After our flights to Tucson which involved skirting a thunderstorm in Atlanta, we eventually arrived at our hotel close to the airport and we quickly got to our rooms in preparation for the birding ahead.

Rick and Barbara joined us for breakfast and gave a synopsis of the trip ahead. As we awaited departure in our minibuses, there was time to record our first birds of the trip - Cactus Wren (almost guarding the entrance to the hotel!), Hooded Oriole, White winged Dove, Western Kingbird, Great tailed Grackle and American Mourning Dove. Rick told us that the Cactus Wren was the Arizona State bird.

Our first stop was in Cottonwood Lane in West Tucson where one of the first birds seen was a Burrowing Owl which was standing in an enclosure and which seemed as interested in us as we were in it. A Gila Woodpecker was soon spotted followed by Curve billed Thrasher. About 10 Aberts Towees were scampering on the ground while above us perched on a pylon was a Red tailed Hawk. A Killdeer was noticed at the back of the enclosure with the owl. Moving along the road, a group of Gambels Quail pottered about at the base of a hedge and further on a lovely Pyrrhuloxia was seen - one of the many birds we were to see which just creep across the border from Mexico. Turkey Vultures circled overhead and became the routine raptor in the sky and were so common they became known as TVs just as Mourning Doves were called MoDos.

We then got to Shannon-Broadway and everyone was delighted to see a Roadrunner - this was a key target bird for most of the group and here it was on day 1. We watched it as it did what Roadrunners do - run along the road and it was amusing to watch Bob as he tried to follow to get a photograph. A Black tailed Gnatcatcher, Phainopepla ( a very attractive black plumaged member of the waxwing family) and Bells Vireo were seen in the shrubs while on the wires above were tiny Inca Doves, House Finches and both Brown headed and Bronzed Cowbirds. A much sought after Rufous winged Sparrow played hard to get, but we got it.

We then moved on to the famous Arizona-Sonora Museum - not so much a museum, more an exhibition of the fauna and flora of this part of Arizona. There were some enclosures and aviaries, the latter allowing us to get a good flavour of the birds we would see, especially the hummingbirds.

Later we headed into the Catalina Mountains where the temperatures were several degrees lower than Tucson, eventually getting to about 6000'. We were then surprised to learn that in the evening we were to go to Barbara's cabin high up Willow Canyon to be treated to a superb buffet meal. Those who saw it, were amused by the 3-seater loo which even allowed the option to continue to watch the birds! But first the birds and in the Molina Basin we had our first Zone tailed Hawk and above them circled White throated Swifts. At Barbaras, she had several feeders on which were many hummingbirds and it was amazing to get our first real experience of these tiny birds massing - there were Annas, Rufous, Magnificent and Black chinned. It was hard on the ID but the guides were very patient and explained the differences. The colours were amazing as sometimes the birds appeared fairly one-coloured but then a male would flair his chest feathers to reveal a glowing patch of emerald, blue or red. We also saw our first Acorn Woodpecker and Mexican Jays- both later to become so common as to be almost ignored! As the meal was finished and it was late dusk, the hummingbirds at the feeders were replaced by Lesser long nosed Bats.

After a wonderful first days birding, we headed back to the hotel.

Today we had Plan B. The intention was to go to the Arivaipa Canyon and Dudleyville but during the night there had been a tremendous storm in northern Tucson which had washed out many roads, including some we were to head for. The storm had been so bad that the State declared the area a disaster area. It was when Rick passed on this information that we became aware that the Arizonans talked as much about the weather as we do, only in more detail. It seemed that all Arizonans keep rain gauges and the daily results are avidly discussed and compared!

Anyway, we decided to head for Sweetwater Wetlands first and this proved a birding winner. As we arrived, Common Yellowthroats and Song Sparrows were singing beautifully from the reeds. Cinnamon Teal swam and a Green Heron flew across. A lovely Black headed Grosbeak displayed for us and while we were to see this throughout the trip, it was always a lovely bird to see. A Black Phoebe and a Brown crested Flycatcher fed over the water. We then had our first good view of a male Verdin- very attractive birds, mainly pale grey but with a bright yellow head. The birds were coming thick and fast and we looked at the Mexican Duck - at present this is a sub-species of the Mallard but recent testing suggests it is a candidate for species separation. On the way back to the buses, the guide heard a familiar call- an immature Harriss Hawk. It was then spotted in a tree and we had good views and enjoyed watching as it played with an acorn in its talons- clearly learning how to deal with prey!

