Phainopepla
Photo by Richard Ditch

Eighteen people joined John Gunn, Supervisor, and Jennifer Johnston, staff member, at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area on Spur Cross Road in Cave Creek. The preserve, which is part of the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department, was saved from development and provides an almost pristine environment for exploration. The tour traversed through a desert hillside of saguaro and mesquite to a riparian area with cottonwoods and willow.

Just getting away into the edge of wilderness was satisfying although the bird count was relatively low. The species list includes: Common Raven, Verdin, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Cardinal, Lesser Goldfinch, Abert's Towhee, Gila Woodpecker, Phainopepla, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow Warbler (heard), and Bell's Vireo (heard). Participants were: Maryann and Stephen Hovan, Carolyn Modeen, Newilda DeFrance, Betty Roberts, Donna Smith, Fran and Walter Thurber, Phil Evanstock, Marr Simons, Eleanor Campbell, Chuck Richard, Chuck Kangas, Joy Dolhanczyk, Ann Hilliard, Bea Raymond, Loretta and Chuck Richards.