tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41963187593425174442024-03-13T14:12:06.524-07:00Las AventurasLAS AVENTURAS is about the birding adventure around the world. It's also about nature and so much more....Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.comBlogger1572125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-11918755152409122252021-06-04T13:48:00.005-07:002021-06-04T18:54:50.407-07:00Inside The Eye Of My Hurricane<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9HbkTT-OI4/YLqFtcsdrHI/AAAAAAAAr_U/qz2fJxxlQYoRoKVoaP9s0qHv4foj75cNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/177007142_10221586214659304_2317132161768086580_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="434" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9HbkTT-OI4/YLqFtcsdrHI/AAAAAAAAr_U/qz2fJxxlQYoRoKVoaP9s0qHv4foj75cNgCLcBGAsYHQ/w579-h434/177007142_10221586214659304_2317132161768086580_n.jpg" width="579" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;">I'm still here. I'm still alive. Just took a break from Las Aventuras for awhile. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ggss_yZfp60/YLqF3SJmjFI/AAAAAAAAr_Y/PE75_SseL00uWKq47B3_CdEEmWqgvhUhACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/1CA3799A-D20B-410C-9ECE-258DA4E5BAFB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ggss_yZfp60/YLqF3SJmjFI/AAAAAAAAr_Y/PE75_SseL00uWKq47B3_CdEEmWqgvhUhACPcBGAsYHg/w634-h476/1CA3799A-D20B-410C-9ECE-258DA4E5BAFB.jpeg" width="634" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>There's a sharper edge. A sense of direction. A sense of hope. It's the final release of dead weight mentally and physically. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCULCDm4vAE/YLqGVc4fFXI/AAAAAAAAr_k/oBwght3WiE4hLPm2kqtgNeJGplBHFD5bQCPcBGAsYHg/s2048/Vanity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="2048" height="417" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCULCDm4vAE/YLqGVc4fFXI/AAAAAAAAr_k/oBwght3WiE4hLPm2kqtgNeJGplBHFD5bQCPcBGAsYHg/w621-h417/Vanity.jpg" width="621" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>My tolerance is very limited. In some ways, I feel like a roadrunner. Like the roadrunner, one moment I'm happy and content to look around the area. The next, I'm a deadly assassin. These are my emotions. After the election, I thought they'd go away. They only intensified after the insurrection and that's when I snapped. Between covid and stupidity, I was done with them all. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAz4Lzp0GNY/YLqGVdUUVBI/AAAAAAAAr_k/AEA-liaedUMiMTfxkMVOdroRSzLbc4TSwCPcBGAsYHg/s2048/Bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAz4Lzp0GNY/YLqGVdUUVBI/AAAAAAAAr_k/AEA-liaedUMiMTfxkMVOdroRSzLbc4TSwCPcBGAsYHg/w435-h580/Bathroom.jpg" width="435" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hope is on the horizon and it gets better every day. For now I keep myself physically and mentally busy with planning, projects, surveys and work. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwGX3nX83Og/YLqGpQgp8EI/AAAAAAAAr_s/fEspEneNdTcdrZYyit7t2LS5plnuOIOrQCPcBGAsYHg/s4718/DSC_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4718" height="334" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwGX3nX83Og/YLqGpQgp8EI/AAAAAAAAr_s/fEspEneNdTcdrZYyit7t2LS5plnuOIOrQCPcBGAsYHg/w514-h334/DSC_0152.JPG" width="514" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>Over the past several months, I have been out guiding people helping them find their birds. Sometimes I enjoy the quiet hike. When covid lifted ever so slightly, everything came back and blew the lid off the cover. I wasn't prepared for that scene. Everything that was cancelled last year was back on again. And then some. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tP7CS_Ji6wU/YLqGzDyrqGI/AAAAAAAAr_w/1GaOL7UEMBETMydwLyronn6xnjsp7i6BQCPcBGAsYHg/s3058/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1879" data-original-width="3058" height="395" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tP7CS_Ji6wU/YLqGzDyrqGI/AAAAAAAAr_w/1GaOL7UEMBETMydwLyronn6xnjsp7i6BQCPcBGAsYHg/w642-h395/DSC_0084.JPG" width="642" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>Every month is booked with something crazy. Fun. But crazy. I won't go into details. Things will eventually calm down towards the end of the year, but for now, I am in the middle of a hurricane waiting for the winds to pick me up and throw me out into the larger world. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SX1lnyFCnQw/YLqG_J67pFI/AAAAAAAAr_0/Qxh1GqbdFPc58eUCN0b-ctTrlaVXmb5BwCPcBGAsYHg/s2048/DSC_9252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="393" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SX1lnyFCnQw/YLqG_J67pFI/AAAAAAAAr_0/Qxh1GqbdFPc58eUCN0b-ctTrlaVXmb5BwCPcBGAsYHg/w591-h393/DSC_9252.JPG" width="591" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>Life is complicated. These last 4 years in the US have taken a toll on my health and on several relationships. I didn't feel like writing for many months. I was going through some sort of stupid depression. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HYof3tEWt28/YLqHuJADgmI/AAAAAAAAr_8/RZjb_uRrdKI44taXP3vr-HaOhLlVPurmQCPcBGAsYHg/s5636/DSC_8914%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2929" data-original-width="5636" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HYof3tEWt28/YLqHuJADgmI/AAAAAAAAr_8/RZjb_uRrdKI44taXP3vr-HaOhLlVPurmQCPcBGAsYHg/w609-h316/DSC_8914%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="609" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;">In a trek to Texas back in February, we went to find several birds along the border. We added several new lifers like the Crimson-collared Grosbeak at Resaca De La Palma State Park, the Long-billed Thrasher, Audubon's Oriole and White-tailed Hawk. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DZGQNyxY98/YLqHuHvDGSI/AAAAAAAAr_8/DGmCRRIZiVoZgUUa4fnTMPLmk8JFyTgPgCPcBGAsYHg/s4141/DSC_9108%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2258" data-original-width="4141" height="333" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DZGQNyxY98/YLqHuHvDGSI/AAAAAAAAr_8/DGmCRRIZiVoZgUUa4fnTMPLmk8JFyTgPgCPcBGAsYHg/w612-h333/DSC_9108%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="612" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;">It was fun revisiting other species as well like the above Common Pauraque and below, the Green Jay.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2IidN-bTqY/YLqHuBsFIGI/AAAAAAAAr_8/WUM-d5C-bEw9ZQni7D4wkXyzCYNEUl2lQCPcBGAsYHg/s3014/DSC_8692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2972" data-original-width="3014" height="568" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2IidN-bTqY/YLqHuBsFIGI/AAAAAAAAr_8/WUM-d5C-bEw9ZQni7D4wkXyzCYNEUl2lQCPcBGAsYHg/w575-h568/DSC_8692.JPG" width="575" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;">We even had a fun adventure in Brownsville searching for a rare Golden-crowned Warbler(below) inside a zoo. What a trek! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYhKMW7hqtc/YLqHuI6yJjI/AAAAAAAAr_8/vASdzvi_emEhIDuAwky4dIGXZ3cLLNs-QCPcBGAsYHg/s2048/DSC_9202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYhKMW7hqtc/YLqHuI6yJjI/AAAAAAAAr_8/vASdzvi_emEhIDuAwky4dIGXZ3cLLNs-QCPcBGAsYHg/w633-h360/DSC_9202.JPG" width="633" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;">It was fun to get out of town with a friend searching for new birds. We both were vaccinated but it didn't feel safe to fly. So I drove the USS Betty White. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hxgjz_BOFWg/YLqHuNWwZOI/AAAAAAAAr_8/j3VGH9AH6TodapDnqJN_HNvq1DoW36gjACPcBGAsYHg/s2893/DSC_9161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1669" data-original-width="2893" height="361" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hxgjz_BOFWg/YLqHuNWwZOI/AAAAAAAAr_8/j3VGH9AH6TodapDnqJN_HNvq1DoW36gjACPcBGAsYHg/w624-h361/DSC_9161.JPG" width="624" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;">We stayed in McAllen and visited places like Estero Llano, the Brownsville Zoo, South Padre Island and Bentsen State Park. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPFhYC7CNAg/YLqHuKuQiXI/AAAAAAAAr_8/jvuLcu3LwHojUCqehSNlngOgiw9EaVkpQCPcBGAsYHg/s2048/DSC_9147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1716" data-original-width="2048" height="483" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPFhYC7CNAg/YLqHuKuQiXI/AAAAAAAAr_8/jvuLcu3LwHojUCqehSNlngOgiw9EaVkpQCPcBGAsYHg/w577-h483/DSC_9147.JPG" width="577" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;">Our searches happened after the big freeze in Texas. Normally the tropically humid and lush Estero Llano was cold and barren as seen in the picture below. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzgQvnYCZNk/YLqIvJo0mXI/AAAAAAAAsAE/RB_4huhV5PY4qaBZo852ZRP5DTjXDkzrQCPcBGAsYHg/s2048/156383279_10221268509876883_3571725849985586935_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="390" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzgQvnYCZNk/YLqIvJo0mXI/AAAAAAAAsAE/RB_4huhV5PY4qaBZo852ZRP5DTjXDkzrQCPcBGAsYHg/w520-h390/156383279_10221268509876883_3571725849985586935_o.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;">This was a small taste of what is yet to come. The adventures are big and the world life list will hopefully grow again as I travel the world on several big bird missions for this year. I got a lot of emails from you all wondering where I was. I'm here, just took a break. Thank you for following Las Aventuras and caring!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WG_W4LFX3ww/YLqIvI4UOhI/AAAAAAAAsAE/7S2MINHm0s0ttJYBB89wrF1WPrYIgiFaQCPcBGAsYHg/s1170/152903106_10221242014694520_4753639901329480227_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1170" height="451" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WG_W4LFX3ww/YLqIvI4UOhI/AAAAAAAAsAE/7S2MINHm0s0ttJYBB89wrF1WPrYIgiFaQCPcBGAsYHg/w580-h451/152903106_10221242014694520_4753639901329480227_o.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><p>Until next time.....</p></span><p></p>Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-32405476535586888532020-12-27T09:59:00.010-07:002021-01-01T13:32:35.345-07:00Las Aventuras: The 2020 Arizona Birding Highlights<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RY6whJ9uRrU/X2o-o2fuI0I/AAAAAAAAqqU/6KGvgt_lZN8lnYF_M08V1ns79nRMtAT3gCPcBGAYYCw/s5948/DSC_5339.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3052" data-original-width="5948" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RY6whJ9uRrU/X2o-o2fuI0I/AAAAAAAAqqU/6KGvgt_lZN8lnYF_M08V1ns79nRMtAT3gCPcBGAYYCw/w566-h290/DSC_5339.JPG" width="566" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;">This year changed the way most of us birded. Goals were changed. Plans were made, remade and cancelled. Only the safest plans were the ones that could be made closer to home. </span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5liAPJtXtis/XzyiHfYEd-I/AAAAAAAAqhY/QbbSwcdpVi4xmHxE0_wrOIaSXY9BG2hkACPcBGAYYCw/s3861/DSC_4708.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2917" data-original-width="3861" height="390" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5liAPJtXtis/XzyiHfYEd-I/AAAAAAAAqhY/QbbSwcdpVi4xmHxE0_wrOIaSXY9BG2hkACPcBGAYYCw/w516-h390/DSC_4708.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>The silver linings of 2020? Watching birds from home became a thing. Lots of new people joined the birding club and became addicted to this beautiful adventure. And I decided to focus my energy on new birds for Pima County, and in some cases, for the southeastern part of Arizona. I saved a lot of money and ended working on my photography and home. Here are some of the highlights. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXHlzrqFgII/X4i9kJaoBII/AAAAAAAAqx4/ZFAYfNgTy6I6Bu8wjola-qWWJW8TM_vjACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/120711448_10220332540318229_2781116922784959194_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXHlzrqFgII/X4i9kJaoBII/AAAAAAAAqx4/ZFAYfNgTy6I6Bu8wjola-qWWJW8TM_vjACPcBGAYYCw/w485-h364/120711448_10220332540318229_2781116922784959194_o.jpg" width="485" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>Life birds were few and far between. I added 4 life birds to my world list. And in reality, it was only 3 because I saw one back in the 90's before I was a birder. However, as an official birder, I felt it necessary to revisit the Yellow-billed Magpie to make it really count. So in total, it was a technical 4 additions to the 2020 list. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxEsYyvlJ8g/Xk8ydvEckoI/AAAAAAAApOk/najn5owvGp0szWQpQszQIY_8CPvWzyvxgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/86192878_10218408479697916_463452887071064064_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="2048" height="348" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxEsYyvlJ8g/Xk8ydvEckoI/AAAAAAAApOk/najn5owvGp0szWQpQszQIY_8CPvWzyvxgCPcBGAYYCw/w535-h348/86192878_10218408479697916_463452887071064064_o.jpg" width="535" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>The crowning achievement is the Eared Quetzal, the true gift of 2020. The rarest of rare gems in the bird world. Perhaps as many as 3 were observed in the Chiricahua Mountains of Southeastern Arizona. It was THE bird of Arizona that I had been hoping to see for years. After observing that top 20 "must see bird" on my world list, I felt like the 2020 year was complete. If it was the last new species I ever observed, I would be okay. This is a very special localized Mexican bird to see in the wild. It's even more amazing when we get to observe it in Arizona. It's normally quite secretive and difficult to find in the state. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DB3ld6AGhE/X-eVPa5J_oI/AAAAAAAArDE/Jh1bMhwlOF08JX7nJE-Wvh0FlZK9lbHYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s3000/DSC_3607%2B%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2273" data-original-width="3000" height="413" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DB3ld6AGhE/X-eVPa5J_oI/AAAAAAAArDE/Jh1bMhwlOF08JX7nJE-Wvh0FlZK9lbHYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w546-h413/DSC_3607%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="546" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>The next bird was from a trek out to San Diego and Imperial Beach for some coastal birding. It was here we witnessed the Gull-billed Tern fly over the saltmarshes at the Tijuana Slough Wildlife Refuge. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="437" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kcMQotYKCl4" width="526" youtube-src-id="kcMQotYKCl4"></iframe></div><p>We wandered upon a lot of terns on Imperial Beach and had fun ID'ing them. Then from seemingly out of nowhere, this tern broke away from the massive group of terns. The behavior was different and it wasn't hunting over the estuary like the other terns. I was thrilled to finally see this tern in the wild. I also remember that our trek there was a great break from the relentless heat of our Arizona summer. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBmsDLbu2Rw/XuEG1NvoxwI/AAAAAAAAqLA/taJ1wtEJSZQwTfYHMZwBoNLIeLRjYo4_wCPcBGAYYCw/s1820/DSC_3137%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1820" height="363" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBmsDLbu2Rw/XuEG1NvoxwI/AAAAAAAAqLA/taJ1wtEJSZQwTfYHMZwBoNLIeLRjYo4_wCPcBGAYYCw/w556-h363/DSC_3137%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="556" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>On that same trek, we had a Yellow-headed Parrot fly over our head at a local Mexican restaurant at Imperial Beach. It is a countable species on ebird even though it's an introduced exotic. I don't play the ABA game so I don't worry if it's "countable" or not. It's endangered in its native range of Southern Mexico, Belize and Honduras due to poaching. However, states like Florida, California and Texas have created an urban oasis for many non-native parrot species. In Arizona, the Rosy-faced Lovebird now numbers in the tens of thousands around the Phoenix metro area. Would I like to see this Yellow-headed Parrot in its native range? Absolutely. But for now, I spied one in Southern California where a few populations now breed. The two things I nerd out about in birding? Exotic parrots in urban spaces. Their intelligence to adapt is very....human. And of course, I am addicted to all things sparrow. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rRMj1NfjZyw/X-eX479hY0I/AAAAAAAArDM/rWAH18bej7QTdP1K87ZhkN1evVOQUTswgCPcBGAsYHg/s960/YHPA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="565" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rRMj1NfjZyw/X-eX479hY0I/AAAAAAAArDM/rWAH18bej7QTdP1K87ZhkN1evVOQUTswgCPcBGAsYHg/w424-h565/YHPA.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>The final technical addition as mentioned before came from the Yellow-billed Magpie near the Ventura area. Technically I could count the bird as I remembered seeing it often in the Bay Area while I lived on the East and South Bay. In fact, one morning I woke up and saw one in my San Jose backyard! I loved birds before I was a birder. I always wished I had had a better camera but due to poor wages as a teacher, I could never afford one. Years later I remedied that situation. And we did it proper. The winery visit made the day complete. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PB8A690t4E8/X-eay3YJgFI/AAAAAAAArDU/3LrW3kgKnFgaqpZs2kTmHy8aEZIv4xNiwCPcBGAsYHg/s2903/DSC_5987.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2559" data-original-width="2903" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PB8A690t4E8/X-eay3YJgFI/AAAAAAAArDU/3LrW3kgKnFgaqpZs2kTmHy8aEZIv4xNiwCPcBGAsYHg/w463-h408/DSC_5987.JPG" width="463" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>So FOUR lifers in a year! What did I do in between? I worked on rooms to recreate visions of lodges I've stayed at over the years creating a gorgeous coastal room. It's not complete because now I'm getting that master bathroom redone to match the coastal theme. The international and forest rooms are currently getting a makeover. One thing lead to another and now I've created a monster. