April 30, 2020
Several days ago three Crescent-chested Warblers were reported in the Chirachuas, the same mountains that include Portal and Cave Creek on the eastern slopes. This spot, the Morse Canyon Trail, is on the western slopes of the mountains. It is about a 120 mile drive from Green Valley. The Crescent-chested Warblers, at least two, and perhaps more, were in the canopy just to the west of the trail head. This is an extremely rare bird in the United States, being a Mexican specialty, it is seen rarely in SE Arizona and Texas. Sibley’s Guide (2000) does not include the species. The birds were singing most of the time they were visible. The song is cicada-like, or like a grasshopper sparrow.
The habitat is a mixed oak-coniferous woodland.
But that wasn’t all. Red-faced Warblers were seen in decent numbers at the same spot!
As an afterthought, a pair of Grace’s Warblers were there too.
Beside the birds shown above, there were Mexican Chickadees, Warbling Vireos, Hermit Thrushes doing their weird song, and Cordilleran Flycatchers. The spot is formally known as the Morse Canyon Trail #43 or on Ebird, “stakeout Crescent-chested Warbler, Morse Canyon Trail #43 (2020).”
Take I-10 east from Tucson to Dragoon Road, south to US191, continue south on US191 to US181 at Sunzona and then proceed east until you get to Turkey Creek Road. At this point US181 makes a 90 degree turn north. Take Turkey Creek Road, which is a dirt road, east about 10 miles until you reach the end of road at the trail head. The birds were seen pretty much near the trail head. No serious hiking is required. The dirt road is mostly very good with only a few minor areas after about 7 miles with a rough surface. A FWD, AWD or 4X4 auto/truck is advised. A 2X4 truck may have some traction issues. A three-lifer day for my End-of-the-World bird list.