Photo ABCs

Yellow-eyed Junco

A Yellow-eyed Junco, photographed in the Huachaca Mountains of southeast Arizona. It has insects in its bill, probably on its way back to a nest.

Botteri's Sparrow

In the United States, Botteri's Sparrow is only found in a very small area of southeast Arizona and southern Texas, in the spring and summer. It is found through much of Mexico and parts of Central America. I photographed this one at the San Pedro Riparian Preserve near Sierra Vista, Arizona.

White-winged Dove

The White-winged Dove is a common summer inhabitant of southwest deserts from California to Texas. Here is one near the town of Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Broad-billed Hummingbird

The Broad-billed Hummingbird is found in southeast Arizona in the summer, otherwise it is found in Mexico. During my week in southeast Arizona, it was the most abundant hummingbird, seemingly outnumbering all others combined. Here is one, perched at the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve.

Cliff Swallow

A Cliff Swallow in flight, photographed in Green Valley, Arizona.

The flight of a Cliff Swallow is rapid and unpredictable, with frequent darts and aerial maneuvers. While the lighting was not ideal, this is the first time I have managed to obtain a decent photograph of one in flight. Patience, and a rapidly focusing lens are prerequisites. There were dozens of shots of blurry birds or clear blue sky!

Lesser Goldfinch

A Lesser Goldfinch, perching at the San Pedro Riparian Preserve, near Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Great Horned Owl

A juvenile Great Horned Owl perches in a tree next to the San Pedro River, at the San Pedro Riparian Preserve near Sierra Vista, Arizona. When the owl matures it will develop the ear tufts of an adult Great Horned Owl.

San Pedro Riparian Preserve

Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are a common occurence in the Arizona summer. Storm clouds build around sunset over the San Pedro Riparian Preserve near Sierra Vista.

San Pedro Riparian Preserve

The San Pedro Riparian Area consists of grasslands, as well as the riparian (along a river) area surrounding the San Pedro River. It is home to over 100 species of breeding birds as well as over 250 species of winter visitors and migrants.

Blue Grosbeak

A Blue Grosbeak, photographed at the San Pedro Riparian Preserve near Sierra Vista, Arizona.