CALIFORNIA & ARIZONA SPECIALITIES TOUR REPORT 2026

26 April – 17 May 2026

Sjoerd Radstaak

Our first California & Arizona specialities tour turned out to be a great success! In 16 full days we did not only see almost all possible specialties, but we also had great views of most of them – even the most difficult ones (to see)! Highlights included a fabulous Spotted Owl, good views of numerous Mountain Quails (and Gambel’s, California and Scaly), eye-level views of Coppery-tailed Trogon, 15 species of woodpeckers including Williamson’s Sapsucker and both Black-backed and American Three-toed Woodpecker, Olive Warblers (a family in its own), a neat flock of Evening Grosbeaks, the only California endemic Yellow-billed Magpie, displaying Sage and Sooty Grouse, Island Scrub-Jay (and the experience of getting there, seeing Scripps’s Murrelet and Pigeon Guillemot en route), critically endangered California Condor and 11 species of Hummingbird including males of Lucifer Sheartail, Rivoli’s and Calliope Hummingbird. Amongst good-looking species like Lawrence’s Goldfinch, Red-faced Warbler, Phyrrhuloxia, Lazuli Bunting and so much more! Less appealing but noteworthy given the ridiculous views are both LeConte’s and Bendire’s Thrashers, and several range-restricted sparrows like Rufous-winged, Botteri’s and Five-striped Sparrow. In total, we recorded almost 300 species (including 95 diamond birds).

This tour began in Los Angeles, the second biggest city in the United States. Despite this fact, this city has many good birding spots to offer. Our hotel was only a five minutes’ drive away from just one of them: Bolsa Chica Wetland Reserve. This is a good location to see the range-restricted Ridgway’s Rail – a split from Clapper Rail. It did not take too long before we found a pair next to the parking lot, and they turned out to be very showy. After this, we continued birding picking up on ‘Belding’s Sparrow’ (a distinct subspecies of Savannah Sparrow), Long-billed Curlew, Willet, Blue-winged Teal, Marbled Godwit, Redhead, Western Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Snowy Plover, Long-billed Dowitcher and a trio of terns: Elegant, Least and Forster’s Tern. Our first hummingbirds were the beautiful Allen’s Hummingbird: a species breeding in a narrow coastal strip along the Pacific coast and wintering in a small range in Central Mexico. After this we went back to the hotel, had breakfast and continued towards the White Point area. In the reserve we easily found one of the main targets: California Gnatcatcher, both male and female. Other birds we enjoyed here were California Towhee, White-throated Swift and Spotted Towhee. Then we dropped down to the lower beach, where we quickly located both Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorant, alongside range-restricted Heermann’s Gull. Foraging along the shore in some weeds were Black Turnstones and American Sandpiper. A quick appearance of Wandering Tattler on the pier wasn’t seen by everybody, but Mike ‘wandered’ off and found two further down which everybody did see.

Now it was time to continue to the Ballona Creek and Wetlands, starting off with the creek and piers. We saw plenty of Elegant Terns again, but also good views of Black Oystercatcher, Surf Scoter, Black-necked Grebe and both Red-throated and Common Loon. On the piers, there were hundreds of cormorants and Brown Pelicans, but not the hoped for Surfbirds. Our only Ring-billed Gull (2nd calendar year) of the trip flew by. It was time to continue to our last birding spot of the day: Ballona Freshwater Marsh. Our main target here was Least Bittern and it didn’t take too long before we all enjoyed this secretive marsh bird in the reed bed next to the platform. New additions to the list here included Bell’s Vireo, Marsh Wren, White-crowned Sparrow and American Bushtit. Now it was time for a well-deserved dinner, starting the checklist and preparing for the next day.

The next day started off with an early start in the huge Hansen Dam Wildlife Preserve. Birding started at the parking lot and we quickly picked up on a few new warblers: Townsend Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler and American Yellow Warbler. Our main target here was the range-restricted Lawrence’s Goldfinch, but this took some time. In the meantime, we enjoyed ourselves having good views of several interesting species: good comparison of both American and Lesser Goldfinch, a spectacular Yellow-breasted Chat, our first Warbling Vireo, a flock of Vaux’s Swifts flying over, two singing California Quails and then – finally – a flock of Lawrence’s Goldfinches that came to drink near some water. With the main target bagged we slowly birded our way back to the parking (adding Bewick’s Wren, Blue Grosbeak and Cooper’s Hawk) and went straight for breakfast. After being fuelled up, we birded a city park along the way for Nuttall’s Woodpecker. After picking up our first Bullock’s Oriole, Vermillion Flycatcher and Acorn Woodpecker, we found a female Nuttall’s Woodpecker at close range. After another lunch of a particular sandwich franchise, we drove westwards out of town and went to Malibu Creek State Park to connect with Oak Titmouse and Wrentit. It didn’t take long for them to show up, easily picking them up by sound. After we all enjoyed good looks of these range-restricted species, we could further enjoy this very scenic park. Birdwise it didn’t get us much, but we did see our first Phainopepla, our only American Wigeons and plenty of Nuttall’s Woodpeckers again. Also, we had good views of California Scrub Jay here. Time to move on, to a birding spot for more of an eastern USA bird: Grasshopper Sparrow. It being the hottest part of the day didn’t seem too hopeful, but after a quick burst of its sound it quickly popped up, and we had incredible views of this usually secretive bird. We continued our way to Ventura, had a quick rest at the new hotel and then went to a nice seafood restaurant in town.

The next morning was almost a sleep-in as the boat for Santa Cruz Island didn’t leave until 9 o’clock. We picked up on some breakfast, lunch and water in the harbour and hopped on the fully packed boat. We quickly ate our breakfast on the boat, as birding started right in the harbour. We found several adult summer Pacific Loons and, after several Western Grebes, two Clark’s Grebe with its white above the eye and brighter yellow bill. On a buoy, there were several California Sea Lions. Out on the sea it was a bit tame at first (apart from some dolphins and Minkie Whale) but then we started to see more Common Murre and Red-necked Phalaropes – the latter in big flocks and some being in full breeding plumage! Then, the first murrelets. It was quick, but enough to see black above the eye and white underwings in flight: Scripp’s Murrelet – the range-restricted species here. Closer to the coast we added Pigeon Guillemot, this species being more of a coastal lover. We enjoyed the views of this amazing volcanic island that seems to have risen straight out of the sea. The highest point on this island is in fact 740 m above sea level! We got off at Prisoner’s Island and after some introductory talk, we slowly birded our way up a trail inland. Already during the talk, we noted our main target: Island Scrub Jay, high in a try mobbing an immature Bald Eagle. A bit far but the scrub jays are pleasantly common, and we saw at least 25 over the course of the day. The trail uphill didn’t get us much, apart from more jays and the endemic subspecies obscura of Rufous-crowned Sparrow. The hoped for Island Fox did not appear and we decided to spend some hours lower down near the jetty for better chances. In the end, we did not see the fox but ended up seeing the endemic subspecies insulicola of Western Flycatcher instead. Time to say goodbye to the island and hop on the boat back to Veracruz. The journey back did get us more and better views of the murrelets, a huge sun fish and a feeding flock with several loons and Sooty Shearwaters. We ended the day with a Pomarine Skua just before entering the harbour. We had dinner in the same restaurant as before and then went back to the hotel.

