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Volume 2 Issue 6
Birding Club of Sun City
January 2020 Volume 4 Issue 1
Vera Markham photo Jerry Molinelli photo
Falcon’s Roost
To join our club and get information: birdpeeperssc@gmail.com
To sign up for field trips and to submit information that is of interest
for our newsletter, contact: locascio2000@hotmail.com
Surf Scoter
Happy
Holidays!
Happy New Year birders! Here is the
combined December/January newsletter with
information on past and upcoming field trips.
This month’s meeting was changed to January
29th by the RCSC so take note of the new
date. The presentation of the month will be
“Vera’s Arizona and California birds”.
Coffee and snacks will be provided.
https://
indianaaudu-
bon.org/2019/12/19/elf-on-the-
shelf-bird-nerd-edition/
Deb Bardos sends us this quiz
from the Indiana Audubon. First
answer is “Rail-in-the-pail!” It is very cool!
While we wait for spring, there are
some birdy field trips scheduled for this
month. Being prime duck and waterfowl
season, we are sure to see huge bird
biomass at the Gilbert Water Ranch.
Also on hand, there will be the raptors
that are planning to dine on them.
Later on we will get a pre-migration
look at Hassayampa and the rarities
that could show up there. Finally, we
have the 3 Maricopa Regional Park
walks to enjoy the refreshing morning
beauty of the pristine desert landscape.
Take the
Quiz below
Member’s
Photos
Portrait of a male
White-crowned
Sparrow on Jojoba
Taken by Marilynn Cute
on the December 7th Cave
Creek Regional Parks and
Audubon bird walk.
Christmas Limpkin
Member Linda Naismith,
now residing in Florida,
met this uncommon and
local member of the
Aramus genus on her
Christmas morning walk.
Sibley describes it’s voice
as: “very wild- sounding,
haunting, and a loud
screaming or wail with
rattling overtones”.
Linda also found this rare (for us) Glossy Ibis, seen mostly on
the Eastern Seaboard, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.
(range map on the left)
Below: a Common Loon
photographed on Lake
Pleasant by Tom Worcester
On the right: a stock
photo of a Common Loon
breeding male, and it’s
range map below it.
Above: This lone Brown Pelican was among 200 American White Pelicans at the River Road
Ponds in the Arlington valley. Below: A Wilson’s Snipe seen residing at Hassayampa.
Jerry Molinelli photos
Upcoming 2020 meetings
All meetings scheduled at the Bell Center Multi Purpose Room in front of Lawn Bowling
Wednesday January 29th 2020 10am General Meeting
The meeting’s program will be: “Vera’s Arizona & California Birds”
Upcoming January 2020 Field Trips
Maricopa Regional Parks/Sonoran Audubon Bird Walks
These sponsored bird walks are offered in this newsletter not only as an addition to club trips, but
because they are led by two of our members, Joe Ford & Tom Locascio. The trips differ from ours in
that they meet at the parks, usually at the Visitor Center. There is a $7 fee per car fee to enter any of
the Maricopa regional parks (which by the way includes Hassayampa, Lake Pleasant and others)
Many of our members purchase a yearly pass that offers a senior discount ($65). The Regional
Parks get the great majority of their operating expenses from these passes and entrance fees.
Following these walks, Joe Ford will present a fascinating program about birds or a related topic at
the Visitor Center:
Cave Creek Regional Park - Sonoran Audubon
A joint Maricopa Regional Parks/Sonoran Audubon endeavor.
Leaders - Joe Ford and Tom Locascio
There is a great and birdy water feature here! Ranger Mark says Great Horned
Owls bathe there early in the morning and evening. I like to get here early to try
to see them. We could see 10 or more species at the feature before leaving for
our walk. After the walk Joe Ford will present a program at the Visitor Center.
When: Saturday January 4th walk starts at 8am
Meet at: 7:45 am in front of the Cave Creek Nature Center
Difficulty: There is approximately a mile and a half of walking.
Sign up: None required.
Costs: $7 per car entry fee to the park.
More: Bring snacks, water, wear sturdy shoes.
Directions and more info: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/
The Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch
When: Sunday January 12th departing at 7:15 am
Folks have been requesting this trip so I scheduled it on a Sunday to avoid
Monday — Friday traffic and Saturday overuse. This is the very best location for
seeing birds in Maricopa County. We will see 40 to 60 species who may be closer
than usual for photography. All the ducks and waterfowl will be there along with
the usual, and hopefully some unusual shorebirds. Rare birds are always a
possibility. For those who haven’t, there is a good chance to see a Least Bittern.
Meet at: Bell Recreation Center parking lot near 99th and Hutton at 7 am.
Difficulty: 2 miles of easy walking or less.
Sign up: Via e-mail, state if you need a ride or if you can provide a ride.
Costs: None
More: Bring snacks, water, wear sturdy shoes.
Upcoming January 2020 Field Trips continued
Estrella Mountain Park - Sonoran Audubon
A joint Maricopa Regional Parks/Sonoran Audubon endeavor.
