All posts by Sheila

I have a passion for the outdoors and I am most happy enjoying what nature has to offer. Hobbies include photography, birding, Pickleball, astronomy, biking, and hiking. I have been happily married, for 50 years, to an amazing person.
On The Road, Photos-Birds

~Winter of 2022/2023

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~We began our winter journey back in November, 2022. We traveled from Colorado to Cottonwood, AZ and stayed at Dead Horse Ranch State Park for two weeks. It is by far one of my very favorite AZ state parks. The birding and hiking trails are wonderful. A few birds were in the area, but not many.

A beautiful little Junco.
White-breasted Nuthatch.
A Bridled Titmouse.
Another sweet Junco.
I have searched to ID this Sparrow. It appears to me to be a Field Sparrow; however they aren’t listed in birding books as being in AZ. Any ideas?
A crazy pano photo of the birding stations.

Here is a link to this AZ state park, if you haven’t been there it is worth a visit. https://azstateparks.com/dead-horse

The town of Cottonwood is a fun place to visit, although it might be best known as a gateway to the nearby red rocks of Sedona. Cottonwood has plenty charm of its own.  Start with the quaint Old Town district and branch out to the banks of the lushly green Verde River and the nearby historic towns of Clarkdale and Jerome. The Verde Canyon Railroad offers a beautiful four hour, 20 mile train ride through the canyon. It is worth checking into. https://verdecanyonrr.com

If you enjoy Mexican food give Pepe’s in Cottonwood a try. Not much to look at from the outside, but the food is great. It seems a favorite of the locals.

Where to next?

~~Happy Birding~~

 

Photos-Birds

~A few bird photos from Cave Creek Regional Park

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~Verdin

A beautiful small bird with a yellow head. They love to feed on Oranges.

~Phainopepla- male

A black bird with red eyes.They like to sit at the top of trees.

~Black-throated Sparrow

Their behavior is true Sparrow. Glad it stayed still for a few seconds!

~Gambel’s Quail

Their feather colors are striking, which blend in with their environment. And, they are always moving.

~~Happy Birding~~

Photos-Birds

~Things are just humming along…

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~The many faces of an Anna’s Hummingbird.

These were taken at Catalina State Park:

These were taken at Picacho Peak State Park:

If you would like to read more about this beautiful Hummer go to: http://naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/facts/annas_hummingbird_k6.html

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Annas_Hummingbird/overview#

Grab your binoculars, go for a walk and have some fun!