The first time we visited the Patagonia Picnic Table was, at least for a while, the last year the Becards were there. Watched the nest for quite while. Some other birders found a couple other rarities that graced the area right then.

SE Arizona was fun because of all the sites one needed to visit to find various birds. Had to go all over to find birds, and many helpful birders. We would have not found the Flame-colored Tanager unless our B&B hostess had not told of of a great backroad to get to Madera Canyon. Great birds there, too.


Hal Michael

Olympia WA
360-459-4005
360-791-7702 (C)
ucd880 at comcast.net


> On March 6, 2020 at 2:02 PM William Risser <wlrisser at gmail.com> wrote:

>

> My wife Jan and I were in Patagonia AZ in the summer of 1975 soon after the picnic table effect was being discussed in the rather new magazine "Birding."

>

> I remember the phenomenon being called "The Patagonia picnic table effect."

>

> Becards had built a nest in a tree over a dry wash across the highway from the Patagonia rest stop and its picnic table.

>

> It was hot, over 100 degrees. We sat under the nest. We had our year-old baby Amanda with us. After about 30 minutes Jan said "I don't give a damn if I see this becard or whatever it is. I want to go."

>

> Just then the male becard flew in and clung to the side of the nest.

>

> We left with me feeling guilty that my listing lust had subjected Jan and Amanda to this unpleasant experience. This wouldn't be the last time unfortunately that I did so.

>

> Will Risser, Portland, OR

>

>

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