The days are hot, hot, hot so not real favorable in the way of birding or hiking. We did go to one of my favorite birding places in the Verde Valley – Page Springs Hatchery and the Bubbling Ponds. This is the first time I’ve been here in the summer. What a difference a season makes. In the winter when we visit the Bubbling Ponds are full of various species of ducks. During the summer the only ducks using the ponds are resident Mallards tending their young ducklings.

First time I’ve been here when the trees are fully leafed out – beautiful (Bubbling Ponds – Black Hawk Trail).

These Western Tiger Swallowtails seemed float from one plant to the next. We actually saw seven on one plant.

Black Phoebe using this nest box as a place to hang out between sallies across the stream in search of food.

Plenty of bullfrogs in one of the bubbling ponds. Food source for the Great Blue Herons who nest nearby.
Meanwhile, back at my parents house this Northern Cardinal male is a colorful customer at the feeder. It especially likes the suet. Now makes regular appearances.
In addition to birding we did do a number of hikes. We generally get to the trailhead around 6:00 am to beat the heat. The other day the heat was at record highs (117 in Phoenix!) – got to 101.2 at my parents house. Too hot for me and the birds who made frequent visits to the bird bath. When Jack was watering a plant he had a hummingbird come to the hose and drink from the stream of water.
Bell Rock – Courthouse Butte
Turkey Creek Trail
This is a seldom used trail that we occasionally hike. We headed out early in the morning before the morning sun bore down on us. Apparently it is also a good time to float in the air – the sky was littered with hot-air balloons. Another bucket list to try some time – I bet the view is amazing – all the red rock formations from above. We hiked about 4 miles round-trip as we didn’t want to be out in the hot sun for too long.

The trail – yeah you have to keep your eyes open. Luckily they do have trail markers to help you stay on the right path.

On the way back home we saw this juvenile Cooper’s Hawk sitting on this soccer goal post. Good vantage point to check out his prey.
Baldwin Trail
This is a favorite trail and I hike it every time I come to Sedona. Sedona is surrounded by National Forest land and has a wealth of trails with varying degrees of difficulty and length. I have been coming to Sedona for over 20 years and there are still a lot of trails I haven’t hiked. And, you might want to experience a Vortex site.
Despite the heat, it has been nice to experience the Sedona area in the summer. But more travels await us as we head to Africa. Until then ………………………… It’s A Great Day to Bird
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