Saturday, June 30, 2012

The Ramsey Canyon Chronicles


Coues White-tailed Deer
Hello everyone!!  Today kicks off a mini 3 part series from Ramsey Canyon near Sierra Vista, Arizona.  During my hummingbird investigations, I discovered MANY canyons that need some following up in the Huachuca mountains....one which is on a military base!  While it was a hot time in Tucson, I found this canyon to be a cool relief from the hot sun.  It was unaffected by last summers fires and has A LOT of butterflies fluttering around.  That was the first thing I noticed about the trails.....butterflies EVERYWHERE!!! 
Of course there was so much going on and that is why I've had to break these posts up over 3 days.  Many birders come here to search for the many hummers, Elegant Trogon and Sulphur Bellied Flycatcher.  But along the way, there were a lot of extra surprises like the Couse's Deer which is different from the others I have seen around our area.   While checking out this defunct cabin, we discovered a group of them hanging out around some vegetation eating.
Arizona Sister Butterfly
And of course it was this particular butterfly that grabbed  my attention the entire morning.  It's the Arizona Sister butterfly.  I had thought it was the California Sister but I was assured that it was all Arizona:)  I'm not sure what the difference between the two are but I do know that they were everywhere on our walk. 
The park officials were also great helping me identify 2 owl species nesting.  I have not been able to successfully capture them....yet....on camera.  But I know where they are:)  Sycamore trees are the key to many of the birds species nesting in the area.  Not only is it a beautiful tree but it's very important to many other species in canyon areas. 
What is up with this squirrel just sprawled out over a rock?  Found in Mexico and the US, the Rock Squirrel has the habit of hanging out on rocks.  This big guy allowed me to get pretty close.  He never moved during our time observing.  It all reminded me of my cats and how they love sitting by the bird window. 
Rock Squirrel
Again along the trails, a nice breeze passed by, taking my mind off of the nasty heat going on in Tucson.  In fact, if I had to choose between canyons, I would have to say that Ramsey was my favorite.  Madera Canyon is great but it's TOO hot!  I have to bring a lot of water for that trip and with Ramsey, I felt like I was back in the Midwest during a nice summer day.
Arizona Sister Butterfly, wings open
There's a lot of shade all around the area.  But I haven't mentioned the other BIG things about this place......
At first, I thought the aliens were coming.  After our Phoenix Comicon time, I was a little paranoid that they were invading Earth.  Well come to find out.....I wasn't too far off.  This military balloon is looking for aliens(of the illegal variety) on the ground.  Please be aware that these canyons are close to the Mexican border.  Several of my friends who LOVE to hike far beyond the trails have spotted drug trafficking.  Don't approach them and keep moving.  Normally they'll walk past you and leave you alone.   The issue for me is when Border Patrol and the Drug Traffickers encounter one another.  I don't want to be in the middle of the crossfire.  I had a close call once and don't want that EVER to happen again.  It's safe within the Ramsey Canyon area, but if you go, just be aware that the border is a hop, skip, and brinca away:)
But the other real BIG shocker came from the MASSIVE trees located along the Canyon walk.  I wanted to show you how massive this tree is compared to an Asian human male.  All I can say is...WOW!!!  Gorgeous hike.  5 bucks to get in.....watch the hummingbirds, look for exotic numbers all around you.....I'll be back again.  August is a big month for everyone as the hummers start to migrate again through the areas.  I hope you enjoy this series as it was a very successful shoot capturing several birds I had hoped to get on camera.  A Chuparosa challenge tomorrow.....

44 comments:

  1. Great photography Chris, I personally like the Deer, lovely animals.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They were a real treat. When you think about relaxing moments....this was one of them. Beautiful creatures.

      Delete
  2. Oh great. Now they've made it so we can't even walk in our own country. *sigh* On a higher note - I loved that butterfly. I don't know much about them but that one is so beautiful. I'd like to see the monarchs sometime. I don't know when they are in Arizona - or if- with their migration routes. These photos are incredible.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know I know. It's a little maddening. There are signs up around the area warning hikers. I absolutely hate this about our border.....and the drugs.

