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

Uff Dah! Not sure I can come up with a better exclamation than my Scandinavian slang. After all how else may one describe two lifers without even leaving the yard of the guest cottage Molly and I are renting here in Tucson?! While having dinner outside our first evening (definitely not April in Minnesota), some Gambel’s Quail provided the entertainment less than 15 yards distant. Given these birds were a lifer for me, it was darned difficult not to jump up from the table, rush inside and grab my camera. Instead, like the smart husband I am and who has been married 35 years I took another sip of Chardonnay!

However on day #2 late in the afternoon I was ready for said Quail to make an appearance. The birds did not disappoint, and I was treated to a courtship display!

Courting Gambel’s Quail

Normally, it might be expected that this great experience would end my story for the day, but that was not the case. When Molly and I returned from a pizza dinner, we had a delightful conversation with our hosts, Sylvia and Rich. Soon into our conversation they mentioned that an owl lived in their car port. Oh my … candy for a birder. I was invited to view and my first image later in this post of the Western Screech Owl was taken after sunset, and the next two photos were taken a bit before sunrise this morning. In between I had trouble sleeping, but I assume the owl hunted!

Some more on our AirBnb. We are ensconced in a “mother-in-law” apartment which is a separate building from the main house. We have our own private patio which faces East (important given the heat in this climate). The sunsets reflected on the mountains to our east are drop dead gorgeous, and the yard is southwestern wild (beautiful). As noted, our hosts are fantastic. We chose this location in north Tucson because of its proximity to paved bike paths and Catalina State Park. This morning I cycled over to the park on the bike trail … only 3.25 miles … great hiking and birding. More on this later. One may also bicycle all by paved trail to Sweetwater Wetlands, but I will reserve that for another day.

Please note: As our rental is part of a home in private neighborhood, birders should not expect to see the owl unless they rent the AirBnB. I assume this goes without saying, but it is important to respect private property.

Western Screech Owl