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLT90zR2Rdc/X9QmkHR_vHI/AAAAAAAArAI/BLI2Zom5bisn04tzR8WBmrH8DVlX_QO-ACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/129954836_10220715399809477_879508822389468654_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLT90zR2Rdc/X9QmkHR_vHI/AAAAAAAArAI/BLI2Zom5bisn04tzR8WBmrH8DVlX_QO-ACPcBGAYYCw/w531-h398/129954836_10220715399809477_879508822389468654_o.jpg" width="531" /></a></div><p>By the way, these rooms are still not complete. There are still some final touches that need to happen:)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1CU1rOxLVw/XwtmKOMFHuI/AAAAAAAAqWg/5tX70dD4D5svysseQeSVG84EjT8MZLi3ACPcBGAYYCw/s960/101222111_10219363748739045_8660063329110196224_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1CU1rOxLVw/XwtmKOMFHuI/AAAAAAAAqWg/5tX70dD4D5svysseQeSVG84EjT8MZLi3ACPcBGAYYCw/w551-h414/101222111_10219363748739045_8660063329110196224_o.jpg" width="551" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The garden also became a "thing" attracting so many wonderful new species this year. I live in a very urban part of Tucson. However, we've created a microhabitat that has attracted some wonderful birds! Thanks to covid, I've been home for much of the year working. After 13 years living here, we now have seen a total of 70 species of bird come through our yard. Each year with the addition of new native plants and running water, we attract something special. A total of 9 new species of bird were added to our yard in 2020 with the Hutton's Vireo being the last bird seen and heard in our oak trees. </span></div><p></p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-huxZG8xgAJs/X-efxvU-qpI/AAAAAAAArDc/D0o5-0MgdBMvide5vpwngdBlFs7CZfCTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/125107415_10158632335726827_6451421122548241707_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="475" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-huxZG8xgAJs/X-efxvU-qpI/AAAAAAAArDc/D0o5-0MgdBMvide5vpwngdBlFs7CZfCTQCLcBGAsYHQ/w356-h475/125107415_10158632335726827_6451421122548241707_o.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Our arborist friend, Angelo owner of Romeo Tree Service, came out and took out an invasive and dangerous euc from the property. It will be replaced with a native hackberry tree.....to attract Cedar Waxwings and thrushes like.....the Rufous-backed Robin:) I can dream. </i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nlxBe5xAYks/X-efx1cmhfI/AAAAAAAArDk/hJeubqSD3pEEJzXNb5GmNATtSw7woZeEACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/125297189_10158632335776827_6803962697959055961_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="522" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nlxBe5xAYks/X-efx1cmhfI/AAAAAAAArDk/hJeubqSD3pEEJzXNb5GmNATtSw7woZeEACLcBGAsYHQ/w392-h522/125297189_10158632335776827_6803962697959055961_o.jpg" width="392" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">In Pima County, perhaps the greatest year of birding since I began birding years ago, we had one incredible bird after another. In fact, this was THE county in the US to bird during the 2020 year. A WHOPPING 15 new species were added to my Pima list. The year began slow but as we hit migration, I went after some birds I never really chased in the county like Sagebrush Sparrow, Gray Vireo, Common Nighthawk, and Black Tern. They're much easier to see elsewhere in Arizona, but since I was doing a Pima year focus and wanted to stay close to home, it was about finding new birds for Pima County. Then the rarity firsts began in great numbers. Thankfully it happened as a "rarity a week" kinda thing. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6NRoFDAM8U/X53S_NX1f-I/AAAAAAAAq4o/r0EPo7a3IcMyVniMePFo_jsNxbZtxsU3QCPcBGAYYCw/s2655/DSC_6335.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1991" data-original-width="2655" height="349" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6NRoFDAM8U/X53S_NX1f-I/AAAAAAAAq4o/r0EPo7a3IcMyVniMePFo_jsNxbZtxsU3QCPcBGAYYCw/w464-h349/DSC_6335.JPG" width="464" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>The eastern warbler show was incredible with such observations of a Pine, Black-throated Blue, CANADA and BLACKBURNIAN Warbler. Red-eyed Vireo, Painted Bunting and Bell's Sparrow also showed up! WOW! Then there were Pima firsts like the Northern Jacana(still here), Clay-colored Thrush, and Artic Tern. Yeah. Pima County was one fire, literally and figuratively. And maybe that's why we've seen so many strange migrants/vagrants passing through our county. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFy96_Cm1Xk/Xx-pRDfgIBI/AAAAAAAAqbA/umdygL853w0B82jId-SxLxv90eNVk3-BwCPcBGAYYCw/s1326/116201973_10219849045711166_2321007573242889076_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="1326" height="475" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFy96_Cm1Xk/Xx-pRDfgIBI/AAAAAAAAqbA/umdygL853w0B82jId-SxLxv90eNVk3-BwCPcBGAYYCw/w475-h475/116201973_10219849045711166_2321007573242889076_o.jpg" width="475" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-large; text-align: left;">For every good bird we saw, we also felt the heavy sadness for why that bird may have shown up in Pima County. The fires in and around our state were not good. We broke heat records this year. We have a terrible drought. And there was human destruction of critical habitat like riparian areas affected by the damaging wall construction. Just one of the many reasons why our American embarrassment of a "leader" lost our state. Recently on a CBC(Christmas Bird Count) survey along the border, we witnessed complete destruction of what was once pristine habitat. I don't hold much hope for humanity. The Quitobaquito Springs that I have presented in this blog twice no longer exists thanks to the construction. Several endemic species to that ONE specific pond no longer exist there because the pond is gone. Gone is the Quitobaquito Pupfish. It's now extinct in the wild. Their populations are held in 3 safe zones/aquariums for protection. </span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fHUcYdtDh4/XxfBYwjlb3I/AAAAAAAAqYM/EmcmFdcIJtoXI02pdv6LJ5SIjxzwGxkqACPcBGAYYCw/s3045/DSC_4164%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2125" data-original-width="3045" height="349" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fHUcYdtDh4/XxfBYwjlb3I/AAAAAAAAqYM/EmcmFdcIJtoXI02pdv6LJ5SIjxzwGxkqACPcBGAYYCw/w501-h349/DSC_4164%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="501" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>Changing subjects. My final 2020 tally for state birds included 13 new birds for the year. I always wonder what dream birds will show up every year and be added to that Arizona lifer list. It was an incredible year in amazing habitat and road treks. Here they all are from back in January until now......</p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZ8ZNUdP0D4/X-JOwIiLu2I/AAAAAAAArB8/joxGvlb6ACwUdImIVHXsojgaHPUI9zaoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0317.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZ8ZNUdP0D4/X-JOwIiLu2I/AAAAAAAArB8/joxGvlb6ACwUdImIVHXsojgaHPUI9zaoQCLcBGAsYHQ/w441-h302/DSC_0317.JPG" width="441" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">In January, I decided to chase an Ovenbird. They are rare vagrants but can be expected each year during our winter months along water areas. I hadn't really chased this bird but I thought I'd kickstart the year with a sunset walk along the DeAnza trail. This pic is from Maine. My AZ photo documentation is dark. I heard the bird scratching in the leaf litter and had nice observations all alone on that cool evening.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ikmqb0LsBWs/X-JV1VxbokI/AAAAAAAArCE/xH5cOG3P5KEwiMi3gUMyYuGt5aCoHHY7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/95743130_10219110376724903_1936356705134706688_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="2048" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ikmqb0LsBWs/X-JV1VxbokI/AAAAAAAArCE/xH5cOG3P5KEwiMi3gUMyYuGt5aCoHHY7wCLcBGAsYHQ/w473-h263/95743130_10219110376724903_1936356705134706688_o.jpg" width="473" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then there was a long drought. No new birds from January to May. But when May hit, it would be the start of an amazing spring migration. At least 2 pairs of Crescent-chested Warblers came to a lovely little canyon in the Chiricahua Mountains. I've seen these birds often in the rain forests of Mexico and Central America....in the rain. I had a hard time believing that they could also range into our drier montane forests here in AZ:) But they did. We had a lunch under a beautiful tree watching all the incredible warblers fly around us. </span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEUv9LPd7l8/X-JZW0N-DxI/AAAAAAAArCk/hFoxbKaM5HcRZMdDyTVkikTsrSDkTXJFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s3922/DSC_5115%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2476" data-original-width="3922" height="314" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEUv9LPd7l8/X-JZW0N-DxI/AAAAAAAArCk/hFoxbKaM5HcRZMdDyTVkikTsrSDkTXJFQCLcBGAsYHQ/w498-h314/DSC_5115%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="498" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">So I bit the bullet. I had had it. Grouse are my nemesis birds. I can hear everything. But what if the birds are silent? Then I become powerless. It's my kryptonite. The above pic was taken in Oregon. The only grouse we have in Arizona is the Dusky Grouse in the northern regions of the state. It had been a nemesis bird for years. It would be embarrassing to tell people how many times I went to look for it. Then on a whim, I broke down. My friends and I headed up north when the Dusky Grouse began to mate on a known lek. And down that magic hill, I witnessed this big brown chicken skulking around the woods on the big hillside next to Arizona's worst outhouse on Green's Peak. I'd use the woods and take my chances with the Gray Wolves before I'd use that bathroom. One day I hope for better pics. For now, I can count it:)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="330" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wRBofZehnPQ" width="397" youtube-src-id="wRBofZehnPQ"></iframe></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>A first ever Clay-colored Thrush showed up in the beautiful Arivaca-Cienegas area where it sang a beautiful lullaby in the evening skies. There we listened and watched this rare Mexican bird sing from Cottonwood Tree as the sun set. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="358" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WfNVANnsYCU" width="431" youtube-src-id="WfNVANnsYCU"></iframe></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>May continued. Covid began to really take off in the state of Arizona. But the first ever Pima and super rare for Arizona bird, the Arctic Tern, showed up not stopping any birder alive from witnessing history in the making. </p></span><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlU5hfZfhvc/X-gJDIYPFGI/AAAAAAAArDw/22BId2mPnCQJ9X3X4WHh3dUC2ru6rtLLQCPcBGAsYHg/s2899/DSC_2716.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1692" data-original-width="2899" height="344" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlU5hfZfhvc/X-gJDIYPFGI/AAAAAAAArDw/22BId2mPnCQJ9X3X4WHh3dUC2ru6rtLLQCPcBGAsYHg/w588-h344/DSC_2716.jpg" width="588" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>May continued. Another rarish Glossy Ibis was reported. I bit the bullet and went with my friend Celeste to work on ID field marks between the similar and common White-faced Ibis. And now the species is officially added to my AZ list. I feel better knowing the minute differences between the two species. I was just too lazy to look for that one Glossy in the hundred White-faced Ibis. However, on the day we went, there weren't many White-faced Ibis and the Glossy was much easier to separate from the rest. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xYIKN5oqbM/X-gKF7b-xZI/AAAAAAAArD4/tCkn-Rsq7-IzVEVXRscuMEzTUWob6MFoACPcBGAsYHg/s3440/DSC_3628%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2237" data-original-width="3440" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xYIKN5oqbM/X-gKF7b-xZI/AAAAAAAArD4/tCkn-Rsq7-IzVEVXRscuMEzTUWob6MFoACPcBGAsYHg/w559-h364/DSC_3628%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="559" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>Several weeks passed and a reliable report of an Eared Quetzal came out in the rare bird alert. I regretted not going right away to see this bird, but the huge Bighorn Fire on Mt. Lemmon threatened a friend's home and interrupted plans. I couldn't believe how upset I was for not going. Then a friend reported the bird again and I went without hesitation. The rest is history. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ot1jaTxqi8/X1pxZ3l4PLI/AAAAAAAAqos/EdzIrVmIqzMiibKBB1mPDpicQ_YVXCKagCPcBGAYYCw/s1176/119104910_10220161597604768_2516520919914113691_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1176" height="531" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ot1jaTxqi8/X1pxZ3l4PLI/AAAAAAAAqos/EdzIrVmIqzMiibKBB1mPDpicQ_YVXCKagCPcBGAYYCw/w552-h531/119104910_10220161597604768_2516520919914113691_o.jpg" width="552" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>From June to September, the AZ lifer list slowed to a halt. That was until a Northern Jacana was reported. It was a bird I knew would show up at some point. I had one two years ago in Mexico at the border. This year 2 birds, a juvenile and adult, were both seen. The adult still continues along the sewage stream near the overpass of a popular road making the bird very easy to observe. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3hK9TNHy3Y/X2o-wm-vghI/AAAAAAAAqqU/2YxwfoLcVoYp1DC6L-05oOjK14aDcRILwCPcBGAYYCw/s2555/DSC_5336%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1231" data-original-width="2555" height="289" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3hK9TNHy3Y/X2o-wm-vghI/AAAAAAAAqqU/2YxwfoLcVoYp1DC6L-05oOjK14aDcRILwCPcBGAYYCw/w601-h289/DSC_5336%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="601" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>Then a Christmas miracle happened. A RUFF! A European bird showed up at a nasty sewage area full of shorebirds. What a treat that was! There I got to work on my ID of this very cool bird. I saw my first Ruff in Wales last year thanks to my friend Stephen Culley who pointed the bird out to me. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpXfR1aUhJA/X53TLoIUqwI/AAAAAAAAq4s/nh4XrPW3BnoqkSMyPLe9SdmobDcR4TRLQCPcBGAYYCw/s3593/DSC_6459.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2415" data-original-width="3593" height="374" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpXfR1aUhJA/X53TLoIUqwI/AAAAAAAAq4s/nh4XrPW3BnoqkSMyPLe9SdmobDcR4TRLQCPcBGAYYCw/w557-h374/DSC_6459.JPG" width="557" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>After that adventure, 3 very special warblers all came to visit Pima county. So rare and beautiful that it was an exciting treat to see them here around the Tucson area. My friend and colleague Scott Olmstead reported the super rare Canada Warbler! I was finally able to spend a really good amount of time observing this bird. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qp0sxmrjEg/XgJRHG05BII/AAAAAAAAo_Q/Hkv1Lf7wUsUUJkNIK12t8khHCn8P-sZTACPcBGAYYCw/s960/79810720_10217947358210167_1868188702199513088_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qp0sxmrjEg/XgJRHG05BII/AAAAAAAAo_Q/Hkv1Lf7wUsUUJkNIK12t8khHCn8P-sZTACPcBGAYYCw/w315-h420/79810720_10217947358210167_1868188702199513088_o.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: xx-large;">Then my friend Sharon Goldwasser sent me a text wondering what type of warbler she had stumbled upon. She knew it was different and suspected it to be a Pine Warbler, but in cases of fall warblers, it's always good to get a second and third opinion before reporting it to the listserv. I got in my car and drove to her location. Finally. I can say I saw a Pine Warbler in AZ. Thank you Sharon. And to celebrate, I had a vanilla shake on the way home. </span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="370" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F--GNSUnnIU" width="445" youtube-src-id="F--GNSUnnIU"></iframe></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;">Then like the cherry on top of a great sundae, a Blackburnian Warbler showed up! HOLY COW! Never in my life had I expected that to be an easy add to the state list. They've always been up in the north and in difficult areas to search. But nope. This one came to a local park and flew above our heads happily feeding. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k02sB3fM5MI/X9Qnk23nazI/AAAAAAAArAY/xe-Otnvk89UZMFRuoo-q2ksR3c1uvf-vgCPcBGAYYCw/s1830/127002093_10220632121127562_7485555441979574730_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1615" data-original-width="1830" height="461" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k02sB3fM5MI/X9Qnk23nazI/AAAAAAAArAY/xe-Otnvk89UZMFRuoo-q2ksR3c1uvf-vgCPcBGAYYCw/w523-h461/127002093_10220632121127562_7485555441979574730_o.jpg" width="523" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>My final state bird was the amazing Field Sparrow. There were eleven state records of this bird in the state. What a great way to end the year! I love sparrows and it happened to be in one of my favorite locations, the Whitewater Draw. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCBfGU6YjRU/Xm71KOHW-gI/AAAAAAAApao/RTtq9kaN7Vc67y6RXZJdw44NxkAa6BmRgCPcBGAYYCw/s960/89332945_529093344679365_5141098075472789504_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="448" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCBfGU6YjRU/Xm71KOHW-gI/AAAAAAAApao/RTtq9kaN7Vc67y6RXZJdw44NxkAa6BmRgCPcBGAYYCw/w597-h448/89332945_529093344679365_5141098075472789504_n.jpg" width="597" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>I didn't think it could get worse than 2019, but it did. I'm just glad that birds helped many of us get through these difficult times. 