Elegant Trogon! The Rarest Bird in America?

I tend to exaggerate, BUT . . . there are reason to at least consider that this might be one of the rarest bird species in Arizona - in December, anyway.  These stunning birds are tropical, for one thing,  Some 50 plus spend summers in Arizona, but they winter south of the U.S.  Except for one or two that stick around, feeding on insects and fruit. Occasionally you can find one that winters in Madera Canyon, AZ - and we did!

We were on a quest to find the Elegant Trogon, but neither Tom or I believed we'd see him.  We never get that lucky.  But with the aid of yet another of my son's detailed maps, we were willing to give it a try.

We followed the map to the most beautiful canyon on earth, and immediately saw a plethora of new and marvelous species.  (More on those birds in a later post; I can't possibly refrain from finally showing off my Trogon!)  Pete's instructions said to 'turn completely around and search the trees for the Elegant Trogon.  If you are patient and willing to sit still for an hour or so, you might just see him.'

So I dutifully turned around - and there he was!  Posing as if he wanted to be featured in a New Englander's Bird Blog.  Tom and I both got excellent views of this spectacular tropical species in all his colorful glory.  We both managed a few good shots, as well!