Weather was sunny and cool with a little wind along Sycamore Creek in the Tonto National Forest north of Fountain Hills where birders enjoyed a "wildflower-filled" birding trip. "Delightful, smashing, wonderful," were some of the comments heard after the group explored several sites along the winding creek. Rugged rock formations strewn with thousands of Saguaros and miles of yellow Brittle Bush created a serene milieu for this birding foray.

Singing Lucy's Warblers were the most prevalent birds and one showed its rufous crown which is not often seen. A bright orange Hooded Oriole and vivid red Summer Tanager near each other in a huge Sycamore tree were a treat to see. Both Cooper's Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk glided silently, but momentarily, along the stream. The Black Hawk's nest was there, but according to a local resident, the hawks are there only in the early morning or evening.

A highlight of the trip was seeing a large flock of Cedar Waxwings (50 plus) fly from a nearby Sycamore tree and soar overheard. Several remained behind allowing the group to have careful looks at the beautiful bird.

A mature Bald Eagle was spotted soaring over a mountain top by super-spotter Dan. Participants enjoyed sharing field marks seen on a noisy little bird and coming to the decision it was a Hutton's Vireo.

Brilliant scarlet Penstemon and baby blue Verbena added color along the roadside.

The entire bird list was: Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Hummingbird sp., Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Cassin's Kingbird, Western Kingbird, Bell's Vireo, Plumbeous Vireo, Hutton's Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Violet-green Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Bridled Titmouse, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Bewick's Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Summer Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow.

Participants were: Eleanor Campbell, leader; Vera Markham, Chuck Richard, Nancy Woods, Mary Jo and Bill Draxler, Carol Maroney, George Wall, Marshall Esty, Chuck Kangas, and Dan Bohlmann.