Date: 4/23/25 11:47 am From: John Williams <john...> Subject: [AZNMbirds] A good week at Arthur Pack Regional Park. 4/23
Over the last week I’ve added 24 species to my month list at Arthur Pack. In 18 visits I’ve seen 112 species.
Today I added a Vaux’s Swift over the 9th hole pond, and a Gilded Flicker which was exploring a saguaro. Flickers of both species have been mostly absent this year.
A good surprise was TWO Virginia Rails out foraging, and even one calling. One lined up with a Sora for photo of two rail species; never had that happen before. Monday I had 4 Soras. All have been at the 7th hole pond.
All six AZ swallow species fed at all three ponds. The 9th pond has the best diversity.
Waiting for the first Purple Martins to arrive.
All three teal species showed, Northern Shovelers are now in low single digits. A single Ring-necked stayed three days, a pair of Lesser Scaup has moved in. They were underwater for well over 30 seconds as I waited for a photo. Mallards, Mexican Ducks, and Ruddy Ducks remain daily. Gadwall have been occasional. A hen Northern Pintail was also a one-day-wonder.
Shorebirds have been slow. Western Sandpiper showed one day, a LB Dowitcher also was a one day. White-faced Ibis showed three times. Craig Thayer had a Cattle Egret.
Each day is full of mystery…. Just don’t know what you will see…. Keeps me going back again and again.
Passed an ebird milestone earlier in the month with my 2000th report from Arthur Pack.
