Further Notes on the Birds of the Baboquívari Mountains, Arizona

Abstract

The Baboquivari Mountains lie in southern Pima County, extending from near the Mexican border north for about thirty miles. Like Mr. Bruner, I stayed at Fresnal Ranch in the northern part of the range. This ranch is about 4000 feet above sea level. Baboquivari Peak, the highest mountain in the chain, is a nearly barren mass of precipitous rock jutting up from a low ridge several miles southwest of the ranch. The second greatest altitude is attained by Fresnal Hill, which adjoins Baboquivari Peak on the north; well forested above, it reaches an elevation of roughly 7000 feet. My observations were almost entirely limited to the lower parts of the northern fifth of the range, and most of the birds were seen near the ranch in Otero Canyon. This canyon and its tributaries are well forested along the water-courses of their northern slopes. The commonest trees are mesquite, live oak, juniper, and pinyon. There was plenty of water in the mountains throughout my stay. My work, which was greatly facilitated by Mr. Bryarn Peters, owner of Fresnal Ranch, was done mainly between December 20, 1931, and June 3, 1932, though a few records were obtained as early as October 1, 1931. No birds were collected. The preparation of these notes was made possible through the extreme kindness of Mrs. Florence Merriam Bailey. All the birds listed by Mr. Bruner were again found except six: California Brown Pelican, Wilson Phalarope, Whitney Elf Owl, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Long-tailed Chat, and Painted Redstart.