Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa), Patagonia Lake spillway, Santa Cruz County

This immature Northern Jacana was discovered and digiscoped by by Matt Brown on 07 October 2008 at the spillway at Patagonia Lake State Park.  Access to the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area is through the big new gate on the left before you get to the toll house, and requires a free advance permit (520-287-6965). The spillway is a short walk past the Natural Area parking lot on the gated utility road.

There are three prior accepted records of this species in Arizona, not counting the one in Casa Grande last year which is currently circulating to the Arizona Bird Committee.  All previous Arizona records have been of adults. 

07 October 2008,digiscoped photos by Matt Brown

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