2021 promises the end to many horrible things like the Trump presidency, ecological disaster(reversal of very damaging regulations made by Trump) and of course, covid. Somehow birds go about their business and remind us that there is still a world out there to explore when all is said and done. I love DIY projects but I'm ready to go search for a Harpy Eagle in the Darién Gap. Happy New Year to everyone! We'll get there. Until next time...... </p><p>Pima List- 372 + 15=387 Species</p><p>Arizona List- 460 + 13=473 species</p><p>World List- 1093</p><p>Total Birds Seen This Year-392(normal average is between 500-600 a year)</p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-9369666981779081392020-12-11T19:49:00.000-07:002020-12-11T19:49:01.011-07:00Half A Life; Half The Credit<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-En5rHo_l_1k/X9Qjgu539fI/AAAAAAAAq_k/s_2j9Gi0GEcGp92kKmp59otAuQVmVyzMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1908/128761636_10220682787074179_8038470128236398732_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="1908" height="363" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-En5rHo_l_1k/X9Qjgu539fI/AAAAAAAAq_k/s_2j9Gi0GEcGp92kKmp59otAuQVmVyzMQCLcBGAsYHQ/w510-h363/128761636_10220682787074179_8038470128236398732_o.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>The world is a crazy place right now. It seems to test us more as we close in on the final stretches of the pandemic. And each of us struggles in our own way to try and figure it all out. While there is hope, there is also much frustration. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMOlLNqrH1g/X9QkgCHNzuI/AAAAAAAAq_s/HwwQQaVRX549b8P9d6ZRooa_PppVkX-CgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1237/127122994_10220647112622340_831534795549846958_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1237" height="460" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMOlLNqrH1g/X9QkgCHNzuI/AAAAAAAAq_s/HwwQQaVRX549b8P9d6ZRooa_PppVkX-CgCLcBGAsYHQ/w460-h460/127122994_10220647112622340_831534795549846958_o.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>Over the past several weeks, I just gave up writing. There has been so much happening. We lost 2 of our older cats to something that resembled feline covid but gained two new members and were able to save our other 2 older girls. We can't shake that we somehow failed to protect them. Even with 3 vets looking into it all; we were left with no answers. There are often moments of joy with the younger ones dotted by moments of sadness. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TygpP1jST3c/X9QlQZARATI/AAAAAAAAq_0/TjRvjuPKcsEWeJ1LiItOP0c2RXhWxpJ4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1752/128722956_10220682788954226_8287980026335508758_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="1752" height="387" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TygpP1jST3c/X9QlQZARATI/AAAAAAAAq_0/TjRvjuPKcsEWeJ1LiItOP0c2RXhWxpJ4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h387/128722956_10220682788954226_8287980026335508758_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;">Then there is work. I don't know what happened to this semester. It all seems so surreal. Teachers are being forced to give students half credit for doing nothing. There is no accountability at all and it goes against every moral fiber of our being. They ask, "How are you?" But they don't mean it. It's just a check on their list that their bosses told them to do. We see through it all. I am an understanding and patient man but to give basically free points to students/parents who abuse the system with unexcused absences? It truly is a lost year. I am not happy about giving free points to those who do not work for them. Even with a pandemic, there are rules that need to be followed. Leadership on every level in this country has failed the American public. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6k9X2owlckw/X9Qlw-ujJlI/AAAAAAAAq_8/CvD_qG6xI64EOc_Lc-0Q0nqaLb4tmMvLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1170/130292595_208535617411461_2522599337648930469_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1170" height="383" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6k9X2owlckw/X9Qlw-ujJlI/AAAAAAAAq_8/CvD_qG6xI64EOc_Lc-0Q0nqaLb4tmMvLgCLcBGAsYHQ/w510-h383/130292595_208535617411461_2522599337648930469_n.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>Then there is the birding. I have been reduced to part time birder. My heart doesn't seem to be into much of it anymore. Rare birds aren't rare anymore. I see people's excitement and I don't feel their joy. That scares me a lot. The weirdest part? I have found joy in watching the simple House Finch come to my feeders. Or watch the Yellow-rumped Warbler feed from my oranges and suet. I began this blog gardening and then became a birder. I now find myself turning back into the gardener! I hope this will pass. My friends tell me that this is common. Sometimes you have to take a break. I still love my birds, but I have found other interests again. The silver lining of covid. Home projects are taking hold of me! Birding money is spent into home design and art. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLT90zR2Rdc/X9QmkHR_vHI/AAAAAAAArAE/2TmJPITo-p8cPWxr9AsXyssDkThQPUCjACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/129954836_10220715399809477_879508822389468654_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLT90zR2Rdc/X9QmkHR_vHI/AAAAAAAArAE/2TmJPITo-p8cPWxr9AsXyssDkThQPUCjACLcBGAsYHQ/w563-h422/129954836_10220715399809477_879508822389468654_o.jpg" width="563" /></a></div><p>I have been enjoying the work done on the coastal room. We put new furniture together and opened up the space a lot. I've purchased paint and new light fixtures and have gotten into the art of remodeling. Our next project happens in several months. It's all set to go. In February, the coastal bathroom becomes a reality. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBFmGQ0twqQ/X9QnDn-vS7I/AAAAAAAArAM/ftryFS6mtW4DT7PMwOaTzSOYAYs9GTo1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/129937426_10220714284861604_3866321986845070484_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="490" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBFmGQ0twqQ/X9QnDn-vS7I/AAAAAAAArAM/ftryFS6mtW4DT7PMwOaTzSOYAYs9GTo1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w367-h490/129937426_10220714284861604_3866321986845070484_o.jpg" width="367" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>With everything happening at home, like the roof being redone, landscaping...removing of a tree and pruning, etc, I haven't been able to bird like a normal human. I'd say that I've gotten maybe 3 days to bird all day long. And it's not even really about birding so much as it is about just taking a walk outdoors. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k02sB3fM5MI/X9Qnk23nazI/AAAAAAAArAU/leCMiBgRX5EiYyjWOevfZGM98szj6exugCLcBGAsYHQ/s1830/127002093_10220632121127562_7485555441979574730_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1615" data-original-width="1830" height="386" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k02sB3fM5MI/X9Qnk23nazI/AAAAAAAArAU/leCMiBgRX5EiYyjWOevfZGM98szj6exugCLcBGAsYHQ/w437-h386/127002093_10220632121127562_7485555441979574730_o.jpg" width="437" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>I was finally able to do some birding with Gordon who I haven't seen since March!!! We drove to this area just to check out things. The best part of that day was catching up with him. I miss hanging out with him. Another day, I drove to a far away place to look at a beautiful Field Sparrow. It was cloudy cool and quiet. It was what I needed. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQx4O5VcWfI/X9Qn6I4XvkI/AAAAAAAArAc/ouxOTTZ6T2w8bf486z3L5xVJEYx_XDoVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1797/125859893_10220595178604022_8819907201270434939_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1256" data-original-width="1797" height="351" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQx4O5VcWfI/X9Qn6I4XvkI/AAAAAAAArAc/ouxOTTZ6T2w8bf486z3L5xVJEYx_XDoVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w501-h351/125859893_10220595178604022_8819907201270434939_o.jpg" width="501" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>I am going through something. It's not good or bad. Not even sure if it's really depression, but I just want to be alone working on personal projects away from everything. I am emotionally exhausted. Another road trip is in the works. I was even thinking about going to Panama City, Panama because I have free flight mileage but covid is raging again and I am so near getting the vaccine. It's too risky. I don't want to lose my airline points because of a cancellation, etc. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmc5KTbu8sM/X9QoOZDfWPI/AAAAAAAArAk/22dmDc1wF-swtX9r-oTLJJpohdiKPhaLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1905/130465752_10220727819719967_88569465443191509_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1905" height="331" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmc5KTbu8sM/X9QoOZDfWPI/AAAAAAAArAk/22dmDc1wF-swtX9r-oTLJJpohdiKPhaLQCLcBGAsYHQ/w525-h331/130465752_10220727819719967_88569465443191509_o.jpg" width="525" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>Teachers in Arizona are set to be one of the first groups to get the vaccinations in the beginning of January. So that means I'll probably take the USS Betty White up along the coast to be near the ocean again to get some fresh air. And play it safe. It would also be nice avoiding getting covid a second time:) </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTqs4qdDsfw/X9Qot0zpH2I/AAAAAAAArAs/wWt06zSI7YU11iQlvT6xu9Egy0lgBipgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/130299578_10220727830360233_5351568101801537921_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="325" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTqs4qdDsfw/X9Qot0zpH2I/AAAAAAAArAs/wWt06zSI7YU11iQlvT6xu9Egy0lgBipgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w488-h325/130299578_10220727830360233_5351568101801537921_o.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>Right now, the USS Betty White is being serviced for a long range trek. After that is done, I have to get new tires on the vehicle. In the above pic, a local Javelina eats pecans around my vehicle, the USS Betty White. </p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nl0aZ5tmtNk/X9QpC6Rb0zI/AAAAAAAArA0/i6NLV0W9KRwUpJhqeg8_tECinXDtjmW1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1935/127702055_10220658242380577_2912154892163912760_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1301" data-original-width="1935" height="340" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nl0aZ5tmtNk/X9QpC6Rb0zI/AAAAAAAArA0/i6NLV0W9KRwUpJhqeg8_tECinXDtjmW1QCLcBGAsYHQ/w505-h340/127702055_10220658242380577_2912154892163912760_o.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><p>For now, we all sit in a holding pattern. We wait. And wait. A year lost? Or a year full of new appreciation and perspective? It will take awhile but at least the vaccinations have begun. My last blog for the year will be the highlights of 2020. There were some:)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wufft5GQYYs/X9QpX5UWzeI/AAAAAAAArA8/diCyQDwLxKQSGCX1a_Tp-wkF26_Kbe-yACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/129778384_10220700849805736_7692935802742475562_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="373" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wufft5GQYYs/X9QpX5UWzeI/AAAAAAAArA8/diCyQDwLxKQSGCX1a_Tp-wkF26_Kbe-yACLcBGAsYHQ/w498-h373/129778384_10220700849805736_7692935802742475562_o.jpg" width="498" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;">I sit with my cats now in the catio having coffee with them watching birds and bugs. It's kind of my favorite part of the day. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sbvkQPd9gA/X9QpbNyiVSI/AAAAAAAArBA/ZDgVSUVFd0E5qdd7QYpvIA2zQLXDWftxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/129900212_10220715400889504_8119655757349947259_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0sbvkQPd9gA/X9QpbNyiVSI/AAAAAAAArBA/ZDgVSUVFd0E5qdd7QYpvIA2zQLXDWftxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w514-h384/129900212_10220715400889504_8119655757349947259_o.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><p>The year 2021 is beginning to shape up. I am hopeful. It could be the renaissance we have all been waiting for. And one that we'll never take for granted again. Until next time......</p><p><br /></p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-69995703594227786832020-11-12T15:07:00.008-07:002020-11-13T11:17:11.948-07:00The Weight We Carry In This Life<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6NRoFDAM8U/X53S_NX1f-I/AAAAAAAAq4c/z5AY1T3KJMYvtq-A1voalqhTuaHtCSyLACLcBGAsYHQ/s2655/DSC_6335.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1991" data-original-width="2655" height="463" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6NRoFDAM8U/X53S_NX1f-I/AAAAAAAAq4c/z5AY1T3KJMYvtq-A1voalqhTuaHtCSyLACLcBGAsYHQ/w620-h463/DSC_6335.JPG" width="620" /></a></div><div> Black-throated Blue Warbler</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">This year has brought us joy and great sadness. Throughout it all, many of us have found nature as an escape. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-psL6BLq3Lcg/X53TDufJKjI/AAAAAAAAq4g/GYJ1sCrgEUAmT5Pzq2ep1uZKVFAN7hNegCLcBGAsYHQ/s3778/DSC_6269.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2468" data-original-width="3778" height="417" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-psL6BLq3Lcg/X53TDufJKjI/AAAAAAAAq4g/GYJ1sCrgEUAmT5Pzq2ep1uZKVFAN7hNegCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h417/DSC_6269.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Little gems show up in our neighborhoods nearby to get us excited like a rare Canada Warbler or Black-throated Blue Warbler. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpXfR1aUhJA/X53TLoIUqwI/AAAAAAAAq4k/TYlO4JXEeJAoHpZ-ycXt7xUiT2uhIbf4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s3593/DSC_6459.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2415" data-original-width="3593" height="406" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpXfR1aUhJA/X53TLoIUqwI/AAAAAAAAq4k/TYlO4JXEeJAoHpZ-ycXt7xUiT2uhIbf4ACLcBGAsYHQ/w605-h406/DSC_6459.JPG" width="605" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ponds that have for years only held non-native turtle species are now becoming home again to our rare native Sonoran Mud Turtle. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdF363C3M_0/X53VDq6teMI/AAAAAAAAq4w/59Nlyk5kXpQ2RoIr3KuyQRCoxhBP-fOGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC_6201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdF363C3M_0/X53VDq6teMI/AAAAAAAAq4w/59Nlyk5kXpQ2RoIr3KuyQRCoxhBP-fOGQCLcBGAsYHQ/w650-h432/DSC_6201.JPG" width="650" /></a></div><div> Sonoran Mud Turtle</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">As we carry this covid weight on our shoulders, we find that there is adventure nearby. As birders, we change the rules to make it more fun. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lmqEPi-rIfA/X53X2L5Gu8I/AAAAAAAAq44/dDNfFUaHpLsNyc0Ff4BBbkFztcpRG4tCACLcBGAsYHQ/s3822/DSC_6455.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2067" data-original-width="3822" height="333" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lmqEPi-rIfA/X53X2L5Gu8I/AAAAAAAAq44/dDNfFUaHpLsNyc0Ff4BBbkFztcpRG4tCACLcBGAsYHQ/w617-h333/DSC_6455.JPG" width="617" /></a></div><div> Canada Warbler in Pima County!</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">It hasn't been a year lost, but it has been a year of loss. In 2019, I saw loved ones get sick. Some passed away. How could it possibly get any worse? And then it did. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0kbd_CAQZo/X53YIa1IgcI/AAAAAAAAq5A/w36p8YSSExITmT_v9WUPWQuptjg4kXCewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2130/DSC_6392.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="2130" height="378" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0kbd_CAQZo/X53YIa1IgcI/AAAAAAAAq5A/w36p8YSSExITmT_v9WUPWQuptjg4kXCewCLcBGAsYHQ/w576-h378/DSC_6392.JPG" width="576" /></a></div><div> Vermilion Flycatcher</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I became VERY sick in October last year and it lasted until the first week of January. Then covid hit. Or did I have covid back in October? Then friends got sick or had to go to the hospital. Trips were cancelled and life came to a screeching halt. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gul1884j8B4/X53ZCKlAaoI/AAAAAAAAq5I/xQ23hy-rGpYbareuLvmrj0Q4W-4HhUJoACLcBGAsYHQ/s1331/DSC_6164.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1331" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gul1884j8B4/X53ZCKlAaoI/AAAAAAAAq5I/xQ23hy-rGpYbareuLvmrj0Q4W-4HhUJoACLcBGAsYHQ/w585-h392/DSC_6164.JPG" width="585" /></a></div><div> A rare for Pima Bell's Sparrow!</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Not only does the US see a rise in covid cases AGAIN, but we've also experienced political unrest and environmental destruction caused by humans and global warming. Jobs are on the line. My job sees a rise in cases at the school. How long will we stay open? How long can this go on?? Food is on the line. And we're still in a very sad place. There are those who have. And those who don't. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhLabjOdRAM/X53ZIk0QKfI/AAAAAAAAq5M/FaxQUbvJ6GsXZrv6-ny3yP1ae3oEHNIAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4000/DSC_6339.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3903" height="564" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhLabjOdRAM/X53ZIk0QKfI/AAAAAAAAq5M/FaxQUbvJ6GsXZrv6-ny3yP1ae3oEHNIAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w549-h564/DSC_6339.JPG" width="549" /></a></div><div> Great Horned Owl</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Recently, four of our cats were poisoned by bad food. The older cats with health conditions died quickly. Two are still hanging on while our little ones seem unaffected. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3TDkz42t4kM/X53ZMatmnBI/AAAAAAAAq5Q/xl-3ixsOtt4T4SV41UXLi7AkyoixRQOGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1623/DSC_6348.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="1623" height="437" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3TDkz42t4kM/X53ZMatmnBI/AAAAAAAAq5Q/xl-3ixsOtt4T4SV41UXLi7AkyoixRQOGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w618-h437/DSC_6348.JPG" width="618" /></a></div><div> Lincoln's Sparrow</div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">And while it all seems overwhelming at times with tragedy after tragedy, there is a ray of hope. A vaccine is coming. Trump lost the election! And Pima county has really seen some amazing and RARE warblers pass through our area! This week in Tucson, we are hosting a very cooperative Blackburnian Warbler!