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Black-capped Gnatcatcher (Polioptila nigriceps), Patagonia Lake State Park, Santa Cruz CountyThis Black-capped Gnatcatcher was photographed by Arlene Ripley on 28 March 2012.
Although this is one of the traditional sites for this
species that has been occupied off and on for years,
they had been absent for a while. They appear to
have been rediscovered here by Stuart Healy on 9
November 2011. Black-capped Gnatcatcher
has been an extremely rare resident in SE Arizona.
Historically, influxes of this species from Mexico have
occurred sporadically and have persisted for a few years
afterwards, followed by several years with no records.
However, the incursion that began in 2002 appears to be
the most widespread and longest lasting. Black-capped
Gnatcatchers increased in numbers and were found in an
increasing number of areas. However, over the last year
or so, reports have declined and numbers seem to have
decreased, suggesting this incursion may be coming to an
end.
28 March 2012, photo by Arlene Ripley All photos are copyrighted© by photographer |
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Submitted on 30 March 2012 |
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