Fall migration along the Eastern Tanque Verde Sept 1

My friend Kirk and I surveyed the far east end of the Tanque Verde Wash today.   Almost the entire first half of the survey was relatively quiet except for the constant calls of Purple Martins overhead, for which over 3 dozen were about.   An interesting find were raptor feathers strewn about one section of the wash.   The edges were frayed which would indicate an owl, and a google search on "barn owl feather identification" shows similar feathers (showing more white than a Great Horned Owl flight feather ).  What do you think?  Here is another link to a feather ID site http://www.fws.gov/lab/featheratlas

Barn Owl Feather?

The birds were so quiet compared to other excursions.   As we neared the halfway point a large brownish snake
slithered quickly across our path and into some brush.  Almost simultaneously a medium sized rodent burst through the other side in a narrow escape (pack rat?).     The speed and coloration made me think it may have been a Sonoran Coachwhip, but I couldn't say for sure. 
The action seemed to wake the birds.   I noticed a Western Tanager feeding on a large juicy caterpillar.   Two House Wrens hopped about in the lower portions of a Desert Broom, and were joined by a MacGillivray's Warbler.  A Yellow Warbler floated through the branches before us, and Plumbeous Vireo as well.   A bird flying in from the left was a Warbling Vireo, my first for the year.  As we entered the wash again two Blue Grosbeaks were feeding on vegetation in the middle of the wash.   A Great Horned Owl also flushed from the cottonwoods.   Our sparrow list on this journey was also respectable including Chipping, Lark, Rufous-winged, Brewer's and Black-Throated varieties.

Kirk was leading the way up a short rocky trail when something made her jump forward quickly.  She had walked within inches of a beautiful three and a half foot long Western Diamondback.   The snake didn't rattle and head no intention of striking even though it was in perfect position had it the slightest inclination.   It reaffirmed the peaceful nature I've always witnessed from this and other species of rattlesnake.   I'm so glad this animal communicates with us through its rattle when it fears we may be coming too close.  I hope we can reciprocate the good gesture by kind acts toward this misunderstood species.  Here is the pic of this kind hearted soul. 


Western Diamondback-same position as when Kirk passed it

It turned out to be a good day of birding and nature watching.  I am thankful for the opportunity to see birds in my "extended neighborhood," along the Tanque Verde Wash.  Thank you for appreciating our peaceful neighborhood friends, our desert wildlife!