Dave and I went to Seven Springs Recreation Area (SSRA). SSRA is in the Tonto National Forest just a little ways north of the town of Cave Creek, which is a suburb of Phoenix. There was a Hooded Warbler reported in the Seven Springs Wash (which is adjacent to the SSRA), last seen the day before. We hiked into the wash to where the bird was reported, but didn’t have any luck. In fact, there wasn’t much bird activity there, except for the Canyon Wren. There was water flowing in the wash, and the hike required some ‘bushwhacking’ and stream crossing. We met some other birders there who also hadn’t seen the warbler.
Next we went from the wash to SSRA. We came across a spot that attracted a lot of American Robins, Townsend’s Solitaires, and Cedar Waxwings. They seemed to like this particular spot where the water pooled. The Townsend’s Solitaires were making their distinctive whistle-like call. There was a large flock of Cedar Waxwings. American Robins aren’t common in Phoenix, but there were quite a few here (approximately 6).
Dave brought his new Phantom 4 Pro drone (a Christmas present). It was pretty cool. He was able to fly it from the trail head to where the wash is. It’s very stable, and sends back video live to the controller. The camera has gyros in it to stabilize the picture. You can program where you want it to go using GPS.
SSRA is a nice spot that is pretty close to town (though it was about an hour drive from my house). It’s a ‘keeper’ – meaning it’s worth going back.
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Looks like a nice time, Joe.