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Flagstaff |
Flagstaff Area
The
ponderosa pine woods which enveloped our lodge for three nights were covered
properly over a three hour period early on the second morning of the stay,
following a short walk around the grounds the previous morning. Most of the
species had been seen then, with only one or two more added. One thing that has
to be said about the morning sortie was that it was very cold - daytime
temperatures had been in the high 70's, but this morning began at around 40°F
degrees. On the other hand, light was reasonable at around 5am, and full when I
started the rounds half an hour later.
The
predominant habitat is ponderosa pine woodland, with the occasional clearing
for tracks running through. Yesterday's high profile Hairy Woodpeckers were
again in attendance, being seen as soon as I left the doorway. Predominant
species were probably Western Bluebird, which were in some cases feeding
fledged young, and House Finches, often heard singing as well as being seen.
Violet-green Swallows had been noticed in good numbers yesterday, but the treat
of the morning was discovering that at least one pair of birds was coming to
the ground to collect straw for nest building. A nectar feeder outside the
neighbouring chalet only had one brief Black-chinned Hummingbird visiting.
A little
deeper into the woods were Dark-eyed Juncos, often located by singing males,
but a further pair were found to be collecting food for young near to our room.
Black-capped Chickadees were common, but diligence paid off when a few Mountain
Chickadees were picked out. Only 1 Pygmy Nuthatch was seen on both mornings.
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Hairy Woodpecker |
Western Bluebird |
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American Crow |
Dark-eyed Junco |
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Violet-green Swallow |
Abert's Squirrel |
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Walnut
Canyon This was
a habitation site for the Sinagua Indians, who fled the volcanic eruption to
colonise the ledges of this canyon. Juniper and pinyon pines abound here. Our
visit found only the rim trail open, since a landslide had blocked the descent
on the Island Trail. Potential species as seen on the boards include Townshend's Solitaire and Great Horned Owl, but we
made do with Steller's Jay and Ash-throated Flycatcher. |
Sunset
Crater/Wupatki National Monument
The loop
containing these two sites is well worth doing for the scenic rewards,
particularly the volcano crater for the still impressive lava fields and ash
covered slopes. However, very little bird life was present at the volcano,
apart from overflying Violet-green Swallows. Similarly, the Wupatki relicts
only proffered a pair of Rock Wrens.
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Sunset Crater |
Wupatki National Monument |
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Flagstaff
Arboretum We landed
here too late in
the day to do the area justice, but the mix of habitats created for the
arboretum make it a site of rich potential. Even a short walk around the
immediate vicinity of the reception can add some common species to the list. It
is worth noting that the opening times are 9 - 5, and entry outside of these
seems impossible, since there are locked gates and a high fence. |
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American Robin |
Brewer's Blackbird |
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Chipping Sparrow |
Golden-mantled Ground-Squirrel |
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Slide Rock
State Park This is
ostensibly a family day out type of place, where dad and the kids can have fun
in the clear waters of Oak Creek. However, some nice birds can also be seen
while watching the fun and frolics, such as Bullock's Oriole, Hairy Woodpecker,
and Black Phoebe. The short walk above the creek is worthwhile, and the skies
above are adorned with numerous White-throated Swifts. |
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Red Rock
Crossing This is a
short walk through woodland and alongside a small creek to the base of
Cathedral Rock, which in itself is worth the visit. Numerous birds can also be
heard singing and calling as the walk progresses, many of which are Lesser
Goldfinches, although we also added Phainopepla and Black Phoebe, with
White-throated Swifts overhead. |
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Oak Creek South of
Sedona, and beyond yet more impressive red rock mesas is this small town, we
did a road stop for a vista and walk to Bell Rock. We completed this short
walk, and turned up nesting Western Kingbird, a pair of which were mobbing an
unidentified hawk, with additional Ash-throated Flycatchers evident. The longer
loop walk may be worth doing for more species and superb scenery. |
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Flagstaff |