Pyrrhuloxia

Another wonderful day with mom and dad.  We headed south to Patagonia this morning and set out for a stroll in the Patagonia Lake State park on a trail that is known for good birding.  We didn't get far before coming across a feeding station that was aflutter with all kinds of interesting birds, including the Cardinal look-a-like, the Pyrruloxia.  I have only ever seen this bird once before and wasn't able to get a decent photo, so I was very happy to get some good looks as this one.  This is a female and she is easily distinguished from a cardinal by her pale bill (cardinal beaks are bright orange).  There are other distinguishing difference, but this is probably the easiest.  

Even more exciting was a Lazuli Bunting, a gorgeous and extremely colorful little bird that I've only gotten fleeting glimpses of in the past.  Unfortunately, it would not move off the feeders and I wasn't thrilled with the pics.  But for those who are curious, take a peek at Extra and you'll easily see why I'm so taken with the bird.

After grabbing a bite at a great little Mexican-ish place, we headed off to another location for more birds.  Several enjoyable hours spent there and some more pics, my favorite being a gorgeous female Ladderback Woodpecker.  See Extra.

Since we were so close to the Mexican border, we drove to the border town of Nogales where I got to see the hideous looking border wall (the one that was built during the last administration).  It was sobering to see it in real life.  

Early dinner at a local place we discovered last night.  Good enough to repeat tonight.  And tomorrow we are heading out to the Sonoran Desert Museum which is a favorite place for all of us.  Hoping to catch both raptor free-flight shows tomorrow.  

Thanks for all the love on my blue-throated hummingbird yesterday!  What a thrilling bird to photograph.  

xo
Debbi