We then headed up to Kitt Peak with its observatory on the top and on the way we added Swainsons Hawk and Varied Bunting. Near the top we had our lunch at the picnic area. However, it wasn't good for the digestion as we also watched the birds, adding a Spotted Towee, Blue grey Gnatcatcher, Bewicks Wren, Rufous crowned Sparrow and Bridled Titmouse. Mexican Jays dropped to the table for any food scraps left. We stopped at several places going back down the canyon and saw Rock Wren and Scotts Oriole. We also saw a gorgeous Double tailed Swallowtail, learning it was the Arizona State butterfly. Finally, on the way back we had to stop the buses as a 5' Sonoran Gopher Snake decided to pause as it crossed the road, eventually allowing us to pass! We finally tried for Crested Caracara at Sells but unfortunately had no luck.

Today we first headed to Madera Canyon, a renowned birding area in the Santa Rita Mountains.

Going to Madera Canyon, the guide heard the call of a Botteris Sparrow as we drove along and we soon saw it perched on top of mesquite. A real bonus at Madera Canyon was a reported Aztec Thrush, a very uncommon migrant from Mexico and a bird which many American birders aspire to- in fact it was to be a life bird for our guide, Barbara. On arrival we headed up the canyon trail, adding a number of Sulphur bellied Flycatchers on the way. Soon we could see a small group of birders and on reaching them, confirmed the Aztec Thrush was in the canopy of a large tree. We could see it as it moved around and we were able to scope it for everyone. Near the thrush, a Hepatic Tanager flew in and there was an immature Hermit Thrush. Madera is a noted breeding place for Elegant Trogons and we moved further up the canyon - the trail was quite steep in places and with the high altitude, walking became a little strenuous. However, we all made it and the guide eventually found a couple of young Trogons and while they remained in quite thick cover, reasonable views were obtained. We hoped the adults would return to feed them but we were unlucky. Returning back down the canyon it was noticeable the numbers of wildflowers in bloom with geranium and penstemon being the most common. Then the young Trogons decided to have some flying practice and they landed close by and they perched in the open, allowing excellent views in the scope and even for photos. The canyon also produced Warbling and Plumbeous Vireos. A White breasted Nuthatch fed its way down a tree.

Leaving Madera, we then went to Green Valley Treatment Works. A Rosses Goose had been reported here and we soon saw it as we arrived. There were several waders but most notable was a small flock of Wilsons Phalarope as they fed along the edge of the water. Waders included Long billed Dowitcher (in breeding plumage), Least Sandpipers, Bairds Sandpiper, Killdeer, Black necked Stilt, Willet and Spotted Sandpiper. American Wigeon were swimming and over the water flew Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Tree Swallow and Bank Swallow (our Sand Martin). We were now heading towards our next hotel at Rio Rico, but at Proctor Road, we had Violet green Swallow, Blue Grosbeak, Black capped Gnatcatcher (a gem of a bird and a real rarity from Mexico, in probably the only place in North America where it can turn up!). A Lazuli Bunting joined the triplist plus a Yellow billed Cuckoo, Says Phoebe and Canyon Towee. Pulling into the entrance to the hotel a pair of Blue Grosbeak fed on the grass and further in, a Coopers Hawk gave good views as it perched. We were all extremely impressed with the hotel with wonderful facilities including a swimming pool. The bathroom fittings were noteworthy with their colourful Mexican-designed porcelain.

The group "enjoyed" the dawn chorus of the many nesting Barn Swallows in the roofs of the hotel. The morning was spent in the area round the town of Arivaca but before leaving the hotel, we watched a Peregrine feeding perched on a pylon. White winged Doves, Gila Woodpecker, Lesser Goldfinch, Great tailed Grackle and Cassin's Kingbird were regulars around the hotel.