      Delete
    2. But the butterfly, with all those colours, is quite new to me.

      Delete
  3. Dobrze,że znałeś wspaniałe miejsce, gdzie było sporo cienia i nie cierpiałeś z powodu upałów. Miejsce jest bajkowe. Cudowne motyle i wspaniale drzewa. Pozdrawiam.
    Well, you knew a great place, where there was a lot of shade and not suffered because of the heat. The place is fabulous. Wonderful wonderful butterflies and trees. Yours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a nice morning trip followed by a great breakfast! My favorite kinds of hikes:) Hope you have a great Sunday!

      Delete
  4. Looks like a great place for hiking as long as you do not run into the drug traffickers. I would love to see all the different hummingbirds. Your butterflies and deer are pretty. If I ever make it out there to do some birding I will have to remember August is a good time. Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Within the canyon preserve it's okay. You're more likely to run into a bear than a d.t. but it's more likely if you leave those areas outside the preserves. The end of July and August are great months because everyone is migrating back into Mexico and Central America. I can't wait to see if I capture more hummers. Crossing my fingers. You need to take a trip here. You'll love it!:)

      Delete
  5. Muy interesante! Yes, definitely be careful there...but the wildlife is truly wonderful to see and photograph. The tree is humongous and if you hadn't had a human to compare the size with, I would have missed how hug it is.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When I took the pic, I thought....no one is going to get how big this tree is unless I have a person in the pic. I took several without the person and remembered....I need perspective here:) I visit that tree now on our stops:)

      Delete
  6. The colorful outer wings of the AZ Sister makes me think of Painted Buntings! How gorgeous!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Found this interesting comparison between the California and the Arizona Sisters, HERE!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Julie for sharing this link!!! So I went on it and to be honest, I see the differences but holy cow, it would take a trained eye to pick the two apart:) That link is great though and I appreciate you sharing it for everyone. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

      Delete
  8. I don't think I have ever seen a more beautiful butterfly!

    ReplyDelete
  9. you're so cute - asian human male. :)

    LOVE that ariz sister b-fly! wow! and that bubba of a squirrel!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "If" I were somebody to get married, I'd choose to be under that tree during the vows:)

      Delete
  10. Dang! That tree is huge!! What a beautiful place. I bet it smells as wonderful as it looks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh it did smell wonderful. Most of the hikes have been uncomfortable, but when we did this one, it was a little bit perfect:) Lots of wildlife. A breeze. Shade. Perfection!

      Delete
  11. It sure looks like a great place for hiking.
    Beautiful shots.
    The Arizona Sister Butterfly is gorgeous.
    And what a huge tree, don't see that size around here.
    Have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We have trees here, but not as many as say in the cooler climates. And once in awhile, there is a HUGE tree mixed in with the group....and that's pretty special to find out in the wild.

      Delete
  12. It looked and sounded very pleasant Chris, lovely to see the deer and I would have been thrilled with all those butterflies! I have heard of some American butterflies but that is new to me, what a beauty it is!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is definitely a special one found in our area. I've been discovering quite a few surprises around our area this summer and it's been a lot of fun. It's always nice to hear from you. Enjoy your Sunday!

      Delete
  13. I am so glad you gave us the perspective on the tree! That is amazing. There is a place close to the Chirachaua (sp)mountains named Portal. People go there to watch the hummingbirds and other species a lot. We visited one October when the peak was long gone. Is that close to where you were?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooooo the Chiracahuas. Those are further away from me and I don't like the drive down there....too long. It's a little over two hours. Getting to the town of Wilcox is okay but from Wilcox to the Chiracahuas....forget about it. These are the Huachuca Mountains(a little over an hour) which were a surprise find for me this year. I don't like the city of Sierra Vista too much but its surrounded by these beautiful mountains full of amazing life....some it can only be found in this mountain range of the US. The hummingbirds, certain birds and mammals etc. So I've just started exploring all the roads up into the various canyons.

