Two summers ago while bike touring through the mountains of British Columbia I briefly saw a Lewis Woodpecker. I was enamored with this pretty bird, and hoped some day I would get an opportunity for an extended viewing session. (my Yellowhead Tour bike diary). Fast forward two years and I had just arrived in Tucson. My first task upon reaching a new location with significantly different habitat is to conduct some research via Cornell University’s eBird. This tool gives the birder the ability to learn about current conditions and opportunities. My research revealed that a park south of Tucson was host to several Lewis Woodpeckers. Although I had planned on a birding hike in Catalina State Park for my first full day in Tucson, I changed my plans immediately. I knew from birding guides that Lewis Woodpeckers should head back north any day now.
Even if you do not have an eBird account, it is possible to use eBird as a research tool. Follow my instructions and review my screenshots. Depending upon whether you are viewing eBird on a PC … an Apple tablet / smartphone … or an Android tablet / smartphone, the graphics on your screen may be slightly different, but all the same information WILL be present.
First my targeted bird (and success): Lewis Woodpecker
eBird Screenshot #1: American eBird Data by State (use linked page … may drill down by state … then country … then hotspot. Note the different tabs and various clickable links)
eBird Screenshot #2: Arizona (selected state link from prior web page)
eBird Screenshot #3: Pima County (selected county link from prior web page)
eBird Screenshot #4: Madera Highlands (selected hotspot link from prior web page)
Please note I reviewed a number of these eBird reports which is how I discovered that Lewis Woodpeckers were being seen. I also could have selected the “Overview” tab which list the most recent bird sightings for each specie at a given hotspot. As I commented earlier, you may use the web link next to my eBird screenshot #1 without an eBird account.
For folks familiar with the Tucson area, Madera Highlands is NOT part of the well known Madera Canyon birding area. It is a neighborhood park about 20 minutes from the entrance to the canyon which birds seem to like.
My final comment is although I do have an eBird account, I only file eBird reports on occasion … just not a big list man.
Google Maps Screenshot Directions
Other birds I photographed at Madera Highlands Neighborhood park.
Vermilion Flycatcher
Western Kingbird
Lewis Woodpecker
Eventually I drove over to Madera Canyon and spent about two hours birding in the canyon. Here are some of my images.
Broad-Billed Hummingbird
Acorn Woodpecker
Hepatic Tanager
Mexican Jay
Rich I have to give you a big big thank you for your bird photos. My wife suffers from dementia so her memory is not too good but she is always asking if there are more birds to look at. When she sees your birds she smiles and laughs and that means the world to me. So thanks and please keep on doing more.
Chester: While I am sorry to hear of your wife’s dementia, thank you so much for commenting. It means the world to me that I am able to make her life a bit better. Please understand my own Mom died due to complications from Akzeimer’s. Two months before her death, I took her on a final walk in her wheelchair. We saw some sandhill cranes up close. My Mom exclaimed loudly and happily … “puppies!” While crying myself, I agreed out loud that that yes they were beautiful puppies. On returning home after that walk, for the first time in years my Mom used my name. It was a beautiful morning.
Rich
I love the screenshots with the narrative! So much better than “see ebird”. Thanks much
Fun day for you.
Regarding the Lewis’ Woodpecker note — it was a reliable siting at the Chequamagon Birding Festival in Ashland, WI during 2017. So close to home! I mentioned this mid-May event to your blog previously.
If you would like to refer your readers please see:
https://www.birdandnaturefest.com
It is a treat to be shared.
Best, Jeannette