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One of the great denizens of wooded canyons and mountains in the southwest, the Red-faced Warbler can be found in a few localities around Flagstaff. (photo by guide Cory Gregory)
We enjoyed a great trip through northern Arizona, focusing on California Condor and a variety of other fascinating birds, scenery, and animals. The weather in northern Arizona in June is quite pleasant, and we enjoyed some beautiful days, in addition to some breezy moments and even a thunderstorm.
Our first day of birding found us near Flagstaff, where we saw uncommon species such as American Three-toed Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Grace's, Red-faced, and Olive warblers. We closed the day out with a quick side trip, where we saw a locally rare Gray Catbird.
Birding north of Flagstaff along the flanks of the imposing San Francisco Peaks, we visited places such as Hart Prairie and a handful of forested spots which yielded a slew of highlights and local specialties, including Williamson's Sapsucker, Dusky Flycatcher, Virginia's, Orange-crowned, and MacGillivray's warblers, Green-tailed Towhee, Mountain Bluebird, and even an uncommon Townsend's Solitaire. A flock of Pinyon Jays that joined us for dinner wrapped up a stellar day.
The highlight for many was our visit to the world-famous Grand Canyon to look for California Condors. The scenery was stunning and we chanced into species like Zone-tailed Hawk, Western Scrub-Jay, and Hepatic Tanager. Although it took a longer drive to find them, we eventually caught up with two majestic adult California Condors perched together near Navajo Bridge, over scenic Marble Canyon.
We spent the next two days birding lower-elevation areas near Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon, south of Flagstaff. Highlights in the drier areas included Juniper Titmouse, Gray Flycatcher, Black-chinned Sparrow, Cactus, Rock, and Canyon wrens, and even quick looks at a Crissal Thrasher. Riparian species were out in force too, and we enjoyed sightings of Bridled Titmouse, Vermilion Flycatcher, Phainopepla, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Abert's Towhee, and nesting Common Black Hawks. Additionally, the wooded Oak Creek Canyon provided more unique species, like the colorful Painted Redstart, Acorn Woodpecker, and a Magnificent Hummingbird, here towards the northern edge of its range.
All in all, it was a great trip, full of fascinating birds and some amazing scenery. Thanks to everyone for making it such a fun experience. We hope to cross paths with you again!
-- John & Cory
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
The Grand Canyon has to be seen to truly appreciate its vastness, which is always difficult to comprehend from a photo. (photo by guide Cory Gregory)
GADWALL (Anas strepera) – We saw a few pairs at the Kachina Wetlands.
AMERICAN WIGEON (Anas americana) – Cory spotted a pair that were flying distantly at Mormon Lake before landing way out.
MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos)
CINNAMON TEAL (Anas cyanoptera) – We saw a few of these beauties at the Kachina Wetlands.
NORTHERN PINTAIL (Anas acuta) – Cory scoped two males in one of the closer ponds at Mormon Lake but they were still off a good ways.
GREEN-WINGED TEAL (Anas crecca) – A single drake was spotted at the Kachina Wetlands. Its mate was probably on a nearby nest.
COMMON MERGANSER (Mergus merganser) – We saw a female swimming in Oak Creek near the Page Springs Fish Hatchery.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
GAMBEL'S QUAIL (Callipepla gambelii) – We could hear a distant bird in the early morning in the desert. [*]
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps) – One was spied at the Kachina Wetlands.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – Two birds were sitting on a rock in the pond near our motel. This is a recent phenomena in the area that this species is now the expected cormorant.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias) – Rey spotted the first one at the pond across from the motel then we had a few along Oak Creek.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
After failing to find California Condors at the Grand Canyon's South Rim, we ventured through iconic southwestern scenery to Marble Canyon, where Cory spotted two adult condors enjoying the shade on a ledge of the cliff face. It was a great way to see these tremendous birds. (photo by guide Cory Gregory)
CALIFORNIA CONDOR (Gymnogyps californianus) – After not finding any condors at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, we headed north to Marble Canyon and found two of these majestic birds nestled on a small ledge on the cliff face in the gorge. Both were adults and we could read the wing tags (54 & H9). This was a great setting to view these birds and well worth the drive through beautiful southwest scenery.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – It sure seemed like we saw a lot which included views of three different nests. At the Kachina Wetlands we had five individuals in sight at one time.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
COOPER'S HAWK (Accipiter cooperii) – Our best view was a bird standing next to its nest at Montezuma Well.
BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) – A nicely plumaged adult flew over Lake Elaine in Flagstaff on our last afternoon. I believe this was the last new bird of the trip for us.
COMMON BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus anthracinus) – We had great looks at perched and flying birds along the lower stretches of Oak Creek. These birds are still incubating but there should be a baby by this late date. We saw another couple at the fish hatchery then an adult and baby in yet another nest at Montezuma Well.
ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus) – We were treated to repeated great looks at this rather uncommon species at the Grand Canyon while we were searching for condors. It is rare to get this type of prolonged look at this species.
RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis) – Seen daily.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
This tour has the potential to see a plethora of woodpeckers, such as this well-marked male American Three-toed Woodpecker that we found at the edge of a forest burn. (photo by guide Cory Gregory).
SORA (Porzana carolina) – Several were vocalizing at the Kachina Wetlands but we could not get one in view.
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus) – Our only one was on one of the dikes at the Kachina Wetlands.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto) [I]
MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus americanus) – This is one of the latest spring migrants to arrive in Arizona. We heard one calling from the tall trees along Beaver Creek at Montezuma Well. [*]
Strigidae (Owls)
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) – There were two good-sized fledglings in a small tree near the bottom of Montezuma Well. Both could probably fly but still had a lot of downy feathers.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles minor) – A few folks saw one flying about over the motel after we returned from dinner one evening.
Apodidae (Swifts)
WHITE-THROATED SWIFT (Aeronautes saxatalis) – The Grand Canyon is a dreamland for White-throated Swifts and we saw several there as well as a few other places during our treks.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens) – We had a nice look at a single individual at a feeder in Oak Creek Canyon. Even though it is somewhat rare here it is regular and this is the northern limit of the range of this species.
BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD (Archilochus alexandri) – We saw a handful of males and females at the feeders.
ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD (Calypte anna) – At least two birds were making appearances at John and Becky's feeders along Oak Creek.
BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus) – Our best views were in the sunlight in Hart Prairie where their gorgets glowed.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
LEWIS'S WOODPECKER (Melanerpes lewis) – At a nest site in Flagstaff we saw one of the individuals come about half way out of the hole at one point. This is a very strange woodpecker in terms of coloration and habits. It flies more like a crow than a woodpecker and it even flycatches for food.
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus) – A few of these sharply marked woodpeckers were amongst the oaks in Oak Creek Canyon.
GILA WOODPECKER (Melanerpes uropygialis) – Quite the desert riparian species along Oak Creek, we saw two birds tending to a nest in a sycamore tree.
WILLIAMSON'S SAPSUCKER (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) – This very handsome and colorful woodpecker gave is nice looks in the Hart Prairie area. We ended up seeing a pair at a presumed nest hole but didn't get a good view of the quite differently plumaged female.
LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER (Picoides scalaris) – We had nice looks at a cooperative individual near Page Springs.
DOWNY WOODPECKER (Picoides pubescens) – This is a quite uncommon species in the Flagstaff area so it was good to see a pair in Hart Prairie.
HAIRY WOODPECKER (Picoides villosus) – This is a widespread species in the pines and other conifers of Northern Arizona.
AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER (Picoides dorsalis) – We had great looks at a male with a yellow forehead at the edge of a forest burn in upper Oak Creek Canyon. This is a much sought after species for birders within Arizona. [E]
NORTHERN FLICKER (RED-SHAFTED) (Colaptes auratus cafer) – Several were seen during our travels.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – We saw two males on our final full day. One was hovering above the overlook at Mormon Lake.
This male Mountain Bluebird is hunting for insects to feed young in a nearby tree cavity; the species is always a favorite of birders. (photo by guide Cory Gregory)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi) – Two individuals were calling at the Three-toed Woodpecker spot and we ended up seeing them perched together in the same tree.
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus)
GRAY FLYCATCHER (Empidonax wrightii) – It took some looking but we were rewarded with very nice views in the tops of junipers of a calling bird.
DUSKY FLYCATCHER (Empidonax oberholseri) – There were a few individuals seen and heard in Hart Prairie where this species was first described to science. This is a very local breeding bird in Arizona.
CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax occidentalis) – We had pretty good views of a singing bird at the rest area near the Snow Bowl.
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans) – Quite the riparian bird, we saw these along Oak Creek and again at Montezuma Well.
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – This dazzler sat right out for us at the edge of the pasture near John and Becky's house. We could hear it in its flight display.
ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cinerascens) – We had nice looks at the freeway rest area on our way to Oak Creek.
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus) – A pair worked around overhead in the sycamores and cottonwoods before we got a good look along lower Oak Creek.
CASSIN'S KINGBIRD (Tyrannus vociferans) – A very vocal individual popped in during our checklist just before dinner on the deck.
WESTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus verticalis) – A cooperative bird showed well at the Cameron Trading Post.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
While we stood at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, this Zone-tailed Hawk tried to steal the show by making repeated passes over our heads. (photo by guide Cory Gregory)
GRAY VIREO (Vireo vicinior) – We had great looks at this area specialty at Gray Mountain. This bird is off the popular routes of most birders so it is easily missed. We had a few birds singing in the area.
PLUMBEOUS VIREO (Vireo plumbeus)
HUTTON'S VIREO (Vireo huttoni) – We enjoyed good views of this rather drab species in the pine-oak woodland in Oak Creek Canyon.
WARBLING VIREO (Vireo gilvus) – A few were singing from the aspens in Hart Prairie and we finally spotted one sitting still while it sang.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PINYON JAY (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) – We had great looks at about six individuals that were sitting quietly in a tall ponderosa pine just before we sat down for dinner. This is one of the signature birds of the Flagstaff area as much of the research on its life history was done here.
STELLER'S JAY (Cyanocitta stelleri) – We ran into one or two everyday of the trip.
WESTERN SCRUB-JAY (Aphelocoma californica) – We had a couple of good looks at the Grand Canyon. This form, the "Woodhouse's Jay," may be split in the near future.
CLARK'S NUTCRACKER (Nucifraga columbiana) [*]
AMERICAN CROW (Corvus brachyrhynchos) – Seen daily but mostly around the city of Flagstaff.
COMMON RAVEN (Corvus corax) – These were widespread.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
We saw a handful of Phainopeplas along the lower stretches of Oak Creek. True frugivores, they were feeding on mulberries. (photo by participant Rey Larsen)
PURPLE MARTIN (Progne subis) – We spent a bit of time looking for this quite local nesting species and saw a couple of pairs near Mormon Lake.
TREE SWALLOW (Tachycineta bicolor) – The only ones we encountered were at the Kachina Wetlands where they have nested in boxes in the past.
VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW (Tachycineta thalassina) – This is the most common of the swallow we saw in the pine forests near Flagstaff.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
CLIFF SWALLOW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) – A few were seen by a few folks over the pond across from the motel.
Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)
MOUNTAIN CHICKADEE (Poecile gambeli) – We encountered a few with the mixed-flocks in the Hart Prairie area.
BRIDLED TITMOUSE (Baeolophus wollweberi) – A very handsome and striking little bird we enjoyed good views amongst the taller trees of lower Oak Creek.
JUNIPER TITMOUSE (Baeolophus ridgwayi) – Near Montezuma Well we found a singing individual that showed well for us.
Remizidae (Penduline-Tits)
VERDIN (Auriparus flaviceps) – A true desert species we saw our first at the freeway rest area along I-17 where it was calling from the top of a false palo verde tree.
Sittidae (Nuthatches)
RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Sitta canadensis) – We found a single bird with a mixed-species flock near the Snow Bowl at 9500 ft in elevation.
WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Sitta carolinensis) – This western form of the well-known bird has a longer bill and different call from those in the east and is another likely candidate for a future split.
PYGMY NUTHATCH (Sitta pygmaea) – A rather common bird in the pine forests, we saw several with our closest views being those that wanted to come for a drink during dinner.
Certhiidae (Treecreepers)
BROWN CREEPER (Certhia americana)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
ROCK WREN (Salpinctes obsoletus) – Our first was a close look at Lipan Point at the east end of Grand Canyon where it hopped up on a rock for us.
CANYON WREN (Catherpes mexicanus) – We heard a few distant birds but had a rather close view of one that popped up on a flat rock at the top of Montezuma Well.
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon) – We saw a few in the tangles and woodpiles in Hart Prairie and other sites.
BEWICK'S WREN (Thryomanes bewickii)
CACTUS WREN (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) – This large wren showed well in the scope for us as it sang from the top of a juniper near Montezuma Well, This is about as far north as this species gets in Northern Arizona.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER (Polioptila caerulea) – One or two were seen at Gray Mountain during our Gray Vireo search.
Regulidae (Kinglets)
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (Regulus calendula) – We had a couple of singing birds close to us at the Snow Bowl ski area.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
WESTERN BLUEBIRD (Sialia mexicana) – We saw a fair number of both males and females during our time in the pine forests.
More common in the fall and winter, in the juniper forests around Flagstaff, Townsend's Solitaire is an uncommon breeder in the coniferous forest. We were fortunate to find this one near Hart Prairie. (photo by guide Cory Gregory)
TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE (Myadestes townsendi) – A rather uncommon local breeder, we had a good view of one in the forest near Hart Prairie.
HERMIT THRUSH (Catharus guttatus) – A beautiful songster, we had a nice view of this western form that is much grayer than eastern birds.
AMERICAN ROBIN (Turdus migratorius)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
GRAY CATBIRD (Dumetella carolinensis) – We stopped in Flagstaff at the Willow Bend Preserve and found this rare but regular species calling at the bottom of the wash.
CRISSAL THRASHER (Toxostoma crissale) – We heard a singing and calling individual way off near Montezuma Well and eventually saw one fly through the junipers and continue way off while carrying something in its bill. It was not a satisfying view.
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus polyglottos) – As we were scanning for the Crissal Thrasher, Cory scoped a distant singing bird.
Sturnidae (Starlings)
EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) [I]
Ptiliogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)
PHAINOPEPLA (Phainopepla nitens) – A handful of these unusual birds were feeding on mulberries near John and Becky's house on lower Oak Creek. We had a couple of scope views of males showing the bright red eye and glossy black plumage.
Peucedramidae (Olive Warbler)
Being a Rock Wren at the Grand Canyon must be like living in the penthouse! I'm still not sure what prey item this bird is carrying. (photo by guide Cory Gregory)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (Oreothlypis celata) – We had nice views of this local breeder in the Bebb's willows of Hart Prairie.
LUCY'S WARBLER (Oreothlypis luciae) – Mostly a desert dweller, we had good views of a cooperative bird at the rest area along I-17.
VIRGINIA'S WARBLER (Oreothlypis virginiae) – After a bit of looking we had very good views of this local species. We saw the yellow wash on the breast and white eye-ring of this singing individual.
MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER (Geothlypis tolmiei) – Another very local breeder in Arizona and often a tough one to see well, we had a dynamite look at a singing male amongst the Bebb's willows of Hart Prairie.
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis trichas) – A marsh habitat species, we saw it along Beaver Creek at Montezuma Well as well as hearing a few at the Kachina Wetlands.
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (AUDUBON'S) (Setophaga coronata auduboni) – A couple were with a mixed-species flock in the Hart Prairie area.
GRACE'S WARBLER (Setophaga graciae) – A bird of the taller pine forests, we saw a few with some good views in upper Oak Creek Canyon.
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER (Setophaga nigrescens) [*]
RED-FACED WARBLER (Cardellina rubrifrons) – Often considered a southeast Arizona specialty, this colorful warbler is actually more widespread in Northern Arizona. We had great looks at a singing bird.
PAINTED REDSTART (Myioborus pictus) – Another brilliantly plumaged warbler, we had a nice study of one along the rocks and blooming columbine of Oak Creek.
Several Pinyon Jays, one of the great species of the area, joined this one in welcoming us to the house for dinner -- and even sat through our birdlist session before heading off. (photo by participant Rey Larsen.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
CHIPPING SPARROW (Spizella passerina)
BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW (Spizella atrogularis) – After getting a pretty good look at one in Oak Creek Canyon we had a scope view of a singing bird near Montezuma Well.
BLACK-THROATED SPARROW (Amphispiza bilineata) – There were a few of these sharply marked sparrows in the shrubby vegetation near Montezuma Well where we also saw young birds that did not have black throats.
DARK-EYED JUNCO (RED-BACKED) (Junco hyemalis dorsalis) – A widespread bird in the higher elevations of the west, this form, formerly known as "Gray-headed Junco" has a dark lower mandible and reddish back.
VESPER SPARROW (Pooecetes gramineus) – Another nice singer, we saw a couple of these in Hart Prairie and again in Mormon Lake.
SONG SPARROW (Melospiza melodia)
LINCOLN'S SPARROW (Melospiza lincolnii) – This very local breeder skulked around before we got on it in the willows of Hart Prairie.
