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!