      Delete
  14. That tree is amazing! You have such wonderful places to explore. The deer were such a bonus. I don't think I could handle the heat so it makes me so grateful to you for sharing your discoveries.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The heat is something. It's either early morning or late afternoon here. Both are still unpleasant:( I miss the morning when you can just get up and go...anywhere! It has been hard for me as well, but there are some incredible finds right now if I can endure the heat:)

      Delete
  15. That sister butterfly is one gorgeous looking insect! how's the Hummer challenge going ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well Warren, it's funny you should ask that:) I have one tomorrow and another 2 scheduled for next month. But I have hit a wall right now and am really hoping to capture 3 species that have been seen in the area.....the problem is that everytime I'm around....they aren't!! I have a Broad Billed and Blue Throat to find. That should be easy. But the Plain Capped Starthroat and White Earred are eluding me. I have on the hunt again this weekend. We shall see:)

      Delete
  16. Great pictures of butterflies, and that squirrel too, it think it stole the show today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He made me laugh. We were on the trail and he was sitting next to a sign that said "Rock Trail". I don't know why I didn't post that pic:)

      Delete
  17. Talk about frame able shots. The light and shadow on the first and third deer pictures are incredible. What beautiful creatures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the kind words. You can't mess these up when they are right in front of you:) Keep taking those amazing cloud shots....incredible. I can never get those right:) Stay cool!!

      Delete
  18. Wow! What a beautiful butterfly and the tree is absolutely wonderful. Looks a lovely place to explore. Good luck with the rest of your hummer challenge!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was bad today. It was hot and decided that I would stay indoors instead of leaving the house. I just laid on the couch in the dark watching movies....haven't done that in a long time!:) But really 111 degrees is too much and not safe for anyone to be outside. Maybe tomorrow....maybe:)

      Delete
  19. I can't believe that is a real butterfly ..it is gorgeous
    and that tree.......yes, get married under it..if you are that kind of guy :)
    Love your squirrel too..does he have a bushy tail?
    Can't wait to see the hummers....stay hydrated

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He does have a bushy tail:) Very cute little guy. It's going to get a little Wisconsin for awhile BUT I have a post coming up on cool bugs I've found around the garden that you might find interesting. They freaked me out the first time I saw them. One of them is called a Black Witch Moth. It's as cool as its name and is a visitor in Tucson from Mexico during the summer months:) Hopefully you didn't have any of that crazy storm weather that everyone else did. Wowsa!!!

      Delete
  20. Hi Chris, thanks for stopping by in Perth, you may be right about Tucson and Perth being a little alike, we don't have squirrels and deer but we do have possums and kangaroos haha! Oh and many butterflies also. I think you would love to hike through the Austrian bush, down south Pemberton way,the Karri forests are magnificent http://www.hsptravel.com.au/articles/the-tall-trees-of-pemberton-western-australia.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't wait to see all your pics!!! I have always been interested in this city. It seems so far removed from a lot of Australia. And is it known as wine country? I think it was the wine that made me think, "What?" To see kangaroos in the wild would be fantastic!!! I'm really glad I stumbled onto your blog and look forward to the cool pics and commentaries.:)

      Delete
  21. The fauna and flora of Tucson is always intriguing, and this time I’m impressed with the butterflies. The deer in Nara Park have a white tail and looks similar. From May to mid-July is childbirth period, so I look forward to seeing fawns soon. Canyon exploring would be nice especially when it’s too hot: even slight breeze feels refreshing. I understand how gigantic the tree is by your way of presenting.

    Yoko

    ReplyDelete
  22. The underside of that AZ Sister is like a painting, by Mother Nature. The patterns in nature astound me, like the bark of the Sycamore. You did good finding a not too Hot place to hike in southern AZ. Looks like that squirrel was trying to cool off. Hoping to get out on my next days off, somewhere. Have itchy feet, and a sore butt from too much driving.

    ReplyDelete
  23. what an awesome butterfly!! the Arizona Sister...nice name too! the first shot of her is beautiful!! and of course i love your deer pictures...and the huge tree...kind of makes me want to climb, and i haven't done that in...uh...so long i can't even remember!
    the relaxed squirrel is doing just the right thing on a HOT day!

    beautiful place to wander!!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by!