Leaders - Joe Ford & Tom Locascio
This park boasts the most species (206) of the three regional park bird walks.
We will visit a Mesquite Bosque, open fields, desert scrub, the Gila River, and
finally two ponds that were once part of a quarry. We hope to see almost 40
species of birds including five woodpecker species, Crissal Thrasher, and
whatever waterfowl and shorebird that may be lurking at the ponds or the Gila
River. There will be much flying overheard and perhaps we will see the first
Robin of “spring.” After the walk, Joe will present a bird themed program TBD
at the time of publication.
When: Saturday January 11th walk starts at 8 am
Meet at: Estrella Mountain Park Visitor Center at 7:45
Sign up: No signup needed, just show up
Difficulty: Two hours of walking and standing. There will be a half way opt
out after the flat walk around the Navy North parking lot, preceding the walk to
the quarry ponds.
Directions and more info: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/
Upcoming January 2020 Field Trips (cont.)
White Tank Mountain Park - Sonoran Audubon
A Sonoran Audubon and the Maricopa Regional Parks endeavor.
Leaders - Joe Ford & Tom Locascio
When: Saturday January 18th walk starts at 8am
This is a lovely walk in a landscape dominated by Saguaros and Ironwood trees.
We will take the Black Rock trail. After the walk, Joe will give a program called
“Bird Weirdness II” at the Visitor Center.
Meet at: Area #4 7:45 am. Get directions at entrance if needed
Difficulty: There is approximately 2 or less miles of walking.
Sign up: None required, just show up.
Costs: $7 per car entry fee to the park. (or yearly pass)
More: Bring snacks, water, wear sturdy shoes.
Directions and more info: https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/
Hassayampa River Preserve
When: Wednesday January 22nd departing at 7:30 am
Brown Creepers have been seen here. We will
also look for Cedar Waxwings, Red-naped &
Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Grey Flycatchers,
and Western Bluebirds. A great spot for rarities
as well as the usual suspects. If conditions allow,
we will have our traditional after walk picnic. Bring
your lunch and something to share.
Meet at: Bell Recreation Center parking lot
near 99th and Hutton at 7:15 am
Sign up: Via e-mail, state if you need a ride or if
you can provide a ride.
Costs: Costs $7, however many of us have pass-
es and can get you in if you ride with them or they
ride with you.
More: Bring water and snacks. Picnic will
follow bird walk.
Canada Goose
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
American Widgeon
Mallard
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Lesser Scaup
Buffflehead
Rudy Duck
Gambel’s Quail
Pied-billed Grebe
Eared Grebe
Western Grebe
Rock Pidgeon
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Mourning Dove
American Coot
Least Sandpiper
Long-billed Dowitcher
Wilson’s Snipe
Spotted Sandpiper
Greater Yellowlegs
Neotropical Cormorant
American White Pelican
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Northern Harrier
Belted Kingfisher
Gila Woodpecker
American Kestrel
Black Phoebe
Say’s Phoebe
European Starling
Curve-billed Thrasher
House Finch
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Abert’s Towhee
Great-tailed Grackle
Orange-crowned Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Field Trip Report November 7th & 14th 2019
Glendale Recharge Ponds #1&2
Lawrence’s Goldfinch
Vera Markham photo
Species list (44)
Mr. Roadrunner vacationing on the French Riviera
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
American Widgeon
Mallard
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Rudy Duck
Gambel’s Quail
Eared Grebe
Western Grebe
Rock Pidgeon
Eurasian Collard-Dove
Mourning Dove
American Coot
Black-necked Stilt
American Avocet
Killdeer
Least Sandpiper
Western Sandpiper
Long-billed Dowitcher
Spotted Sandpiper
Greater Yellowlegs
Neotropical Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Black Phoebe
Say’s Phoebe
Vermillion Flycatcher
Verdin
NRW Swallow
European Starling
Curve-billed Thrasher
American Pipit
House Finch
White-crowned Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Species list (42)
November 7th November 14th Jerry Molinelli photos
The green Heron
Jerry really excels at catching
birds in flight. Compare and
contrast the Red-tailed Hawk on the
left with the female Northern Harrier
below. The Red-tailed Hawk has dark
brown on the leading edge of the
wings. These are the so called
patagial bars. Red-tails have many
color phases or “morphs.” The bars
may be quite pale in a light phase.
The little collar around the Harrier’s
owl-like face is a good tell when
perched or in flight. Like an Owl’s
dish shaped face, it aids the hawk in
hearing it’s prey. All Harriers have a
white band on the top of their tail,
similar to the Harris’s Hawk. The male
Harrier is smaller than the female and
is mostly grey & white with black
trailing wing edges.
