Oh my!

I arrived in Tucson last night around 5 and was met with two sets of arms in full hug-mode.  Just what I needed!  Got check in to my hotel where we talked non-stop before heading out for a quick dinner.  Then, it was crash and burn for this girl.

This morning after the sun came up, we met at the hotel and headed for one of our favorite places, Madera Canyon.  Spent several hours feasting eyes on all the amazing birds that are found up at the 5,000 foot elevation - Mexican Jays, Acorn and Arizona Woodpeckers, several junco species, the ever-adorable bridled titmice and a host of other birds...and a rarity, a Blue-throated Hummingbird! 

This is not a species typically found in the US in winter; and only sporadically in the breeding season as they are mainly a species of Mexico.  However, once in a while a vagrant will be found in the winters in the canyons of AZ where we were today.  Anyway, quite a thrill.  This is a male and, in this photo you can really see his namesake throat.  Not a terrific photo as it is heavily cropped, but a memory to preserve.

I've put two shots in Extra - the first a Painted Redstart, which is a bird that I've hoped to see on every trip to Madera and only finally saw for the first time today.  The second of the uber-adorable Bridled Titmouse - a 10 on the Cute-o-meter.

After Madera, we went to the quaint artist community of Tupac where we enjoyed just wandering around.  Made our way back to the hotel and then out for an early dinner.  

Tomorrow we're headed for a place none of us has been before, so stay tuned...

Thanks for dropping by!

xo
Debbi