According to National Audubon Society, the Mexican Spotted Owl is the rarest owl in the United States. Though its range stretches from Mexico north through Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado, the bird is highly localized within that territory. It favors cool, shaded canyons tucked among the hot, dry slopes of desert mountains.
The owl does not breed every year, but when it does, it seeks out spacious hollows in old-growth trees. If those nesting sites are unavailable, it will settle into abandoned nests built by other birds or even shallow caves carved into canyon cliffs. Standing only about 18 inches tall and weighing roughly one pound, the Mexican Spotted Owl is difficult to spot — and sadly, it remains on the threatened species list.
Spring is also one of the best times to experience Arizona. Warm weather draws both birds and birders alike to this remarkable landscape. Known as a haven for specialty birds, Arizona offers rewarding sightings year-round, especially along the Southeastern Arizona Birding Trail.
The trail’s 52 designated sites wind through streams and riparian corridors bordered by willows and cottonwoods, where you may glimpse Abert’s Towhees rustling in the shadows or brilliant Vermilion Flycatchers flashing through the treetops.
And now for something completely different
Follow Noah’s Arc- Can one “bird nerd” with little more than a backpack and a spotting scope, crush the round-the-world Big Year record? Follow Noah on his blogas he travels from Antarctica to Zambia, trying to identify 5,000 plus species in 365 day. You’ll be able to view his route, take a look in his bag and track his numbers in real time.
