Blue Ridge Reservoir in Coconino Forest, AZ
July 7, 2017 While camping with the family last week, Larry and I strolled for a mile or so down the Arizona Trail, which passes right through the Blue Ridge Reservoir Campground. There was quite a bit of avian activity near the Elk Tank watering hole... Though far away, there are actually three birds near the water in this shot: Western Bluebird, Western Tanager, and American Robin, all enjoying a drink together. While not at all uncommon in this area, this guy is always striking and fun to see, with his bright yellow breast and rump, sharply contrasting black wings, and that perpetually-embarrassed bright red face! Also in the mix, this cousin - the Hepatic Tanager... And the female Hepatic Tanager. Western Bluebird Acorn Woodpecker, female Dark-eyed Junco, possibly red-backed subspecies, based on its bi-colored bill A permanent resident to the campground, no doubt, is this Steller's Jay, boldly approaching to feed on stray tidbits drop...