Corona de Tucson
May 31, 2026
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| A Brown-crested Flycatcher These noisy birds which are easy to hear, but tricky to see, migrate here from Argentina for breeding. It was the first bird I spotted on this adventure to Madera Canyon, but not a first sighing of this bird. |
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| Madera Canyon Rd |
We headed out early one morning on an birding adventure to Madera Canyon. No coffee, no breakfast, just us and Lucy and a couple bottles of water as we needed an early start. Madera Canyon is a fun place to go for birding. Late May to early September is the best time to see the much sought after “ tropical” specialities. The Elegant Trogon has been on the "I wish" list for a very long time and each year we visit the canyon and hope "today is the day". The best time of day to go is sunrise.
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| It was closer to 7:00 am as we began the climb to the end of Madera Canyon Road. |
The Mt. Wrightson Picnic area is at the end of Madera Road with lots of parking, restrooms, and choices for picnicing and hiking.
In my research I learned the Elegant Trogon was split into two species. The trogon in southern Arizona is now referred to as the Coppery-tailed Trogon and the Elegant is restricted to populations from Guatemala to Costa Rica. The Coppery-tailed come to Arizona from South America for breeding and are only found in four different areas...the Santa Rita Mountains (where Madera Canyon is), and the Chiricahua, Huachuca, Atascosa Mountians. These "tropical" birds with their iridescent color is one of the most sought after by birdwatchers in the U.S.
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| My first sighting of a Copper-tailed Trogon |
Trogon is a Greek word meaning "gnawer" which refers to its insectivore diet and hooked bill. I find it interesting that the Trogon was first discovered in the Hauchuca Mts in 1885 and the first nest was discovered in Madera Canyon in 1939.
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| The Coppery-tailed Trogon makes a puppy barking noise and is very easy to hear and follow. I was so excited and I patiently waited and waited and waited for this male to turn around. He was patiently waiting and waiting and waiting for breakfast and not the least bit interested in giving me the shot of a lifetime. He just fly away...just like that! It was a first sighting! But now I am on a mission for a better photo! |
The Mexican Jay never disappoints...
Afterwards, we stopped by Le Rodeo Mexican for omelets on the patio. We were starving! We love being able to take Lucy places.
Entering this "retail superstore" is like walking into a museum of natural attractions, murals, dining and retail that goes way beyond traditional shopping.
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| Lots of displays/murals depicting Arizona history and Tucson lined the walls and ceilings. This was my favorite. |
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| The massive 1500-gallon aquarium features a variety of freshwater fish native to Arizona waters. The company worked with the Arizona Game and Fish to fill the tank and the company employees a full-time aquarist to take care of the tank and fish. |
It takes a lot of stuff to fill a 100,000 square foot store. Everything the store stocks relates to the Southwest and Arizona. It really is a fun place to visit.
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| Lucy and Ozzie play so nice with each other. |
Back at the oasis, all is good. I have always thought it to be quite a challenge to capture a photo of a hummingbird. And I am always happy to download pictures and find a keeper.
Baby Cardinals have black beaks.
I thought Goldfinch feasted mostly on seeds, but they have taken over the oranges...well, until the Gila shows up.
Water is scare these days...what a treat to see the Cooper's Hawk visit the birdbath with some regularity.
And we are surprised to to still see life lessons being learned.
Most days begin with early morning walks with Lucy.
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| Agave...Century Plant |
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| Ironwood tree |
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| A Honey Bee |
And speaking of honey, if you like honey this is the best local honey I have ever had. I ordered it from Arizona Local Raw Honey located in Chandler.
I'll close with some favorite photos from our little oasis.
Until next time,
HAPPY TRAILS
and, SWEET DREAMS!
I check everyday for a new update on your blog, so I was excited this morning to open your page to find this post. Absolutely beautiful photos as always! What an awesome sighting of the Trogon, and the hawk in your birdbath is amazing. We have hawks here in the tall trees in our backyard, but I only see them soaring above the branches, never up close. We get lots of bluebirds and mockingbirds in our birdbath, though, and I'm sure they're glad the hawks don't want to share the birdbath with them. Lol! Your new Bass Pro Shop is awesome!! I love the ceiling and the murals. Thank you for sharing your adventures and the beauty around your home. Love you all! -Jill
ReplyDeleteWe love you too Jill and Bill and Henry. Thank you. I sure hope to get a better photo of the Trogon one day, but was excited just the same to actually see one. I do miss the bluebirds. It’s a good thing the hawks leave them alone. Once years ago in GA, we watched as a hawk grabbed a bird off the feeder and flew away with it. Hope you have a great week…I just can’t believe it is June already!
DeleteYou saw a Trogon!!! Every time we visited the Chiricahua Mountains I looked and looked for the Trogons but it was not to be--we were always there in the winter months. That hummingbird photo is definitely a keeper! Love the Lucy photos, especially the one of her on the shelf! We've had a flock of goldfinch pairs visiting our feeders since we came home in late March--they eat so much!! Have a great week you three!
ReplyDeleteGood morning Janna. I know exactly how you feel about not seeing the Trogon. I have tried for so many years as well. Not a good photo yet and I sure hope for a better try one day. The birds are busy eaters here too…oranges and suet are put out everyday. And Lucy is full of surprises and fun times! I had just watered those plants and the shelf was wet! Hope all is good in Montana and you have a great week too!
DeleteThey're on my list too! We'll be at Madera Canyon for a look see in October sometime, but I know that's not an optimal time.... sigh. No matter, we enjoy our time there no matter what we see.
ReplyDeleteGDB used to have socialization meetings at Bass Pro often, such diverse experiences to be had there. Life fish tanks, stuffed and often menacing looking "beasts", stairs, glass elevators, etc. Dazzling for a young pup!
Good morning Sue! I sure hope that summer monsoons will bring enough rain so the creek is flowing. It was bone dry when we visited and the creek is a big draw for us. We are excited at the hopes of seeing you three. I’m thinking Elvira’s for lunch and a visit to the sawmill would be fun. How awesome for GDB pups to have training at Bass Pro. We need to take Lucy there…she needs experiences!
DeleteHow fun to find new and bright colored birds! Nice to have that shady area to hear and see them. I wondered if that huge Bass Pro Shop had opened, I'll have to get over there - it looks amazing. Love all the sweet Lucy pics, she's so precious. Wonderful shots of the century plant under that cool sky - frameable!!
ReplyDeleteHi Jodee…thank you! Bass Pro Shop is an adventure! The displays and murals are way cool and so Tucson! Lucy is always in the middle of everything!
DeleteHow cool is that?!?!? I wonder why they travel up there just to breed. Whatever the reason, what a treat for you!
ReplyDeleteHi Jim…fingers crossed for a much better photo one day!
DeleteI'm so far behind on blogging and reading blogs but I realized this morning how much I've missed seeing your pictures. Yours are always so beautiful and unique. I'm in Montana and I hope you are staying cool.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandie! Thank you so much! I hope you are enjoying those grandbabies! And the much cooler weather.
DeleteBeautiful series of photos. I love ❤️ nature and animals. Thank you so much for sharing, and warm greetings from a retired lady living in Montreal, Canada ❤️ 😊 🇨🇦
ReplyDeleteHi Linda…I also love nature…flowers, wildlife and views that never end! Thanks for stopping by! And warm greetings to you from a retired Teacher in Arizona!
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