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0tiNdLPAPPk/X53ZZOlvIpI/AAAAAAAAq5Y/v1qICiCeHr8DkAbFSFJ_SCie8kFlEYsMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s3608/DSC_6276.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2474" data-original-width="3608" height="421" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0tiNdLPAPPk/X53ZZOlvIpI/AAAAAAAAq5Y/v1qICiCeHr8DkAbFSFJ_SCie8kFlEYsMwCLcBGAsYHQ/w614-h421/DSC_6276.JPG" width="614" /></a></div><div> Red-naped Sapsuckers</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Somehow we are trying to muddle through all of this stress and anxiety. I have to say that these past two weeks have been yet another stress test. When there is time, which isn't often anymore, I go for a walk and do some quick birding to keep sane. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w51Ip_a2t3w/X620GRVivMI/AAAAAAAAq6Q/LYdC6hTZVtQkT73eXTTc-6JUGphr2B9FwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/DSC_0534%2B%25284%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="400" height="404" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w51Ip_a2t3w/X620GRVivMI/AAAAAAAAq6Q/LYdC6hTZVtQkT73eXTTc-6JUGphr2B9FwCLcBGAsYHQ/w517-h404/DSC_0534%2B%25284%2529.JPG" width="517" /></a></div> Pine Warbler</div><div><span style="font-size: xx-large;">And there's a rare eastern warbler of the week showing up...Canada Warbler, Pine Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler.........very strange times!</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uctdVBt_YTE/X62uzRCaWvI/AAAAAAAAq6I/lLkBip-3fHoAddigHunK9bGGGZwiQAQYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s448/DSC_0381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="448" height="435" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uctdVBt_YTE/X62uzRCaWvI/AAAAAAAAq6I/lLkBip-3fHoAddigHunK9bGGGZwiQAQYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w589-h435/DSC_0381.JPG" width="589" /></a></div> Blackburnian WarblerRohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-60023762587965220692020-10-30T21:41:00.001-07:002020-10-31T13:42:25.550-07:00Blue Waves<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzyuf7VsH-o/X5TsBXv1IdI/AAAAAAAAq2o/e7e7QgfhKToMbZJ-aboRK22cNnkGZUZ0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_5977%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1869" height="469" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mzyuf7VsH-o/X5TsBXv1IdI/AAAAAAAAq2o/e7e7QgfhKToMbZJ-aboRK22cNnkGZUZ0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w428-h469/DSC_5977%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today we close out our 3rd and final trek to Ventura, California. The whole purpose of our trek was to escape the Arizona heat, enjoy the ocean and learn about the Yellow-billed Magpie. This was a bird I remembered back in the 90's when I lived in the south bay of the San Francisco area. Now as a birder, it was time to go back and have some wine with a friend and rediscover this magpie I first discovered in my backyard when I lived in San Jose. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhJlhmdq9C0/X5TsJnDMRsI/AAAAAAAAq2s/xw2UZHrnLt8yiuOHDg7KlGaJArZOI0CaACLcBGAsYHQ/s3585/DSC_6157.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2548" data-original-width="3585" height="329" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhJlhmdq9C0/X5TsJnDMRsI/AAAAAAAAq2s/xw2UZHrnLt8yiuOHDg7KlGaJArZOI0CaACLcBGAsYHQ/w464-h329/DSC_6157.JPG" width="464" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">And while we had the magpie on our lists, we couldn't stay too far from the ocean. For an Arizonan, the closest place to find a Yellow-billed Magpie is in the Ventura area. This is the southern most range for this species. About 60 miles east of Ventura in the wine country of Los Olivos at the famous Zaca Station Road, we had a lovely time birding along this beautiful road of oak scrub and vineyards. We stopped at one of the places to do some wine tasting. </span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwTlR0_bnrs/X5TsQ6LJ00I/AAAAAAAAq20/Hu7gekStdVg_mg4dvOhVr0YyUqeuOD9BACLcBGAsYHQ/s3248/DSC_6036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1797" data-original-width="3248" height="242" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwTlR0_bnrs/X5TsQ6LJ00I/AAAAAAAAq20/Hu7gekStdVg_mg4dvOhVr0YyUqeuOD9BACLcBGAsYHQ/w438-h242/DSC_6036.JPG" width="438" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The weather was perfect and the wine was great. And oh yeah, the magpies were a blast! They reminded me of the Common Mynas that dominate the Hawaiian landscape. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cKlvjPJjSK0/X5Tsg_A4L-I/AAAAAAAAq28/ix7K-kd777AtKCxOIF8zK0bDfMqNr_q4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2903/DSC_5987.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2559" data-original-width="2903" height="401" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cKlvjPJjSK0/X5Tsg_A4L-I/AAAAAAAAq28/ix7K-kd777AtKCxOIF8zK0bDfMqNr_q4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w455-h401/DSC_5987.JPG" width="455" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">After we had a lovely time in wine country with great views of the magpie, we headed back to the ocean to enjoy the cooler temps and of course, the beach. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3R48q2lMTg/X5Tsw8wFV1I/AAAAAAAAq3E/HPPAQs7YXusGbGf8emXa-p9nDldL3hcjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4289/DSC_6131.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2547" data-original-width="4289" height="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3R48q2lMTg/X5Tsw8wFV1I/AAAAAAAAq3E/HPPAQs7YXusGbGf8emXa-p9nDldL3hcjgCLcBGAsYHQ/w521-h309/DSC_6131.JPG" width="521" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">What a thrill! Our return trek took us to Santa Barbara. And it was the last part of our fun California adventures in Ventura. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9pW8PYp452c/X5Ts3kR3rnI/AAAAAAAAq3I/hjtP5UtyNvAHUkvs0JkaLGZQJOlNWy13QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2419/DSC_5554.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2419" height="279" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9pW8PYp452c/X5Ts3kR3rnI/AAAAAAAAq3I/hjtP5UtyNvAHUkvs0JkaLGZQJOlNWy13QCLcBGAsYHQ/w496-h279/DSC_5554.JPG" width="496" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Turnstone numbers were great and wonderful views of these 2 species were fantastic!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCU6wLuTQ88/X5TtGnevhDI/AAAAAAAAq3Q/EzEjbH0hatMmmNs2V32KqjyqiU0SSZ5XwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_5635%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="2048" height="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCU6wLuTQ88/X5TtGnevhDI/AAAAAAAAq3Q/EzEjbH0hatMmmNs2V32KqjyqiU0SSZ5XwCLcBGAsYHQ/w519-h294/DSC_5635%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="519" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">During our treks to various beach spots, we noticed more Black Turnstones than Ruddy Turnstones. All the turnstones were mixed in together running around "rock piers" and the sandy beaches not caring that people, pets and kids were also sharing the beach. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LChf2LvSSRY/X5TtRjf-CGI/AAAAAAAAq3Y/JyBlHW1AdUoJ7tE8nYOJeUSVFip-NKnGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2996/DSC_5651.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2138" data-original-width="2996" height="367" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LChf2LvSSRY/X5TtRjf-CGI/AAAAAAAAq3Y/JyBlHW1AdUoJ7tE8nYOJeUSVFip-NKnGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w515-h367/DSC_5651.JPG" width="515" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Our missions to the beaches, island and vineyards were a success. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78xprRB79CQ/X5TtpC8RxEI/AAAAAAAAq3g/PrCngLDJUO0AOQy4rfUg0yUP8mLm4pumwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_5979%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="2048" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78xprRB79CQ/X5TtpC8RxEI/AAAAAAAAq3g/PrCngLDJUO0AOQy4rfUg0yUP8mLm4pumwCLcBGAsYHQ/w454-h263/DSC_5979%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Any time I bird California, I break down the treks to certain areas. San Diego and Imperial Beach are wonderful for lots of great birds while Orange County is great for the exotic parrots and a trek out to Catalina Island for the Spotted Doves. LA is another trip with a trek to the LA Gardens and surrounding areas. Spotted Doves, in smaller numbers, can also be found there, but they are much more enjoyable to find on Catalina Island. Plus you get a pelagic with that boat trek out of Dana Point, also a great spot to bird. Then there is the Ventura area that we just covered. And all along the coast, there are other great places with specialty birds during certain times of years like in Monterrey. California is HUGE and it's always fun birding this state. If you plan well, you won't find yourself on the road all the time and instead, you'll spend most of your time enjoying some quality birding. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0I53dtRxp8/X5Tt0cj-HCI/AAAAAAAAq3k/M-mULmd1iu0CkDtJMX4mq80I5LZmCiUgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_5981%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1327" data-original-width="2048" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0I53dtRxp8/X5Tt0cj-HCI/AAAAAAAAq3k/M-mULmd1iu0CkDtJMX4mq80I5LZmCiUgwCLcBGAsYHQ/w487-h315/DSC_5981%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="487" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">That's how I have dealt with California over the years. Living in the Bay Area in the 90's, I discovered it was frustrating to try and do too much over a larger area because the traffic killed a lot of precious day outings. So my attitude is to divide and conquer. Take it all in over mini vacations over time. That way you get to enjoy California for everything it offers. So like our trek out to the vineyard, one needs to let that wine breathe. California is wonderful when you slowly enjoy the moments. Don't rush through it. </span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L38JkyssVcA/X5Tt_UcFtyI/AAAAAAAAq3s/L2_NaXRsCYkqejekn_HUD2tYxO2ZsyfmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC_6009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="321" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L38JkyssVcA/X5Tt_UcFtyI/AAAAAAAAq3s/L2_NaXRsCYkqejekn_HUD2tYxO2ZsyfmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w482-h321/DSC_6009.JPG" width="482" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">We did try for an unexpected rarity in Santa Barbara, the Curlew Sandpiper. We had a lot of great birds along the beach, but we often had a lot of distractions. We didn't find the Sandpiper due to runners flushing the peeps but we did see so many wonderful ocean birds. Plus the beaches there were really really nice. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHIDHQlQsE4/X5TuKmQMeXI/AAAAAAAAq30/EkQanSSmbEUvBNkMMH4_Iqj3ssiB-ib6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_6156%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1354" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHIDHQlQsE4/X5TuKmQMeXI/AAAAAAAAq30/EkQanSSmbEUvBNkMMH4_Iqj3ssiB-ib6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w453-h300/DSC_6156%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="453" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The drive was fun as it usually is from Phoenix to Ventura. It's like a racetrack and always seems to fly by quickly. We wanted to stay a little longer. The cool ocean temps were so nice. We're back in Tucson now but I see blue waves happening again very soon. </span><br /> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iFAe7OvuQ54/X5yI-Iuc_QI/AAAAAAAAq4U/3IqkUc8x0OcONobJEa_StXHbeucM5i-8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1125/121472765_281091889601715_1318819292115962202_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1125" height="341" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iFAe7OvuQ54/X5yI-Iuc_QI/AAAAAAAAq4U/3IqkUc8x0OcONobJEa_StXHbeucM5i-8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w455-h341/121472765_281091889601715_1318819292115962202_n.jpg" width="455" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The year 2020 has been an incredible year here in Arizona. The devastations that have happened around us environmentally have driven birds into our state from other places. That report will be coming. I also hit another landmark for Arizona. While it hasn't been the year of the lifer, it has been a solid year of birding in Arizona and specifically for Pima County. Until next time.....</span><br /><div><br /></div>Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-79484032809513234372020-10-19T14:18:00.002-07:002020-10-19T15:10:51.366-07:00Strides of Blue <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pT-umxVcP0/X4i9aGUZzSI/AAAAAAAAqxE/H8EOZ4xwoX83RY96bMNwpQMsinwR1L3vQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/120708089_10220332540598236_642831863313276734_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="359" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6pT-umxVcP0/X4i9aGUZzSI/AAAAAAAAqxE/H8EOZ4xwoX83RY96bMNwpQMsinwR1L3vQCLcBGAsYHQ/w478-h359/120708089_10220332540598236_642831863313276734_o.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">This week's adventure takes us to the beautiful Channel Islands for some in depth study on a part of the Santa Cruz Island I had never been....Prisoner's Harbor. I'll also have some updates for people who have been thinking about visiting these amazing islands. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbbN_q4nqEc/X4kSaQD3F9I/AAAAAAAAqx8/OoQe4G1R0FcrU-Kk1dHn0nNrNtZBCbYUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4688/DSC_5709.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2678" data-original-width="4688" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbbN_q4nqEc/X4kSaQD3F9I/AAAAAAAAqx8/OoQe4G1R0FcrU-Kk1dHn0nNrNtZBCbYUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w503-h288/DSC_5709.JPG" width="503" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">I was feeling trapped inside with this terrible Tucson heat over the past several months and I very much needed something new and different to study with friends Celeste and Cheroot. Originally, I had planned to stay in Antigua, Guatemala during my fall break for a very much needed Spanish retreat at this sanctuary in the hills, but Covid changed that plan. Instead, within a safe 6 hour drive from Tucson, we headed to Ventura for specific wildlife studies. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJk2D1tdxH8/X4i9doGQf6I/AAAAAAAAqxI/ATBvrA-TyAAfYmNFLrEKDfViT_Zj5j_MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/120860628_10220348640840732_4637387331328616015_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="960" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJk2D1tdxH8/X4i9doGQf6I/AAAAAAAAqxI/ATBvrA-TyAAfYmNFLrEKDfViT_Zj5j_MgCLcBGAsYHQ/w507-h414/120860628_10220348640840732_4637387331328616015_n.jpg" width="507" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cheroot brought his squirrels. We brought our coolers for day lunches out on the beaches and parks. We contacted Island Packers for a mini pelagic out to Santa Cruz Island. I was hoping for some whale and dolphin action in much needed cooler weather. It did not disappoint. In fact, for most of our stay, we were on the water. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1j2hwSE3dI/X4keELKpDMI/AAAAAAAAqzY/Qta9ONsX1lsNc9qtQuItczQpUkEAsaElACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/121241032_10220395311327465_7376031940600072835_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1440" height="339" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1j2hwSE3dI/X4keELKpDMI/AAAAAAAAqzY/Qta9ONsX1lsNc9qtQuItczQpUkEAsaElACLcBGAsYHQ/w452-h339/121241032_10220395311327465_7376031940600072835_o.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The boat ride is a little under an hour and a half. Birds were on our itinerary but really it was all about the whales. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5jVDTUeVJQ/X4kTEW00brI/AAAAAAAAqyE/G-EMBGPE-FQ215tXzsd0jWfx9iv-q-sTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_5802%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="2048" height="261" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5jVDTUeVJQ/X4kTEW00brI/AAAAAAAAqyE/G-EMBGPE-FQ215tXzsd0jWfx9iv-q-sTQCLcBGAsYHQ/w511-h261/DSC_5802%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="511" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Every time I've gone over to those islands, we've seen something special like a pod of Orcas, dolphins and a variety of whales. This trek would be no exception. On this day, we observed 3 incredible Blue Whales up close. I cannot describe the excitement that we felt by seeing this incredibly large sea creature. In fact, it's the largest mammal on the planet. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-6bQncBg4s/X4kTIfNbtXI/AAAAAAAAqyI/7azPLArWYpUAbI31la7gQKP8P9LZO4kQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2987/DSC_5819.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1730" data-original-width="2987" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-6bQncBg4s/X4kTIfNbtXI/AAAAAAAAqyI/7azPLArWYpUAbI31la7gQKP8P9LZO4kQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h296/DSC_5819.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then there's the beauty of birding around the islands. We caught up with birder Eric Heisey below who also had similar plans to bird in the cooler temps.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--giGJP0SgUo/X4i9qrlL09I/AAAAAAAAqxk/ZkO9mY3mCFYyAvRcb9wYczE2I3CyG0UnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1125/121582319_3385564314897718_573595562979655677_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1125" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--giGJP0SgUo/X4i9qrlL09I/AAAAAAAAqxk/ZkO9mY3mCFYyAvRcb9wYczE2I3CyG0UnwCLcBGAsYHQ/w502-h376/121582319_3385564314897718_573595562979655677_n.