Monday, June 3, 2013

Birding Texas Canyon Rest Area

1. rocks-kab The Rocks of Texas Canyon 4-27-13

Back at the end of April as the temperatures rose and migration increased Chris Rohrer called me up and asked me if I wanted to go birding at Wilcox lake with him. He was on the hunt for the Red-necked Phalarope, the Scaled Quail, Baird’s Sandpiper and a Franklin’s gull, all of which were being seen there. So, I left my husband at home to wash his car and off we went. But before we got to Wilcox Lake (a.k.a Lake Cochise) I had other ideas in mind. I wanted to show Chris Texas Canyon.

2. more rocks-kab Texas Canyon is a rest area along I-10 between Tucson and Willcox. It always amazes me when I drive through, for the terrain changes so abruptly from gray-green rolling desert scrub to this golden rocky canyon. The boulders are unlike any other terrain in Arizona. It always fascinates me, and while it is a designated highway rest area, I like to stop here to look at the rocks and count birds. I have actually only stopped here once before, so I was eager to stop again.

3. flycatcher-kab We found an Ash-throated Flycatcher.

4. warbler-kab I was amazed to find a Wilson’s Warbler in a mesquite tree near the restrooms!

5. tuvu rocks-kab There were dozens of Turkey Vultures soaring on the thermals over the canyon.

6. rocks-kab More rocky canyon walls.

7. mountains-kab View of mountains to the south.

8. restrooms-kab Oh, and there are restrooms if you need them!

 

All in all we counted 19 species of birds at Texas Canyon on April 27, 2013! Not bad for a rest area!

  1. Mallard
  2. Turkey Vulture
  3. Swainson’s Hawk
  4. Red-tailed Hawk
  5. White-winged Dove
  6. White-throated Swift
  7. Dusky Flycatcher
  8. Ash-throated Flycatcher
  9. Cassin's Kingbird
  10. Barn Swallow
  11. Curve-billed Thrasher
  12. Yellow Warbler
  13. Yellow-rumped Warbler
  14. Wilson’s Warbler
  15. Chipping Sparrow
  16. Brewer’s Sparrow
  17. Black-headed Grosbeak
  18. House Finch
  19. House Sparrow
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4 comments:

  1. GaelynJune 3, 2013 at 9:16 AM

    Texas Canyon has always intrigued me and when I used to drive to Texas to visit my folks I'd always stop at that rest area.

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  2. UnknownJune 3, 2013 at 11:56 AM

    It looks so good. How wonderful that you seized the day!

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  3. RohrerbotJune 3, 2013 at 12:36 PM

    That was definitely a fun stop Ms. Brown. I am so enjoying reading people's blogs today instead of chasing birds in this blasted heat. I get antsy and frustrated that I'm trapped inside my home. But I will say this....that fountain outside our courtyard is a true delight. The birds are all drinking from the water and it makes me smile. I am actually running away today to Peña Blanca Lake to find the Least Tern.

    How is the packing going? Make sure you have everything. I so look forward to your journey up to the Northeast. Maybe if you get bored on a lonely night once everything has settled down, you can do one post. But I'm sure you'll be using that Facebook thingy.

    Guatemala is all coordinated on my end. I spent 2 days contacting places getting everything organized. It's bizarre, but now as a birder, I will pay for a bit more privacy and comfort to find birds away from the people. I bought my hummingbird feeder and plan on placing it out on our verandas. I don't know why, but I love hummingbirds so much and really want to see all the varieties down there.....so you make sure you stop and count all the hummers at your sis' place. Talk to you soon. Love and hugs, me

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  4. eileeninmdJune 3, 2013 at 7:58 PM

    Cool, what a great list of birds from the rest area! Love the Ash-throated Flycatcher. Great post, Kathie!

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Welcome to my nest! I hope you will enjoy spending time here with me and the birds. Thank you for your comments. I will try to get back to you as soon as I get back from counting more birds.

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