Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Red-naped Sapsucker

On Saturday, Feb.19th, I went on one of the bird walks at Boyce Thompson, led by Cynthia Donald and Pete Moulton.  The birds were somewhat scarce, hunkered down keeping out of the cold breeze, but Cynthia and Pete still made it interesting and fun, there's always alot to learn from those two.  I saw my first Hermit Thrush, and was surprised to get a long close-up view of the Red-naped Sapsucker.  He was not at all camera shy as he happily fed  for hours on low branches just a few feet from a main trail.

Hermit Thrush

Boyce Thompson is one of my favorite places to escape to - lots of plants, birds, butterflies, lizards, and shade.  If you use a wheelchair to get around, there's just one place along the bird walk that is impassable - the trail above Ayer Lake becomes too narrow.  Read a review of accessibility at Accessing Arizona.

Male Northern Cardinal

Birds seen - Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Black Phoebe, Plumbeous Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Cassin's Vireo, Common Raven, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Verdin, House Wren, Bewick's Wren, Cactus Wren, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's); Abert's Towhee, Spotted Towhee, Lark Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

During March the Arboretum's visitor center art gallery exhibits breathtaking and feather-crisp bird photographs by Scottsdale author Jim Burns. You can see his work daily from 8 am to 5 pm this month.  Join the author for a guided bird walk March 5 from 8:30 am - 10 am then ,meet him in the gallery for a coffee hour reception at 11 am.