Adrenaline pumping, I quickly traversed down the steep and narrow trail back to my rental car. After patrolling the “stake-out” area for three hours, I was certain I had just captured an image of the distant target bird. As I examined the photo in the shade of the front seat, my heart sank. There was white in the wings. Ugh. I had seen the common Painted Redstart rather than the code 4 rarity…Slate-throated Redstart.
Painted Redstart (male)….note white in wing
I had traveled to SE Arizona for an encounter with this Mexican specialty. It had been seen daily but sporadically for a couple of weeks. I re-read the recent e-bird postings describing the habits of this small warbler and headed back up the ravine. Sunset was my only deadline.
I sat at the end of the 200 yard trail by a little waterfall and waited. Within minutes two birds caught my eye as they darted among the conifers and oak trees, mimicking each other’s moves. I had a good look at the lead bird….male Painted Redstart again. Prior birders had mentioned that the male Painted and the female Slate-throated appeared to be exhibiting courtship behavior. This pair continued their coordinated but randomly-patterned flight dance. I struggled to focus my binoculars on the second bird. Finally they took a break and perched in a viewable spot 20 yards away. I had my SLATE-THROATED REDSTART!
Slate-throated Redstart (code 4), Pinery Canyon, AZ
Slate-throated Redstart (female)….fanning tail in courtship ritual
birdtalesblog 
ðð¼
Sent from myPhone
>
What is that FFEJ?
Sent from my iPhone
>
Congratulations, George, and well done! Jeff
And another Thks for reading.
Sent from my iPhone
>
Way to go, George!
😀👍
Sent from my iPhone
>
Well earned rewards for persistence – great photos!
Congrats George! ( But man, what an expensive advocation!) KB
Sent from my iPhone
>
Amazing pictures!
Thks Bro!
True…but frequent fliers lessened the $ damage and I don’t require a Four Season’s:)
Sent from my iPhone
>
Stud puppet
Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device
Hah!
Sent from my iPhone
>
GO GW!!!
Great pic of the female fanning her tail!! Always a good read!
Cheers JMS…
Sent from my iPhone
>
My guy!
Amazing tenacity
Lars! so glad you read. Hope you’re well.
George–You are a birding machine.
OCD!
Slate-throated Redstart must be extremely rare because my Sibley Guide has no entry for it! Great job tracking it down.
Thanks Gub! Really satisfying find.
Interesting seeing the female fanning her tail. I thought male birds did all the courtship work and displays.
I actually just did a little more homework and it appears that the male and female will fan tail even outside of breeding season. Good catch Sis…..glad you’re the pathologist!:)
Well done–What is your number now ? Scott
Great stuff, George — next time, I’m going!
Joe
Cheers Joe. I see a North Atlantic pelagic trip in our future. In the Winter! I need Great Skua. Best, G
Sent from my iPhone
>
i think I am in New Guinea with all that fanning – that’s my boy