Last evening we found out that a rare bird for Arizona, the rufous-backed robin, was seen close by to our home so we decide to try a quick visit to the site before returning for work. It is a crisp morning and we are shivering as we get out of the car at Bushnell Tanks, take in the nice views in the early morning sun and walk briskly towards the site where it was seen.
The road has been improved since our last visit even though it does not matter while hiking and you can’t really drive past the gate without a permit that we have no idea how to get.
The site is at the first river crossing and supposedly the rare robin is with a flock of American robin so the search is on as we move up and down looking for the bird. We meet up with other birds looking for it with no luck and decide to move in different direction, just in case.
Unfortunately today wasn’t the day to see the rufous-backed robin in Arizona but see some other enjoyable birds like Northern cardinals and a flock of Lawrence’s goldfinches.
Returning to the car we also see quite a few sparrows especially white crowned but also a few chipping and black-throated ones.
The drive back is fast and soon we are back in front of our computers for the day’s work – rufous-back robin, we will get you…another time!