Once again, Lorraine Thompson, inveterate volunteer at Hassayampa River Preserve near Wickenburg, led this field trip. The weather was beautifully clear and cool. The group of six saw lots of birds, but only 21 species.

"I was surprised to see so many Scrub Jays," Lorraine said. "Loads more--maybe 24--more than I'd ever seen there before," she shared.

Also seen or heard were: Cooper's Hawk, American Coot, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Red-shafted Flicker, Black Phoebe, Common Raven, Verdin, House Wren, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, European Starling, Yellow-rumped (Audubon's) Warbler, Abert's Towhee, White-crowned Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch.

Participants were: Marshall Esty, June and Howard Lacy, Carolyn Modeen, Donna Smith, and Nancy Woods. They were joined by two out-of-staters who were visiting the preserve.