53
SPECIES SEEN
12/22/08 to 12/28/2008
Poor weather was the most distinctive factor in birding last week. Fifty-three species were seen, compared to 59 in 2007 and 44 in 2006.
The first American Pipits (5) of the winter season were seen on a mudflat in the Santa Cruz River an hour north of Ric Rico Rd. Unusual numbers may be the other story. 
More than 30 Black Vultures were seen rising from the trees north of Rio Rico Rd on Friday. On Monday, Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers seemed to be everywhere south of Clark's Crossing. Rufous-winged Sparrows seem to be comparitively easy to find along the trail this year, and amazingly, only one White-crowned Sparrow was seen in the entire week.
The ranch ponds along Rio Rico Rd. were almost devoid of water a week ago, but seemed to have more water this past week. The result is that the Great Egret, the Great Blue Heron, and a few Mallards have returned. I am confidant that I was hearing the chip note of the Louisana Waterthrush in about the same spot north of Bridge Rd. that it was seen a few weeks ago, but no luck in seeing it this time. ~Jim