DARE TO BIRD

Sub adult male White-eared Hummingbird in Portal - Photo: Melissa Hafting I decided to use 20,000 aeroplan points to fly down to Arizona for the BC Day long weekend. It was a late bday present to myself. I love birding Arizona and have written about previous visits HERE , HERE , HERE , HERE and HERE . It was the last international trip I had taken with my mom too before she died (we went twice together) so I remembered her a lot during my visit in several places. I like birding in AZ because the diversity and beautiful birds that are in your face, especially the hummers. When I saw there was a handful of megas I needed for life birds I took the opportunity. A Pine Flycatcher, Nutting's Flycatcher, Short-tailed Hawk and White-eared Hummingbird were all birds I needed.  I flew into Phoenix and then after exchanging an electric car  they tried to give me  (which would never fly in back country roads in AZ) I drove to my airbnb in Tucson. It was nice with a pool which is ne...

Berylline Hummingbird in Portal - Photo: Melissa Hafting I have been following some of the rarities being seen in Southeastern Arizona lately and there were 3 that had my mouth watering. I love hummingbirds and have ALWAYS wanted to see a Berylline and White-eared and when I knew there was some long staying individuals I was intrigued. When I noticed the Common Crane which I dipped on in June was still present I thought it would be worth a trip. I looked for a seat sale but it was a fortune from Vancouver due to the long weekend but there was a cheap flight for only 200$ Cad out of Bellingham so I grabbed that and flew to Mesa.   Ilya had wanted to join me but due to work conflicts he couldn't. It was my first time flying into this airport and won't be my last. It couldn't have been easier a tiny airport and you walk right out to your rental car. No big shuttle buses and long waits like at the large PHX terminal. Plus this airport is way closer to the birds in south...