Patagonia Lake State Park

We got up bright and early and headed to Patagonia Lake State Park to check out their birds and the lake for possible kayaking. The lake is roughly 50 miles southwest of the park were we are staying.

Once at the lake, we parked near the birding trail and had a nice conversation with one of the volunteers. As we walked the trail, this was the sight we first saw. Can you imagine tules in the desert?

Cows have access to the state park. This mom and son walked past us on the trail as they headed to the water for a drink. We were told that there are a lot of cow trails to follow throughout the park.

These are cormorants which are typically shorebirds. What the heck are they doing here in Southeast Arizona. Crazy isn't it?

Here is another nice shot of the lake. This week is spring break for the kids so the lake's campground was full of families camping. We decided we will wait until next week when the families head home before we get out on the lake like these two kayakers were today.

Can you believe this view is in the desert?
Or this one? Look at the beautiful ferns. Amazing.

As we were headed out, more cows passed us by. This little fella was so darn cute and was romping around with another calf as the two moms just kept heading for the water. We couldn't resist including his picture.

Here are some Cinnamon Teal and Green Wing Teal Ducks doing what ducks do.

I have saved the best for last. The sighting of this bird is the prime objective of many birders as its range barely extends into the United States. The name of the bird? The Elegant Trogon. This beautiful bird is related to the bird of the Maya emperor-gods, the Quetzal. We knew that the bird had been sighted at Patagonia Lake from a conversation with some birders here at the park on Saturday. In all honesty, we probably would have walked right by him if we hadn't come across a group of four birders who saw him. They graciously pointed him out to us so we got our proof of sighting. He is rather elegant looking isn't he? Click on the picture to enlarge for a closer view.

The one gentleman in the group had been birding for 24 years and he was amazing. We walked with them for a while as he/they pointed out different birds. The birder had a scope that he would set up quickly on the bird we were viewing. We were shown so many different types of birds that our heads were spinning. We really appreciated their generosity in sharing their knowledge with us. I think the only way one is ever going to get good at bird identification is to hang out with other birders. In this lifestyle, that may not be too difficult.

I really liked this picture John took. Simple but very pretty.

We saw deer, cows, lots of different birds (including hummingbirds) and the Elegant Trogan. It was a very productive day.

We tried to go to the Nature Conservancy's Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve in the town of Patagonia but they are closed on Monday and Tuesday. Oh well. As we were leaving Patagonia, we spotted this bird of prey sitting in the tree along the road. We believe it is a Swainson's Hawk; another new sighting for us.

We decided that there is still more to see around here so we will be signing up for another week come Wednesday. John and I both feel that we have been trying to cram in as much as possible since we arrived here on Wednesday and that we are both tired of the go, go, go. We plan on sticking close to home tomorrow to recharge our batteries.