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Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors)

Willcox had a couple of these distinctive dabblers.

CINNAMON TEAL (Spatula cyanoptera)

The Willcox and Benson STP area had a number of these attractive dabblers including many males.

NORTHERN SHOVELER (Spatula clypeata)

Benson STP had a trio of these big-billed ducks.

GADWALL (Mareca strepera)

Like the previous several species, the only spots for these dabblers were Benson STP and Willcox.

AMERICAN WIGEON (Mareca americana)

More than a dozen of these attractive dabblers were present at Benson STP and Willcox.

REDHEAD (Aythya americana)

Our tour was early enough that we encountered a few of these divers at Benson STP.

RING-NECKED DUCK (Aythya collaris)

Often a rare bird for this tour, these divers were seen at Benson STP.

RUDDY DUCK (Oxyura jamaicensis)

Fairly common at both Benson STP and Willcox.

Odontophoridae (New World Quail)

GAMBEL'S QUAIL (Callipepla gambelii)

You didn't have to look far in Portal to find swarms of these! These ground-loving birds were seen everywhere from the parking lot during our picnic to every feeder setup.

MONTEZUMA QUAIL (Cyrtonyx montezumae)

Fantastic! This beautiful specialty can be devilishly tricky to find but the keen eyes in our van spotted a female hiding behind a tree! Shortly after this, we found a pair "sneaking" across the road in front of us. This easily made the list as one of the top birds of the trip.

Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)

WILD TURKEY (Meleagris gallopavo)

A rafter of these big boys were chilling at the Santa Rita Lodge feeders in Madera Canyon. We would hear several more up in the mountains as well.

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

EARED GREBE (Podiceps nigricollis)

These grebes that we found at Willcox and Benson STP were in their beautiful breeding colors.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]

A few were seen in various urban areas.

BAND-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas fasciata)

We were enjoying our breakfast one morning when a flock of these came into Portal and perched briefly.

EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto) [I]

Not uncommon in various areas of this trip like around Portal and Willcox.

INCA DOVE (Columbina inca)

Seen both in Portal and at the Paton Center. Whether you think they say "cold coke" or "no hope", either way, we got to hear them several times.

COMMON GROUND DOVE (Columbina passerina)

We added this small species on our final day at the Paton Center.

WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica)

Abundant throughout the trip.

MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura)

This was another common species for us every day.

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)

LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis)

As dusk settled into the lowlands below Madera Canyon, we saw this insect-eater on the wing, coursing over the desert.

COMMON POORWILL (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii)

Although we first heard these adorable nightjars in Madera Canyon, it wasn't until Portal that we actually saw this tiny nightjar. At one point, we got to watch one hovering near us! Later yet, we watched one perched in the middle of the road as we ascended the mountains.

MEXICAN WHIP-POOR-WILL (Antrostomus arizonae arizonae)

We were well up in the Chiricahuas one night when we encountered this regional specialty. I'm pretty sure at one point its wing brushed my shoulder! This has been considered a separate species from Eastern Whip-poor-will since 2010.

Apodidae (Swifts)

VAUX'S SWIFT (Chaetura vauxi)

We were in the process of trying to leave the Paton Center when we spotted a couple of these migrants zooming around overhead. A great, last minute addition! These are essentially the western counterpart of the Chimney Swifts from out east.

WHITE-THROATED SWIFT (Aeronautes saxatalis)

We eventually caught up to several of these big, distinctive swifts in the grasslands below Portal. Although it's not a spot I typically see them, it may have had something to do with the crazy strong winds pushing insects down.

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

RIVOLI'S HUMMINGBIRD (Eugenes fulgens)

This is a very large regional specialty that we encountered many times at places like Madera Kubo, Santa Rita Lodge, and in Portal. Up until 1983, these were called Rivoli's Hummingbirds. Then the name was changed to Magnificent Hummingbird. And then, yes, it was changed back to Rivoli's Hummingbird in 2017.

BLUE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM (Lampornis clemenciae)

This huge hummer, another regional specialty, was tallied from up in Cave Creek where we saw it perched in the canyon. Technically, this is the largest of the normally-occurring hummingbirds in the US.

LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD (Calothorax lucifer)

This is a very rare bird anywhere in the US and we were lucky to have seen one! We caught up to a female at Jasper's feeders.

BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD (Archilochus alexandri)

One of the most common hummingbirds on our trip, these were seen nicely at a variety of spots like Madera Canyon, Portal, and the Paton Center.

RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus rufus)

A single migrant was spotted the Santa Rita Lodge during our feeder watch.

BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Selasphorus platycercus)

It was nice to have one of these drop into Jasper's feeders in Portal.

BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Cynanthus latirostris)

Our most common hummingbird on this trip. They really are a stunning species when the light catches them just right.

VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD (Ramosomyia violiceps)

Our last-day jaunt over to Patagonia allowed us to tally this very range-restricted species. It's the only hummingbird in the US with a white front.

BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD (Saucerottia beryllina)

This was one of the rarest species we encountered on our trip. Although this Central American hummer can sometimes be found north of the border, that usually occurs in the late summer or fall.

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana)

Not uncommon in habitats with water.

Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)

BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)

Both Benson and Willcox were hosting this long-legged wader.

AMERICAN AVOCET (Recurvirostra americana)

At least half a dozen of these graceful waders were spotted at Willcox.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica)

These two plovers, which are very rare anywhere in Arizona, had been seen at Willcox for a couple of days. Luckily our trip overlapped and we were able to find them mixed in with the other shorebirds.

KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus)

Not uncommon around the edges of the ponds we visited.

SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus)

One of these migrants was mixed with the other shorebirds at Willcox.

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER (Limnodromus scolopaceus)

Both Benson and Willcox were hosting this medium-sized shorebird. They breed way to the north and so these were simply in migration.

WILSON'S PHALAROPE (Phalaropus tricolor)

It was fun watching these unique shorebirds swirling around in the water at Willcox.

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (Phalaropus lobatus)

With careful watching, we were able to find a few of these mixed in with the previous species at Willcox.

SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)

Abundant along the rocky edges at Benson and Willcox. It was fun getting to see these when they're actually spotted.

LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)

A singleton was mixed in with the other shorebirds at Willcox.

WILLET (WESTERN) (Tringa semipalmata inornata)

At least a pair of these sturdy shorebirds were mixed in with the other waders at Willcox. These are the "Western" ones which breed in grasslands.

BAIRD'S SANDPIPER (Calidris bairdii)

Although it was somewhat subtle, we were able to see enough to ID this small shorebird at Willcox. The very long wings, attenuated backend, the nicely scaled back, and squat head-on look, all helped to ID it.

LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla)

This tiny, yellow-legged peep was common at Benson and Willcox.

WESTERN SANDPIPER (Calidris mauri)

Fairly numerous at Willcox where we got to scope, study, and compare these long-billed peeps with the others.

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

WHITE-FACED IBIS (Plegadis chihi)

At least two of these were feeding along the edge of the wetland at Willcox.

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)

Our trip over to Patagonia put us with very good odds of finding one of these. And we did just that as we arrived into town.

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)

Abundant, tallied daily.

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

COOPER'S HAWK (Accipiter cooperii)

We spotted one of these at least twice on the trip and they both happened to be in Madera Canyon.

GRAY HAWK (Buteo plagiatus)

This interesting Buteo was a highlight from our short time in Patagonia on our final day. Although they were quite vocal, we only saw them once or twice.

SWAINSON'S HAWK (Buteo swainsoni)

We got to be pretty good at identifying these long-winged Buteos during our time in the open country around Benson and Willcox.

ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus)

This was a fantastic trip for this tricky species. The first couple actually found us while we were watching the feeders in Madera Canyon. We later saw more; once at Bob's feeders and again along the roadside near the thrasher spot. Fantastic views were had by all!

RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis)

Although not abundant, they weren't rare either.

Strigidae (Owls)

FLAMMULATED OWL (Psiloscops flammeolus) [*]

We put in considerable effort for this tricky species and came away with one bird that vocalized for a short bit. The weather conditions in the mountains weren't in our favor and so I'm happy we at least got to hear one.

WHISKERED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops trichopsis)

Nice! We got great views of this regional specialty in Madera Canyon on our first evening together. Typically, this species is found at higher elevations than the next species.

WESTERN SCREECH-OWL (Megascops kennicottii)

A couple of folks made a late-night walk into Portal where we saw this species very well. It was neat getting to hear them vocalize as well.

GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus) [N]

En route to the Chiricahuas, we watched a beautiful adult as it sat motionless on its nest. We later saw another one or two at various places at dusk.

ELF OWL (Micrathene whitneyi)

This diminutive species, the smallest species of owl in the world, was very vocal in Madera Canyon. With a little luck, we ended up getting great looks near one of the picnic areas.

SPOTTED OWL (MEXICAN) (Strix occidentalis lucida)

Success! After missing this major target on our way to Portal, the pressure was on to pull a rabbit out of the hat. Thanks to some local Field Guides knowledge, we did just that and found one high in a conifer! Would we have found it on our own all the way up there? Not likely. What a great bird to see on our final day though!

Trogonidae (Trogons)

ELEGANT TROGON (Trogon elegans)

The experience we had with this quintessential species was more impressive than I've seen before. We had point-blank looks, including scope views, as it sang and checked out holes in trees for a potential nesting spot. A phenomenal sighting.

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus)

Abundant and seen daily up in the mountains. We got to study the head patterns and how the males differ from females.

GILA WOODPECKER (Melanerpes uropygialis)

This desert-loving species was fairly common in Tucson and around Patagonia.

LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER (Dryobates scalaris)

This species is found in arid habitats from southern California east to Texas. We had a couple of these small guys and were able to tell the males apart from the females (males have red on the head, females don't).

ARIZONA WOODPECKER (Dryobates arizonae)

This is a range-restricted species found from SE Arizona and New Mexico south into western Mexico. We had great looks at these in Madera Canyon where they were attending the feeders at Santa Rita Lodge.

NORTHERN FLICKER (RED-SHAFTED) (Colaptes auratus cafer)

This widespread woodpecker was fairly common and we were able to confirm a couple of them as Red-shafted after carefully studying the head pattern.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)

Although they weren't common for us, these small falcons did show up a couple of times on power lines.

PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi)

It was clearly a migrant, hanging out in that scrubby habitat, but one of these hefty flycatchers was seen well off Foothills Road downslope from Portal. This is in the same genus as pewees.

WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus)

Although they weren't singing yet, this woodland species showed up for us at least once in the Chiricahuas.

HAMMOND'S FLYCATCHER (Empidonax hammondii)

Our only encounter was in the South Fork of Cave Creek where one was foraging fairly high up above the creek.

BUFF-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Empidonax fulvifrons)

Although this pine-loving species can be found south into Central America, it reaches the US only in a few mountain ranges in southern Arizona. We targeted this and found one on the western slopes of Chiricahuas on our final day.

BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)

This water-loving flycatcher was seen foraging around a creek near Portal.

SAY'S PHOEBE (Sayornis saya)

This is a species of open-country that we saw several times including the first one at Benson STP.

VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)

Vibrant as it gets, this eye-catching species was seen distantly a couple of times on our trip but was never common.

DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) [*]

Heard a couple of times up in the mountains.

ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cinerascens)

This Myiarchus is more fond of arid, open-country than the following species.

BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)

This was a target of ours and on our first day in Madera Canyon we caught up to several.

CASSIN'S KINGBIRD (Tyrannus vociferans)

These ended up being fairly common for us, maybe even outnumbering the following species.

WESTERN KINGBIRD (Tyrannus verticalis)

This yellowish kingbird differs from the previous species by having white in the outer tail feathers.

Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)

BELL'S VIREO (ARIZONA) (Vireo bellii arizonae)

This is a drab species found in scrubby habitat through southern Arizona. We ended up with great looks at a pair in Portal where they were singing across from our hotel.

HUTTON'S VIREO (INTERIOR) (Vireo huttoni stephensi)

Superficially similar to a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, this is a more-stocky species with a fat bill. We had a couple of encounters including in Pinery Canyon.

PLUMBEOUS VIREO (Vireo plumbeus)

A cold-toned, gray species, its burry song was a dead giveaway.

WARBLING VIREO (Vireo gilvus)

Seen high overhead in Pinery Canyon.

Laniidae (Shrikes)

LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE (Lanius ludovicianus)

Black-and-white, this predatory songbird was spied a couple of times including in Willcox.

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

STELLER'S JAY (SOUTHWEST INTERIOR) (Cyanocitta stelleri macrolopha)

All the Steller's Jays we saw belonged to this subspecies although we didn't get to study them very well.

WOODHOUSE'S SCRUB-JAY (Aphelocoma woodhouseii)

The scrub-jay of the interior, western US, one or two of these were seen on tour, first in Portal and then another on the dry hillsides of the Chiricahuas.

MEXICAN JAY (Aphelocoma wollweberi)

Flocks of these roamed the canyons throughout our trip. We had great looks in Madera Canyon and much of the Chiricahuas.

CHIHUAHUAN RAVEN (Corvus cryptoleucus)

A couple of these grassland-loving Corvids were seen flocking together as we approached Willcox.

COMMON RAVEN (Corvus corax)

Common throughout our trip.

Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)

MEXICAN CHICKADEE (Poecile sclateri)

This is a very range restricted species in the US but we had outstanding looks in Pinery Canyon when some of them came down to eye-level.

BRIDLED TITMOUSE (Baeolophus wollweberi)

This rather fancy titmouse was seen nicely a couple of times in Madera Canyon.

Remizidae (Penduline-Tits)

VERDIN (Auriparus flaviceps)

Both of our encounters came from Portal where they'd visit the feeders, often to the jelly.

Alaudidae (Larks)

HORNED LARK (Eremophila alpestris)

Although not a common species for us, this open-country bird was seen briefly along the highway near Willcox.

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia)

A couple of these small swallows were seen at the Willcox ponds.

TREE SWALLOW (Tachycineta bicolor)

This familiar swallow was one of the most common for us.

VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW (Tachycineta thalassina)

Our best looks came from the lowlands below Portal when these attractive swallows were flying low to the ground, along with swifts.

NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)

Seen at both the Willcox Ponds and Benson.

BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

Our most common swallow on the trip.

CLIFF SWALLOW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)

At least a couple of these were spotted at the Benson STP ponds as well.

Aegithalidae (Long-tailed Tits)

BUSHTIT (INTERIOR) (Psaltriparus minimus plumbeus)

We found our first little flock of these in Pinery Canyon but then ended up seeing more in Portal.

Regulidae (Kinglets)

RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET (Corthylio calendula)

Not uncommon high up in the Chiricahuas where we encountered them a couple of times.

Sittidae (Nuthatches)

WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH (INTERIOR WEST) (Sitta carolinensis nelsoni)

Fairly common in a variety of habitats. Note the subspecies as these could someday be split.

RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH (Sitta canadensis)

At least one of these familiar nuthatches was found up in Pinery Canyon.

Certhiidae (Treecreepers)

BROWN CREEPER (ALBESCENS/ALTICOLA) (Certhia americana albescens)

Like the previous species, this cryptic tree-loving species was seen in Pinery Canyon high in the Chiricahuas.

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)

BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER (Polioptila caerulea)

We heard the wheezy calls of this tiny insect-eater in the South Fork of Cave Creek.

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

ROCK WREN (Salpinctes obsoletus)

We ended up getting decent looks at a couple of these at the Patagonia Roadside Rest during our quick stop there.

HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)

Heard and seen along the South Fork of Cave Creek.

BEWICK'S WREN (MEXICANUS GROUP) (Thryomanes bewickii eremophilus)

They were being rather sneaky and hard-to-see but this wren was eventually seen in Portal a couple of times.

CACTUS WREN (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus)

Seen attending feeders in Portal.

Sturnidae (Starlings)

EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) [I]

Our only encounter was in Tucson.

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

CURVE-BILLED THRASHER (Toxostoma curvirostre)

Common and seen at most of our stops in and around Portal.

BENDIRE'S THRASHER (Toxostoma bendirei)

This was certainly a highlight of our short tour. We found a food-carrying adult near the Willcox Ponds. The short bill with the pale base was evident with our point-blank looks.

CRISSAL THRASHER (Toxostoma crissale)

This ended up being a major target for us and we eventually were successful with getting good scope views down below Portal.

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus polyglottos)

Fairly common throughout.

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

HERMIT THRUSH (Catharus guttatus)

Only detected once and that was at Pinery Canyon in the Chiricahuas.

AMERICAN ROBIN (Turdus migratorius)

Not particularly common! We did find a couple though in Madera Canyon and Cave Creek.

Bombycillidae (Waxwings)

CEDAR WAXWING (Bombycilla cedrorum)

A few of these flew over while we were having breakfast in Portal.

Ptiliogonatidae (Silky-flycatchers)

PHAINOPEPLA (Phainopepla nitens)

This glossy black silky-flycatcher was tallied on most of our days, often near mistletoe.

Peucedramidae (Olive Warbler)

OLIVE WARBLER (Peucedramus taeniatus) [*]

We were birding near Onion Saddle when we repeatedly heard one of these singing but it never showed itself.

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]

At feeders in Portal.

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

HOUSE FINCH (Haemorhous mexicanus)

Common around Portal and Madera Canyon.

RED CROSSBILL (Loxia curvirostra)

We encountered these interesting finches twice, first along Pinery Canyon where they flew over, and then later near Onion Saddle where they perched and we got scope views.

PINE SISKIN (Spinus pinus)

A couple were seen at feeders in Portal.

LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)

Fairly common at feeders in Madera Canyon, Portal, and Patagonia.

Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)

RUFOUS-WINGED SPARROW (Peucaea carpalis)

We had one of these show up at some feeders in Portal but they're very rare there and we had to get documentation photos. They're more numerous to the west, in south-central Arizona.

BLACK-CHINNED SPARROW (Spizella atrogularis)

Wow, what a great experience with this attractive little Spizella. We found a couple singing along the road to Pinery Canyon.

BLACK-THROATED SPARROW (Amphispiza bilineata)

This very handsome sparrow was common in desert habitats like at Madera Canyon, Benson, Portal, etc.

YELLOW-EYED JUNCO (Junco phaeonotus)

Fairly common around Portal, Madera Canyon, and in the Chiricahuas. This is a range-restricted species found only in a couple mountain ranges in Arizona/New Mexico.

WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW (ORIANTHA) (Zonotrichia leucophrys oriantha)

These are the dark-lored birds that we encountered just once or twice, at Patons. These breed through much of the intermountain west.

WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW (GAMBEL'S) (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii)

These pale-lored birds breed as far north as Alaska. This subspecies seemed to be the most numerous at the feeders we visited.

WHITE-THROATED SPARROW (Zonotrichia albicollis)

We eventually found the continuing bird at the Patons. It tended to hang out in the brush pile along with other sparrows.

SONG SPARROW (Melospiza melodia)

This familiar sparrow was found mostly in the riparian areas around Patagonia.

LINCOLN'S SPARROW (Melospiza lincolnii)

One of these sneaky sparrows was feeding near the feeders in Madera Canyon.

CANYON TOWHEE (Melozone fusca)

A common bird at the feeders in Portal. These are found from Arizona east into central Texas.

ABERT'S TOWHEE (Melozone aberti)

This was a key bird to see and we eventually did just that in Patagonia. Almost the entire world range of this species falls within Arizona!

GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE (Pipilo chlorurus)

This is an attractive towhee that we encountered a couple of times including at feeders in Portal and Patagonia.

SPOTTED TOWHEE (Pipilo maculatus)

Fairly common, often along roadsides up in the mountains where we'd see them cross the road.

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

CHIHUAHUAN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella lilianae)

This fairly new species, which was recently split out from Eastern Meadowlark, was seen and heard at the Willcox Ponds pretty well.

HOODED ORIOLE (Icterus cucullatus)

Some of the feeders in Portal were hosting this attractive species.

BULLOCK'S ORIOLE (Icterus bullockii)

This western species was fairly common at feeders in Portal.

SCOTT'S ORIOLE (Icterus parisorum)

Spring is a great time to see this black-and-yellow, yucca-loving species in Arizona. They were vocal in a variety of habitats and especially easy to see at the various feeders in Portal.

