Copper's Hawk
Photo by Robert Shantz

Driving through the tiny, quiet commercial section of Yarnell on Route 89 in Yavapai County one doesn't see the tree-lined community park or the peaceful wooded hillside of St. Joseph's Shrine. These sites were the focus of this field trip where birders explored the former riparian area on the edge of boulder-strewn desert.

They were treated to colorful sightings of Hooded Oriole, Blue Grosbeak, Lesser Goldfinch and Acorn Woodpecker all at home admidst the trees. An immature Cooper's Hawk guarded its space on a cottonwood tree and let the group have a long, good look at its field marks. Bridled Titmouse and Black Phoebe were feeding. A Bewick's Wren was feeding its young. Western Kingbirds with "worn" plumage were chasing innumerable Phainoplepla that were in all stages of growth.

It was interesting to see how water effects the bird population--most species were seen around a yard where an ornamental waterfall was being used as a drinking fountain and a birdbath.

Despite the heat, including those enroute to Yarnell, the following species were seen and heard: Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Harris's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Western Wood Pewee, Black Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Gray Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Bridled Titmouse, Canyon Wren, Bewick's Wren, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Hepatic Tanager, Western Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Black-headed Grosbeak, Blue Grosbeak, Great-tailed Grackle, Hooded Oriole, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch, and House Sparrow. A female Lazuli Bunting was a questionable sighting.

Participants were: Eleanor Campbell, leader; Marshall Esty, Marty Fackelman, Vera Markham, DanBohlmann, Maryann and Steve Hovan.