Birding with Michael

Well, this is the final part of my recent trip to Dead Horse Ranch SP. Thank you to all of you who has stuck through every post and here's the final one. This is where I conclude my trip with the lagoons and the surrounding campsites and desert area. Be sure to check out the map and the end of this post for any information and help regarding trails and parking. As I finished off the Canopy Trail, I headed towards the front entrance to check out the pine grove nearby the booth. Nothing much.... what was very cool were two lifers. I saw a pair of BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHERS and a pair of WESTERN TANAGERS. These tanagers are famously beautiful... its as if they have a western sunset painted on them, with stunning red, orange, and golden yellow feathers. I birded there for a bit and headed towards the lagoons, but I just had to stop by Raven Loop campground. Near the host's feeders I saw a few COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRDS, LESSER GOLDFINCHES, ASH-THROATED FLYCTACHERS, and another lifer.....

As an amateur birder... I've never really had the chance to witness the big boom of spring migration. It's a common thing that most birders want to witness. The bright yellow pop of warblers, the return of breeders, and the goodbye to wintering birds. Well, this is why I decided to head to one of my favorite spots, Dead Horse Ranch State Park. It's not to far from the heart of Arizona, it's about an hour and a half drive from where I live. It's located in Cottonwood, here's the address for any of you wondering: 675 Dead Horse Ranch Rd, Cottonwood, AZ 86326. Anyways this place is special. Why, because it incorporates access to the Verde River. And if you're an arizona birder, you know what that means. The Verde River itself is one of the few remaining rivers in Arizona that has natural willows and riparian areas surrounding it, which means birds galore. In spring migration, it is common to have a 10 warbler day. Lucy's warbler, Wilson's warbler, yello...