The Chiracahua Mountains are a very special place. And yet, it doesn't get a lot of visitors. i.e. It's not crowded. Maybe that is because it is a National Monument and not a National Park. Designated a National Monument in 1924 it has both geological and historical significance. It preserves the remains of an immense volcanic eruption that shook the region some 27 million years ago. It left two thousand feet of ash and pumice, which was highly siliceous in nature. This eventually hardened into rhyolite tuffs, and eroded into the natural features visible at the monument today. (The balancing rock formations). It also has historical significance in that it is the place that Geronimo went to escape capture. It has a very special spiritual meaning to most of the Native American Tribes of the Southwest. It also has one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever been on. Top Five for sure. It is the Echo Canyon Trail that takes you through the Grottos. It is truly worth a trip. From the Monument you can take a dirt and gravel road up over the summit to some excellent mountain top birding and down the other side to the South Fork of Cave Creek Canyon. This is the spot that many claim is the best birding in the US. It is here that I found an Elegant Trogon nest. They often nest in the holes of Sycamore Trees. So, the top photo above is the male Elegant Trogon in the nest. The bottom photo is the female. The female has a whitish mark behind the ear with a whitish belly versus the male with its bright red belly.
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