The next morning, we made the short drive to Santa Barbara. Still missing California Thrasher from our list, we started off in a small park in town. Here it didn’t take long before having great views of this thrasher singing at eye-level. A Twee Swallow near a nest box also gave great views. But we have more to do today, so onto the next target: Surfbird. We checked two coastal, rocky areas if they were around, but came back empty handed (another California Thrasher, of course). In a nearby lagoon, we had great close-up views of several waders including Great Yellowlegs, Western Sandpiper and Semipalmated Sandpiper. Now it was time to slowly head northwards to pick up some more specialties of this trip. First and best was Yellow-billed Magpie, of which we had several building nests at the start of the Zaca Station Rd. After enjoying great views, we head on to Oso Flaco Lake. Here the main prize was Chestnut-backed Chickadee (easily found), but we also enjoyed Wrentit, Cinnamon Teal and more Marsh Wrens. Our only Virginia Rail remained heard-only. The coastal heath landscape was nice to see, but there wasn’t much to see from a birder’s perspective. And thus, we continued our way and drove southeast to Taft. We focused on Prairie Falcon along this way but couldn’t find any. The other speciality possible here is Tricolored Blackbird, which has range mainly restricted to California. We found a nice flock of about 30 birds in a reed bed along the road. Some Red-winged Blackbirds in the same flock offered direct comparison. After this, we drove to our hotel in Taft where we had a nice American dinner and went to bed.

This morning was an early start, but luckily it was only a 10 minutes’ drive away. Main target for this morning: LeConte’s Thrasher, given that Bell’s Sparrow was fairly easy to see. And indeed, right next to where we parked was our first Bell’s Sparrow singing. Over the course of the morning, we would see many more of this split from Sage(brush) Sparrow back in the days. The unstreaked brown back and stronger face pattern was clearly distinct, as well as their song. Our search for LeConte’s took even longer than anticipated, but we finally did see a bird singing atop of a bush with backlight. We tried to walk past it and see it with better light, but (at first) did not succeed. On the way back to the cars Ken noted the bird was up again and as we sneaked towards the bird, we had the best views ever of this usually hard-to-see species. A bonus came in the form of a pair of Lesser Nighthawks giving great views on the ground and in flight! On the way out, we even enjoyed some mammals in the form of Harrison’s Antelope Squirrel and Black-tailed Jackrabbit. After this, we went for coffee in Bakersfield and scored our only Wood Ducks in a recreational park just outside town. From there, we drove eastwards crossing the Sierra Nevada. Despite it being the middle of the day, we tried shortly for Mountain Quail and Pinyon Jay at a campsite. We were not prepared to hear multiple quails singing up the other slope and some couldn’t resist the walk upwards – not only after Daniel spotting them higher up. It was a bit of a tough walk but finally got brilliant views of this enigmatic bird. Also, we picked up on a fly-by Pinyon Jay, a late Golden-browed Sparrow and a male Lawrence’s Goldfinch! After this unexpected success we continued driving northwards to our destination: Bishop. We made one more stop for a long-staying Lewis’s Woodpecker near a small fish hatchery. This bird was easily found, also enjoying better views of Black-headed Grosbeak here. We made the short drive to Bishop, checked in our hotel and went for dinner.

The next morning, we made a very early start. Just after first light, we started walking through the prairie towards a lek for Sage Grouse. From a higher stand, we could count almost 90 Sage Grouses – most of them being displaying males! Despite the distance, you could still easily see the spiky tail, white collar and yellow air sacs. But there was more to see around the lake, beginning with a surprising Sandhill Crane found by others a few days before – another bonus! We found it along the shore and had good views in the scope. A flock of 16 American White Pelicans on the lake were our only ones on the trip. Now we turned our attention to the actual prairie where we had good views of three new sparrows: Brewer’s, Vesper and Sagebrush Sparrow. The latter split from Bell’s Sparrow and has a more streaked back and less contrasting facial pattern. Again, the song is the best distinguishing feature. Another specialty of this habitat is Sage Thrasher, and we connected with several of these small, more thrush-like thrashers. Two male Northern Harriers were our only ones for the tour. After some good coffee and breakfast, we drove to the nearby Inyo Crater Lakes trail for some more birding. Here, we picked up some new (typical) species in the form of Steller’s Jay, Mountain Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Clark’s Nutcracker and White-headed Woodpecker. Common Golden-mantles Ground Squirrel was a nice addition to our growing mammal list. Black-backed Woodpecker, our main target here, was seen nearby a few days ago and we decided to give it a go. Almost there Daniel saw a woodpecker flying in front of the car, but it had a white rump? Williamson’s Sapsucker! Minutes later, we were all adoring a superb male Williamson’ Sapsucker at eye-level meters away! After this success we proceeded towards the actual spot for Black-backed Woodpecker, and we started walking towards a habitat that looked perfect for this species: burnt trees. It took some time, but then a female came into tape and (again) we were admiring a beautiful woodpecker at eye-level. Great (woodpecker) session!

As it was starting to get late, we decided to go for lunch in town and then head back to Bishop and a short drive to Aspendell. This small community town of about 70 people is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at 2563 m. One of the inhabitants here turned his garden into a feeder heaven for birds and attracts the range-restricted Grey-crowned Rosy Finch in winter. On arrival, we almost immediately found three of them feeding on the front porch. With most feeders in the back yard, we watched it from the main road and enjoyed good views of several new species: a pair of both Downy Woodpecker and Red-breasted Sapsucker, both males and females Cassin’s Finch, and Pygmy Nuthatch on the feeder. We did get better views of Brewer’s Blackbird, Steller’s Jay and Bronze-headed Cowbird. What a great way to end the day! Now it was time to head back to the hotel, go for dinner and then prepare for the long drive to Las Vegas tomorrow!

Another early start for another grouse today: Sooty Grouse. This grouse doesn’t use leks like Sage Grouse but sings from the ground or coniferous trees with its low hooting sound. It didn’t take too long before we heard its weird sound and Ken quickly found it perched on some rocks on the mountain slope. Despite the distance we had good scope views, and we did see the orange eyebrows and yellow wrinkled skin surrounded by white neck feathers! Later on, we found the same individual sitting obscured in a tree. The best however was a singing bird halfway up a pine tree at the campground. We had endless full frame scope views and took many pictures, before walking back to the cars. In the Pine Creek a pair of American Dipping was building its nest under the bridge, our only ones of the trip. After this we returned to Bishop where we had breakfast and then continued birding for Black-billed Magpie and Pinyon Jay. Both seen before, but only shortly. We had great views of both species before it was time to say goodbye to lovely Bishop and go to Las Vegas. Our drive through Death Valley was awe-inspiring and after a long drive we arrived in Las Vegas. Our short walk over the strip to the restaurant was enjoyable, and so was the food. Time for bed!

The morning started a bit slow, but luckily the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve was only a short drive away. On arrival, a few Gambel’s Quails were our first new birds on our list. In the reserve itself, we quickly picked up many new species like Common Gallinule, a pair of Long-tailed Ducks (a big bonus here!), Mexican Duck, Greater Roadrunner, Greater White-fronted Goose, Horned Grebe and Northern Shoveler. In the surrounding bushes we found a speciality here: Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, we would see three pairs in total this morning. In a pond with lower water levels birds were plentiful and we quickly did see Wilson’s Phalarope (in breeding plumage!), Sora, American Avocet, Green-winged Teal and Ring-necked Duck. All species only seen here today! But our main target here, Crissal Thrasher, was nowhere to be found. Only at the very end a bird flew by and was seen (by some) running out in the open for a few seconds. We tried hard after but couldn’t relocate the bird known for its skulking behaviour. In the meantime, we picked up some new birds like Verdin, American Grey Flycatcher and Yellow-headed Cowbird.