On the way to Arivaca we stopped a couple of times to bird, these stops often as a result of Rick hearing a call or song as he drove. Swainsons Hawks were fairly common as they perched on roadside poles, but at one stop we had our first Grey Hawk, in fact an adult and an immature. Colourful wildflowers were abundant here - yellows, blues and white- a yellow one was known locally as Wagon Wheels. One of the songs heard brought us a Cassins Sparrow and later a Black throated Sparrow. Once in Arivaca, one of the most colourful birds to date appeared- a Yellow breasted Chat which glowed in the sunshine. Another Mexican rarity, a Tropical Kingbird showed itself well and then a Northern Flicker flew over. Across a paddock, a delightful Vermilion Flycatcher sat on a gate and this really was one of the best plumaged birds we were to see. A couple of Common ground Doves pecked around the side of a pool and above were perched a Dusky capped Flycatcher (an Arizonan rarity) and a Brown crested Flycatcher.

After a break until later in the afternoon during which the hotel pool was tested, it was time for a search for the extremely rare 5-Striped Sparrow, which is restricted to only a couple of remote sites in Arizona just over the border from Mexico. We went to California Gulch, which is perhaps the most reliable site but first we had to tackle the road into the canyon. We had a Roadrunner crossing the road with a Mountain Spiny Lizard in its mouth -this scene was to be remembered when we later got to Portal where a number of limited edition drawings were for sale and one included a Roadrunner with a lizard in its mouth. Up to Ruby Road, the road was OK but thereafter it developed into a very rough track and the buses had to take it very slowly and Rays back certainly suffered. Along the way, we saw another Yellow billed Cuckoo in a shrub by the roadside before it flew off. Lark Sparrows and Blue Grosbeak were also noted. Eventually, we stopped as we were well into the canyon and we got out to walk down a small track. Rick heard the 5-Striped Sparrow calling but we were unable to locate it so we moved further down but were distracted by a happening on the track. There was a Tarantula crossing but its legs were not moving - it was being pulled by a huge Pepsis Wasp which had injected the Tarantula with a paralysing agent. The wasp would pull the Tarantula into its nest-hole where it would lay its eggs into the Tarantula for a ready food source for the offspring. Then another sparrow called and we all scanned the hillsides, checking the tops of the Occatillo stems until Rick spotted it. We all managed to scope it before it responded beautifully to a tape as it flew down close and round us to provide exceptional views. What a success!

After this we went nearby for our picnic meal before it darkened for the evening - we were after nightjars. The area was a good one for Buff collared Nightjar but the first calls we heard were Common Poor-will. There seemed a few of them about but one was seen flying and then land. We got the lights onto it and had time to watch and check it out. The taped calls of the Nightjar proved fruitless until again Rick heard a response. We scanned the trees on the hillside for the telltale eyes glowing in the light and then one was briefly seen flying into a bush and the lights picked up the 2 eyes. Then it was back to the hotel after another exceptional day.

We had a short pre breakfast trip across the Rio Rico to Paloduro Pond where we were pleased to see Black bellied Whistling-ducks and White faced Ibis. A couple of Great blue Herons were still in their roost perches. As we were about to leave the hotel for Sierra Vista, Ray mentioned to Stephanie that she didn't have her telescope- a quick dash back to her room to retrieve it and off we went.

This was to be somewhat of a rain-affected day when we set off for Patagonia Rest Area. This is a well known road lay-by which somehow attracts a good range of birds and almost immediately we were lucky to see a Thick billed Kingbird - this was the last of the 5 Kingbirds which can be seen in Arizona and the third of the Mexican specials. A fine Western Tanager flitted in the trees and a Ladderback Woodpecker. We then looked for a rather drab looking warbler known to be in that area and eventually saw it - the Northern beardless Tyrannulet, jokingly said to have a name bigger than the bird itself. In the rain, we stopped in the town of Patagonia which had been the setting for the film Oklahoma.

We called at Patons House, where several hummingbird feeders were set up and the main target was the Violet crowned and it didn't take long for one to appear. A very attractive hummer and one of the easier to ID (at least the male!). This site is the only site in the US for this hummingbird.