Above: a female Hooded Merganser
Below: a Coot with leucism. Leucism, or leukism, is an abnormal plumage condition
caused by a genetic mutation that prevents pigment, particularly melanin, from being
properly deposited on a bird's feathers
American Widgeon
Mallard
Rudy Duck
Gambel’s Quail
Pied-billed Grebe
Rock Pidgeon
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Mourning Dove
Costa’s Hummingbird
American Coot
Spotted Sandpiper
Double-crested Cormorant
Blue Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Green Heron
Belted Kingfisher
Say’s Phoebe
Verdin
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Rock Wren
Bewick’s Wren
Cactus Wren
European Starling
Curve-billed Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
House Finch
Black-throated Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Abert’s Towhee
Great-tailed Grackle
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Field Trip Report November 12th
Thunderbird Viewing Blinds
Lawrence’s Goldfinch
Vera Markham photo
Species list (31)
Mr. Roadrunner vacationing on the French Riviera
Vera Markham Photos
At the top:
A Curve-billed Thrasher
seems grumpy in a
beautiful world of color.
To the right:
There were several
Rock Wrens in
attendance, poking out
from under containers
and inside objects.
Below right: I’ll hazard to guess that this is a
Monarch Butterfly. One of many “critters” Vera
likes to capture with her camera.
Above: Double-crested Cormorants appear black from a distance, but are somewhat
intricately patterned and colorful birds up close. This is an immature bird having a whitish
neck and chest. Immature Neo-tropical Cormorants sport dark brown necks and chests.
Below Left: One of our Bell Center Greeters where we assemble for a field trip. We once
saw 23 of these Killdeers in that parking lot.
Northern Shoveler
Mallard
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Rudy Duck
Rock Pidgeon
Eurasian Collard-Dove
Mourning Dove
Pied-billed Grebe
American Coot
Least Sandpiper
Spotted Sandpiper
Double-crested Cormorant
American White Pelican
Great Blue Heron
Black-crowned Night Heron
Green Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Osprey
Burrowing Owl
Turkey Vulture
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Ferruginous Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
American Kestrel
Black Phoebe
Say’s Phoebe
European Starling
Curve-billed Thrasher
American Pipit
House Finch
White-crowned Sparrow
Western Meadowlark
Red-winged Blackbird
Brewer’s Blackbird
Great-tailed Grackle
Field Trip Report December 11th
Arlington Valley
Lawrence’s Goldfinch
Vera Markham photo
Species list (38) Jerry Molinelli photos
The Arlington Valley covers a large land area. It goes from the famous “Thrasher Spot”, which has a
marker on Google Maps, to the Gillespie Bride Dam, going over and formerly holding back the Gila
River. At the Lower River Road Ponds, where 200 Pelicans were recently seen, only two remained.
We did find the rest later, at the broken edges of the Gillespie Dam. It was here we saw the Osprey
on the cover. At the dam we saw a Black-crowned Night-Heron rookery with at least 13 birds. The
Yellow-headed Blackbird frenzy is still in the future, but we saw clouds of Brewer’s Blackbirds.
Above: Female Black-tailed Gnatcatcher. (The male has a black cap.)
Below: Mr. and Mrs. Brewer’s Blackbird. They love to be in close proximity to a feedlot,
(as do most blackbirds) and there is no shortage of those types of facilities in the area.
Above left: One of 13 Black-crowned Night-Herons counted across the Gila River.
Above right: A male Belted Kingfisher wishing he was as colorful as a female.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/why-do-female-belted-kingfishers-have-an-
extra-rust-colored-belt-that-the-males-dont-have/
Below: A Spotted Sandpiper ponders the pattern his foraging has made on the water. Or not.
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Common Merganser
Rudy Duck
Gambel’s Quail
Pied-billed Grebe
Western Grebe
Rock Pidgeon
Mourning Dove
Anna’s Hummingbird
American Coot
Spotted Sandpiper
Neo-tropical Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Green Heron
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Cooper’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Gila Woodpecker
Black Phoebe
Say’s Phoebe
Verdin
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher
Curve-billed Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
House Finch
Black-throated Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Great-tailed Grackle
Field Trip Report December 18th
Thunderbird Viewing Blinds
Lawrence’s Goldfinch
Vera Markham photo
Species list (31)
Mr. Roadrunner vacationing on the French Riviera
Joanne Boerth photos
Above: The
view from the
viewing blinds.
To the right:
a “gulp” of
Double-crested
Cormorants
loafing in a
tree. A pair of Mallards
displaying their
gender dimorphism
This is a great area to view waterfowl and
desert birds. The Common Mergansers are
arriving, about 75 were there on this date. They
will eventually build in numbers to 200 or more.
It’s one of the great spectacles of nature to see
200 Mergansers simultaneously beating their
wings on the lake surface, then all at once
diving in for the attracted fish. Sometimes the
Cormorants join in the feeding frenzy.
Upper left: Pied-billed Grebe. Middle left: Black-throated Sparrow. Above: Verdin
This
Spotted
Sandpiper is
sans breeding
plumage spots.
He is a regular
at Waterfall
Park, in
Arrowhead.
He is larger
than the
smaller peeps,
like the
Least
Sandpiper.
He likes to
bob his tail
up and down
constantly to
give his ID
away.
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