Now it was time to move on, as we had a long drive ahead of us to the Navajo Bridge – to make sure California Condor was guaranteed. On arrival we quickly found two immatures on the rock face and two adults on the skeleton of the bridge. After a while fortunately all birds started flying: the immatures just short distances but seeing the adult birds slowly soaring out of the river valley and into the open sky above us was an impressive sight! With at least two wild hatched bird, we could formally count the birds to our list. In the program now it was time to visit the Grand Canyon NP but as it was already quite late, we went straight for Flagstaff and do that tomorrow. In Flagstaff we checked in, had another great dinner (yes, possible in the USA!) and then went to bed.

This morning there was no need for an early start as the feeders for Evening Grosbeak were only a 10 minutes’ drive away. Not guaranteed here, as they only winter in Arizona. On arrival in the suburban neighbourhood – just before 7 PM – we could hear them already calling from the pine trees. We quickly got out of the car and were soon enjoying both females and males Evening Grosbeak! A flock of Pine Siskins was also new, as well as our first Broad-tailed Hummingbird. Two range-restricted Abert’s Squirrels with their long, tufted ears were feeding in the garden too. It took some time for the grosbeaks to come down, but once on the feeder we had eye-level views of these colourful birds. After about an hour we continued towards the Grand Canyon NP, trying for American Three-toed Woodpecker along the way. Expectations were low, but surprisingly it took probably less than 5 minutes before a nice female came into view. As per usual for woodpeckers on this tour: at eye-level and only meters away! A Ruby-crowned Kinglet was our only one of this tour. We quickly moved on towards the famous Grand Canyon NP where we spent 3 hours to enjoy this spectacular landscape. Birdwise we needed Juniper Titmouse and Woodhouses’s Scrub Jay, which were both easily seen very well. A Rock Wren provided some distraction, as did several Cliff Chipmunks and Rock Squirrels. A Zone-tailed Hawk was seen soaring at eye-level at close distance. With time ticking away we decided to go straight for our destination: Grand Valley. On the way out we had good views of a beautiful antelope: Pronghorn. After a very long drive with only our first distant Gilded Flicker, we finally checked into our hotel and went to bed (with some take-away dinner).

This morning we started early as we had a full program. Most birding would be done in the Madera Canyon, part of the Santa Rita Mountains. This is one of the so-called ‘sky islands’ of Southeast-Arizona: isolated mountains surrounded by radically different lowland environments. It is not surprising that many of the specialities on this tour are to be found here and we were all very excited to start birding here. Early morning it was still very cold and birding a bit slow. Several Mexican Jays provided some distraction, but apart from that it was rather quiet. As it started to warm up a bit, we started picking up on new birds. We could hear the song of a trogon, but it didn’t come in. While trying, a pair of Yellow-eyed Junco started foraging just meters away from us. Then, a beautiful Red-faced Warbler was heard and came in low. A pair of Brown Creepers was building its nest nearby. With the trogon still calling, the game was on and after trying hard a male Coppery-tailed Trogon suddenly sat in front of us – a 2025 split from Elegant Trogon. After this incredible sighting, we hold still for a moment and new birds just seem to come in: at first, a beautiful Grace’s Warbler came in low down; then there was a pair of Bridled Titmouse also showing really well; a pair of Arizona Woodpecker provided the usual woodpeckers at eye-level and at last a busy, attractive Painted Whitestart hopped around near the woodpeckers. On the way out we picked up on the scarce American Goshawk (a quick fly-by) and Nabokov’s Satyr – a range-restricted butterfly best found in Southeast-Arizona. By the time we got back to the car it was almost noon and we continued to a nearby feeding station. It was busy with both birds and birders, but we all enjoyed close-up views of our first Broad-billed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird and Rivoli’s Hummingbird. Mammalwise several Arizona Grey Squirrels are noteworthy, another range-restricted squirrels – as most squirrels are on this tour. Now it was time for lunch in Green Valley.

After lunch, we drove straight to Box Canyon. This is a known location for Five-striped Sparrow, but despite trying hard we couldn’t find any. We still enjoyed our time here, having good views of new species like Costa’s Hummingbird, Ladder-backed Hummingbird, Northern Cardinal, Lucy’s Warbler and Black-chinned Sparrow. Best of all was a Thick-billed Kingbird that performed brilliantly at close range, being able to see even its usually hidden yellow crown stripe. After this speciality, it was time to head back to the town, have dinner and drive back to the Madera Canyon for night birding. We started deep into the canyon where we were extremely close to a singing Mexican Whip-poor-will, but we just couldn’t get onto it. Whiskered Screech and Elf Owl were heard, but more distant. We tried another tactic, going somewhere not many people play the tape. Soon after arrival we heard a close Whiskered Screech Owl and it didn’t take long before we all had it in full view just meters away! Now it was time for Elf Owl, but this took much longer. On numerous occasions it came in, but it was hard to find (even with the thermal) and flew off quickly. But then, finally, we got lucky and all laid our eyes on it. Time to call it a day (or night?) and go back to the hotel for some hours of sleep.

Half of the group started this morning in Montosa Canyon, to try for the range-restricted Five-striped Sparrow again. A very scenic place, but at first: no sparrows. Then we tried a smaller trail paralleling some good slope habitat and there it was: a Five-striped Sparrow! It turned out to be a pair, and we had excellent views in the end. We spent somewhat more time here, picking up on our first Canyon Wren (family with youngsters) and Canyon Towhee. Time to go for a quick breakfast and then try for Great Horned Owl and Harris’s Hawk in town. In a surreal habitat (a big parking with one ‘big’ tree) there was a pair of Great Horned Owls breeding, starring at us from above. Hereafter we drive to another nest location, this time for Harris’s Hawk. Soon after, we were watching four immatures of this more of a South American species. Now it was time to slowly move towards another ‘sky island’: Sierra Vista Mountains. Along the way we tried for Scaled Quail, resulting in excellent views of a pair. We also pick up on the 2022 split of Chihuahuan Meadowlark. Now it was time for lunch and then a visit to the famous Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary. This garden south of Sierra Vista holds several feeding areas and feeders. It is one of the few places to see Lucifer Sheartail and the main reason for our visit. Luckily, it did not take long before we all enjoyed a nice male of this speciality. Other new birds in the garden here included a young male Lazuli Bunting, several Curve-billed Thrashers, a female Calliope Hummingbird, a fly-by Grey Hawk and a bright male Scott’s Oriole. After some time spent here, we drove the short distance to our last destination of the day: Coronado National Memorial. A good spot for Montezuma Quail, but by no means guaranteed! During the gentle walk uphill, we found a nice Botteri’s Sparrow, predominantly a Mexican bird. Montezuma Quail was only heard by Daniel. Time to go to our hotel, have dinner and go to bed.

