American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus ), Hutch's Pool, Upper Sabino Creek, Pima County

This American Dipper was discovered by Bill Higgins on 16 January 2010.  Hutch's Pool is 4.1 miles one-way from the upper end of the Sabino Canyon Road (the highest tram/shuttle stop), itself 3.8 miles from the Visitor Center.  This photograph was taken by Matthew Brooks on 01 February 2010. 

Extremely rare and perhaps decreasing winter visitor to the high mountains of SE Arizona.  This is perhaps the first report in Pima County since 1998.  Breeding populations in some areas of northern and central Arizona have also declined and it has been suggested that this is due to the introduction of the American Crayfish and consequent decimation the Dipper's food supply. 

Short tail, plump body and uniform brownish gray coloration.

01 February 2010, photo by Matthew Brooks