Ruddy Ground Doves Return

October 14, 2023

Ruddy Ground Dove Lakeside Park 10-14-2023

Ruddy Ground Doves had been pretty much missing since last October. The usual spots were void. Lots of Incas, and Common Ground Doves, but these guys were elsewhere. Until last week when one was seen by Ron Batie along the trail south from Santa Gertrudis, then I found one at Canoa Ranch on October 10, then two days later two at Santa Gertrudis in the barnyard and chicken coop, then this morning I found another Lakeside Park (Tucson). Others have just shown up at Paton’s (Patagonia) and a private residence in Tubac. Surely there are many more arrivals that no birder has seen.

Ruddy Ground Dove Santa Gertrudis 10-11-23

Iceland Gull Lakeside Park 10-14-23

This bird was reported on the Thursday, 12th October. Initially there was some debate as to the species. I drove up to Tucson to see this bird, and that’s how I chanced upon the Ruddy Ground Dove.

Iceland Gull Lakeside Park 10-14-23

Peregrine Falcon Canoa Ranch 10-10-23

Peregrine Falcon Canoa Ranch 10-10-23

Rufous-backed Robin Silverlake Park (Tucson) 10-9-23

Another bird that has been hard to find locally. This disheveled-looking robin was foraging with towhees on the margins of a lawn at Silverlake Park. There is no lake at Silverlake Park.

Columbus Park Tucson. Amazing green water and 5-eyed carp. A magnet for eastern warblers.