This morning started with the drive into Carr Canyon, mostly for two specialities: Buff-breasted Flycatcher and Olive Warbler. The latter species is a family on its own and only one of two needed for tour participant Gordon. As soon as we arrived, we instantly find a Buff-breasted Flycatcher! And after a Grace’s Warbler showing really well and another Arizona Woodpecker, Mike found what turned out to be our main target here: a male Olive Warbler! With the specialities bagged within 10 minutes, we decided to wonder around a bit longer at the campground and then go. We tried for Greater Pewee but couldn’t find it here. In the meantime, we picked up a nice pair Olive Warbler, several more Buff-breasted Flycatchers and Eastern Bluebird. Time to head down and go for Miller Canyon. At the lower parking area, we made a short stroll for Montezuma Quail. This didn’t get us much, except for two new warblers: Black-throated Grey Warbler and Nashville Warbler. We continued to the higher area where we walked a trail into the forest, in the hope of finding Greater Pewee and Flame-colored Tanager. For the latter species we had a nest location and so we waited near the nest for the male to come feeding the female. At first, we didn’t see much, but after a while we did see the yellow female and then – shortly after – two orange-red males came by to feed the female. This is the only place in the United States for this Middle American species. After seeing the tanager most people were too tired to try for Greater Pewee higher up, but four of us gave it a go and we soon were looking at a pair of Greater Pewee. Time to walk down and try the feeders down below. This didn’t get us much, except a nice comparison of all previously seen hummingbirds and a male Calliope Hummingbird! Our last hours of the day before driving to Tucson, were spent in another canyon: Ramsey Canyon. Here we looked for Violet-crowned Hummingbird and Blue-throated Mountain Gem, only seeing the former shortly (for some). Time for the short drive to Tucson.

We had only one morning in Tucson and this morning we targeted several new species: Gilded Flicker, Pyrrholuxia, Rufous-winged Sparrow, Abert’s Towhee and Bendire’s Thrasher. The flicker and towhee were seen before, but not by all and just shortly. However, we started with a quest for Bendire’s Thrasher west of town. Driving through several rural areas didn’t get us the hoped for thrasher, but Sjoerd had a better spot in mind for this bird… Time to head for the El Rio Preserve, where we easily saw plenty of Abert’s Towhee and a nice Rufous-winged Sparrow. Together with some Abert’s were also Green-tailed Towhees, also missing from our list. With the flicker and Phyrroluxia preferring saguaros, we headed for this habitat. It wasn’t until the very last end (one more stop, this looks good…) until we finally connected with the awesome Pyrrholuxia. The flicker had to wait; time to head back to the hotel, check out and drive to Mt Lemmon for a very special bird: Spotted Owl. After driving up the winding road to almost the top of the mountain, we met up with our local guide. He was very confident we would see the female, so we were eager to follow him for only a short walk. Then he told us to wait and shortly after we were all admiring a fabulous Spotted Owl only meters away – wow! We watched it for a few minutes and then decided to leave it alone. We had a proper lunch in a nearby restaurant and then continued for Phoenix. We had one more speciality left for today: Bendire’s Thrasher. From Mt Lemmon we drove straight to a park east of Phoenix. Here, we parked our cars and walked to the edge of the parking lot. Mike played a quick tape and there it was, out in the open: Bendire’s Thrasher. Unreal to see this skulker just hopping around in the grass only meters away. A nice way to end the day, and so we drove to our hotel and went to bed.

The next morning was focused around two birds: better views of both Crissal Thrasher and Gilded Flicker. For the thrasher, we walked a trail though proper habitat west of Phoenix but with no luck. However, sharp-eyed Daniel picked up on a flyby Prairie Falcon, a bird still missing from our tour list as well! Apart from this highlight it was rather quiet and with little time, we continued to suburban Sun City West for Gilded Flicker. Funny to drive through a neighbourhood with Curve-billed Thrashers and Gambel’s Quails on the front porch. Gila Woodpecker turned out to be the default woodpecker, but after a while Sjoerd found a Gilded Flicker on the ground in a garden. It took some   time to get everybody on it, but finally we all had good views of this range-restricted woodpecker. Now it was time to head back to the hotel, find us a breakfast (on Mother’s Day…) and head for Los Angeles. The breakfast was indeed difficult, so we opted for a gas station this time. After this we continued driving towards Los Angeles but decided to make a detour through Joshua Tree NP. We enjoyed the famous rock formations (Skull Rock) and actual Joshua trees, which are in fact giant yuccas and not trees. A bit later than anticipated we arrived in Los Angeles later that day, where we had dinner and prepared for our remaining two days.

Our very last full day was spent in the San Gabriel Mountains north of Pasadena. With no need for a very early start, we had a good cup of barista coffee before we drove up the Angeles Crest Hwy. Along the way we made several stops, the first one for Black-chinned Sparrow. We didn’t get a response (yet), but several Mountain Quails were singing here and with not everybody seeing this bird, we gave it a go. We try hard, but the bird just didn’t want to come out. In the meantime, we enjoyed a pair of Lazuli Bunting, the beautiful male singing only meters away. Time to move on and try higher up. We got a bit unlucky this year, as road construction prevented us from driving to the highest part of this mountain range. We thus focused our attention on some lower campground area, trying for Fox Sparrow, Purple Finch, Townsend Solitaire, Hermit and MacGillivray’s Warbler. Not true specialities but missing from our tour list so far. We couldn’t pick up on any of these but enjoy some new mammals in the form of Merriam’s Chipmunk and Western Grey Squirrel. At the highest point we could possibly get to another Mountain Quail was singing very close, and it didn’t take too long before we were all enjoying this beautiful quail species. On the way down Sjoerd thought what might have been a Black-chinned Sparrow flying over the car, so we parked our cars and tried again. Moments later, we got a response and soon after were watching a beautiful male Black-chinned Sparrow. Time for lunch and some hours of rest before it was time for night birding – that is, after our last dinner of course! After a lovely dinner, we tried for Flammulated Owl but got zero response. Time to try somewhere else and we decide to walk up beyond the gate. Shortly after, we got a response from a Northern Saw-whet Owl. With the thermal we quickly found the bird and had great views of this hard-to-get owl. We now mainly focused on Flammulated Owl again, but despite trying hard we never heard one. We had to let it go and drove down the mountain to our hotel, going to bed well after midnight!

Our final morning was spent more or less the same way as yesterday: starting with a proper barista coffee and then driving up the mountains for some missing birds. We birded a different section of the mountains, also more focusing on Northern Pygmy Owl this time. We got no response and did see more of the same, though a close-by Black-throated Grey Warbler and some more Canyons Wrens were appreciated. Our last hours on the mountain were spent along a very scenic trail close to Mt Wilson. Not many new birds were seen here, though a Hermit Warbler was a new addition to our list. A Purple Finch was heard but never came close. Time to go down, check out and have a proper final lunch. After this – still too early to go to the airport – we spend our final hours in a city park, mostly for Cedar Waxwings. It was on our list, but just not seen very well yet. We were close but couldn’t get onto it. However, in the meantime we enjoyed our final moments with White-faced Ibis, Anna’s Hummingbird and more. Now it was time to go the airport, saying goodbye and hop on an airport back home.

As said, this first edition of this new tour turned out to be a great success – despite the quieter last two days. We ended up seeing 296 bird species, including 96 diamond birds (2 heard-only). Another 29 mammal species were recorded, including 11 range-restricted species. The top 5 birds as voted by the participants was as follows:

1. Spotted Owl
2. Mountain Quail
3. Coppery-tailed Trogon
4. Black-backed Woodpecker
5. Williamson’s Sapsucker

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED

Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g.: it is oly seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).

The species names and taxonomy used in the bird list follows AviList v2025 (AviList Core Team. 2025. AviList: The Global Avian Checklist, v2025). AviList was first published in June 2025, and is a global checklist which brings together the taxonomies of the eBird (Clements taxonomy), IOC, and Birdlife International checklists, and will ultimately replace those checklists. The AviList Global Avian Checklist is available at www.avilist.org. Where the subspecies seen is/are known, these are often given in parentheses, usually at the end of the species comment.

BIRDS

Ruddy Duck  Oxyura jamaicensis

Canada Goose (Greater C G)  Branta canadensis

Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons  One seen at Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. Quite rare in May.

Wood Duck  Aix sponsa  A total of 12 was seen in a park near Bakersfield

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis  A pair of this rare duck was seen at Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Surf Scoter  Melanitta perspicillata

Bufflehead  Bucephala albeola  Two female types seen at Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Ring-necked Duck  Aythya collaris  Two drakes and one female seen at Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Redhead  Aythya americana  A pair seen on two days, at both Bolsa Chica Wetland Preserve and Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Lesser Scaup  Aythya affinis

Greater Scaup  Aythya marila  One female type seen in Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. Quite rare in May.

Blue-winged Teal  Spatula discors

Cinnamon Teal  Spatula cyanoptera  Seen twice, at Oso Flaco Lake and Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Northern Shoveler  Spatula clypeata

Gadwall  Mareca strepera

American Wigeon  Mareca americana  A total of three seen at Malibu Creek State Park

Mallard  Anas platyrhynchos

Mexican Duck ◊ Anas diazi  At least three seen at Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Green-winged Teal  Anas crecca  Three males seen at Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Mountain Quail ◊ Oreortyx pictus  Seen on two occassions, both at Walker Pass Campground and several seen and heard in San Gabriel Mountains

Gambel’s Quail ◊ Callipepla gambelii  A common sight from Las Vegas south to Sierra Vista. Several families with chicks seen in suburban Sun City West in Phoenix.

California Quail ◊ Callipepla californica  Seen several times, for the first time at Hansen Dam Park. Also at Santa Cruz Island.

Scaled Quail ◊ Callipepla squamata  A pair seen near Whetstone

Montezuma Quail ◊ Cyrtonyx montezumae  Heard-only at Coronado National Memorial

Wild Turkey  Meleagris gallopavo  Several family groups at Madera Canyon

Sage Grouse ◊ Centrocercus urophasianus  Around 90 birds at the lek around Lake Crowley

Sooty Grouse ◊ Dendragapus fuliginosus  Two males seen ‘hooting’ at Big Pine Canyon

Chukar Partridge (introduced)  Alectoris chukar  One seen near Bishop

Pied-billed Grebe  Podilymbus podiceps

Horned Grebe  Podiceps auritus  One seen at Henderson Viewing Bird Preserve, alongside Black-necked Grebe

Black-necked Grebe (Eared Grebe)  Podiceps nigricollis

Western Grebe  Aechmophorus occidentalis  Big groups of up to 50 seen along the coast

Clark’s Grebe ◊  Aechmophorus clarkii  A total of four birds seen in the harbour of Ventura, in direct comparison with Western Grebe.

Greater Roadrunner  Geococcyx californianus  One seen in Henderson Viewing Bird Preserve

Inca Dove  Columbina inca  One at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary

White-winged Dove  Zenaida asiatica  Seen for the first time at Henderson Viewing Bird Preserve, common afterwards

Mourning Dove  Zenaida macroura

Band-tailed Pigeon  Patagioenas fasciata  Most commonly seen (best views) at San Gabriel Mountains

Eurasian Collared Dove (introduced)  Streptopelia decaocto

Rock Dove (introduced)  Columba livia

Sandhill Crane  Antigone canadensis  One individual along the shore of Lake Crowley. Rare in May!

Ridgway’s Rail ◊ Rallus obsoletus  One pair was taped in at Bolsa Chica Wetland Preserve

Virginia Rail  Rallus limicola  Heard-only

Sora  Porzana carolina  One seen at Henderson Viewing Bird Preserve

Common Gallinule  Gallinula galeata  Several seen at Henderson Viewing Bird Preserve.

American Coot  Fulica americana

American Avocet  Recurvirostra americana  Seven birds seen at Henderson Viewing Bird Preserve

Black-necked Stilt  Himantopus mexicanus

Black Oystercatcher ◊ Haematopus bachmani  Six and two birds seen in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara

Grey Plover (Black-bellied P)  Pluvialis squatarola  One seen at Bolsa Chica Wetland Preserve

Killdeer  Charadrius vociferus

Semipalmated Plover  Charadrius semipalmatus  First two at Bolsa Chica Wetland Preserve and another 33 in a lagoon near Santa Barbara. Good views together with Western Sandpiper.

Snowy Plover  Anarhynchus nivosus  One seen at Bolsa Chica Wetland Preserve and seven birds at the beach of Santa Barbara.

Hudsonian Whimbrel  Numenius hudsonicus

Long-billed Curlew  Numenius americanus  Four seen at Bolsa Chica Wetland Preserve

Marbled Godwit  Limosa fedoa  A total of six seen at Bolsa Chica Wetland Preserve

Long-billed Dowitcher  Limnodromus scolopaceus  Up to 35 at Bolsa Chica Wetland Preserve and two adult summer birds at Henderson Viewing Bird Preserve

Spotted Sandpiper  Actitis macularius

Wilson’s Phalarope  Phalaropus tricolor  Three birds at Henderson Viewing Bird Preserve, with one bird in breeding plumage!

Red-necked Phalarope  Phalaropus lobatus  At least 600 birds seen in big flocks out at the sea on the way/from Santa Cruz Island

Wandering Tattler  Tringa incana  Six birds seen at Los Angeles

Willet  Tringa semipalmata

Greater Yellowlegs  Tringa melanoleuca  Four birds seen in a lagoon near Santa Barbara

Black Turnstone ◊ Arenaria melanocephala  A total of five seen in the Los Angeles area

Ruddy Turnstone  Arenaria interpres

Sanderling  Calidris alba  Two birds seen at the beach of Santa Barbara

Western Sandpiper  Calidris mauri  Six birds at Bolsa Chica Wetland Preserve and another 15 in a lagoon near Santa Barbara

Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus  One bird seen just before entering the harbour of Veracruz

Scripps’s Murrelet ◊  Synthliboramphus scrippsi  Commonly seen from the boat to/from Santa Cruz Island

Pigeon Guillemot ◊ Cepphus columba  Five birds seen from the boat close to Santa Cruz Island

Common Murre  Uria aalge  Very common (250+) sight from the boat to/from Santa Cruz Island

Black Skimmer  Rynchops niger  One seen shortly by some at Bolsa Chica Wetland Preserve

Least Tern  Sternula antillarum  At least 20 birds at Bolsa Chica Wetland Preserve, mostly seen in flight.

Caspian Tern  Hydroprogne caspia 

Elegant Tern ◊ Thalasseus elegans  Around 40-60 birds seen along the coast

Royal Tern  Thalasseus maximus  Two seen at White Point Beach

Forster’s Tern  Sterna forsteri  At least 30 seen at Bolsa Chica Wetland Preserve and 1 in a lagoon near Santa Barbara

Bonaparte’s Gull  Chroicocephalus philadelphia  A total of three seen along the coast

Heermann’s Gull Larus heermanni  Five and two birds seen at both Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

Ring-billed Gull  Larus delawarensis  One bird flying by at Ballona Creek

Western Gull ◊ Larus occidentalis  Up to 150 seen daily along the coast

California Gull ◊ Larus californicus  A total of birds flying by at the Los Angeles area

Red-throated Loon (R-t Diver)  Gavia stellata 

Common Loon (Great Northern Diver)  Gavia immer

Pacific Loon (P Diver)  Gavia pacifica  A total of 80+ seen out at the sea from the boat to/from Santa Cruz Island and Santa Barbara

Sooty Shearwater  Ardenna grisea  28 birds seen from the boat to/from Santa Cruz Island

Double-crested Cormorant  Nannopterum auritum

Brandt’s Cormorant ◊ Urile penicillatus  At least 600 birds seen along the coast.

