Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe), De Anza Trail near Nogales WTP, Santa Cruz County

This Eastern Phoebe was discovered and photographed by Michael Lester on 1 February 2012 along the Santa Cruz River, just west of the Nogales Wastewater treatment plant (Restricted). The bird was about 0.1 miles from the railroad bridge. Anyone who may want to chase this bird should keep in mind that the treatment plant is off limits to birders. Barbed wire used to mark the boundary of the treatment plant ~50m west of the railroad bridge, but is no longer currently standing. Please do not approach the bridge.

Eastern Phoebe is a rare but regular winter visitor to Arizona.  This year has been remarkable for this species in Arizona.  This is the 10th Eastern Phoebe documented on the AZFO site this winter and the 18th reported overall. 

Gray back, dark cap, no eyering, weak wing bars, weak yellow belly and white chest with brownish smudging on sides.

01 February 2012, photo by Michael Lester