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius phoeniceus)

Common around some of the wetlands we visited.

BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD (Molothrus ater)

A couple came into Bob Rodrigues' feeders in Portal.

BREWER'S BLACKBIRD (Euphagus cyanocephalus)

We had good looks at about 10 of these at the golf course in Willcox. It was getting late in the season though and so the sighting was considered rare.

GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)

Seen a couple of times around the wetlands like Benson and Willcox.

Parulidae (New World Warblers)

LUCY'S WARBLER (Leiothlypis luciae)

This is a tiny warbler, and a cavity-nester as well! Found from southern California eastward into western Texas. One of these came into feeders in Portal during one of our visits.

COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis trichas)

At least one of these was tallied from the Benson STP on our first day.

YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)

The Patagonia Roadside Rest was hosting at least one of these during our quick stop.

YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (AUDUBON'S) (Setophaga coronata auduboni)

This familiar species was tallied at both Benson STP and in Cave Creek. Note that this is the western subspecies, not something folks have from the eastern US.

GRACE'S WARBLER (Setophaga graciae)

A tree-top loving bird of the high coniferous forests, these were seen at Pinery Canyon and Onion Saddle.

BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER (Setophaga nigrescens)

This is another western species that we had good luck with. We tallied them from Cave Creek and higher up near Onion Saddle.

TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (Setophaga townsendi)

We were lucky when we spotted this attractive species at the Santa Rita Lodge on our first evening. Turns out, that was the only sighting we'd have.

WILSON'S WARBLER (Cardellina pusilla)

This wintering species was added to our list after we birded Cathedral Rock Road in Portal.

RED-FACED WARBLER (Cardellina rubrifrons)

A beautiful specialty! We had fantastic looks at these during our birding in Pinery Canyon.

PAINTED REDSTART (Myioborus pictus)

It was fun having these flashy warblers be so common! We encountered them almost every day in a variety of montane habitat.

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)

Fairly common around Portal.

WESTERN TANAGER (Piranga ludoviciana)

We saw a couple of these red-headed tanagers during our walk up South Fork.

NORTHERN CARDINAL (Cardinalis cardinalis)

This bright and flashy songster was common around the feeders in Portal.

PYRRHULOXIA (Cardinalis sinuatus)

It was great getting the chance to study these so many times at the feeders in Portal and elsewhere. A close relative of the previous species, it seems it could have been called Desert Cardinal.

BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus melanocephalus)

This attractive species would come into the feeders in Madera Canyon and around Portal.

LAZULI BUNTING (Passerina amoena)

Wow, it was super cool to get to see so many of these in breeding plumage. The feeders at the Paton's yard had more than 10.

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MAMMALS

EASTERN COTTONTAIL (Sylvilagus floridanus)

The cottontails we'd see high up the mountain were actually this species.

DESERT COTTONTAIL (Sylvilagus audubonii)

The cottontails we'd see down at lower elevations were this species.

CLIFF CHIPMUNK (Tamias dorsalis)

Seen occasionally in Cave Creek.

HARRIS'S ANTELOPE SQUIRREL (Ammospermophilus harrisii)

These were found at some of the feeders in Portal, often with their tails up over their backs.

ROCK SQUIRREL (Spermophilus variegatus)

Mostly gray and staying low to the ground, these were seen once in a while.

MEXICAN FOX SQUIRREL (Sciurus nayaritensis)

This brown species has a very small range here in the US, mostly just the Chiricahuas!

ARIZONA GRAY SQUIRREL (Sciurus arizonensis)

This gray species was spotted a few times in the Chiricahuas as well.

COYOTE (Canis latrans)

We could hear the yipping barks of some one evening near Portal.

COLLARED PECCARY (Tayassu tajacu)

We had a bunch of these cross the road in front of us near Portal!

MULE DEER (Odocoileus hemionus)

Seen nearly daily.

WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)

At least a few of the deer we saw looked to be this species.

PRONGHORN (Antilocapra americana)

A pretty uncommon mammal for this short tour but we had quick looks at one.

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Totals for the tour: 164 bird taxa and 12 mammal taxa