southwestern willow flycatcher
Posted: Aug 18 2010 9:36 am
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
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