Pelagic Cormorant ◊ Urile pelagicus  Three seen at White Point Park and another 10 or so from to boat near  Santa Cruz Island

White-faced Ibis  Plegadis chihi

American White Pelican  Pelecanus erythrorhynchos  A group of 16 birds at Lake Crowley was our only sighting.

Brown Pelican  Pelecanus occidentalis

Least Bittern  Botaurus exilis  One male beautifully seen at Ballona Freshwater Marsh

Snowy Egret  Egretta thula

Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax

Green Heron  Butorides virescens

Great Egret  Ardea alba

Great Blue Heron  Ardea herodias

Common Poorwill ◊ Phalaenoptilus nuttallii  Heard-only

Mexican Whip-poor-will ◊ Antrostomus arizonae  Heard-only (frustratingly close) at Madera Canyon.

Lesser Nighthawk  Chordeiles acutipennis  Sen on multiple occasions, but best views of a pair at daylight at the Maricopa ‘desert’

Vaux’s Swift  Chaetura vauxi 

White-throated Swift  Aeronautes saxatalis  Seen on most days, but a cracker of a bird!

Rivoli’s Hummingbird ◊ Eugenes fulgens  One male at Madera Canyon and another eight in the Sierra Vista area

Lucifer Sheartail ◊ Calothorax lucifer  One male at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary

Black-chinned Hummingbird  Archilochus alexandri  Seen several times, for the first at Madera Canyon

Anna’s Hummingbird ◊ Calypte anna  Seen on several days, up to 12 birds in the Los Angeles area

Costa’s Hummingbird ◊ Calypte costae  A total of three males seen in SE-Arizona

Calliope Hummingbird ◊ Selasphorus calliope  A female at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary and a stunning male at Miller Canyon

Allen’s Hummingbird ◊ Selasphorus sasin  A total of 10 birds seen in the Los Angeles area

Broad-tailed Hummingbird ◊ Selasphorus platycercus  Several birds seen in the ‘sky islands’ of Arizona, up to 30 birds at Miller Canyon

Broad-billed Hummingbird ◊ Cynanthus latirostris  Like Braod-tailed Hummingbird, about 20 at Miller Canyon

Violet-crowned Hummingbird ◊ Ramosomyia violiceps  One shortly seen by some at Miller Canyon

Elf Owl ◊ Micrathene whitneyi  One birds seen and several heard at Madera Canyon

Northern Saw-whet Owl ◊ Aegolius acadicus  One bird giving great views at San Gabriel Mountains. Though birds!

Great Horned Owl  Bubo virginianus  One pair seen at a parking in Sierra Vista and two immatures just west of Tucson

Whiskered Screech Owl ◊ Megascops trichopsis  One seen very well at Madera Canyon, more heard.

Spotted Owl ◊ Strix occidentalis  One female was seen at Mount Lemmon near Tucson

California Condor ◊ Gymnogyps californianus  Five birds seen at the Navajo Bridge

Turkey Vulture  Cathartes aura 

Osprey  Pandion haliaetus 

Golden Eagle  Aquila chrysaetos  A total of five birds, great views at Zaca Station Rd

Sharp-shinned Hawk  Accipiter striatus  Only one sight flying over Zaca Station Rd

Cooper’s Hawk  Astur cooperii  Frequently seen flying over, with perched views at Ramsey Canyon

American Goshawk  Astur atricapillus  One flying over at Madera Canyon

Northern Harrier  Circus hudsonius  Two male types flying by near Lake Crowley

Bald Eagle  Haliaeetus leucocephalus  Two seen at Santa Cruz Island and two seen around Lake Crowley.

Harris’s Hawk  Parabuteo unicinctus  Four immatures in Sierra Vista

Grey Hawk  Buteo plagiatus  One flying over at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary

Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus  One seen by some flying over the road near Bishop

Zone-tailed Hawk  Buteo albonotatus  Seen very well at Grand Canyon

Swainson’s Hawk  Buteo swainsoni  A few seen along the road

Red-tailed Hawk  Buteo jamaicensis

Coppery-tailed Trogon ◊ Trogon ambiguus  One seen perched at eye-level at Madera Canyon. More heard.

Northern Flicker  Colaptes auratus

Gilded Flicker ◊ Colaptes chrysoides  One bird seen distantly en route to Sierra Vista and a pair in Sun City West, Phoenix.

Williamson’s Sapsucker ◊ Sphyrapicus thyroideus  One beautiful male giving great views near Bishop.

Red-breasted Sapsucker ◊ Sphyrapicus ruber  A total of five birds around Bishop

Lewis’s Woodpecker ◊ Melanerpes lewis  One individual hanging around at Mt Whitney Fish Hatchery

Acorn Woodpecker  Melanerpes formicivorus  A common sight throughout, with up to 10 birds on single days 

Gila Woodpecker ◊  Melanerpes uropygialis  A total of 10 birds in SE Arizona

Black-backed Woodpecker ◊  Picoides arcticus  A female giving great views near Bishop

American Three-toed Woodpecker ◊ Picoides dorsalis  A female giving great views near Flagstaff

Downy Woodpecker  Dryobates pubescens  A pair at the feeders in Aspendell (near Bishop).

Nuttall’s Woodpecker ◊ Dryobates nuttallii  A total of eight birds seen, with five at Malibu Creek State Park

Ladder-backed Woodpecker  Dryobates scalaris  Several seen in SE-Arizona, great views at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary

Hairy Woodpecker  Leuconotopicus villosus

White-headed Woodpecker ◊ Leuconotopicus albolarvatus  Several seen around Bishop and at San Gabriel Mountains

Arizona Woodpecker ◊ Leuconotopicus arizonae  Five birds in total, the first a pair at Madera Canyon

Crested Caracara  Caracara plancus  One fly-by west of Tucson 

American Kestrel  Falco sparverius

Prairie Falcon ◊ Falco mexicanus  One fly-by (twice) west of Phoenix

Peregrine Falcon  Falco peregrinus  One perched on a pole in Tucson

Nanday Parakeet (introduced)  Aratinga nenday  No comment

Dusky-capped Flycatcher  Myiarchus tuberculifer  Seen and heard at Madera Canyon

Ash-throated Flycatcher  Myiarchus cinerascens

Brown-crested Flycatcher  Myiarchus tyrannulus  Seen and heard at Madera Canyon, also Miller Canyon.

Thick-billed Kingbird ◊ Tyrannus crassirostris  One bird performing brilliantly at Box Canyon

Cassin’s Kingbird  Tyrannus vociferans

Western Kingbird  Tyrannus verticalis

Vermilion Flycatcher  Pyrocephalus rubinus  Seen a couple of times, also bright males!

Say’s Phoebe  Sayornis saya  Seven seen at Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, few afterwards

Black Phoebe  Sayornis nigricans

Willow Flycatcher  Empidonax traillii  One bird seen and heard around Lake Crowley.

Western Flycatcher ◊ Empidonax difficilis  Two birds of the endemic race insulicola seen at Santa Cruz Island

American Grey Flycatcher Empidonax wrightii  Three birds seen at Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Buff-breasted Flycatcher ◊ Empidonax fulvifrons  At least four birds at Carr Canyon

Olive-sided Flycatcher  Contopus cooperi  One seen at Box Canyon

Greater Pewee  Contopus pertinax  A pair seen at Miller Canyon

Western Wood Pewee  Contopus sordidulus 

Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus  Seen a couple of times, for the first time at Hansen Dam Park

Hutton’s Vireo  Vireo huttoni  Low numbers on four days, for the first time at Santa Cruz Island

Cassin’s Vireo  Vireo cassinii  Leader only at Madera Canyon

Plumbeous Vireo  Vireo plumbeus  First at Grand Canyon NP, 10+ seen at Madera Canyon and Carr Canyon

Bell’s Vireo  Vireo bellii  Seen three times (and more heard), first time at Ballona Freshwater Marsh

Loggerhead Shrike  Lanius ludovicianus 

Pinyon Jay ◊ Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus  Three seen at Walker Pass Campground and one near Bishop.

