I have to share this little story about Arizona.

Some years ago, my wife and I were thoroughly enjoying our first trip to SE
Arizona, and were birding Cave Creek Canyon. It was April, and a little
cold wave the previous day had sent the high elevation birds down to the
canyon bottom to join and concentrate with the low elevation birds. It was
great; on our left an Elegant Trogon was croaking. On the trail was a
Painted Redstart. A Grace's Warbler danced through the trees while a
Greater Pewee sang its "hosea maria" call. Strange birds were flitting
everywhere - it was one of those remarkable hours of your life which remains
bright and fresh forever in your memory.

During this avian excitement, a group of Arizona birders on a local tour
happened along the trail. And what do you suppose drew their attention?
You guessed it... a Band-tailed Pigeon! Ignoring all the birds we found so
exciting, they gathered around a spotting scope for a look at the distant
Band-tail, and jabbered excitedly about their find.

I suspect that Band-tails are not all that uncommon at Cave Creek, but this
little experience always helps me to remember that our local "pesky pigeons"
are really pretty special.

Dave Nunnallee
dnun461 at ecy.wa.gov
Bellevue, WA