Last year on August 5 Cliff Cathers, a Tucson birding guide, had an unprecedented 60+(!) Red-faced Warblers in a mixed flock on Incinerator Ridge atop Mt. Lemmon above Tucson. On August 30 I found a crisply plumaged adult male Hooded Warbler, astonishingly unexpected, near the signal towers on Pinal Peak above Globe. Here are the five best sites to catch this dazzling display of nature in motion. Hike ridgelines near forest edges where the trees give way to meadows or abrupt drop offs.
AZTEC PEAK—This awesome, underbirded “power spot” at the south end of the Sierra Anchas rises to 7700 feet on the Tonto northeast of Roosevelt Lake. Take SR 288 from Globe toward Young, then turn east of FR 487, Workman Creek Road, and follow it to the lookout on top. If warblers aren’t moving, you can enjoy the nearly 360 degree vista and the unobstructed views down into the aptly named Canyon Creek.
MT. ORD—Ord, at 7100 feet in the far northeast corner of Maricopa County, is underbirded at this season. Take the Beeline toward Payson and turn onto FR 626 on the right just before you crest Slate Creek Divide. About halfway to the top you’ll see FR 1688 on your right at the second corral. 1688 is 4x4 only, but walk it for a couple miles, then return and continue on the main road to the locked gate just below the signal towers, park and walk to the top. 1688 and any area above that should be productive.
PINAL PEAK—From Phoenix, shortly after you enter the western outskirts of Globe on Highway 60, watch for the brown forest service sign at the stoplight intersection with Russell Road. Follow the signs and at the intersection of FRs 55 and 651 take 651. Check Sulfide del Ray campground, then continue to the top and walk the road to the fire lookout, 7812 feet, and any of the roads around the upper campgrounds and the signal towers.
MT. LEMMON—The drive up through the multiple life zones on the Catalina Highway north of Tucson is a scenic wonderland. For fall warbler flocks walk the roads in Rose Canyon and on Mt. Bigelow and bird the first mile of the Meadow and Lookout trails from the uppermost parking lot, 9157 feet. Don’t forget to hike Incinerator Ridge, just past milepost 18, on the way up.
MADERA CANYON—This beautiful area needs no introduction to regular readers of this column. Park in the highest lot and take the Vault Mine trail. It does not follow a ridgeline, but Townsend’s and Hermit Warblers are almost a guarantee here in August.
Remember, also guaranteed along Arizona’s ridgelines in August is monsoon weather activity. Be prudent and safe. Start early and watch the sky. The only lightning strike you want to experience is a figurative one in the form of a rare warbler or a fantastic mix of these avian jewels.