We stopped for a while at Nogales Airport while Rick made a phone call and while there listened to the singing of a close-by Eastern Meadowlark as it enjoyed the break in the rain.

We returned to Kino Springs and checked out the 2 pools there. A Canyon Towee was seen and surprising everyone, a Black crowned Night-heron flew in to give good views. In response to a tape, a Sora was encouraged to come out of the reeds and having done so, it walked from the reeds and even flew around.

Parked on the roadside at Kino, we were then delighted to get 2 Gilded Flickers on the wires and in the trees. A Lucys Warbler slipped quietly among the shrubs. We tried very hard to find Painted Bunting, especially the beautiful male, but eventually saw a female.

We then headed for our next hotel in Sierra Vista but driving across the Sonoita Grasslands, we stopped at what Rick felt was a good place and after scanning around, saw Grasshopper Sparrows and a Cassins Sparrow.

Todays trip also saw us having our first encounter with the Border Patrol, who check for smuggling and illegal immigrants but after checking our passports, they decided we were harmless.

Today was hummer day. Two of the well-known sites for hummingbirds are Miller and Ramsey Canyons and we started at Miller, THE site in the whole of the US for the greatest diversity of hummingbirds.

We stopped at Tom Beattys house where he had numerous feeders lined up, each seemingly attracting a host of the tiny birds - it was an incredible sight. Rick and Barbara patiently identified for us the various species and explained the key features of each one. We had Rufous (and the first full male plumaged, which was a stunner), Black chinned (probably the easiest to ID), Anna, Lucifers, Broad billed, Blue throated, Broad billed, Calliope, Costas, Magnificent and Toms speciality the White eared.- 11 species of Hummer!! There were other birds, of course, Arizona and Ladderback Woodpeckers and Northern Flicker together with Hepatic Tanager. It was a remarkable sight and probably a place never to forget and it was also interesting to talk to Tom Beatty himself and his son. As we descended the canyon, Bob Groom was fortunate to get a brief view of a Black Bear going through the trees- we stopped but were unable to relocate it.

One of the star Hummers, due to its rarity, is the Berylline and so we moved to Ramsey Canyon where one had been recorded. The group set itself up on the chairs watching the feeders and others watching said that the Berylline was feeding roughly every 20 minutes. Almost on cue, one came to a feeder - it seemed more nervous than others and tended to make only a brief stay. We waited and got better subsequent views. The Berylline was our 14th hummingbird!! There was quite a good little shop there and a few of the group's dollars found their way into the tills.

One of the non-birding highlights was lunch at the Golden Corral (or the Golden Carrot as it became known and ultimately Grated Carrot!). Here everyone loved the range of food on offer, while the ability to return as many times as you wish for more could have had something to do with it.

Then it was off to the San Pedro Riverside Inn where the owner was Mike Marsden who actually originated in Blackburn. He and his wife showed us some of the birds on their land (and in the good old English looking rain). First they showed us a couple of Barn Owls, which we could see with a little difficulty in the high canopy. Then some Scaled Quail (soon to become squails) came to a feeder and behind them, on an embankment, we spotted some Yellow headed Blackbirds and what smart birds these were. On one of their pools, a Green Heron walked the edge and a couple of young Black crowned Night-herons perched, one still in the nest area. Over the water swooped Northern rough winged Swallows, Barn Swallows and Violet green Swallows.

Today we went up into the Huachuca Mountains, to a higher altitude than we had been to date - up to close on 7500'. Up we went, climbing up to Carr Canyon where we would walk the Comfort Spring Trail. There was a car park at the top where we saw Western Wood-Pewee, Bushtit, and Black throated grey Warbler before we started to descend the trail. A Hairy Woodpecker was seen climbing a branch, before it flew over us to a tree on the other side and an American Robin perched briefly giving only a brief view.