ABERT'S TOWHEE (Melozone aberti) – Not one of the most colorful birds of the area, we had good views of this riparian species along lower Oak Creek.
RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROW (Aimophila ruficeps) – On our last full day, we had a scope view of a singing bird on the slope near Montezuma Well.
GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE (Pipilo chlorurus) – There were several singing and flitting about in Hart Prairie where we had nice views of birds atop the Bebb's willows. This is a quite colorful bird when seen well.
Western Scrub-Jays can be noisy and conspicuous, as this one was near the rim of the Grand Canyon. (photo by guide Cory Gregory)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava) – It was a bit of a surprise to hear then see a singing individual along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This was a female plumaged bird that was singing which seemed odd. This species is rather rare but increasing in numbers at the Grand Canyon.
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) – At Montezuma Well we had a great view of a female bird that was perched on a sign in the picnic area.
WESTERN TANAGER (Piranga ludoviciana) – A handful of males and females were seen in the pine-oak forests.
NORTHERN CARDINAL (Cardinalis cardinalis) – Cardinals are essentially desert birds in Arizona and we saw a couple in the lower elevations that we visited.
BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus) – This was a fairly common song in some habitats. We had a good view of our first in Hart Prairie and also saw an individual that was about one-third white which i have seen in the area for over a year.
BLUE GROSBEAK (Passerina caerulea) – A male popped up at the rest area along Interstate 17.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius phoeniceus)
WESTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella neglecta) – We had nice views and heard the beautiful song in the Mormon Lake area.
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) – Surprisingly, we only saw a handful of these popular birds at the Kachina Wetlands. A pair had been at the pond across from the motel but they seemed to have moved on.
BREWER'S BLACKBIRD (Euphagus cyanocephalus)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD (Molothrus ater)
HOODED ORIOLE (Icterus cucullatus) – A pair of birds were seen at John and Becky's cabin.
BULLOCK'S ORIOLE (Icterus bullockii) – A couple of individuals showed up at dinner time on our deck.
SCOTT'S ORIOLE (Icterus parisorum) – We had nice looks at an adult and a young male at Gray Mountain. This species has one of the better songs of any southwest bird.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
HOUSE FINCH (Haemorhous mexicanus)
PINE SISKIN (Spinus pinus) – A few seemed to be feeding on thistle seeds in Hart Prairie. This is a somewhat irregular breeder in the area.
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria) – Seen daily.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
MAMMALS
EASTERN COTTONTAIL (Sylvilagus floridanus) – We found one in the front yard of a house in Flagstaff.
DESERT COTTONTAIL (Sylvilagus audubonii) – We saw one near Montezuma Well.
CLIFF CHIPMUNK (Tamias dorsalis) – A few were seen at the overlooks at the Grand Canyon.
GRAY-COLLARED CHIPMUNK (Tamias cinereicollis) – This is the chipmunk found in the pine forests around Flagstaff. It actually has a quite restricted range with most of it along the Mogollon Rim in Arizona.
WHITE-TAILED ANTELOPE SQUIRREL (Ammospermophilus leucurus) – This was the small squirrel we saw at the Condor overlook that had its tail curled up on its back.
ROCK SQUIRREL (Spermophilus variegatus) – We sure saw a lot of these at the Grand Canyon where they have been used to getting handouts for years.
We had great looks at a singing MacGillivray's Warbler -- a very local breeder in Arizona, and usually a real skulker -- in Hart Prairie on the slopes of the San Francisco Peaks. (photo by guide Cory Gregory)
GUNNISON PRAIRIE DOG (Cynomys gunnisoni) – There were a group at the motel in Flagstaff.
ARIZONA GRAY SQUIRREL (Sciurus arizonensis) – A couple of these riparian habitat squirrels were seen along lower Oak Creek. This species is essentially endemic to Arizona.
ABERT'S SQUIRREL (Sciurus aberti) – A real beauty, there were one or two seen in the Hart Prairie area.
COYOTE (Canis latrans) – We saw one at the edge of the meadow as we drove into Hart Prairie.
ELK (Cervus canadensis) – We saw a few along the roadside as we were leaving Flagstaff one morning, then we saw a few at the Grand Canyon, then a lot of them in the basin at Mormon Lake.
MULE DEER (Odocoileus hemionus)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 142 bird taxa and 13 mammal taxa