American Redstarts (Setophaga ruticilla), Gilbert Water Ranch, Maricopa County

A female American Redstart was discovered by Michael Moore on 11 November 2008 at the Gilbert Water Ranch and photographed by Brendon Grice on 12 November 2008.  Note the very pale gray head, subdued face pattern and limited, lemon yellow patches on the the side of the breast of this bird. 

On 14 November, another American Redstart was seen by many at the Water Ranch and was photographed by Jack Holloway on 14 November 2008 and Joe Marsala on 15 November 2008.  On this bird note the darker gray head, more prominent spectacles and the orange-yellow patches on the side of the breast that indicate this is a second bird, perhaps an immature male.

American Redstart is a rare migrant and casual summer and winter visitor throughout Arizona. 

12 November 2008, photo by Brendon Grice

14 November 2008, photo by Jack Holloway

15 November 2008, photo by Joe Marsala

All photos copyright by the photographers