A Band tailed Pigeon flew rapidly overhead - fortunately we would get a much better view later. Western Scrub-Jays called and were seen across the valley. Painted Redstart is a summer visitor in these higher altitudes and is confined to this SE corner of the US and in response to a tape, a lovely male breeding plumaged bird came to see what was happening, eventually coming within a few feet to give tremendous views. Another higher altitude bird is the Stellers Jay and while initially proving difficult to pin down, we did see one well on the way back up later. Another special bird in this area (and the same rarity value as the Painted Redstart) is the Red faced Warbler, which is regarded by many Americans as one of the prettiest warblers. When one came close, we could appreciate their opinion- what a cracking little bird. We again saw many wildflowers, obviously having responded to the recent rains and the path down the trail was certainly well decorated with their colours. About half the way down the trail, there was excitement as Rick called out that he heard the call of a Buff breasted Flycatcher, a bird which barely appears in the US, usually only in this tiny area of Arizona. After searching, a few of the group were lucky enough to get a glimpse of this rarity making the rest very envious. We then checked every Wood-Pewee, because we had yet to find a similar looking but larger Greater Pewee. Rick picked one out at last and the bird allowed all of us to see it well. We then made our way back up the trail to the minibuses for some well earned and appreciated refreshments.

In the afternoon, again after a break after lunch when the swimming pool proved a real attraction for some of the group, we went to the San Pedro River, where there was a Research Station which also did ringing demonstrations of hummingbirds. First we went to the river, hopefully to find a Green Kingfisher, but the recent rains had made the river flow far too strongly and made the water dirty and indeed the banks were broken in several places. We did see several buntings and grosbeaks in the grasses on the walk down and it was noticeable the number of Western Kingbirds around. However, Bob Groom caused a stir when he shouted "whats that". At first when we looked all we saw were swallows flying but Bob had seen a raptor which had dropped to the ground. When it flew up, Rick shouted that it was a White tailed Kite, a rarity in Arizona and not common in the whole of the US. Rick immediately said "bird of the day", which considering what we had seen, made us realise the importance of this sighting- well done Bob! We were told owls roosted in the sycamore trees by the riverside, but we neither heard nor saw anything- until on the way back, Rick heard the call of a young Great horned Owl. He went searching and then called us to say he had found it. As we went closer, not only was there a youngster but an adult also flew and perched in the open for a minute or so to allow not only views but photos. When we got to the Research Station, the girls were indeed showing the ringing of hummingbirds and their tiny size was only accentuated when you saw them in a hand.

Our first stop today was Charleston Bridge, not far from the hotel, seeing our first confirmed Chihuahuan Ravens on the way. At the bridge, John Bird identified a Lesser Nighthawk as it flew above us and then 3 others were seen. Among the hirundines John also picked out a Purple Martin. Both Yellow headed and Red winged Blackbirds appeared plus a small group of White faced Ibis.

We then had a short detour to Tombstone for a bit of light relief and photos were taken by the town nameplate and we walked down the main-street. As we did so, we added a new species to the triplist - a Eurasian Collared Dove!!

We had lunch at the Gadston Hotel in Douglas almost on the Mexican border- this was an amazing art deco place with stained glass windows, where apparently the Mexican bandit Pancho Villa rode his horse into the lobby as a sign of defiance.

Then back to the serious stuff and as we headed to Whitewater Draw, we saw a Ringed Turtle Dove (almost pure white)- this was not a new species for the list as it is presently classed as an escape, although with the species being self-reliant, this may change in the future. It was now quite hot. There were though a large number of birds on and around the water including many Wilsons Phalaropes, all of them doing their noted circling method of feeding. Waders included Baird's Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper and Long billed Dowitcher. Black necked Stilts were also recorded.

On the road to Portal, we drove through grasslands and these were known to hold numbers of Pronghorn (antelope-like and who can run up to 40mph) which are keenly sought by many and we were lucky to spot a small number in the middle distance. A little further on and we saw a group of Turkey Vultures on a cattle carcass. We stopped by a couple of birders who were watching a Swainsons Hawk feeding (on a burrowing owl?) but on a fence we picked out a Horned Lark (our Shore Lark) and it seemed a bit incongruous seeing one here in these high temperatures, a long way from the coast when we normally see them on a cold windswept beach in Norfolk in winter!

Our final stop was at Willow Tank, a couple of small pools not far from Portal. There was little around the water but we saw a thrasher on a wood-pile which immediately got Ricks attention. On checking it carefully, we noted there was an immature lower down the woodpile and then Rick confirmed them to be Bendires Thrasher.

