More Tucson Yard Birds

 Anna’s Hummingbird at feeder 9-9-12

I have been here in Tucson for almost a month now and I am still settling in. Since I have put out my hummingbird feeders and nyjer seed feeders I am getting some regular bird visitors in my yard with a few surprises thrown in.  I don’t think I will get the same variety of hummingbirds here in town that I use to get out in Sycamore Canyon but I have had more of a variety than I thought I would. Since it is hummingbird migration I am seeing young birds that are more difficult to identify but I am doing my best. By far the most regular hummingbird species I am seeing is Anna's, which is really what I expected here in town.

Anna’s female seen from the back.

 

Unsure of this bird seen on 9-6-12

 

However, this Rufous male is unmistakable!

 

Male Anna's Hummingbird again.

 

Feeding.

 

Rock Pigeons on neighbor’s rooftop.

 

Say’s Phoebe on neighbor’s rooftop pipe.

 

Lesser Goldfinch in my yard.

 

I have seen a couple dozen Mourning Doves about.

 

Including the mama who is raising a small brood in my rafters!

I think she raised two chicks who have fully fledged now, though they are still using the nest. I will have to knock it down soon as the patio is getting covered in droppings which I have to hose off every day. They are big enough to survive on their own and its best they move on, but it’s been fun watching them.

I arrived back here in time to experience the tail end of the monsoon. This was the sky on the morning of September 12. I was able to experience a few thunderstorms from the safety of our new home.

I was surprised to discover that the purple martins are still around and flying over my yard at times!

 

The birds were even more surprised when this Juvenile Cooper’s Hawk landed in my backyard!

 

But I was sad to return from errands one day and find my ballerina broken on the ground! I was so happy to set her up and hang the hummingbird feeder off her hand again. I have had her since the early 2000’s and she has lived in 7 houses with me! I haven’t decided what to do with her yet. I am keeping all her piece parts for now.

 

She looks so sad.

But the birding continues. Yesterday I saw my first Broad-billed hummingbird in the yard. I have also gone out on a couple of other birding adventures, one of which ended with more excitement than I planned. You can see the complete list of yard birds in the side bar, and come back tomorrow to read about my further adventures in birding since moving back to Tucson!