The Superstition Mountains are located east of Phoenix, Arizona. We visited the area a couple of weeks ago, staying at the Lost Dutchman State Park Campground. We've visited this park several times over the years - always in the spring. We like to go there for the spectacular scenery, for the abundance of wildflowers, and, of course, for the birds. Join me for a tour of this little gem of a place where just about anyone who loves the outdoors can find something of interest.
Geology of the Superstitions
About 40 million years ago, the last layers of ancient sedimentary rocks were removed by a period of intense stream erosion. All that remained was a flatland of Precambrian basement rock. Some 25 million years ago violent steam blast eruptions alternating with periods of collapse, formed a huge volcanic caldera (crater) filled with rhyolite flows. Frothy volcanic ash deposits spilled out and blanketed the countryside. Later, renewed magma pressure from beneath pushed the solidified interior of the volcano upward more than 2000 feet in a geologic action called "resurgence." The former caldera was replaced by a resurgent dome. Erosion has removed the ash material from around the volcano's core. The cliffs before you are weathered remnants of the resurgent dome. This volcanic rock that forms the Superstition Mountains stands as a reminder of a violent geologic past.
Source: information sign at the park
Springtime in Arizona is amazing, with so much going on in the natural world before the oppressive summer heat sets in. Birds are busily nesting, feeding their babies, and getting them fledged in a short time.
Phainopeplas are one of my favorite desert birds, with their punky crests and garnet eyes. This female stayed on this perch near the trail as I walked past, making me suspect that she has a nest nearby. The male wasn't quite as cooperative. That's OK, though. I was happy to get such a close up look at a bird that usually flies long before I'm close enough for a photo.
The
song of the Bell's Vireo was nearly non-stop around camp. They are constantly on the move, flitting from branch to branch, gleaning insects and chasing off potential rivals. Populations of this bird are declining throughout their range, primarily from loss of habitat and cowbird parasitism (see previous link). "Least" Bell's Vireos at home (California's Central Valley) are considered endangered.
We saw lots of Curve-billed Thrashers, most in the process of incubating eggs. They generally place their nests in cholla cactuses. I love their
song - it always sounds so happy.
Looking for bugs.
Eating a wolfberry.
Only her tail feathers visible in the nest.
Verdins were actively feeding chicks in their large, round nests.
We could hear the chicks making little "cheep cheeps" when the adults brought in food.
Here are a few more typical desert birds from this trip.
Gambel's Quail
Black-throated Sparrow
Cactus Wren
Gilded Flicker on a Saguaro Cactus
And last is an Abert's Towhee - a life bird for me on this trip. He did a marvelous display dance on a cholla for a female watching from nearby. He sure impressed me!
Birds weren't the only critters we got to see. There were Desert Cottontails and Harris's Antelope Squirrels in abundance. It was fun to watch them interact with each other, generally the rabbits chasing the squirrels.
Lots of lizards, too. I haven't had time to identify them yet so maybe matching mole can help if he's around today.
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And then there was the dazzle of the brilliantly colored wildflowers against the earth tones of the landscape. This diary is getting rather long so I'll share just a few wildflower photos so that you can get a flavor for the rich color palette of wildflowers in bloom in the desert.
Do you have any favorite outdoor places that you like to visit - for birds or scenery or other kinds critters?