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is as magical as it looks. Complete wilderness and now free of human developments.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/STHqVMGg92s" width="320" youtube-src-id="STHqVMGg92s"></iframe></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Once we arrived at Prisoner's Harbor we began to hike uphill onto Nature Conservancy land to study vegetation, birds, lizards and insects. In some parts it was rather steep, but the views overlooking the island and ocean were incredible. </span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-20mQJsHXWKE/X4i9s3F48nI/AAAAAAAAqxo/rW3E254tiCQ70YXS3Dc-6ctN1t6Y9kB9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1125/121675689_726872674582038_6097911147620673512_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1125" height="355" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-20mQJsHXWKE/X4i9s3F48nI/AAAAAAAAqxo/rW3E254tiCQ70YXS3Dc-6ctN1t6Y9kB9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w474-h355/121675689_726872674582038_6097911147620673512_n.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Back in 2014, Micheal and I went to camp at <a href="https://gardeningandthespanishway-rohrerbot.blogspot.com/search?q=santa+cruz+island" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scorpion's Point</a> which was on the other side of the island. A storm a couple years back destroyed the pier and since then, the campground has been shut down. BUT I have good news! It will finally be opened up this November. I highly recommend this camping trek. It's a lot of fun and quite different from the experience at Prisoner's Harbor. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D59FezZicgI/X4kcHV5VpEI/AAAAAAAAqyU/vWCQyXyWtk0GWsWswgWAjyurYXWvyAc2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s4561/DSC_5914%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2834" data-original-width="4561" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D59FezZicgI/X4kcHV5VpEI/AAAAAAAAqyU/vWCQyXyWtk0GWsWswgWAjyurYXWvyAc2ACLcBGAsYHQ/w433-h270/DSC_5914%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="433" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">We are birders and for Celeste, she had never seen the Island Scrub-Jay, one of the endemics only found on this island. People say that Prisoner's Harbor is the best place for this jay and it was. We had many birds right at the entrance of the port. For me it was a better opportunity to study them up close. Their numbers have grown over this 27 mile stretch of island. In fact, Channel Islands National Park is a success story in conservation. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWBbr_ff7Bo/X4kcNpE6JMI/AAAAAAAAqyY/qi0L4sBtsAE2-sTN6m6goaSyNx8b_IaUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4493/DSC_5923.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2844" data-original-width="4493" height="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWBbr_ff7Bo/X4kcNpE6JMI/AAAAAAAAqyY/qi0L4sBtsAE2-sTN6m6goaSyNx8b_IaUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w475-h301/DSC_5923.JPG" width="475" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Since our visit back in 2014, the Island Fox, yet another endemic, had a small number of reintroduced fox around Scorpion's Point. Today, this species has succeeded in repopulating Santa Cruz Island. They now number in the thousands. At one point, they almost went extinct due to predation by Golden Eagles, but thanks to great conservation plans and practices, I'm happy to report that this fox is back in business.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wpecF1YnonI/X4kcZIy0QjI/AAAAAAAAqyg/2fkOGFmp8d8Z3xblhZmze7cqdq24r1HGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s6000/DSC_5936.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="314" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wpecF1YnonI/X4kcZIy0QjI/AAAAAAAAqyg/2fkOGFmp8d8Z3xblhZmze7cqdq24r1HGgCLcBGAsYHQ/w471-h314/DSC_5936.JPG" width="471" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Celeste was hoping we'd see one so we backtracked from the tourists when they weren't around. After our little hike up Pelican's Point, we turned around and headed to the picnic area for lunch. The secret to finding one of these foxes? Find stupid tourists who leave their food out. And find vacated areas were stupid tourists were eating. Celeste was talking to me when I noticed that one of the foxes came from out of nowhere to check out a recently vacated picnic area. The look on Celeste's face was priceless. Yes, these foxy foxes are one of the many reasons to explore Channel Islands National Park. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkOhp3P0MJE/X4kccNRB9WI/AAAAAAAAqyk/b_gnml9YuEYm2vSC_sIMprQqn_MJT1yAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_5937%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1705" data-original-width="2048" height="370" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkOhp3P0MJE/X4kccNRB9WI/AAAAAAAAqyk/b_gnml9YuEYm2vSC_sIMprQqn_MJT1yAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w445-h370/DSC_5937%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="445" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Not happy with ANY of the leftover food choices, this fox decided to find their own. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H4UKF3MhF18/X4kckMXfmMI/AAAAAAAAqys/p0827ULFP5Q-NRvjj6ZvoZ23LaUm5-hHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_5943%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="2048" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H4UKF3MhF18/X4kckMXfmMI/AAAAAAAAqys/p0827ULFP5Q-NRvjj6ZvoZ23LaUm5-hHgCLcBGAsYHQ/w460-h318/DSC_5943%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">And not too far away, a fresh meal was waiting to be found. A mouse! Yum!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZV93rTap48/X4kco1pwuwI/AAAAAAAAqyw/dh-Xu3hkzmc2oOVVhshkCQxosyI6geOMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s3977/DSC_5955.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3977" data-original-width="3925" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZV93rTap48/X4kco1pwuwI/AAAAAAAAqyw/dh-Xu3hkzmc2oOVVhshkCQxosyI6geOMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w421-h426/DSC_5955.JPG" width="421" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Another species that doesn't mind human food is the clever Common Raven. Number 62, more on that in a bit, was watching a couple stupid tourists who were distracted by yellowjackets. True they could have been stung, but 62 had his eye on the turkey sandwich in the flailing male's hand. As the yellowjackets overcame this unsuspecting tourist man, the raven took the opportunity to snatch the sandwich out of his grasp. He brought it back to his "friend" and together they shared THEIR turkey sandwich. And we, the birders, secretly scored the match between raven and man. Corvid 1 Man 0</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESb13K3Mvf8/X4kcuxHoBsI/AAAAAAAAqy8/8JMWIn_noucY47XvIV2VCR6Zfi8DjfI8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s3131/DSC_5948.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2656" data-original-width="3131" height="448" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESb13K3Mvf8/X4kcuxHoBsI/AAAAAAAAqy8/8JMWIn_noucY47XvIV2VCR6Zfi8DjfI8ACLcBGAsYHQ/w529-h448/DSC_5948.JPG" width="529" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now onto a TAGGED COMMON RAVEN!!!! This species of bird is plentiful. So why tag a raven? Well, they are studying how these Common Ravens interact with the rare nesting Ashy Storm-Petrels on these islands. These Storm-Petrels already have a small population with about 10,000 in the world. Their nesting grounds, the Channel Islands, are home to at least 50 known breeding pairs. They are nocturnal and can be difficult to find on a nest as they choose cracks and crevices. The <a href="https://www.nps.gov/chis/learn/nature/storm-petrel.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pic below</a> is not mine but it's an artist's recreation of where this secretive Storm-Petrel hangs out. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56hUW9W8qwE/X43xYfTF3KI/AAAAAAAAqzg/6eSTHYaxi6sadIj4tWHOVEuFJG2ygaRRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/ASPE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="323" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56hUW9W8qwE/X43xYfTF3KI/AAAAAAAAqzg/6eSTHYaxi6sadIj4tWHOVEuFJG2ygaRRwCLcBGAsYHQ/w485-h323/ASPE.jpg" width="485" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">This pic is from a trek I did several years ago during a Storm-Petrel study out along the California Coast. Within their limited range, they are quite common, but if there ever was an oil spill, etc, it could have a devastating impact on this species. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jO5rrVRlG0U/X43zvMj3xYI/AAAAAAAAqzo/12mSvi5_y7wlm1NBtME24RUqpK-BWe_WQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/ASSP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="960" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jO5rrVRlG0U/X43zvMj3xYI/AAAAAAAAqzo/12mSvi5_y7wlm1NBtME24RUqpK-BWe_WQCLcBGAsYHQ/w489-h336/ASSP.jpg" width="489" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Unfortunately, we didn't see any storm-petrels on this trek, but I did learn about how some Common Ravens can raid these storm-petrel's nests. Hence the tagging. I reported the tag to the banders. You can read that information <a href="https://ciesresearch.org/our-focus/report-a-marked-raven/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. In fact, the Channel Islands are all about restoring balance. At one point, the Island Foxes almost went extinct due to Golden Eagles hunting them. There had been Bald Eagles on the island but when they died from DDT poisoning, the mammal hunting Golden Eagles took over. Today, the fish and duck hunting Bald Eagles are back on the island and the Island Foxes are back:) It has taken years for the Nature Conservancy and National Park system to restore the balance to these islands. And to see them today in their full glory is really quite something!</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1qX0MUQlrYw/X4kc34lA6TI/AAAAAAAAqzE/2EmdcNGcmusUQAE1gKba4tffL2V1a6dYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2451/DSC_5957.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1787" data-original-width="2451" height="361" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1qX0MUQlrYw/X4kc34lA6TI/AAAAAAAAqzE/2EmdcNGcmusUQAE1gKba4tffL2V1a6dYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w496-h361/DSC_5957.JPG" width="496" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">We had a successful trek out and I didn't want the day to end. I think the California Coast is full of so many amazing wildlife opportunities. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ld02LuNskEM/X4kdosYPOAI/AAAAAAAAqzQ/CgxqAXU03c8miIFfuzYZlmD8hZGAAR1rgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_5885%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ld02LuNskEM/X4kdosYPOAI/AAAAAAAAqzQ/CgxqAXU03c8miIFfuzYZlmD8hZGAAR1rgCLcBGAsYHQ/w473-h315/DSC_5885%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="473" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">All good things have to come to an end, but we have one more adventure coming up....the wineries of Los Olivos and a certain magpie. </span><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXHlzrqFgII/X4i9kJaoBII/AAAAAAAAqx4/ZFAYfNgTy6I6Bu8wjola-qWWJW8TM_vjACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/120711448_10220332540318229_2781116922784959194_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXHlzrqFgII/X4i9kJaoBII/AAAAAAAAqx4/ZFAYfNgTy6I6Bu8wjola-qWWJW8TM_vjACPcBGAYYCw/w423-h318/120711448_10220332540318229_2781116922784959194_o.jpg" width="423" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until next time.....</span></div>Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-32577174005998365822020-10-11T19:50:00.002-07:002020-10-16T11:28:14.336-07:00Blue Dreams<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ixd5slzUvgQ/X4KSYyEB6II/AAAAAAAAqwU/4w7iKqDOZKsG2R7ZMrL9MFxC387fv4VxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/120568997_10220329558963697_4276190665114084269_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ixd5slzUvgQ/X4KSYyEB6II/AAAAAAAAqwU/4w7iKqDOZKsG2R7ZMrL9MFxC387fv4VxQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/120568997_10220329558963697_4276190665114084269_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I sat thinking for a month what I wanted to do for my fall break. Originally, I had wanted to do a spiritual retreat at a monk sanctuary in Guatemala, but that will have to wait. October is a very special month for me. It's the month of beginnings and reflective work. If I couldn't lose myself to chants and birds in Antigua; I would have to think about the next spiritual place that makes me feel whole as a person.....and in the US. Oregon and Washington were too far to drive. But the coast of Southern California was close enough to spend some quality time with birds that I don't often get to see. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMzbx4hrvsI/X4KQ46RmK-I/AAAAAAAAqv4/cktRS1JXlak1p5_J2Ofh7YzPUcsqq6uJACPcBGAYYCw/s3257/DSC_5451.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2176" data-original-width="3257" height="419" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMzbx4hrvsI/X4KQ46RmK-I/AAAAAAAAqv4/cktRS1JXlak1p5_J2Ofh7YzPUcsqq6uJACPcBGAYYCw/w628-h419/DSC_5451.JPG" width="628" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Celeste and Cheroot joined me for the second time this year to do some very special birding in another part of Southern California. And it wasn't just birding. My only expectations were to find the endemic Yellow-billed Magpies and get photos of them. Each day was meticulously crafted for maximum ocean use. We stayed in Ventura near the beach in a very questionable hotel. However, everything was within a mostly 10 minute driving distance. </span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZCewcGThZ4/X4KQ7hNa9dI/AAAAAAAAqvc/4DoLg_VkaZ4TlwAba9pRiIsdibs14oB3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_5446%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZCewcGThZ4/X4KQ7hNa9dI/AAAAAAAAqvc/4DoLg_VkaZ4TlwAba9pRiIsdibs14oB3QCLcBGAsYHQ/w574-h384/DSC_5446%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="574" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">We arrived on Sunday in the early afternoon. Our Sunday and Monday rules were to have fun on the beach. Tuesday was a trek out to the beautiful Santa Cruz Island. Wednesday was a short drive to wine country and magpie land. And then Thursday, we needed to get home. It was so fast!</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2h5Q6ZJ3Ms/X4KRAcp_KFI/AAAAAAAAqvg/XpN5x_lH_4k0rr-cTKplo_NZHmIfULygACLcBGAsYHQ/s3880/DSC_5458.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2427" data-original-width="3880" height="391" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2h5Q6ZJ3Ms/X4KRAcp_KFI/AAAAAAAAqvg/XpN5x_lH_4k0rr-cTKplo_NZHmIfULygACLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h391/DSC_5458.JPG" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Perfection? Coffee and fresh clam chowder on the beach. Or how about a misty coastal fog that blankets the beaches? We walked the beach for miles. Sometimes we sat and observed people. Other times I got up close and personal with some shorebird favorites. There were so many birds along the Venturan coast. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utGd9ftwaE4/X4KRFWOZNkI/AAAAAAAAqvk/ijKbZesLOEsMoj-vRB30_vfG5aLZtCyHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_5540%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="2048" height="324" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utGd9ftwaE4/X4KRFWOZNkI/AAAAAAAAqvk/ijKbZesLOEsMoj-vRB30_vfG5aLZtCyHACLcBGAsYHQ/w603-h324/DSC_5540%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="603" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">During our stay, we met birders who also had similar ideas about escaping the Arizona heat and it really was refreshing to bird all day long. But unlike the other birders, we weren't really chasing any new birds. If fact, there weren't any lifers on the list. I just needed the ocean and a magpie shot which really makes the birding stress free. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03iTLImgALE/X4KRO2RNQOI/AAAAAAAAqvs/YBZ8Y7NZPHYZh55FdL6KkWO-mo-R5LX0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_5569.NEF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="382" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03iTLImgALE/X4KRO2RNQOI/AAAAAAAAqvs/YBZ8Y7NZPHYZh55FdL6KkWO-mo-R5LX0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w572-h382/DSC_5569.NEF" width="572" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Birds are incredible. While we have Long-billed Curlews in Arizona, this species makes for a better observation here along the coast. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7vDMpVUXt0/X4KRigrG4II/AAAAAAAAqv8/FYyc60ZhDqkuxS7SLaVg1T4i360XYhhiACLcBGAsYHQ/s3690/DSC_5673.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2489" data-original-width="3690" height="393" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7vDMpVUXt0/X4KRigrG4II/AAAAAAAAqv8/FYyc60ZhDqkuxS7SLaVg1T4i360XYhhiACLcBGAsYHQ/w582-h393/DSC_5673.JPG" width="582" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">People walked the beaches, but the birds didn't seem too concerned. Sometimes they would just come within a foot of us if we stood or sat still. It was here that we were able to witness a little courtship display between the curlews below. It was very beautiful. Their wings half raised and flutter beat at the same time in a tight formation. </span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZznE__kvHqo/X4KRllGLLjI/AAAAAAAAqwA/ANgib-xGkjcf6m8nANxFIbOuGmSkv6V9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1359/DSC_5656.