We then retraced our route to Salineno. WCS had been reported from here recently as had Audubon’s Oriole and Zone-tailed Hawk. There are two main areas here, the campsite (with feeders) and the river footpath. There was a group by the feeders so I headed for the river to try for the Seedeater. Ospreys were in evidence…
Plenty of “Mexican Ducks” floated around and a few Great Blue Herons fished. I checked the reeds for an hour but nothing was seen. I returned to the car and Louise said she’d seen a fox. A gray fox apparently, as we were told later.
I then made my way into the campground to check out the feeders. I was called in by the host, so I walked around the RV and sat next to him. We had a great chat about ABA birding and we shared stories about Arizona and beyond. Nice chap. He said that a couple of hawks had quietened things down somewhat. Anyway after around 20 minutes, the Green Jays started to re-appear…
So did the Hawk!!!
Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned are very similar. I feel this is a Sharp-shinned. The smaller head, thinner build and squared off tail confirm this. I was lucky to be present when this stunning raptor appeared briefly at the feeding station.
The site closed at 4 so I walked with Mike to the gate. I had 5 with Louise then headed for the river again. A few vultures had appeared. I’d checked hundreds of Turkey in the hope of a ZTH. Today it paid off...I think!?
A distant dark raptor.
This isn't the head profile of a Turkey Vulture and I'm sure there's a hint of a tail band. Happy with that.
I gave the riverside path the full treatment till 5.30 but no sign of any WCS. I did see a distant Harris’s Hawk just before dusk…
We both agreed this was yet another beautiful place and it’s likely we’ll return later in the week...
 |
| The Rio Grande across to Mexico |
Trip Total 118
Stay tuned…
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