Parque Los Arroyos in Sahuarita 8-1-09Parque Los Arroyos is a 7 acre park located in the town of Sahuarita, Arizona. It has a shaded picnic area and playground as well as 2 acres of turf. Typical desert scrub surrounds the park with paved and winding trails. All are handicapped accessible. I recently discovered this park on one of my trips to Sahuarita.
I finally followed the signs to the park.
On Saturday some of the trails were covered with water.
But that didn't stop me from exploring, or finding this butterfly.
I followed the trail around the park watching and listening for birds.
I found this desert cottontail resting in the shade...
...while this Cactus wren scolded me from a nearby tree. It was only one of a family of Five!
Farther down the trail I found two zebra-tailed lizards fighting. They tumbled about in a violent grasp, then broke apart. I can only guess the victor is the one showing off his butt...
...while the challenger blushes red with rage!
Zone-tailed hawk 8-1-09I identified 17 species of birds at Paque Los Arroyos on Saturday. Combined with the birds I saw the last time I was hear it brings my total for this location to 25 species of birds. My best surprise was a zone-tailed hawk that flew overhead just as I was getting ready to leave. You can bet I stayed a bit longer and took quite a few more shots. Come back for Skywatch Friday this week to see and learn more about Zone-tailed Hawks.
Meanwhile, this little round-tailed ground squirrel dived for its burrow beneath a barrel cactus.
Los Arroyos Park also has a drinking fountain and flush toilets with sinks to wash your hands. To get to Parque Los Arroyos take the Duval Mine exit off I-10 and head east past the shopping centers. Just past the Wal-mart the road become Old Nogales Highway. At the traffic light turn north on S. Calle Valle Verde. Take your first left on W. Calle Arroyo Norte. This road is well marked with signs to the park. About 1 mile up take a right on S. Avienda Arroyo Seco. The park is straight ahead. Have fun birding!
...and that's MY WORLD Tuesday!
Birds seen on this visit to Paque Los Arroyos:
Location: Sahuarita--Parque Los Arroyos
Observation date: 8/1/09
Notes: Also saw 2 hummingbird species, one rusty-capped sparrow, plain breast underneath a creosote bush but never got to see it's face. there is water in the arroyo this morning. Mammal's seen: 1 desert cotton tail, 3 round-tailed ground squirrels. Reptiles: 3 whip-tail and 1 collared lizard.
Number of species: 17
Gambel's Quail 11
Turkey Vulture 3
Zone-tailed Hawk 1
White-winged Dove 15
Mourning Dove 11
Gila Woodpecker 3
Gilded Flicker 2
Ash-throated Flycatcher 1
Barn Swallow 1
Verdin 7
Cactus Wren 7
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher 1
Curve-billed Thrasher (Western) 3
Lark Sparrow 3
Black-throated Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 1
House Finch 5
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
17 comments:
Do you have any idea how many animal lifers there are here! I hope to see you in October and see some of these things myself!
Fantastic color displays on the zebra-tailed lizards! I've never witnessed a lizard fight, great find!
Great pics and all kinds of foreign stuff to us Eastern side of the country people. Any idea what the butterfly is? It is beyond lovely...
TR, I am so glad you are coming!!!!!! I can't WAIT to show you my world!
Diane, I never had either. It was so funny, especially when it ended and the one lizard just kept showing his butt!
Warren and Lisa, I don't know for sure but I know how to find out! I'll check on it and get back to you.
Doug, where are you?
I got back to Chicago a couple of hours ago. The butterfly is a Gulf Fritillary, and it's a fine photo. I did not see that species while I was in AZ.
You are going to get to see TR AGAIN?!?!?! Not fair!!!! I haven't gotten to meet him yet.
Hi Kathie, I loved this new park you have introduced us to. Those zebra lizards are extraordinary. Thought all the other little critters were great also.
Thanks doug! I thought it looked like the one I photographed last year in Rio Rico but I wasn't sure. Perhaps you can check this park out next year when you are here. You'll have to ask TR if he is going to be in Chicago anytime soon. Perhaps then you two could finally meet face to face! I hope you get a chance to rest before you have to go back to work.
Hi Denise. Glad you enjoyed My World.
Wow Kathie, you've found a great park to visit. All your captures are excellent. But I really like the lizard best. Never seen a zebra-stripped. Very cool.
Kathie, what a magical find and the butterfly is a real beauty as wel as the Hawk and Groud Squirred episode. Great post.
gorgeous pictures! especially the butterfly and the hawk!
Loved this desert moment, with all the various residents, such an enjoyable post!!
Very nice! Those lizards are really cool!
Love all your beautiful photos!
happy tuesday kathie.
amazing post...i so enjoyed all of your commentary and beautiful captures.
the zebra tail lizards..wow
the gorgeous butterfly...wow
have a lovely rest of the week.
That was fun! that butterfly is gorgeous! Zebra tailed lizards have a great looking tail!
What a fascinating visit Kathie, I loved the Zebra-tailed Lizards, very flashy! :)
I especially like the vulture and butterfly photos. Quite a contrast between the two in the appearance of their wings.
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