Then on to Portal (only 5 miles from Paradise, the next village- is this the closest some of us will get!!) and the accommodation here was far different from what we had had previously encountered. It was a group of timbered inter-linked rooms off a common wood decking- they were comfortably furnished and clean and everyone took to them immediately, especially seeing the hummingbird feeders along the decking with several species enjoying the sugar-water. Other feeders were outside the shop/restaurant building which attracted House Finches, Curve billed Thrashers, Canyon Towees and Lesser Goldfinches.

After our meal, we heard an owl calling, and then A Great Horned Owl flew down the main street and perched on a telephone pole briefly before moving on.

Today we stayed local with Portal virtually being at the meeting point of 2 creeks - Silver Creek and Cave Creek. Pre-breakfast we went to Silver Creek, after seeing 4 types of hummer on our decking feeders. After a batch of regulars, we saw a Black throated Sparrow which we had seen before but this time with much better views. Our first Ash throated Flycatcher was perched up for us but as yet, our target bird remained elusive. We heard and then saw Curve billed Thrashers but it was a while before Rick heard the call of a Crissal Thrasher, the one we were looking for. It is always the most elusive of the 3 thrashers in Arizona and it was proving its reputation. Then there it was, perched near the top of a tree and letting us see it in full cry. A pair of Scott's Orioles flew over us, not only delightful looking birds but quite uncommon.

After breakfast we went to Cave Creek. There is a most impressive entrance to the creek with huge rocky towers and the view certainly proved to be a photo opportunity. The creek is also full of strange rock formations with huge boulders seemingly balanced on or against others and in line with the name, there are lots of caves and holes in the rocks high up the 4000' mountainsides. As we got higher up the creeks, we saw Sulphur bellied Flycatchers, White bellied Nuthatches and our first Brown Creeper (almost identical to our Treecreeper). While warblers were thin on the ground, we did manage to get a brief glimpse of a Grace’s Warbler, although it did manage to evade most of the group as it moved in the high tree canopy. In the afternoon break after lunch, some of the group rested while others watched the feeders and their bird activity and others walked up the main street. In Portal, virtually everyone was a birder, even the locals.

We started our pre breakfast birding in Silver Creek, close to our accommodation in Portal but before that on the decking feeders we watched Rufous, Annas and Black chinned Hummingbirds. Just before our first stop, the second bus group had Chipping Sparrows. The guide was listening carefully for calls and songs and soon we had Western scrub Jay, Black throated Sparrow and the gorgeous Blue throated Hummingbird. Above us soared Violet green Swallows. As often happened, Gambels Quail walked out onto the road. Juniper Titmouse are only seen at these higher altitudes (circa 6000') and when we got one, it flew backwards and forwards with Tom running to and fro trying to get it in a scope! However, the most prized bird was the highly sought after Black chinned Sparrow which successfully put in an appearance for everyone. After the very satisfying breakfast, we headed to even higher altitudes in Rustler Park.

As the bus was slowly moving ahead, there was a distinct and quite a loud noise and we stopped immediately. Rick jumped out quickly and checked the side of the track and there it was - a black tailed rattlesnake disturbed by the passing bus, had hissed its displeasure. As it moved slowly away, it allowed several photos to be taken and Rick explained how docile it was, provided that it is not actively provoked - Tom remained firmly in the bus!! Then back to the birds and a Yellow eyed Junco showed what an attractive bird it is by walking along by the side of the bus. A plain brown flycatcher proved to be rather an enigma before finally being confirmed as a Cordilleran. Moving higher still, the birds changed and we had Red breasted and Pygmy Nuthatches. We were then particularly pleased to see a Mexican Chickadee, a bird which is limited to this one tiny part of the US. A Northern Pygmy-Owl responded to a call but it proved reluctant to give a clear view to everyone. We paused on the way down the canyon to check out a feeding flock but when John spotted an overflying raptor, Rick excitedly shouted it was a Short tailed Hawk, which was only a recent addition to the Arizona bird list. During the afternoon break we had a couple of new mammals to add to the list. Some of the group went up through the village but decided to return as the rain threatened- however Judith and Stephanie left it a little late and by the time they got back, the expression "drowned rats" came to mind. Now late afternoon, we headed to Ricks house high up the canyon but stopped to see a Golden Eagle perched in the distance, a little way from its nest on the rock face. We had an excellent meal at Ricks and met his wife, Lynne, while at the same time watched the hummingbirds at his many feeders. Rick said that his garden bird list now exceeded 200 species - putting ours to shame! Once it was dusk, we did some owling and managed to see a Western screech Owl and an Elf Owl, the latter the smallest owl in the US and probably the world. Driving back to Portal, 6 Common Poor-wills took flight from the road as our headlights picked them out.