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="1359" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZznE__kvHqo/X4KRllGLLjI/AAAAAAAAqwA/ANgib-xGkjcf6m8nANxFIbOuGmSkv6V9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w582-h424/DSC_5656.JPG" width="582" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">We watched these birds forage around the beach for sand crabs and fleas. There were plenty of insects as well zipping around the seaweed. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vhvTtRg2Rno/X4KRvZSgfuI/AAAAAAAAqwI/zqsoOWSkp40VY2wfixn7t-dQ7_ZlhWAgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_5669%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1930" data-original-width="2048" height="505" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vhvTtRg2Rno/X4KRvZSgfuI/AAAAAAAAqwI/zqsoOWSkp40VY2wfixn7t-dQ7_ZlhWAgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w535-h505/DSC_5669%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="535" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Meanwhile Cheroot was discovering sea weed on the beach. There were piles of them. Sometimes he'd pick a kelp branch up and run with it. Never have I seen him so happy running along the waves. Being that he's also blind, he was shocked when a wave went a little too far and wet his paws. I don't think he minded too much. </span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08YUGZnMfo4/X4KRVySH4tI/AAAAAAAAqv0/KpAFRhwVbWk6bjnf_s7YU7GU85KahWhMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4000/DSC_5688.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3997" height="490" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08YUGZnMfo4/X4KRVySH4tI/AAAAAAAAqv0/KpAFRhwVbWk6bjnf_s7YU7GU85KahWhMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w490-h490/DSC_5688.JPG" width="490" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">In fact, much of our sightings were quality bird observations. Often, we'd just sit and watch the birds up close. Our rare bird sighting happened in the gardens of the Channel Islands Tourist center on the beach. There we spied a Black-and-White Warbler. I can NEVER find them here in AZ but if I go to Ventura, I magically will find one. This was my second rare Black-and-White Warbler in Ventura. And I've only been to Ventura twice. So I'm a magnet for that warbler there. Anywhere else? Forget about it. </span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U449ve2y8w0/X4KTYlQRhiI/AAAAAAAAqw0/FDRqUUuRJ5klGN2vDWxKD7__-rI4bIUDACLcBGAsYHQ/s3585/DSC_6157.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2548" data-original-width="3585" height="423" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U449ve2y8w0/X4KTYlQRhiI/AAAAAAAAqw0/FDRqUUuRJ5klGN2vDWxKD7__-rI4bIUDACLcBGAsYHQ/w598-h423/DSC_6157.JPG" width="598" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: x-large;">The ocean called us. And we listened carefully. There were seals. There were whales and foxes and deer. And at times, we stopped at places like a fresh produce stand where we bought a huge bag of sweet oranges for 5 dollars. I also purchased 3 punnets of strawberries. I also learned some new English from Celeste. She is of course from the first age of proper English speakers. Americans are savages in every way possible and I clearly have a limited vocabulary set. A PUNNET is the little green basket that holds strawberries and other goodies. OH! And I bought a huge bag of avocados for 5 bucks! Anyhow, I brought my magic cooler that keeps everything nice and cold and was able to get them back home in pristine condition. I wish we had produce stands like this in Tucson! </span><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkUIhjwe2Bs/X4O_q7ZyjKI/AAAAAAAAqw8/hKFD5r-DeMM_k0yifEpVud10EASjmr89QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1125/120970612_345613870220667_1351489977903369802_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="1125" height="402" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkUIhjwe2Bs/X4O_q7ZyjKI/AAAAAAAAqw8/hKFD5r-DeMM_k0yifEpVud10EASjmr89QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h402/120970612_345613870220667_1351489977903369802_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>These kinds of stands are possible thanks in part to the hard working hispanic population in and around Ventura. It reminded me of the markets in Mexico and it was wonderful. </span><span style="font-size: xx-large;"> </span></div><div><div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eso4OIrYvbU/X4KSf4zPUNI/AAAAAAAAqwY/kSwtBUdO2EMy4D7-nHeUxl_rwn17EJNhACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/120602850_10220330749713465_8961294941550572529_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1660" height="712" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eso4OIrYvbU/X4KSf4zPUNI/AAAAAAAAqwY/kSwtBUdO2EMy4D7-nHeUxl_rwn17EJNhACLcBGAsYHQ/w576-h712/120602850_10220330749713465_8961294941550572529_o.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Everything was dog friendly for the most part. Sometimes, you have to return to a place to absorb the things you missed the first time. Over the next couple blogs, we'll rediscover why I love birding Ventura so much. But we'll be visiting new locations that I had never visited before. We'll stop at Prisoner's Harbor on Santa Cruz Island. Several years ago we camped at Scorpion Campground. Then we'll have some wine with a magpie outside of Ventura. Until then, stay safe.</span></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-978gmtDDuEQ/X4KTCje1e5I/AAAAAAAAqws/avmleVZPCLgoug9eqQMuiOrnGlkFGewJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1739/120995228_10220328143408309_5989165779190611775_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1739" data-original-width="1440" height="497" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-978gmtDDuEQ/X4KTCje1e5I/AAAAAAAAqws/avmleVZPCLgoug9eqQMuiOrnGlkFGewJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w411-h497/120995228_10220328143408309_5989165779190611775_o.jpg" width="411" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-34291518340801997232020-09-22T20:28:00.002-07:002020-09-23T08:25:18.115-07:00Beautifully Ugly<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZSHejN5ZT4/X2j3v25EVlI/AAAAAAAAqpk/L15jHDH-WN8DwI1DOu7Q4TtY-SzijGJ_gCPcBGAYYCw/s3115/DSC_5194.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2050" data-original-width="3115" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZSHejN5ZT4/X2j3v25EVlI/AAAAAAAAqpk/L15jHDH-WN8DwI1DOu7Q4TtY-SzijGJ_gCPcBGAYYCw/w640-h422/DSC_5194.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p> The sun sets eerily masked by the western fires</p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">If we had to use a few words to describe the year 2020, how would we describe it? Over the past few weeks, a phrase came to mind.....beautifully ugly. Sometimes it repeats itself during moments of tears and anger. Because behind all of this terrible sadness comes a different kind of joy. Take for example the sun above. Normally in Arizona, you would never be able to look straight at it. But because of the devastating wildfires in the West, this sunset is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Beautifully ugly. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IG8YWH8Cz1g/X2j3LecNCyI/AAAAAAAAqpU/C2EKOoimal4SD7qerzMQ0CFsp31-0XXbACLcBGAsYHQ/s3370/DSC_5200.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2555" data-original-width="3370" height="486" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IG8YWH8Cz1g/X2j3LecNCyI/AAAAAAAAqpU/C2EKOoimal4SD7qerzMQ0CFsp31-0XXbACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h486/DSC_5200.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Willow Flycatcher</span></div><div><span style="font-size: xx-large;">To date, Arizona has seen some of the wildest birds this year because of all the tragedy surrounding our state. It might be because everyone is stuck birding locally and finding very special rarities in their local patches. It might be that we have so many professional bird guides living in Arizona and out of jobs that they are forced to stay home....and bird. Or it could be from the environmental damage happening everywhere. The fire events in California and other states are huge but pale in comparison to the one that happened in Australia earlier this year. In any case, I think it's a little bit of everything mentioned above. Rarities from the north, east, west and southern provinces have been showing up all over the state. Many of us believe that this could be an even more amazing year than it already has been due to birds being forced into new or alternative migration routes. Arizona is one of those states.</span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9rYIOFvCCE/X2j3sE4FErI/AAAAAAAAqpc/1eOaojU1uzUVDX6AJON1GwXMROruNrNXACLcBGAsYHQ/s4478/DSC_5217.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3261" data-original-width="4478" height="466" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9rYIOFvCCE/X2j3sE4FErI/AAAAAAAAqpc/1eOaojU1uzUVDX6AJON1GwXMROruNrNXACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h466/DSC_5217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div> Cooper's Hawk</div><div><span style="font-size: xx-large;">And so while it may be exciting for birders here, it's also a national tragedy as hundreds of thousands of </span><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/14/us/new-mexico-birds-died-migration-trnd/index.html" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank"> birds have been found dead</a><span style="font-size: xx-large;"> in many of the western states due to extreme weather conditions. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCkc93blFQ4/X2pGbjkQX2I/AAAAAAAAqqY/HJmQ8td-hQEwht6DFRlCsIWTE1T_8VxHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/120048653_10220241924532891_3176549963522676885_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="2048" height="406" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCkc93blFQ4/X2pGbjkQX2I/AAAAAAAAqqY/HJmQ8td-hQEwht6DFRlCsIWTE1T_8VxHQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h406/120048653_10220241924532891_3176549963522676885_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's chaos here in the US. Last Friday while looking for a rare Red-eyed Vireo in Pima County, the news broke that Supreme Court Judge Ginsberg passed away. The country was already deeply divided and this just adds to the flames. Birders texted each other the news from a patch of willows at an urban park while we tried to find the vireo, but somehow it took the wind out of our sails. That was a sad drive back home because she was a pretty dynamic woman. Her passing could be the end of women having rights to their own bodies or firing people who are LGBTQ from their jobs because they go against "god's wishes". It's very sad. What's worse is that the Republican Senate stole a seat from Democrats back in 2016 when Obama left office. And now the hypocrites are reversing their own rule they made up and will appoint a very conservative judge on the court. It's like we're going back in time instead of progressing forward. Compound all of that with the tragedies happening around the world and.......well.........there's the ugly. If anything, it has made the American people wake up like I've never seen before. So there's the beautiful. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTXjs_TCG7c/X2ovzxJWzSI/AAAAAAAAqqE/QZ88Nj0GXhkSYgD5WVyPkAk2rHLkMgqFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1929/DSC_5331%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1929" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTXjs_TCG7c/X2ovzxJWzSI/AAAAAAAAqqE/QZ88Nj0GXhkSYgD5WVyPkAk2rHLkMgqFQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h446/DSC_5331%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Pectoral Sandpiper<br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yet in all this chaos, birds keep us somewhat sane. And excited. A rare Ruff was reported in the nasty slop ponds of a dairy farm. And so we, the birders of AZ, went to find the diamond in the Ruff. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RY6whJ9uRrU/X2o-o2fuI0I/AAAAAAAAqqM/zJZuzDDIpkgVFRTWF24nzna8SkEaMzX_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s5948/DSC_5339.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3052" data-original-width="5948" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RY6whJ9uRrU/X2o-o2fuI0I/AAAAAAAAqqM/zJZuzDDIpkgVFRTWF24nzna8SkEaMzX_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h328/DSC_5339.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thousands of shorebirds were spread out over 4 different ponds. It took us about 20 minutes to locate this really cool shorebird. It was also a chance to meet new birders. </span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3hK9TNHy3Y/X2o-wm-vghI/AAAAAAAAqqQ/-2tzqof82WINP7cV4qZzDIoL_XjtFFP-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2555/DSC_5336%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1231" data-original-width="2555" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3hK9TNHy3Y/X2o-wm-vghI/AAAAAAAAqqQ/-2tzqof82WINP7cV4qZzDIoL_XjtFFP-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h308/DSC_5336%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div> The rare Ruff surrounded by Baird's Sandpipers</div><div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: xx-large;">This year has been challenging for so many people. And in the midst of all the terrible, we discovered the kittens trapped in a storm drain back in July. They made the news. I saw their faces and two of them stole my heart. It didn't make sense then. And it doesn't make sense now. But we are so happy they are with us. </span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rn86PEfi8IE/X2pG_ddXUII/AAAAAAAAqqk/VluNOPi07e0W33ZkGlz79JjSliBQy2zoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/119211131_10220189364378920_7245260362071245948_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1814" data-original-width="2048" height="566" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rn86PEfi8IE/X2pG_ddXUII/AAAAAAAAqqk/VluNOPi07e0W33ZkGlz79JjSliBQy2zoQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h566/119211131_10220189364378920_7245260362071245948_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Last week we finally adopted these two little love bugs. They are so wonderful. We now have 6 cats. Are we crazy cat hoarders? Depends on who you ask. Many said no, but they also have 8 to 12 cats! They might be a little bias. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iRoJxQTaUw/X2pG_Uu_4iI/AAAAAAAAqqg/CTwpRBteiHwCnw4zo4TlhjXIuYS9TqRMACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/119218334_10220181078691783_1994222802049024971_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iRoJxQTaUw/X2pG_Uu_4iI/AAAAAAAAqqg/CTwpRBteiHwCnw4zo4TlhjXIuYS9TqRMACLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/119218334_10220181078691783_1994222802049024971_n.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">With covid on the rise again in many states, this is the perfect time to rescue or raise a young kitten or puppy. Home projects are great, but laughing and cuddling with new furry friends is even better in your newly renovated home. We have to find our happiness during these dark times. For us, it came by rescuing two kittens who very much needed a home. We needed each other. It sounds cheesy, but we bonded quickly. Sometimes, without question, someone or something very special comes into your life. You don't question it. You accept it unconditionally. If you don't listen to your heart, you'll come to regret it. And life is way too short for regrets. </span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WqYUy32vC8o/X2pG_T5kGTI/AAAAAAAAqqo/pnLEPBaXQJghC10AkrveNo5JgcesOuQTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/119229805_10220189362698878_2055960681283742719_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1896" data-original-width="2048" height="592" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WqYUy32vC8o/X2pG_T5kGTI/AAAAAAAAqqo/pnLEPBaXQJghC10AkrveNo5JgcesOuQTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h592/119229805_10220189362698878_2055960681283742719_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Speaking of dark, Kosmos gets into everything and easily disappears into the shadows. I have to constantly watch where I'm walking:) His sister, Nebula, or Little Nebbie, is often part of the action. The two are inseparable and keep each other entertained. When they aren't playing, they're sleeping. The older girls have their routines and these two use them as ping pongs. It's quite the scene. </span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGErT6Ju1kI/X2pG_638UII/AAAAAAAAqqs/KFTS3PlroCU-DLybrqEgZLaRTgrI59qigCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/119234335_10220208435775693_3178643249287118288_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGErT6Ju1kI/X2pG_638UII/AAAAAAAAqqs/KFTS3PlroCU-DLybrqEgZLaRTgrI59qigCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/119234335_10220208435775693_3178643249287118288_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Beautifully ugly. That's 2020 in a nutshell. </span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lU-p1PvOV0M/X2ovImPLSyI/AAAAAAAAqp8/eGMm_XLgN4UP0R0qgsd-elqZ9q1bWuWAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC_5353%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="2048" height="352" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lU-p1PvOV0M/X2ovImPLSyI/AAAAAAAAqp8/eGMm_XLgN4UP0R0qgsd-elqZ9q1bWuWAQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h352/DSC_5353%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Until next time.....</span></div><br /> <p></p>Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-34753147161163914202020-09-12T11:24:00.001-07:002020-09-12T11:24:04.665-07:00The Pima County Birding Challenge<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r33xEIer6vo/X1p3fIAk93I/AAAAAAAAqo4/05Zt1QKm1KMfpt9fcVuMWX2FRpru-KYRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1125/118894183_2731400063745071_2494851739778150437_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1125" height="375" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r33xEIer6vo/X1p3fIAk93I/AAAAAAAAqo4/05Zt1QKm1KMfpt9fcVuMWX2FRpru-KYRwCLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h375/118894183_2731400063745071_2494851739778150437_n.