Archive for the ‘Phoenix’ Category

Central Arizona

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

phoenix_sunset

Drove from Riverside to Cave Creek Regional Park above Phoenix, Arizona. When I got to Blythe it seemed to early to stop, so I continued on to the campground. It’s a very nice park with lots of birds. The weather was in the 90’s during the day, however, so I just stayed the one night.

phainopepla

Phainopepla

black-throated_sparrow

A black-throated sparrow

blue-gray-gnatcatcher

Blue-gray-gnatcatcher

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Cactus wren

From Phoenix I went on to Cottonwood, Arizona and Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Cottonwood is around 10 degrees cooler than Phoenix. The park is very popular and people are coming and going all the time. It is not just a weekend park.

It is just the second time I’ve driven on the I-17 that connects the I-8 and I-40. It has a significant grade, but it’s worth it to get away from the heat of Southern Arizona.

Gambels_quail_Cottonwood

Gambel’s quail

canyon_wren

Canyon wren

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A brown creeper

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