Myrtle Kraft Cottage is located on a prime bird-watching spot at the base of the Chiricahua Mountains in southeast Arizona, known for having the greatest diversity of bird species in North America. The Cottage’s private 30 acres form the transition from ending desert to starting Cave Creek Canyon and includes a rugged section of Cave Creek passing through its property at the base of its mesa.

Such terrain makes for a tremendous selection of birds both settling in and passing through. For example, all three quails spend some time around the Cottage. Gambel’s quail is common all over the property year round, scaled quail spend most summers on the brushy flats, and Montezuma quails secretively nest on the mesa’s steep slopping side. Almost year round the industrious cactus wrens openly build nests after nests.

Others, such as the elegant trogon, visit us during specific times. The young elegant trogons, sometimes with parents, come mid and late summer to our wooded area along Cave Creek to explore beyond their nesting sites a few miles up the canyon. Not all birds let their visit be so well known. Some, such as the spotted owl which dropped down from its regular area to the creek’s edge near the Cottage’s old-adobe stagecoach station, move in and out quickly and quietly. To be at the right spot at the right moment to view such an uncommon visit is a memorable thrill.

Some species, such as the cardinal and pyrrhuloxia, are comfortable in the dense brushy area around the Cottage and feed year 'round. Others, such as the American and lesser gold finches, merely pass through, always spending a few pleasurable weeks in the yard.

A great variety of birds find satisfactory spots on the property to feed. Magnificent hummingbirds also visit year 'round and always nest nearby.

Other birds, such as the curve-billed thrasher, will feed on grain scattered in the area and nest in a secretive and protected spot nearby.

All year birds make their stay in the southeast corner of Arizona. During the migratory months the count can be record-breaking. The warm nesting and rearing months are always a delight.

Many seem to knowingly nest in full sight. Even during the lesser winter months, many species, such as the white-crowned sparrow or house finch, move in for the season and enjoy a mild climate and plenty of feed.

The birds pictured above and below are only a few that can be found in the area around Myrtle Kraft Cottage. By clicking on any of the photos below, you can see a larger version of the photo.