Sunday, August 6

Sunday morning was our only time for real birding, since driving took so long. We walked up a logging road that had been recommended, but unfortunately it was a popular recreation site with many cars and bicycles. We did manage to see a pair of Short-tailed Hawks along with several common species. Next we went to a valley called the Barranca where we had our greatest success, with good looks at the Blue Mockingbird and Rufous-capped Warblers. An Orange-billed Nightingale Thrush sang loudly right under our noses, but we only caught glimpses as it flitted through dense shrubs. A female Berylline hummingbird perched on a twig a few feet in front of us for a couple of minutes, then darted away to feed on the beautiful red salvias blooming all around. Too soon we had to head back toward Hermosilla. On the way we added Lesser Roadrunner and Elegant Quail to our list. Varied Buntings were everywhere, and we saw and heard numerous Elegant Trogans. We made it to Hermosillo by sunset.

 

Monday, August 7

We headed for the USA. After returning the rental van, we had time to run back to Madera Canyon to try for the Aztec Thrushes. At the canyon, helpful people pointed the way, and we only had to wait about five minutes until the male and female showed up. They fed on berries, preened and just sat for about twenty minutes, then flew up the slope. It was a perfect end to a great trip.