San Rafael Valley, Arizona

My apologies for the delay. I have been out photographing several birding spots in Southern Arizona the past several days: San Rafael Valley, Madera Canyon, Ironwood National Monument, Santa Cruz Flats, and Sweetwater Wetlands.

Here are some of my finds in San Rafael Valley:

Harrier Hawk

Western Meadowlark

Mule Deer

Raven

Tomorrow: Madera Canyon Surprise

Ring Necked Pheasant - II

The second "5" Star Ring Necked Pheasant photo comes from the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge in Northern California. However, Ring Necked Pheasants aren't native in North America --- Originally, they were only native in Asia. However, it is the most popular game bird in the world so many were brought to the northern parts of the US specifically for hunting. In many areas, the birds are bred and then release for hunting. Many generations of those that weren't kill (feral birds) have become so plentiful in the US that they are assumed to be native. Many have found their way to protected areas such as Sacramento NWR.

 I particularly like the close up which shows the detail and coloration of this beautiful bird.

Ring Necked Pheasant

Ring Necked Pheasant

As I mentioned yesterday, the Ring Necked Duck doesn't have a clearly visible ring. However, in the case of the Ring Necked Pheasant the ring is clearly visible. I like the green background in this photo. It allows the bird to jump out at you.

Ring Necked Pheasant

Ring Billed, I Mean Ring Necked Duck

Ducks are ducks. And with the exception of the rarer ones: Black Bellied Whistling Duck, or Harlequin Duck, you get to a point where you walk right by one and not even blink let alone stop to take a photo. And yet, they can occasionally offer you a "5" Star Photo if you are willing to stop for a moment. Such is the case with today's Ring Necked Duck.  

I sometimes have to stop and think about its name. Ring "Necked" Duck. As you see one the first and foremost thing you see are the two rings on its bill. You don't see any rings on its neck. But, what's in a name?

Ring Necked Duck

Red Winged Blackbird

Next up, alphabetically, is the Red Winged Blackbird. The Red Winged Blackbird is found throughout North and Central America in open grassy areas. It generally prefers wetlands, and inhabits both freshwater and saltwater marshes, particularly if cattail is present. It is also found in dry upland areas, where it inhabits meadows, prairies, and old fields. It is a migratory bird spending its winters in the southern warmer areas. It feeds mostly on seeds and insects.

Red Winged Blackbird

Red Tailed Hawk - V

The last of the "5" Star Red Tailed Hawk photos is one that is "on the edge." Normally, I prefer photos in a more "nature" setting. So, the hawk on the telephone pole doesn't quite fit my criteria. And yet, telephone poles all over the country often have raptors on them. It's become a "natural" resting point for them. This photo has wonderful detail though. You can count the feathers. So, "5" Stars:

Red Tailed Hawk

Red Tailed Hawk - IV

Another "5" Star Red Tailed Hawk photo taken in San Rafael Valley along the US/Mexico border. I love how you can clearly see the tail feathers all spread out:

Red Tailed Hawk