NM - Crissal Thrashers

Crissal Thrasher - Deming WWTP, Luna Co., NM. February 6th, 2013. Panasonci Lumix FZ7. Usually regarded as a skulker favoring dense mesquite and other types of desert scrub. Our experiences with Crissal Thrashers at Deming were rather different with this showy pair just south of the main waste water treatment plant. They were frequenting marginal habitat with only a few spindly mesquites to hide in, habitat also favored by the Sage Sparrow pictured below. We also found Crissal Thrashers in at least three other spots in the SW New Mexico. Yet another highlight from the recent Birdfinders tour of Texas and New Mexico.

Sage Sparrow - Deming WWTP, Luna Co., NM. February 6th, 2013.

Panasonci Lumix FZ7.

Crissal Thrasher, Maricopa Co. 01/26

Good views of typical, but sometimes difficult to see, desert residents at McDowell Regional Park just north of Fountain Hills. Highlights included extended looks at a Crissal Thrasher, plus about 4 Black-tailed Gnatcatchers, Costa's and Anna's Hummingbirds, and numerous Phainopeplas. A large flock of 72 Western Meadowlarks flew over and a couple of Great Horned Owls called at dusk, all of these were just in one remote corner of this extremely scenic desert park.


Crissal Thrasher -

Costa's Hummingbird - male

Phainopepla - female.

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher -

JPS