Steller’s Jay  Cyanocitta stelleri  Seen mostly around Bishop and at San Gabriel Mountains

Island Scrub Jay ◊ Aphelocoma insularis  At least 20+ birds at Santa Cruz Island. Nice to California Scrub Jay both the day before and after.

California Scrub Jay ◊ Aphelocoma californica  A total of 35 birds s+een around Los Angeles (up to Walker Pass Campground) and at San Gabriel Mountains

Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay ◊ Aphelocoma woodhouseii  A total of 5 birds seen, best views at Grand Canyon NP

Mexican Jay (Grey-breasted J)  Aphelocoma wollweberi  Around 30 birds seen at the ‘sky islands’ in SE Arizona

Black-billed Magpie ◊  Pica hudsonia  Three and five birds seen around Bishop on two days

Yellow-billed Magpie ◊ Pica nuttallii  Ten bird hanging around at the start of Zaca Station Rd

Clark’s Nutcracker ◊ Nucifraga columbiana  Two birds seen around Bishop

Chihuahuan Raven ◊ Corvus cryptoleucus  Two birds flying over at a parking in Sierra Vista

Northern Raven  Corvus corax

American Crow  Corvus brachyrhynchos

Verdin  Auriparus flaviceps  Small numbers seen in SE Arizona, for the first time in Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Bridled Titmouse ◊ Baeolophus wollweberi  Seen in small numbers at the ‘sky islands’ in SE Arizona

Oak Titmouse ◊ Baeolophus inornatus  Five birds seen at Malibu Creek State Park and one at the San Gabriel Mountains

Juniper Titmouse ◊ Baeolophus ridgwayi  One bird seen at Grand Canyon NP

Chestnut-backed Chickadee ◊ Poecile rufescens  A total of five birds seen at Oso Flaco Lake

Mountain Chickadee ◊ Poecile gambeli  Several seen, at least 25 seen at Inyo Crater Lake trail

Horned Lark (Shore Lark)  Eremophila alpestris

Sand Martin (Bank Swallow)  Riparia riparia

Tree Swallow  Tachycineta bicolor  A total of 20 birds seen the first few days

Violet-green Swallow  Tachycineta thalassina  A total of 12 birds seen on several days

Northern Rough-winged Swallow  Stelgidopteryx serripennis

Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica

American Cliff Swallow  Petrochelidon pyrrhonota  Seen in big numbers on multiple occasions, with perched views at Malibu Creek State Park.

American Bushtit  Psaltriparus minimus

Wrentit ◊ Chamaea fasciata  Seen twice: two at Malibu Creek State Park and one at Oso Flaco Lake. Heard at San Gabriel Mountains.

Cedar Waxwing  Bombycilla cedrorum

Phainopepla Phainopepla nitens  First seen at Malibu Creek State Park, some more in SE Arizona

Ruby-crowned Kinglet  Corthylio calendula  One next to the American Three-toed Woodpecker in Flagstaff

White-breasted Nuthatch  Sitta carolinensis

Pygmy Nuthatch  Sitta pygmaea  A total of five birds seen on three occasions, first at the feeders in Aspendell.

Red-breasted Nuthatch  Sitta canadensis  Three birds seen around Bishop

Brown Creeper (B Treecreper)  Certhia americana

Blue-grey Gnatcatcher  Polioptila caerulea 

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher ◊ Polioptila melanura  Three pairs seen at Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, singles afterwards

California Gnatcatcher ◊ Polioptila californica  A female and male at White Point Nature Preserve

Rock Wren  Salpinctes obsoletus  Two birds seen, first seen at Grand Canyon NP

Canyon Wren  Catherpes mexicanus  A family group at Montosa Canyon and few more at San Gabriel Mountains

Bewick’s Wren  Thryomanes bewickii

Cactus Wren  Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus  Several seen on saguaros in Arizona

Marsh Wren  Cistothorus palustris  Two seen at Ballona Creek Freshwater Marsh and ten around Oso Flaco Lake

Northern House Wren  Troglodytes aedon

Curve-billed Thrasher  Toxostoma curvirostre  At least 10 birds seen in SE-Arizona

Bendire’s Thrasher ◊ Toxostoma bendirei  Two birds seen extremely well in a city park at the edge of Phoenix

California Thrasher ◊ Toxostoma redivivum  Two birds seen in the Santa Barbara area

LeConte’s Thrasher ◊ Toxostoma lecontei  One bird seen brilliantly at the Maricopa ‘desert’

Crissal Thrasher ◊ Toxostoma crissale  One bird seen well by some at Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Sage Thrasher ◊ Oreoscoptes montanus  At least eight bird around Lake Crowley

Northern Mockingbird  Mimus polyglottos

Common Starling (introduced)  Sturnus vulgaris

American Dipper  Cinclus mexicanus  A pair breeding under the bridge at Big Pine Creek

Eastern Bluebird  Sialia sialis  One bird at Carr Canyon and one bird at Ramsey Canyon

Western Bluebird ◊ Sialia mexicana

Mountain Bluebird ◊ Sialia currucoides  One bird seen near the Black-backed Woodpecker around Bishop

American Robin  Turdus migratorius

Olive Warbler ◊ Peucedramus taeniatus  A single male and a pair of this monotypic family at Carr Caryon

House Sparrow (introduced)  Passer domesticus

Evening Grosbeak ◊ Hesperiphona vespertina  Around 12 birds in a suburban area south of Flagstaff.

Grey-crowned Rosy Finch ◊ Leucosticte tephrocotis  Three birds at the front porch in Aspendell.

House Finch Haemorhous mexicanus

Purple Finch ◊ Haemorhous purpureus  Heard-only

Cassin’s Finch ◊ Haemorhous cassinii  Several pairs seen well at the feeders in Aspendell.

Pine Siskin  Spinus pinus  A big flock of around 30 birds at the same site as the Evening Grosbeak

Lesser Goldfinch  Spinus psaltria

Lawrence’s Goldfinch ◊ Spinus lawrencei  Five seen at the Hansen Dam Park and one more male at the Walker Pass Campground

American Goldfinch  Spinus tristis  15 birds at the Hansen Dam Park, in mixed flocks with (mostly) Lesser Goldfinch.

