Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana), Hassayampa River Preserve, Near Wickenburg, Maricopa Co., Maricopa County

This female Green Kingfisher was discovered by Dominic Sherony on 26 February 2010 and first reported by Magill Weber on 27 February 2010.  It was seen just steps from the visitors center, at the main branch of the river near the junctions of Lions Trail and The Ramble Trail. Cross the first stream, and go up the embankment to a sandy beach clearing . The bird was frequenting vegetated islands in the middle of the river. It was  photographed by Magill Weber and Liz Sockness on 27 February 2010, by Edward Dukart on 28 February 2010, by Melissa Oehler on 5 March 2010 and by Brendon Grice on 13 March 2010.

This is the first record of the species for Maricopa County.  According to Janet Witzeman, this brings the county list to 443.  This is also only the second record for Arizona north of Tucson (one at Topcock Marsh in 1988 is the other).  There are more northerly records as well for the Texas Panhandle.  This species is a rare but regular visitor to SE Arizona, principally along the upper San Pedro River and at Patagonia Lake. 

27 February 2010, photo by Magill Weber

27 February 2010, photo by Liz Sockness

28 February 2010, photo by Edward Dukart_Jr.

05 March 2010, photo by Melissa Oehler

13 March 2010, photos by Brendon Grice

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer