Molly and I decided we deserved a quick getaway after all the health issues for both of us. Over the years we have grown to like Oro Valley just north of Tucson … for both birding and bicycling. The bike trails are extensive and keep you off the busy roads as the trails wind their way through the washes. On the birding side of the equation I like some locations that are north of town, and do not see many birders. Today I spent time first at Catalina Pond (not the state park). This wild area has a small pond, and water attracts life in the desert habitat. My other stop was the town of Oracle, Arizona. Once again while there is a state park near this town, my birding tends to be focused on a small quiet park in town. Oracle is about 25 miles north of Tucson, and has enough elevation change that it sees more precipitation than down in the desert. The town park has many trees which provide food for hungry birds. Enjoy … some images from this morning!

Red-Tailed Hawk

Acorn Woodpecker

Cactus Wren

Western Bluebird

Phainopepla

I hope everyone is enjoying this morning’s data dump. I am relaxing back home in Duluth and processing the last of my Tucson area birding excursions. This post reflects a fun birding excursion I took to the town of Oracle, which is 33 miles north of central Tucson. My research prior to our trip south had indicated there were two Lewis Woodpeckers hanging out with the Acorn Woodpeckers in and near the Oracle Town Park (Google Maps Link).

While Oracle may only be 33 miles north of Tucson, given its elevation you escape to the edge of the desert and find yourself surrounded with pine trees. The HUGE pine cones loaded with seeds attract Acorn Woodpeckers (year round residents) and the two Lewis Woodpeckers. Given how Acorn Woodpeckers like to store food (check out each of the million and one holes in the park’s power poles), I wonder if the Lewis Woodpeckers are “stealing” from their cousins. Regardless it was a fun afternoon excursion.

Acorn Woodpecker

Lewis Woodpecker

Everyone knows about birding hotspots with water in the Tucson area like Sweetwater Wetlands, but if you are a more adventure some soul, Catalina Pond Regional Park should be a birding target for you. This “park” is undeveloped and should not be confused with its BIG cousin, Catalina State Park (7 miles to the south). When the dry washes become dry, this regional park has a small pond that has water throughout the year. Birds and mammals are very aware of this fact, but not many birders. It is extremely rare for me to see even another person at Catalina Pond.

To find / access the pond drive North Lago Del Oro Parkway (the dirt road portion that leads towards the Pima Pistol Club (Google Maps Link). The dirt road becomes a narrow single lane, and after about 300 yards you will see a closed / locked gate on your left. Park next to the gate (do not block as park rangers use the gate for park access with the ATV’s). You will find a “door sized” opening to the gate’s right … enter and walk directly towards the wash (about 100 yards). You will find the pond about 50 yards just on the other side of the wash.

It is 100% legal to enter and hike the park land … signs are present noting same. This past week I could not actually reach the pond. The “Dry Wash” for the first time in my four visits to the Tucson area was a roaring river! However, the river will soon disappear. In fact this area becomes a better birding hot spot once the Dry Wash becomes dry once more, and bugs / insects start to appear in the area (April timeframe).

Catalina Pond Regional Park Desert Birds

Cactus Wren

Curve-Billed Thrasher

Gambels Quail

Phainopepla

Pyrrhuloxia

I actually took the images found below this point at Catalina State Park (not the regional park described earlier in this post). The “Dry Wash” is about seven miles further downstream. Not very dry, but at least at this point there are no close-in river banks and the water is able to spread out. I actually forded this area … carrying my bicycle across the wash (how I reached the park). You will note it was actually overcast at times for my bike hike.

Dry Wash

Abert’s Towhee

Cooper’s Hawk