Photographs of Western Tanagers and the birds on the Arizona desert and other parts of the state

Flame-colored Tanager

birdfotos.com

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To learn more click here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flame-colored_Tanager

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Approximately 7 inches head to tail. A flame-orange color head breast and under parts. Wings black with 2 white wing bars. Back is black with white streaks. Also note the darker orangish patch on its cheeks or below and behind the eye. This bird was very vocal with a Western Tanager very loud chirp. I could always here it coming from quite away off into the area where I photographed it.

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IN SEARCH OF THE GREAT AND BEAUTIFUL

Having seen on the Internet that the bird was being seen in the Santa Rita Mountains in the Coronado National Forest and in an area called Madera Canyon. Packing enough supplies for a few days I headed off to Madera Canyon just south and west of Green Valley Arizona. In case you don't know where this is, I took I-10 southeast to Tucson, then I-19 south for approx. 30 miles to Green Valley. At exit #63 the 3rd Green Valley exit marked Continental Road I turned off the Interstate and made a left turn onto Continental road next turning right at the Madera Canyon Recreation area sign. From there it's approx. 12 miles. There are two Lodges in the canyon. The Santa Rite Lodge and Madera Kubo Lodges a little farther up the canyon. I was lucky enough to get a very nice cabin at the Madera Kubo Lodge.

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Not everyone noticed but, every time the Tanager came to the tree it had another bird or two along as a companion.