This view of the Cliff Swallow nests in San Timoteo Canyon shows how close the nests are to each other. The flight back and forth to and from the nests was constant, bringing back food to the nesting mates. Mostly I couldn't get more than a blur of the fast-flying birds--in this one at least some of the swallow's field marks are showing. 4/27/19 Judith Sparhawk
I went for a hike in San Timoteo Canyon today and noticed that the Cliff Swallows are nesting under the bridge. I took about a zillion shots of them, many of which will not see the light of day...ever. However, a few were OK to passable, some even pretty good. This one shows the swallow coming to the nest to feed his mate--it looked as if most of them are still sitting on eggs--I didn't see any evidence of chicks yet. 4/18/19 Judith Sparhawk
I got back from my trip late last night, after a wonderful week in the "wilds" of southeast Arizona....even out of cell or internet contact most of the time. This is an Elegant Trogon, a very special bird that mostly lives in Mexico and beyond, but does occur in some of the mountain canyons in SE Arizona. Birders travel from all over the country, and even from around the world for this bird. If they are lucky they may get a view of this "grail" bird, and many go home disappointed. I have seen this trogon several times over the years, but certainly not every time I've tried for it. This was a very lucky year--when I first saw this bird it was almost completely obscured by foliage, but I tried for a photo anyway. As I moved closer, I was amazed and thrilled as he moved closer to me, almost posing for me on a branch. Every time he moved, he came closer--it was a very special moment. My comment...bestill my heart! Arizona, August, 2019 Judith Sparhawk
