southwestern willow flycatcher

[airic]

Wrong timing on this since the breeding and survey season are long over, but...

It came up in conversation yesterday about the lack of data for these guys nesting at mid AZ elevations, roughly between upper 4,000 feet and 6,000/7,000 feet. They nest mostly below, but they do nest in the 8,000 foot range. However, we have this black hole area. There are some variations here of stream habitat as far as stream energy, vege structure, and vege abundance from the more suitable lower elevation riparian areas. Also though, there is simply a lack of survey time at these elevations. And that could be the ticket.

This had me thinking.. HAZ as a resource. I don't think there is a group in the state, apart from a cougar, that covers more ground than we do. We also have a lot of creek/riparian/canyon based hikers. So, I thought I'd ask if anyone sees, or hears, a southwestern willow flycatcher in the mid-elevation ranges, could they shoot me a message. They're pretty much gone now for the year, but I will revisit this topic come spring. Just wanted to get this up here while it was on my mind. Or perhaps someone has seen/heard one at this range on a past trip.

This isn't for anything official, just trying to satisfy a curiosity. This is an endangered species, so you don't want to harass one or anything. But nothing wrong with observing one while traversing the state! Thanks HAZ. -Eric

[BobP]

apart from a cougar that covers more ground than we do.

Would that be the two legged or four legged version? ;)

[airic]

Ha ha, that's right. I forgot about the Scottsdale sub-species...Puma concolor mamma.

[azbackpackr]

I don't think I have ever seen one of those. I used to do a little birding, but it's not on my list. Would be fun to see one.

Canyon wren is my favorite Southwestern bird, because when I hear it, I am always either in the Grand Canyon or some other great place, and when I hear that descending series of notes, it just blisses me out.

[nonot]

I saw one of these in the Supes...looks very similar to the southwestern willow.
http://hikearizona.com/photo.php?ZIP=35988

The sounds of the birds...well it doesn't sound very unique so I doubt I'd recognize it.

[airic]

Yes, great point. The flycatchers look and sound a lot alike. I should have posted a link if anyone really gets involved. This USGS link has all you'd need to know. It will link you to photos and their calls:http://sbsc.wr.usgs.gov/cprs/research/p ... rsmain.asp

Thanks for the unintentional reminder!

[Nighthiker]

Found nesting sites, Middle Gila and Verde in the past and turned info over to US Fish and Wildlife Service which were confirmed.