This morning I drove over to Catalina Pond Regional Park for a morning hike. My goal was to walk into the pond, and discover what might be hanging out with the limited H2O! During my hike into the pond I saw an amazing number of sparrows and finches, and even a few Scarlet Flycatchers. Sadly, they were all flitting around so fast photographs were impossible.
However, the bird of the day (and seemingly this trip) was the Gambel’s Quail. They are everywhere calling to define their territories. The accompanying video was actually taken at my AirBnB while I was BBQing supper yesterday evening.
Gambel’s Quail
Gambel’s Quail Calling (video link for email subscribers)
My other surprise of the morning was discovering yet another Great Horned Owl’s nest at Catalina Pond. Just hike into the pond, stand by the water inlet and look up to your right! These owlets are younger than the chicks I discovered two days ago. See the video and you’ll discover the oldest trying to gain some freedom!
Great Horned Owl Mom on Nest #2
GHO Poppa back at Nest #1
Mom GHO on the 2nd Nest (video link for email subscribers)(watch for the owlet)
Finally, tomorrow my plan us to go and sit by an extremely small stream. The folks from the Tucson Audubon Society pointed this tiny bit of water out to me on Sunday at Catalina State Park, which was a bird magnet. The stream will be gone in a few days having dried out.
White Crowned Sparrow Bathing
We were in Oro Valley last week and saw many of the quail, and 2 firsts for us, Scarlet Tanagers and Bluegray Gnatcatchers. Thanks for the great photos! I really enjoy your posts.
Better yet, I am missing a late winter storm at home … and the 1+ foot of snow still on the ground. Glad you also enjoyed Tucson!
Catalina Park birding? Wonderful! We were just in Oro Valley in NW Tucson adjacent to Catalina Park. We hiked into the Catalina Mountains hoping to catch a glimpse of the Bighorn Sheep or Mountain Lions via binoculars. In Oro Valley, the home at which we stay is like a bird sanctuary with about 15 regular bird species from hummingbirds to mockingbirds to road runners to quail (12 eggs in a large plant container with sitting birds overnight) to pygmy owls in a Saguaro cactus cavity. We love your photos!
Sounds like a super place to stay and escape!
Excellent!