sole property of the photographer. Expressed written permission from the photographer is necessary to use any of these photographs.

Photo of Common Mergansers at the top of this page was taken by Robert Shantz.