Well my dream almost came true. At least I saw one booby, and he was too young to mate but I didn't have to go far, just a 90 minute drive.
On Saturday the 23rd, I drove down to the lake in hopes of a glimpse. I arrived at 8:15 am and by 8:20 am the bird flew abruptly over my head. I raised my camera and caught a shot off before the bird was out of sight.
With this booby sighting being only the 8th on record for Arizona and the 1st for S.E. AZ, it was bound to be mayhem.
Knowing where the bird was perched, I took off for the west end. Peering through reeds I got another shot. Darn, he's so far away.
Right when I walk down the path towards the lake I could hear the rejoicing! He's there. My heart is racing. I run up in time for the full on booby action. He's putting on a show. Back and forth. Up and down. This youngster was having a blast. No fear of humans, nor boats. Needless to say, I took several fun photos before he settled in for more preening.
The perpendicular dive is my favorite, too bad it was a tad fuzzy. Looking at his feet you can tell he is still very young.
Tommy's post:
http://tommysbirdingexpeditions.blogspot.com/2013/08/birding-in-patagonia-specialties-to.html
Gordon's posts:
http://desertwing.blogspot.com/2013/08/a-display-by-blue-footed-booby.html
http://desertwing.blogspot.com/2013/08/patagonia-lake-san-rafael-grasslands.html
http://desertwing.blogspot.com/2013/08/a-continuance-of-southeastern-arizona.html
Muriel's photos.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdybird2010