Grey Hawk
This area is notable as a haven for many species of bird, plants, and other wildlife. It appeals to many bird watchers. The ranch offers two ramadas, 50+ miles of trails, waterfalls and the remains of an old mining town from the 1700s.
The ranch was visited by two board members of the Tucson Audubon Society, Larry Liese and Susan Randolph, who came to take a look for themselves at all the ranch has to offer. Both of them have given permission to quote their observations.
Larry Liese “The habitat for birds is very diverse, which is great for a wide variety of birds. I saw at least 8 Rose-throated Becard nest’s, Grey Hawks, Elegant Trogens, Yellow Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Varied Bunting, Cassin’s Kingbirds, Gila Woodpecker, and Acorn Woodpecker just to name a few.”
Susan Randolph, “Rancho Esmeralda’s scenic beauty is truly incredible, from it’s mountains with oaks, juniper, sycamore and cottonwood trees to it’s ocotillo forest. I saw my first Elegant Trogan within 30 minutes of arriving. It was a lifer for me.”
|
Pinau Merlin, well known naturalist and author of “Bird Nests & Eggs”, published by the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum Press, also visited. She said, “the pristine habitat at the Esmeralda is the reason that you can see so many nesting birds, the grey hawk and Rose-throated Becard to name just two. The diverse concentration of plants is amazing. Many of the flowers and plants found here are rare”. The ranch was fortunate to have Pinau Merlin, along with Randy Babb, Arizona Game and Fish Dept biologist, recently lead a group to the ranch. The trip was a great success, take a look at Pinau’s trip report and the specisis report that this group compiled and watch our calendar for future trips she will be leading. Select here to review 2005 spring sightings!! Documented by Biologist Susan Patla Select here To Read Biologist Susan Patla's trip report!! Select here to review 2004 summer sightings!! Select here for details on trip leaders. |
Rose-throated Becard - Male
Rose-throated Becard - Female on the Nest
Rancho Esmeralda featured in Tucson Lifestyles, February 2004!
Email us -
info@ranchoesmeraldanogales.com
or call (520)
548-7278 -- (520)296-7622 (fax)