Oh my, did I have an amazing morning. I decided to focus on the rural country near Marana, Arizona. This region has the Santa Cruz River (with water actually within), the Tucson Water Treatment Plant, and irrigated farmland. I could not  believe all the birds I saw, and even managed to get close to same. Water and with it food is truly the magical elixir in the desert. There will be multiple posts (and I suspect birding trips to this location) given all the wonderful images I captured this morning.

However, for now I MUST start with these two American Kestrels. Anyone who birds knows how difficult it is to get close to kestrels. They spook so very easily. I’m not certain why these two allowed me to get close … rivals for love? mates in love? Whatever, it was fun.

Here is my favorite photograph …

And the American Kestrel images in proper sequence.