Five-striped Sparrow ◊ Amphispizopsis quinquestriata  A pair seen in Montasa Canyon

Black-throated Sparrow  Amphispiza bilineata  Three birds seen on three single days

Lark Sparrow  Chondestes grammacus  One bird at the parking of Hansen Dam Park

Chipping Sparrow  Spizella passerina 

Black-chinned Sparrow ◊ Spizella atrogularis  One bright male at San Gabriel Mountains

Brewer’s Sparrow  Spizella breweri  Almost 15 seen and heard around Lake Crowley

Grasshopper Sparrow  Ammodramus savannarum  One bird showing really well at Rancho Protrero

Rufous-winged Sparrow ◊ Peucaea carpalis  One bird seen perfectly at El Rio Reserve

Botteri’s Sparrow ◊ Peucaea botterii  Two bird seen well at Coronado National Memorial

Dark-eyed Junco  Junco hyemalis

Yellow-eyed Junco ◊ Junco phaeonotus  Seen in small numbers at the ‘sky islands’ in SE Arizona

Golden-crowned Sparrow  Zonotrichia atricapilla  One (late) individual at the Walker Pass Campground

White-crowned Sparrow  Zonotrichia leucophrys 

Vesper Sparrow  Pooecetes gramineus  Four seen and heard at close range around Lake Crowley

Sagebrush Sparrow  Artemisiospiza nevadensis  Almost 15 seen and heard around Lake Crowley, two more seen at El Rio Reserve

Bell’s Sparrow ◊ Artemisiospiza belli  Around 10 seen and heard at the Maricopa ‘desert’

Savannah Sparrow  Passerculus sandwichensis  Seen only few times, but around 15 of the endemic subspecies beldingi seen at Bolsa Chica Wetland Preserve (LA)

Song Sparrow  Melospiza melodia

Lincoln’s Sparrow  Melospiza lincolnii  One bird at the Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary

Rufous-crowned Sparrow  Aimophila ruficeps  One seen and more heard of the endemic subspecies obscura at Santa Cruz Island

Canyon Towhee ◊ Melozone fusca  Three birds seen in total, with the best views at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary

Abert’s Towhee ◊ Melozone aberti  A total of 15 birds seen on three occasions, with 10+ at El Rio Reserve

California Towhee ◊ Melozone crissalis  A common sight in and around Los Angeles, with sometimes more than 10 bird per day

Green-tailed Towhee ◊ Pipilo chlorurus  Three birds seen at the El Rio Reserve

Spotted Towhee ◊ Pipilo maculatus 

Yellow-breasted Chat  Icteria virens  Two birds seen and more heard at Hanson Dam Park

Yellow-headed Blackbird ◊ Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus  A male at Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve and a female-type at Las Cienegas NCA

Western Meadowlark  Sturnella neglecta

Chihuahuan Meadowlark  Sturnella lilianae  Two birds in Las Cienegas NCA and another five at close range near Sierra Vista. Heard singing as well.

Hooded Oriole  Icterus cucullatus

Bullock’s Oriole  Icterus bullockiorum

Scott’s Oriole  Icterus parisorum  A total of four seen in the Sierra Vista area on two days

Red-winged Blackbird  Agelaius phoeniceus 

Tricolored Blackbird ◊ Agelaius tricolor  Around 40 birds seen in a reed bed ewn route to Taft. In direct comparison with Red-winged Blackbird.

Brown-headed Cowbird  Molothrus ater 

Brewer’s Blackbird  Euphagus cyanocephalus  Seen in good numbers in agricultural areas in California, and around 35 birds on the feeder garden in Aspendell

Great-tailed Grackle  Quiscalus mexicanus

Orange-crowned Warbler  Leiothlypis celata  Several seen on multiple days, most common at Santa Cruz Island

Lucy’s Warbler ◊ Leiothlypis luciae  At least 10 birds seen in SE Arizona

Nashville Warbler  Leiothlypis ruficapilla  Only seen once at the Hansen Dam Park

Virginia’s Warbler  Leiothlypis virginiae  One bird seen at the lower area of Miller Canyon

Common Yellowthroat  Geothlypis trichas

American Yellow Warbler  Setophaga aestiva

Yellow-rumped Warbler  Setophaga coronata

Black-throated Grey Warbler  Setophaga nigrescens  A total of eight birds during this tour, most easily seen at the San Gabriel Mountains

Grace’s Warbler ◊ Setophaga graciae  Seen twice at Madera Canyon and Carr Canyon, more heard-only

Hermit Warbler  Setophaga occidentalis  A female-type seen at San Gabriel Mountains

Townsend’s Warbler  Setophaga townsendi  At least 12 birds during the whole tour.

Wilson’s Warbler  Cardellina pusilla

Red-faced Warbler ◊  Cardellina rubrifrons  Several times seen and heard at the ‘sky islands’ of SE Arizona

Painted Whitestart  Myioborus pictus  A total of three seen at Madera and Miller Canyon

Black-headed Grosbeak  Pheucticus melanocephalus  Seen almost daily in numbers of up to 10+ individuals

Lazuli Bunting  Passerina amoena  Seen at Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary, but best views of adult summer males at San Gabriel Mountains

Blue Grosbeak  Passerina caerulea  Four seen at Hansen Dam Park and another male at Ramsey Canyon

Northern Cardinal  Cardinalis cardinalis

Pyrrhuloxia ◊ Cardinalis sinuatus  A male seen in a saguaro habitat west of Tucson

Hepatic Tanager (Northern H T) Piranga flava  Two seen at Madera Canyon

Western Tanager  Piranga ludoviciana  Just one or two almost daily, in small numbers

Flame-colored Tanager ◊ Piranga bidentata  A female and two males at Miller Canyon

MAMMALS

Coyote  Canis latrans  Several seen on multilple days, the first in Bolsa Chica Wetland Reserve

California Sea Lion  Zalophus californianus  Seen on two days, best from the boat to Santa Cruz Island

Harbour Seal (Common S)  Phoca vitulina  Seen on two days, mostly on the pier of Ballona Creek

Minkie Whale  Balaenoptera acutorostrata  One seen on the way to Santa Cruz Island

Northern Raccoon  Procyon lotor  One seen in the reed in Oso Flaco Wetland

Pronghorn  Antilocapra americana  One seen just outside Grand Canyon and two in Las Cienegas NCA

Wapiti  Cervus canadensis

Mule Deer  Odocoileus hemionus

White-tailed Deer  Odocoileus virginianus

Common Dolphin  Delphinus delphis  Several groups around the boat to Santa Cruz Island

Black-tailed Jackrabbit  Lepus californicus  At least three seen in the Maricopa ‘desert’

Desert Cottontail  Sylvilagus audubonii

Brush Rabbit  Sylvilagus bachmani

Harris’s Antelope-Squirrel ◊  Ammospermophilus harrisii  Three and one seen in SE-Arizona

White-tailed Antelope Squirrel ◊  Ammospermophilus leucurus  Two seen in the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Nelson’s Antelope-Squirrel ◊  Ammospermophilus nelsoni  At least six seen in the Maricopa ‘desert’

Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel ◊  Callospermophilus lateralis  At least 10 seen in the Bishop area

Cliff Chipmunk ◊  Neotamias dorsalis  Three seen in Grand Canyon NP

Least Chipmunk  Neotamias minimus  At least eight seen around Lake Crowley

Merriam’s Chipmunk ◊ Neotamias merriami  Four seen in the San Gabriel Mountains

California Ground Squirrel ◊  Otospermophilus beecheyi  Very common in California, also in Los Angeles

Common Rock Squirrel  Otospermophilus variegatus 

Abert’s Squirrel ◊ (Tassel-eared S) Sciurus aberti  Two seen in Flagstaff. A good-looking squirrel!

Arizona Grey Squirrel ◊  Sciurus arizonensis  Commonly seen in the ‘sky islands’ of SE-Arizona

Western Grey Squirrel  Sciurus griseus

Eastern Fox Squirrel  Sciurus niger

Douglas’s Squirrel ◊  Tamiasciurus douglasii  Four seen in total in the Bishop area

Big-eared Wood Rat ◊ Neotoma macrotis  One seen in a tree (of course) in Oso Flaco Lake

Arizona Cotton Rat ◊ Sigmodon arizonae  One seen in the Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary