Jean MacGregor requested information about birding southeastern AZ
during late March. Most Arizonan specialties do not arrive back in the state
until mid-April to mid-June. Resident specialties, such as the Yellow-eyed
Junco, Gray-breasted Jay, Mexican Chickadee, and the like can be seen just
about any time of the year, in the appropriate habitat. The Lane guide makes
several suggestions on where to see resident species, but you might want to
pick up a copy of the latest edition of Davis and Russell's Birds in
Southeastern Arizona. In my opinion, it offers better directions and species
accounts.
Desert birding can be quite pleasant in late March (unlike mid-June)
and you might want to try for some of the local specialties. While most of
your attention will probably be on the great locations southeast of Tucson,
you might want to look for Crested Caracara and Rufous-winged Sparrow near
Robles Junction (southwest of Tucson). Another interesting location is the San
Xavier Mission (just south of Tucson), which often has Ruddy-Ground Doves and
Rufous-winged Sparrows at this time of year. Note that the doves are usually
intermixed with Inca Doves; check the playing field northwest of the mission.
Rufous-winged Sparrows are usually seen in the scrubby field across the road
(to the south) from the cemetary.
Another interesting possibility is to look for some of the wintering
species. My favorite spot is the San Rafael grasslands, just east of
Patagonia. To get to the grasslands, head east out of Patagonia on Harshaw
Canyon Road. Harshaw Canyon Road winds through some nice Pinyon-Juniper
habitat and eventually tops out in the grasslands. Wintering species include:
Baird's Sparrow, Sprague's Pippit, Chestnut-collared Longspur, McCown's
Longspur, Short-eared Owl and more. Check the area around the Vaca Cattle Co.
corral for McCown's. Chestnut-collared Longspurs are usually everywhere,
though getting a good look at these basic plumaged birds can be a pain. I
like to find a cattle pond with muddy margins and just wait until the birds
come down to the water and mud (a scope is helpful). The first cattle pond
that you come to in the grasslands on the south side of the road is usually a
good location.
Baird's Sparrows can usually be seen by turning left (south) at the
first intersection that you come to after entering the grasslands (it is
almost at the western margin of the grassland). Drive the dirt road and stop
at any areas of reddish grass, which seems to be the Baird's Sparrow's
favorite skulking habitat. If you don't see one in this area, continue up to
the cattle pond and check the earthen berm. A final spot is in the vicinity
of the small windmill that is a short distance beyond the cattle pond. This
is also a good spot for Sprague's Pippit. Both Baird's Sparrow and Sprague's
Pippit are also seen in the grasses across the road (south of) the Vaca
Corral.
In terms of places to stay in Patagonia, there aren't many options.
The Stage Stop Motel seems to get seedier with each year, and the best that
you can say is that its cheap and in a good location. There are a few B&Bs in
Patagonia, the best of which is the Little House. Reserve early as there is
just one (?) room available.
Hope this helps, Dave (eshbaugh at teleport.com)