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Hi Everyone,
I am going to SE Arizona this week, a time when the Monsoon often triggers many birds to breed again, and also catch some migrants. Ihave done well there in August, and the storms and rainbows can be incredible.

My question is: If anyone is familiar with the area, do you know of good locations where I can find a Varied Bunting? this is a bird I have never seen in all my trips.  I usually spend most of my time on Mt Lemmon, and the trails in the lower elevations. 

any help with this or other good spots for photography would be most appreciated..

thanks so much

James

Here's a new posting of a sighting on ebird:

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S38655818

Joe

Here's one from July 30:

http://birdnews.aba.org/message.php?mes ... w%20Mexico

Joe

James, I was in Tucson in August a few years ago and found a few pair along the dirt road at the base of Madera Canyon. I tried the same location in April of this year and found none. You might want to contact Daniel Grayson if you are interested in shooting at his Madera Canyon drip.

You also might want to call the Tucson Audubon Society and get their input. Their mane office number is 520-629-0510. Or, when you are there stop in their headquarters at 300 E. University Blvd., which is near the University of Arizona.

Not much to add. the only place I know of with reliable Varied Bunting, although I haven't had any luck myself, is Kino Springs. be on the lookout for Gray Hawk there as well.

You could post your query here, as well:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/arizonabirding/

And check out some of these:

http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=ipad& ... mcc=&pmnc=

Joe

James,
Go to ebird.org, click on "explore date" and then "species maps" and enter Varied Bunting. If you zoom in on the map of SE AZ and find the spots with the bright red "upside down teardrops" you will fine all kinds of spots to find Varied Bunting. I have seen them several times on Proctor Road just at the entrance to Madera Canyon. You should be able to find this on ebird.org.

Bruce Sherman wrote:James,
Go to ebird.org, click on "explore date" and then "species maps" and enter Varied Bunting. If you zoom in on the map of SE AZ and find the spots with the bright red "upside down teardrops" you will fine all kinds of spots to find Varied Bunting. I have seen them several times on Proctor Road just at the entrance to Madera Canyon. You should be able to find this on ebird.org.

Thanks Bruce and everyone else... 

James,

Get yourself this book if you don't already have it:

https://www.amazon.com/Birders-Guide-So ... 187878806X


My top four spots to suggest are:

Proctor Road near Madera Canyon.
Catalina State park just outside Tucson
Kino Springs entrance area hillside on right before reaching golf course
California Gulch............requires 4WD for the most part. Can also get 5-striped Sparrow and Buff-collared Nightjar here.