Huachuca Canyon: Whiskered Screech Owl

Had a great time in Huachucha Canyon. The find of the day: a Whiskered Screech Owl. This is a very infrequent visitor to the United States. Really only in the southernmost mountain ranges of Arizona: Santa Ritas and Huachucas (probably Chiricahuas as well).

The photo shoot starts with a "hidden photo":

Need a little closer view:

There he is, keeping cool in the creek.

And closer still:

31 Days of My Best of 2014

December 27, 2014

Whiskered Screech Owl

Whiskered Screech Owl

Continuing with my alphabetical series of my "5" Star Photos we come to the Whiskered Screech Owl. It's range is primarily Mexico and Central America, yet occasionally wanders into the Madrean Sky Island of Southeast Arizona. This photo was taken in Madera Canyon:

Whiskered Screech Owl

Madera Canyon Rare Birds

Since this is the slow season at our B&B, I've been getting out photographing as much as possible -- hence the lack of posts. Yet, because I've been out photographing there is much to post about.

I've made a couple of trips to Madera Canyon the past two weeks. So, before I get back to Yellowstone, here are a couple of rarities I photographed at Madera. Both of these birds are rare to the United States so a nice find. 

Whiskered Screech Owl

Whiskered Screech Owl

Plain Capped Starthroat with Broad Billed and Black Chinned Hummingbirds