One of the cheapest hobbies in the world is Bird Watching…until you spend thousands flying to Alaska to add a stray seabird to your Life List.
We are fortunate to live in an area where many bird species live year around, and many more visit during migration season.
This Month in Birding
Two big sightings in Desert Breezes this month. The first is from Linda Johnson, and is a bird couple that come by her feeder daily.
These are Ladder-Backed Woodpeckers. They range from Southern Nevada down to the Yucatan and love deserts.
I was initially skeptical that a woodpecker would be seen at a hummingbird feeder. This video by the Cornell School of Ornithology set me straight. Apparently it’s a common occurrence.
Another Rarity by The Tennis Courts
We’ve reported in the past on the pair of Western Bluebirds living by the main court. Last week, there was an even rarer sighting.
(Picture from Tucson Audubon) This is the Vermillion Flycatcher. They are common in Central Mexico, but quite rare in our California Desert. They have been known to breed in this area, and he may be part of a couple, however the female is quite dull and easily mistaken for a sparrow.
Please comment with any Desert Breezes sightings you have made!