Our final days birding so we left Portal and headed back to Tucson. A final check of the feeders revealed Canyon Towee, Northern Cardinal, American Robin, Black headed Grosbeak and the usual (!) hummers. The pre breakfast trip up Cave Creek gave us Cassins Kingbird and Plumbeous Vireo. Also a pair of Hepatic Tanagers flew overhead. Not long out of Portal, Rick braked hard and stopped the bus- we did not know why. However, he showed us there was a Diamond backed Rattlesnake crossing the road. This is the largest and most poisonous of the US snakes and once it was at a safe distance, we got off (not Tom) and had a closer look and to take photos. On the way to Wilcox, we saw further Chipping Sparrows and Chihuahuan Ravens. Approaching Wilcox, almost every other roadside pole seemed to have a perched Swainstons Hawk on it. Red tailed Hawk and Harriss Hawk were also recorded. It was really hot in Wilcox as we went to Lake Cochise. There were many birds around the water, one of the first noted was an eclipse Redhead. There were a large number of American Avocets, Wilsons Phalaropes, Least Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper but the most noteworthy bird was a single Marbled Godwit. A nearby pool produced an Eared Grebe (our Black necked Grebe) and at the back were both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, White faced Ibis and Cinnamon Teal. A single Pied billed Grebe swam into view. We had a picnic lunch in Wilcox and enjoyed (?) the close passing of a huge Union Pacific freight train (there were 58 wagons) and I am sure the driver deliberately sounded his horns as he passed.

We then headed off and stopped to look for Mississippi Kite at St David and sure enough right on cue, there they were in willow trees. This is the most westerly site for summer Mississippis and we watched them as they flew around- very smart birds.

We then stopped a short time at a monastery in St David, which had a small birding trail attached where we had Grey Hawk, Vermilion Flycatcher, Blue Grosbeak and a brief view of a Pacific-slope Flycatcher.

Before getting back to the hotel, we had a final stop at Shannon-Broadway to try and get Costa's Hummingbird as not all the group had been successful at its previous sighting. However, while it was heard, nothing came into view. We did though see Gilded Flicker, Black tailed Gnatcatcher and Rufous winged Sparrow - an excellent ending to our birding.

There only remained to have our celebratory evening meal when, with Rick and Barbara, we reminisced about the previous couple of weeks. Everyone chose their particular bird of the trip and, not surprisingly, there were many different choices but there was a majority winner- the wonderful male plumaged Rufous Hummingbird. After the meal we said our farewells to Rick and Barbara.

It was an early start from the hotel to get to the airport for our flight. As it happened, it was the day worldwide security measures were implemented but it didn't hold us up to any extent. What did delay us was a tremendous electrical storm at Atlanta (is there always a storm here?) which closed the airport for 2 hours followed by an engine fault causing another hour hold up. Then it was off to Manchester with memories of an exciting and successful birding trip to Arizona.

It is difficult to summarise a trip like this but the position of this corner of SE Arizona being as close to Mexico as it is, certainly produced a wonderful array of US rarities and we were extremely successful is getting to see the vast majority of the possibles. The principal reason for our success was no doubt down to the skills and knowledge of the local guides and especially Rick. It turned out that Arizona had the most rainfall since 1955 while we were there but this did not really affect our birding itinerary too much. The earlier drier weather did have the effect of reducing the number of warblers but we did see others to replace the missed species. The reviewed overall total number of species was 198 (this excludes the Mexican Duck which presently is only a sub-species of Mallard - do we count the American white Pelicans we saw in the saline pools at we approached Salt Lake City airport??