Tales of An Urban Roadrunner Family

By Donito Burgess

Images by Alexis Stark

In the tranquil setting of the Historic YWCA and Tucson Audubon Nature Shop front yard, a remarkable event unfolded this spring, captivating our attention and revealing the intricate dynamics of avian parenting. A pair of Greater Roadrunners decided to nest in our dense habitat! From the early days of nest-building to the thrilling moments of fledging, each stage offered a glimpse into the resilient spirit of these iconic desert birds.

March 14: The first signs of activity emerged as a roadrunner pair began constructing their nest in a mesquite tree. Their meticulous efforts resulted in a nest approximately 1-2 feet wide and positioned about 8 feet above the ground—a secure haven for their forthcoming family.

Late March to early April: With anticipation building, we observed one of the adults occasionally sitting on the nest, hinting at the possibility of eggs. However, confirmation remained elusive, shrouding the nest in mystery and excitement!

April: As spring blossomed, so did the parental responsibilities of the roadrunner pair. Their diligent efforts were evident as they tirelessly foraged for food, often returning with an assortment of prey, including lizards and even birds. These offerings hinted at the presence of hungry mouths awaiting nourishment within the hidden confines of the nest.

May 3: The moment we had been eagerly awaiting arrived—a peek into the bustling nest revealed the presence of four young roadrunners! Their arrival marked a new chapter in the unfolding saga of life in the Historic Y front yard.

The nestlings are getting big!

May 5: With growing anticipation, the young roadrunners took their first tentative steps out of the nest, embarking on a journey of exploration and independence. As they ventured into the world beyond their nest, they sought refuge in nearby bushes, blending seamlessly into their surroundings.

May 8: Amidst the excitement of fledging, a moment of tension arose when a juvenile Cooper's Hawk made an appearance. In a display of remarkable bravery, one of the adult roadrunners engaged in bill clacking—a warning signal to the intruding hawk. Meanwhile, the other adult performed a curious behavior, perhaps a distraction display aimed at diverting the hawk's attention away from the vulnerable young. The tension reached its peak as the hawk targeted one of the fledglings, swooping down in a sudden attack. Miraculously, the young roadrunner evaded capture, albeit with a harrowing encounter, as it was grabbed and dropped by the predator. In a display of unwavering parental devotion, the roadrunner parents swiftly intervened, driving the hawk away and ensuring the safety of their offspring.

Exploring the yard with a parent

As the days passed and the young roadrunners continued to explore their surroundings under the watchful gaze of their parents, the journey of roadrunner parenthood in the yard served as a poignant reminder of the resilience and tenacity inherent in the natural world. In the face of adversity and uncertainty in a very urban setting, these remarkable birds persevered, nurturing new life and embodying the essence of survival against the odds. The family continues to explore the area and regularly crosses busy University Blvd. If driving by, keep an eye out and take care!

May 16: Adding to the intrigue of the ongoing saga, a promising development unfolded as we witnessed the roadrunner pair engaging in mating behavior once again. This delightful sighting sparked renewed hope and excitement, as we dared to imagine the possibility of a second clutch of eggs. With our fingers crossed and anticipation mounting, we eagerly await the next chapter in the captivating tale of roadrunner parenthood in the front yard of the Historic Y.

Donito Burgess is Community Engagement Manager at Tucson Audubon.