San Pedro House – TAS Field Trip

12 heat-proof birders joined me yesterday (4th July) for a great Tucson Audubon Society field trip to San Pedro House and St David. Highlights at San Pedro House included a TROPICAL KINGBIRD by Kingfisher Pond, with Western and Cassin’s present for direct comparison, decent views of a YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, 5 COMMON GROUND-DOVES, GRAY HAWKS, singing BOTTERI’S SPARROW, HOODED ORIOLE, stunning BLUE GROSBEAKS and a pair of INDIGO BUNTINGS by the river, the male in song. It was “interesting” to watch Yellow Warbler and Vermilion Flycatcher both feeding juvenile Brown-headed Cowbirds in adjacent bushes alongside the pond. SUMMER TANAGERS were everywhere! No sign of Willow Flycatcher or Green Kingfisher.

St David was productive despite the early afternoon heat. We enjoyed good views of a pair of MISSISSIPPI KITES at milepost 299 and 5 different GRAY HAWKS, 3 at the monastery. The Northern Parula evaded us.

Thanks to everyone for making it such an enjoyable day!