Southeastern Arizona is full of change in the fall and the migration of many bird species to and from the region is part of that change. Sandhill Cranes arrive in the Sulphur Springs Valley. Northern Harriers arrive as well, as Turkey Vultures leave. A kabillion (maybe a zillion) species of sparrows arrive and it’s time to get out your field guide and bone up on those marvelous small gray or brown seed eaters.
The migration of Swainson’s hawks is also part of the great seasonal change. Swainson’s Hawks migrate from as far away as western Canada on their way to the tip of South America. Many of the hawks flying as far as 14,000 miles. Our local Swainson’s join in for the flight to Argentina and we won’t see them until next spring when they come on home to breed and raise some youngsters. It’s all very exciting and I think a field trip to southeastern Arizona in the fall is a good idea.
You know you haven’t been hiking or botanizing out in the desert or grassland enough when you look to the roadsides for interesting plants,...
Asclepias asperula is found beyond the borderlands around the Southwestern United States and into Northern Mexico. My explanation of the common name antelope horns...
Santa Rita Acacia or Mariosousa millefolia is found in the borderlands of Arizona and Sonora between 3,000 and 5,000 ft. Hey, two different countries...
