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INSTITUTE FOR FIELD ORNITHOLOGY

2005 IFO Flycatchers Report

Instructor: Jon L. Dunn • 30 July-4 August 2005 • SE Arizona

Although the monsoons arrived late this summer, indeed records indicate that the onset was the 2nd latest ever, they were certainly evident by the time our workshop started. The rains cooled the temperatures and created spectacularly clear skies with memorable sunsets. Our time in the field was not overly affected by the rainy weather, and we tallied about 140 species of birds, most of which were passerines. This included eighteen species of Tyrant Flycatchers. We saw all of the breeding species, except Cordilleran (another lengthy hike up Miller Canyon would have been necessary). These included such notable species as Thick-billed and Tropical Kingbirds, Northern Beardless- Tyrannulet, Greater Pewee, three species of Myiarchus, Sulphur-bellied and Buff-breasted Flycatchers, and perhaps best of all a pair of nest building Rose-throated Becards across from the famous Roadside Rest near Patagonia. This is a well-known location for this species, indeed one of the only ones in the U.S. where this species more or less regularly turns up, but they have been absent in recent years. In addition we had two migrant Willow Flycatchers (one of the western races, probably brewsteri) and a Western Flycatcher type that was no doubt Pacific-slope because of the date and location.

There were many other non Tyrant Flycatcher highlights, of course. The Passerina show at Kino Ponds was spectacular with adult males of all five U.S. species present in a spectacular display of color. The Indigo and especially the Painted Buntings are rare in Arizona, although are proving to be regular at this time of the year. On one day we estimated some 60+ Lazuli Buntings, most of them adult males a few feet in front of us on the grass tops. I also enjoyed all of the singing sparrows east of Sonoita- Botteri's, Cassin's, Grasshopper (endemic ammolegus race) and Lark- all right out the window of the van. The hike up Scheelite Canyon was hard but worth it with breathtaking views of a pair of Spotted Owls, and a mixed flock of warblers up canyon from them which included multiple Red-faced and Black-throated Grays as well as a single Virginia's. A black-backed Lesser Goldfinch in Madera Canyon showed all of the characters of the nominate race. Our close studies of Western Scrub-Jays (interior nevadae subspecies) and White-breasted Nuthatch (nelsoni subspecies of the mexicanus group) gave us a chance to think about the systematics of those groups, based on both differences in plumage and especially vocalizations.

With all of the time spent in the field, we spent less time in the classroom, but our two lengthy sessions covered nearly all of the U.S. species. I apologize for creating the "malfunction" during the Empidonax session. While slides are an important teaching tool, there is no substitute for time in the field, so I don't regret our additional time actually looking at birds!

And what can one say about those Aztec Thrushes. It has long been my most desired North American bird. I have chased many and sat pondering where they might be. Perhaps it was necessary for us just to find our own ones. These individuals did stay on a bit after our departure, being seen at various intervals, but missed by most. Our views were a bit distant, but were lengthy and were very identifiable.

On a personal note I want to add that this was one of my most enjoyable workshops/tours ever and it was a thorough pleasure to be studying and learning birds with you.

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ABA Institute for Field Ornithology, ABA
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