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Shy and reclusive, the Montezuma Quail is often only briefly glimpsed when the "rock" you walk or drive by suddenly takes off in flight. Of the three Quail species (Gambel's, Scaled, Montezuma) that call this sky island paradise in the high desert of southern Arizona home, the Montezuma is the most beautiful. It is also probably the most sought after by birders.

I am blessed to have Scaled and Gambel's quail in my yard daily. But when I wanted to see a Montezuma's my best chance was to go the Mary Jo Ballators Ash Canyon Sanctuary. Losing Mary Jo was such a profound loss! As a person, she was a unique combination of generous altruism and dedicated naturalist. Her bird sanctuary was a place for birders from around the globe to gather and, if they were lucky, learn about the regions birds and ecosystem from the master.

In honor and memory of Mary Jo and through the selfless benefice of her children and a group of dedicated volunteers, we will be opening the sanctuary to the public on July 1st. Our goal is to stay open for as long as we have the people, and donations, to maintain the sanctuary.

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Shoot date: June 25, 2019
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
¹⁄₁₀₀₀ sec at f/8.0 Bias:‒ ²⁄₃ EV
Lens: EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM
ISO: 1250