Hooded Oriole
Photo by Robert Shantz

This field trip to the hamlet of Yarnell, a dot on the map northwest of Wickenburg, seemed to have more people involved in exploration than bird species in residence.

Songs and calls of Black-headed Grosbeaks, Northern Cardinals, Western Wood-Pewees and Spotted Towhees verified their presence. Hooded Orioles seemed to be settling into a nest. Feisty Western Kingbirds and Phainopeplas vied for treetop authority. Brilliant red Summer Tanagers flashed through the green, but House Sparrows were definitely predominant.

Species seen and heard enroute and on site were: Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Harris's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Cassin's Kingbird, Western Kingbird, Cassin's Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Bridled Titmouse, Verdin, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Anna's Hummingbird, Bushtit, Phainopepla, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Summer Tanager, Spotted Towhee, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, Lesser Goldfinch, House Finch and House Sparrow.

Participants were: Darlene Gatto, Carolyn Modeen, Tillie and Matt Chew, Pearl and Frank Shewfelt, Marshall Esty, Cheri Laude, Shirley Fackleman, Marilyn McMahon, Chuck Kangas, Marge Eckman, Donna Smith, Cathy and Jack Thompson, Chuck Richard and Eleanor Campbell, leader.