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">From the birdy office of Las Aventuras, I bring you all the latest in Pima County birding. Pima county is located in beautiful southeastern Arizona and this year has been an exceptional year for crazy birds. Pima County has improved a lot of habitat over the past two years at parks and water reclamation plants. With covid ever present in all of our lives, many are forced, or have chosen, to stay home. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8oDteMlYag/Xx-paT2PQrI/AAAAAAAAqbE/gmxgTqGC5V4LlxHoVe6nt4HTOTE5VNFrQCPcBGAYYCw/s1858/115889804_10219849045391158_468535037294918771_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1858" data-original-width="1779" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8oDteMlYag/Xx-paT2PQrI/AAAAAAAAqbE/gmxgTqGC5V4LlxHoVe6nt4HTOTE5VNFrQCPcBGAYYCw/w479-h500/115889804_10219849045391158_468535037294918771_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="479" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">With every major wildlife trek cancelled, I had to find myself a new challenge for the year. In fact, I think a lot of people have done the same in their own way. I chose to add new "life" birds to my Pima County list this year. Every time, I reach a mile marker, I post about it. For the world life list, it's every new hundred birds. With my Pima County list, it's every 10 birds. The start of those new ten birds began on October 2019. On Wednesday, I completed that "10" marker milestone. </span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFy96_Cm1Xk/Xx-pRDfgIBI/AAAAAAAAqbA/umdygL853w0B82jId-SxLxv90eNVk3-BwCPcBGAYYCw/s1326/116201973_10219849045711166_2321007573242889076_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painted Bunting at Agua Caliente Park" border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="1326" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFy96_Cm1Xk/Xx-pRDfgIBI/AAAAAAAAqbA/umdygL853w0B82jId-SxLxv90eNVk3-BwCPcBGAYYCw/w500-h500/116201973_10219849045711166_2321007573242889076_o.jpg" title="Painted Bunting" width="500" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">There is something very rewarding about staying within your own county and birding. It makes you a better birder. And a better detective. It's also fun. It can also be tedious. One of the birds, I hadn't had on my Pima Life List was the Painted Bunting. It was a lot of fun to chase and easy! It was also a bird that required a better observation. This year in Pima, Painted Bunting, the western subspecies, have been everywhere and in good numbers. They will disappear with the warmer weather come October. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jy6HSV8Fo9I/X1pe0W7YCgI/AAAAAAAAqnM/hQbNGLJVCMUbxcOM6DAIALZLdcPZn3qdgCPcBGAsYHg/s3829/DSC_2326%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Arctic Tern at Canoa Ranch" border="0" data-original-height="1858" data-original-width="3829" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jy6HSV8Fo9I/X1pe0W7YCgI/AAAAAAAAqnM/hQbNGLJVCMUbxcOM6DAIALZLdcPZn3qdgCPcBGAsYHg/w625-h305/DSC_2326%2B%25282%2529.JPG" title="Arctic Tern at Canoa Ranch" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Arctic Tern was one that wasn't on anyone's list. It was a mega rarity that showed up at Canoa Ranch. There were very few documented cases of this tern in Arizona. That was until now. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeFTYa1ISzM/Xsbb_v5AHpI/AAAAAAAAp6g/ZtVpNOcsz44_eI_RZqfAW9eHm3MqFHnKQCPcBGAYYCw/s960/97099576_10219265440921411_2406799870523342848_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="960" height="461" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeFTYa1ISzM/Xsbb_v5AHpI/AAAAAAAAp6g/ZtVpNOcsz44_eI_RZqfAW9eHm3MqFHnKQCPcBGAYYCw/w625-h461/97099576_10219265440921411_2406799870523342848_o.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Birders from all over the state came to see this bird as it was a very good state bird for many people. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RE4WkKOl7tA/Xsb0okv2psI/AAAAAAAAp-M/H6KuxkUrcdAl9gUIoAS4AlX9MaYC9N3gQCPcBGAYYCw/s960/98297361_10219287374749743_2154557145603899392_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="469" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RE4WkKOl7tA/Xsb0okv2psI/AAAAAAAAp-M/H6KuxkUrcdAl9gUIoAS4AlX9MaYC9N3gQCPcBGAYYCw/w625-h469/98297361_10219287374749743_2154557145603899392_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This has been the year of rare Mexican migrants. A first Pima record, Clay-colored Thrush, showed up in Arivaca along a muddy watering hole full of worms. There it sang its beautiful song.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6M0IwzMAQoU/XsbbvRNhjYI/AAAAAAAAp6Y/8IAhFKovvsQVL4pKN-c3pme2HEeXhlrhACPcBGAYYCw/s3190/DSC_2540%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clay-colored Thrush at Arivaca Cienegas Creek Preserve" border="0" data-original-height="2264" data-original-width="3190" height="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6M0IwzMAQoU/XsbbvRNhjYI/AAAAAAAAp6Y/8IAhFKovvsQVL4pKN-c3pme2HEeXhlrhACPcBGAYYCw/w625-h444/DSC_2540%2B%25282%2529.JPG" title="Clay-colored Thrush at Arivaca Cienegas Creek" width="625" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Again, this was a bird that has only one other record in the state. But it stuck around and people from all over the state came to Pima County to chase this rare bird. I remember the several sightings to be quite beautiful and memorable. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjfOGJ8t90E/XsbbbfHSMsI/AAAAAAAAp6E/kuH5RgFzVwQt-4HhzvmoSSKlhe-ZpDdTACPcBGAYYCw/s960/97759791_10219260768644607_2257525597796302848_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="781" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjfOGJ8t90E/XsbbbfHSMsI/AAAAAAAAp6E/kuH5RgFzVwQt-4HhzvmoSSKlhe-ZpDdTACPcBGAYYCw/w586-h781/97759791_10219260768644607_2257525597796302848_o.jpg" width="586" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">This next Pima "lifer" was not my favorite chase. I like vireos and the hike was gorgeous on Mt. Lemmon, but the terrain made it difficult to get good views of this somewhat rare breeder on Mt. Lemmon. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJLdYanezIE/X1pihlC6sXI/AAAAAAAAqnU/rntdfa4R5g4-egLIXjED_xa7W-iWoi9oACLcBGAsYHQ/s1068/DSC_0075.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gray Vireo on Mt. Lemmon" border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="1068" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJLdYanezIE/X1pihlC6sXI/AAAAAAAAqnU/rntdfa4R5g4-egLIXjED_xa7W-iWoi9oACLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h376/DSC_0075.JPG" title="Gray Vireo on Mt. Lemmon" width="625" /></a></div> <div><span style="font-size: x-large;">While looking for the bird, I almost stepped on the Sonoran Gophersnake below. The hike itself was new for me. I will admit in years past, I was quite lazy to chase this bird. It's a cool bird but it didn't inspire me to look for it in Pima when they are quite numerous in Maricopa County. So this bird was work. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWDJf7C73rI/X1pikM1rsgI/AAAAAAAAqnc/7pD7Yi-tGboiTy_cEGwtIiQDqm7PyZq3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/92710333_10218925134253957_3710406639103246336_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1297" data-original-width="2048" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWDJf7C73rI/X1pikM1rsgI/AAAAAAAAqnc/7pD7Yi-tGboiTy_cEGwtIiQDqm7PyZq3gCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h398/92710333_10218925134253957_3710406639103246336_o.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">On that day, I got to meet the Bowens. They are doing a big year in Arizona and doing quite well. If these rarities keep showing up like they are, they could break the year record! </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHZP5cyuPOE/X1pikOTDlpI/AAAAAAAAqnY/IzB6oAkrG9070MvoSQuKNbeAl_Zs-m9cQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/92995908_10218925137054027_960820055682056192_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="2048" height="411" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHZP5cyuPOE/X1pikOTDlpI/AAAAAAAAqnY/IzB6oAkrG9070MvoSQuKNbeAl_Zs-m9cQCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h411/92995908_10218925137054027_960820055682056192_o.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Another chase that didn't really excite me but needed to happen was for the rare Sanderling. It was at a sewage pond far away. Pima County is quite large. In fact, it's larger than some states!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3G2cT98E9nc/X1pjYCmTwQI/AAAAAAAAqns/r4VBmnjQRMER77uDmTVbai2IOxY3RuR4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/DSC_1017.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sanderling at Ajo WTP" border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="400" height="338" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3G2cT98E9nc/X1pjYCmTwQI/AAAAAAAAqns/r4VBmnjQRMER77uDmTVbai2IOxY3RuR4QCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h338/DSC_1017.JPG" title="Sanderling at Ajo WTP" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The consolation prize for not only finding this bird was from all the incredible blooming wildflowers along the road. It was also a more innocent time before covid took hold of everything. It would be the beginning of the end to all new promises of 2020. Trips and festivals were starting to be cancelled. I remember feeling melancholy on this day. It was a long drive with much time to think. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Wa658Gs_FY/X1pmR9nm4oI/AAAAAAAAqn0/iyTaESCjqYoI9RFRCnJQNiMJakJejirpACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/90140984_10218686496128153_2184498844388032512_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="469" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Wa658Gs_FY/X1pmR9nm4oI/AAAAAAAAqn0/iyTaESCjqYoI9RFRCnJQNiMJakJejirpACLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h469/90140984_10218686496128153_2184498844388032512_o.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then came the Sagebrush Sparrow. It was a cold winter day and I was in the mood to play detective. So I did. That's when I found my Pima lifer Sagebrush Sparrow. Again, I had been lazy with this one. These sparrows are much easier in other counties of Arizona. I remember sitting in my vehicle speaking with Park Ranger Chip Littlefield about putting together a special field trip to Saguaro National Park with my students. Again, this was a time full of hope and excitement. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BEVB4KhTcrg/X1psSXBHZDI/AAAAAAAAqn8/fOswD-QMBr8bVsDBGS4xLFwtxzAY_C3fQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3830.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sagebrush Sparrow in Marana" border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1600" height="381" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BEVB4KhTcrg/X1psSXBHZDI/AAAAAAAAqn8/fOswD-QMBr8bVsDBGS4xLFwtxzAY_C3fQCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h381/DSC_3830.JPG" title="Sagebrush Sparrow in Marana" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">An enjoyable chase for a Ruddy Ground Dove in December 2019 brought me to the rose garden of Reid Park. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjRd3mt4F8A/X1pwv6uvexI/AAAAAAAAqoM/70yU6LIHz3cu14eBXgzJyXVhar_83Bt6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/attachment.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjRd3mt4F8A/X1pwv6uvexI/AAAAAAAAqoM/70yU6LIHz3cu14eBXgzJyXVhar_83Bt6wCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h625/attachment.png" width="625" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">There I watched this somewhat rare dove forage around the garden for bugs. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnQQZf8RHoE/X1ptEGbER3I/AAAAAAAAqoE/X-AKpg_d8ZEtEYlt6vW1IeSxe4UtWjivgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/DSC_6779.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ruddy Ground Dove at Reid Park" border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="400" height="525" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnQQZf8RHoE/X1ptEGbER3I/AAAAAAAAqoE/X-AKpg_d8ZEtEYlt6vW1IeSxe4UtWjivgCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h525/DSC_6779.JPG" title="Ruddy Ground Dove at Reid Park" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The next bird is a curiosity and probably the most unknown random species in Pima County. Unlike most places in this country, the American Crow is super rare here. I've lived in midtown now for years. With covid happening and work at home, I leave my doors and windows open to hear all the wonderful birds on our property. I don't have pics or a sound recording but I believe we are on some sort of migration route for these birds. I've checked records on ebird and there seems to be specific time periods with a "line" showing a route over the Rincon mountains into areas like Willcox, etc. Their unmistakable "CAW CAW CAW!" was heard in March as I was gardening outside. I looked up and they zipped over our El Presidio grounds....again. In October, I got a visual of them as they were making a lot of noise flying over our house. I don't have digital evidence for ebird and their evaluation crew, but I am hoping to get some documentation on this bird next month. It's always in the afternoon when I'm in the middle of something. Had I not been working from home, I would have missed them! </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbraUb73azw/X1pxCf9v0GI/AAAAAAAAqoU/-ULsy1pfdpMtkQBYh7szGQgVI7ykglCFACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/DSC_0094.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="American Crow over El Presidio Courtyard" border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbraUb73azw/X1pxCf9v0GI/AAAAAAAAqoU/-ULsy1pfdpMtkQBYh7szGQgVI7ykglCFACLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h420/DSC_0094.JPG" title="American Crow over El Presidio Courtyard" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Another treat was a beautiful hike back in December last year to the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge. It was a cool winter day full of birds. I was excited to chase this rare warbler for Pima County. He was sneaky too! The Prairie Warbler was like the cherry on top of an amazing day of birding. Plus I like hanging out with the volunteers there listening to them speak about the Northern Bobwhite reintroduction efforts happening. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHyk3H7cGwg/X1pxXZxDfuI/AAAAAAAAqoc/M6NNdyWV7w81Ny--5IE2u7coRvNg5C1BgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/DSC_5322.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Prairie Warbler at Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge" border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="400" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHyk3H7cGwg/X1pxXZxDfuI/AAAAAAAAqoc/M6NNdyWV7w81Ny--5IE2u7coRvNg5C1BgCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h436/DSC_5322.JPG" title="Prairie Warbler at Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The detective work in Pima County is far from done. I still have a LeConte's Thrasher to chase which is not really a fun idea for me because it's far and lives in some of my most unlikable bird habitat....the Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome habitat. Desolate, remote and hot. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="469" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tu3Is2o2f34/X1px4LCzSpI/AAAAAAAAqow/dqq-urorTJQIWuLMU3uY-YGHy6aFkplaACLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h469/118886740_349152322905327_2140785610257662800_n.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="625" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">There is truly only one man in Pima right now "in charge" of all the birds. Brian Nicholas, since he has retired, has really done an amazing job connecting other birders to some rarities. He specifically monitors Canoa Ranch where a very rare national, state and Pima County bird showed up.....the Northern Jacana. Like the Eared Quetzal, everyone is flying or driving from all over the country to see this bird and get it on their lists. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's a pretty common bird in Mexico and I've seen them close to the AZ border in Sonora, Mexico. But this one crossed over into the ABA area.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ot1jaTxqi8/X1pxZ3l4PLI/AAAAAAAAqog/n1xQuUQyIRQeGj-zBK7KYqThNa-OdDhMACLcBGAsYHQ/s1176/119104910_10220161597604768_2516520919914113691_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Northern Jacana at Canoa Ranch" border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1176" height="601" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ot1jaTxqi8/X1pxZ3l4PLI/AAAAAAAAqog/n1xQuUQyIRQeGj-zBK7KYqThNa-OdDhMACLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h601/119104910_10220161597604768_2516520919914113691_o.jpg" title="Northern Jacana at Canoa Ranch" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">And finally I got another Pima lifer, the Black Tern. Normally they migrate this time of year through parts of Pima County but they never stay. I've been too lazy to chase them over the years. I had tried initially and then just took the approach...."If I'm in the area one day..." And that was the case with the Northern Jacana. Birders were saying, "Have you heard? They have 4 species of tern down there at the Amado pond." This past week with that Black Tern, I added number 381 to my life list in Pima County. Now that is something!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_Y_lzuaL7M/X1pxdYzIQTI/AAAAAAAAqok/TF2vA00AQ_8do3HedO7GAfnRIhoXKH6CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1731/118938587_10220161598524791_5648425750464305390_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Black Tern at Amado WTP" border="0" data-original-height="1683" data-original-width="1731" height="608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_Y_lzuaL7M/X1pxdYzIQTI/AAAAAAAAqok/TF2vA00AQ_8do3HedO7GAfnRIhoXKH6CQCLcBGAsYHQ/w625-h608/118938587_10220161598524791_5648425750464305390_o.jpg" title="Black Tern at Amado WTP" width="625" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">We can give up or we can create our own challenges during these challenging times. I'd rather try my best even if I'm not exploring strange new worlds and civilizations. There is still adventure nearby. But instead of us traveling to all those exotic places to find them; we wait for them to visit us. Until next time.....</span></p></div>Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-44047620788209300412020-09-02T12:07:00.000-07:002020-09-02T12:07:18.933-07:00Unwind The Mind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montezuma Castle National Monument</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I began three weeks ago with my work again....but online. My eyes are exhausted from staring at screens all day. It's funny that even when I'm sitting in a chair all day, I'm still mentally exhausted. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iRo7a5qiV88/X08JAXhBFcI/AAAAAAAAqlY/Lz5hI3Ng46sqAmuQmtHa4H4CLRtSuGuUACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_4873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1337" data-original-width="1600" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iRo7a5qiV88/X08JAXhBFcI/AAAAAAAAqlY/Lz5hI3Ng46sqAmuQmtHa4H4CLRtSuGuUACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_4873.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grasshopper Sparrow</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">When I get home, I find myself shutting off all electronic devices. When the weekend comes, all I want to do is sleep. But thankfully Celeste and Cheroot remind me to enjoy the outdoors. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Parker Canyon Lake</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">August and September are intense months. And they are miserable with the heat and humidity but always full of great migrating birds. Often I don't bird in those extreme conditions. I continue working on my home projects which have been a lot of fun to put together. They are looking great. When the room is finished, I'll share those. In the meantime, I've done a couple outings with Celeste and Cheroot. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXRKN7066Jk/X08JFIyrdpI/AAAAAAAAqlc/JzGLxYYTubU-bdBDJuzVCisKFXf7TWM8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_4949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="1600" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXRKN7066Jk/X08JFIyrdpI/AAAAAAAAqlc/JzGLxYYTubU-bdBDJuzVCisKFXf7TWM8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_4949.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Sonoran Bumblee on thistle</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Often, we pick under-birded spaces that are far away from people. Our first trek was to the San Rafael Grasslands and Parker Canyon Lake. Both locations were relaxing. Warm. But enjoyable. On our way home from those grasslands, we stopped at the Cienegas Grasslands where we picked up a Common Nighthawk for Pima County. It was new for both of us. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0l88zqgQo0s/X0_k4z5bYsI/AAAAAAAAqmE/3vxXUHVyj6AYQlb0JIry6ys91cUGu7m5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/118457467_10220084811445162_2000861227510007688_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0l88zqgQo0s/X0_k4z5bYsI/AAAAAAAAqmE/3vxXUHVyj6AYQlb0JIry6ys91cUGu7m5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/118457467_10220084811445162_2000861227510007688_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Jerome</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The following weekend, we just wanted to take a road trip out of Tucson. We headed up to Jerome, Sedona, Paige Springs and Cottonwood. This is a lovely area to bird full of wonderful trails and great eats. However, I had to show Celeste the cute town of Jerome where we had the whole patio to ourselves overlooking the town of Cottonwood. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPyuhLwdy9Q/X0_k448B8jI/AAAAAAAAqmA/02Hz040KCiwoCwo78cMFCSUmrBkNxi8ewCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/118517541_10220091240845893_7175317879978653536_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPyuhLwdy9Q/X0_k448B8jI/AAAAAAAAqmA/02Hz040KCiwoCwo78cMFCSUmrBkNxi8ewCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/118517541_10220091240845893_7175317879978653536_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a really nice spicy Buttersquash soup</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Paige Springs has a lovely trail by their settling ponds known as the Black Hawk trail. It's appropriately named because Common Black Hawks nest there. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpc5kjgPnDw/X08JJX0ZnvI/AAAAAAAAqlg/BCDQ36pWDnsYDCabk_FvMNoizsps_T-GgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_4941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1226" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpc5kjgPnDw/X08JJX0ZnvI/AAAAAAAAqlg/BCDQ36pWDnsYDCabk_FvMNoizsps_T-GgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_4941.jpg" width="490" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesser Goldfinch on thistle</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">On our way home, we stopped at places like Tuzigoot and Montezuma Castle National Monument where Cheroot became a </span><a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/pets/bark-rangers.htm" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">B.A.R.K Ranger</a><span style="font-size: x-large;">. He was awarded a medal for his dedication to keeping the trails clean and the wildlife safe. On the trails, he barked a lot at other dogs who got too close to us. Cheroot is practicing safe social distancing. He's very good at what he does. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1OPqsjedlM/X0_k-1YFv8I/AAAAAAAAqmI/o8LIU10kkD8eM7mLkUpc-YpV1e5ReejRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/118588429_10220093319977870_5390775333358810867_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1OPqsjedlM/X0_k-1YFv8I/AAAAAAAAqmI/o8LIU10kkD8eM7mLkUpc-YpV1e5ReejRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/118588429_10220093319977870_5390775333358810867_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A reflective moment at the Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">On our way home, two car crashes caused a back up for hours on the interstate. We took the scenic route home through Prescott and stopped by the </span><a href="https://azstateparks.com/hotshots/" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial</a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> where 19 hotshot firefighters lost their lives. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78BaqasQsrc/X08JQLr8waI/AAAAAAAAqlk/CavkRK4GSvoLVhlzXLOg_aa1Q39I_MPsACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_5021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="1330" height="418" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78BaqasQsrc/X08JQLr8waI/AAAAAAAAqlk/CavkRK4GSvoLVhlzXLOg_aa1Q39I_MPsACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_5021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a rarish Dickcissel at Reid Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">While there weren't any hot bird chases, it was still hot. But the views were stunning. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HdI2-KZ5844/X0_lKTMGmXI/AAAAAAAAqmc/TDGxfM7i8Rgi4UwDly595x2NJPHCodnLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/118111003_10220091239925870_5196845183883595011_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HdI2-KZ5844/X0_lKTMGmXI/AAAAAAAAqmc/TDGxfM7i8Rgi4UwDly595x2NJPHCodnLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/118111003_10220091239925870_5196845183883595011_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Paige Springs settling ponds near the Black Hawk Trail</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We did hit some heavy rain on the way home. It has been a dry summer here so our drive in the rain was lovely and it made for really stunning views. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">During this time of covid, we must find ways to keep the curiosity alive. It's also important to escape and remember that life is still happening out there. These are challenging times for all of us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Until next time.....</span></div>
Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-55617156981130909532020-08-19T14:28:00.000-07:002020-08-19T14:28:57.710-07:00Hummingbird Crossing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Trapped by the heat of summer and covid, I carefully plan my outings. There are some really amazing birds that show up around town during this time of year. Migration starts picking up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Shorebirds, hummingbirds and warblers are just a few of the amazing birds that pass through Arizona this time of year. Often, I give myself 20 minutes for a rare bird in this heat. Shorebirds and water birds can be done from the car. And hummingbirds? Well, they can be done under the shade of a tree. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The best time of year to visit Southeastern Arizona for hummingbirds is during the months of August and September. Some hummingbirds are nesting while others are trying to get back to their wintering grounds. The arrival of some species like the Calliope and Rufous Hummingbirds are signals that the end of summer is near. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Right now, Rufous Hummingbirds are in great numbers as they push their way down south. These hummers breed all the way up in Alaska. The males are the first to migrate in July followed by the juveniles and females. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some hummingbirds like the Violet-crowned Hummingbird(below) are working on their 3rd nest for the summer. This southeastern Arizona specialty makes a lovely nest using lichen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Anna's Hummingbirds rule the land. These year round locals zip in and out of all the hummingbird action around the feeders. Eventually, they'll have the feeders alone again. But right now it's competition for the nectar. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Birders go crazy for the next specialty, the White-eared Hummingbird. We have a few breeding birds here in southeastern Arizona. There aren't many as this is the northern most range for this species, but they get birders excited. Soon, they will be heading home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This male Anna's Hummingbird(below) watches the incredible flurry of activity between feeders. He carefully calculates how he'll get to a feeder without being chased off by a Rufous Hummingbird. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Another hummingbird that birders want to see is the Lucifer Hummingbird. This time of year is a great time to visit. They all like to congregate around the feeders together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Black-chinned Hummingbirds make their move back to their wintering grounds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This female Lucifer Hummingbird has finished nesting. She competes with her offspring for the nectar. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Because it's so hot this time of year, I find watching hummingbirds a much better option. You can do it high up in the mountains like Summerhaven. Or at any place with feeders. It's pretty exciting to see how many species of hummers will show up. On our day out, we had TEN species! Some of the best places to observe all these hummingbirds are in Portal, the Huachuca, Catalina and Santa Rita mountains. Places like the Santa Rita Lodge, Beatty's and Ash Canyon are definitely places to check out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sometimes you don't have to go far. Here is a nest from my garden. The female Broad-billed Hummingbird is on her last nest for the season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">She builds a tea cup sized nest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Only 2 eggs fit in this tiny nest. It takes about 14 days for the eggs to hatch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Then it takes another 15 days for the hummingbirds to fledge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">She positions herself in different ways. When she sits on the eggs, the Broad-billed female sits higher up. When they hatch, she sits lower inside the nest. Right now, the babies are TINY. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Random birds show up. Often while I'm working. And even though I'm online now, it doesn't mean I can just go! I'm at work looking at people via a webcam monitor. During this time of year, I think about all the amazing birding happening in the state of Arizona. I hope for cooler temps. And I hope that there will be a vaccine by the end of the year. I watch our hummingbirds head back home and I think about their exciting journeys to Mexico, Central and South America. And I also think about how fortunate I am to live in such an amazing place for birds like Arizona. Until next time.....</span><br />
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Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-41974734261049123622020-07-27T23:33:00.001-07:002020-08-08T13:04:00.789-07:00The Second Spring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Northern Bobwhite(subspecies Masked Bobwhite) is an endemic to Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. They disappeared from the wild when ranchers destroyed their habitat decades ago. But with conservation efforts and a lot of volunteer work, this bird may once again make a comeback. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This time of year in Southeastern Arizona is truly magical. It's dangerous, exciting and full of surprises. Oh it's still hot and muggy, but the summer rains combined with shorebird migration "change" the Arizona birding into a unique third period of birding or what we call here, the Second Spring. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ash-throated Flycatcher</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Before I get started with this week's post, I wanted to give you some information about a species that no longer lives here in Southeastern Arizona, the Masked Bobwhite(a most likely extinct-in-the wild subspecies of Northern Bobwhite). If you live in Southeastern Arizona and would like to help bring back a species that has been extirpated from the wild, click on this link <a href="https://seazoutdoors.net/event/masked-bobwhite-releases/2020-09-24/?fbclid=IwAR00a2nbbzEoreSU40xwrnqLfKCZIUn9aGdAlyZ18iLb6f_U3npBYz6lgBM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. They are also looking for volunteers to help out with the reintroduction of these very important quail. Here's a message from the coordinator. "</span><span style="background-color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">We need a volunteer who can come out to the refuge and conduct general quail care (you'll be trained) on Sundays. We need a real commitment to do it every Sunday. It's about an hour worth of work but could be more if you also want to help with vegetation management. If you're interested please contact Stan Culling </span><span style="background-color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">stan_culling@fws.gov </span><span style="background-color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">520-823-4251 x103 </span><span style="background-color: #93c47d; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you!"</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3TJLV9FT6MA/Xx-n5iRAHEI/AAAAAAAAqZo/8yxzZniNxusmiay12U4_rBpFeI8DB43HQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_4398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3TJLV9FT6MA/Xx-n5iRAHEI/AAAAAAAAqZo/8yxzZniNxusmiay12U4_rBpFeI8DB43HQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_4398.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the parent female Hooded Oriole feeds her young one</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now onto this week's exciting times. These next 3 months of birding in Southeastern Arizona are some of the hardest and yet most rewarding times in the state. Cassin's Sparrows begin nesting here as the monsoon rains hit the grasslands. Several other species are actively nesting like the Yellow-billed Cuckoos and Buff-collared Nightjars. Meanwhile bird species like the Lucy's Warblers, Bell's Vireos and Hooded Orioles are feeding their young! It's really a complicated range of birding here! One group is just beginning to nest while another is feeding young!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DwrDmHp2_7k/Xx-oNqzMRjI/AAAAAAAAqZ0/ikPkx7Skr589sDX9MnSIpSLvUO2jdCToACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_4318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1600" height="460" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DwrDmHp2_7k/Xx-oNqzMRjI/AAAAAAAAqZ0/ikPkx7Skr589sDX9MnSIpSLvUO2jdCToACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_4318.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Costa's Hummingbird</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">On top of that, hummingbirds are beginning to move through the area. The first hummingbirds to move south are the male Rufous Hummers. Other species like the Plain-capped Starthroat also pop in for a visit. They aren't breeding here, but they are searching for food sources. Local hummingbirds like the Costa's Hummingbird above are finishing up with their nesting season. It's really fascinating stuff and makes Arizona birding interesting and different from other parts of the country. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oU76k_pomsg/Xx-oVrXO5NI/AAAAAAAAqZ8/0VzzvB9U2ZAdAq8Z3hD8-miGKWaXzrUHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_4264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oU76k_pomsg/Xx-oVrXO5NI/AAAAAAAAqZ8/0VzzvB9U2ZAdAq8Z3hD8-miGKWaXzrUHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_4264.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-tailed Prairie Dog</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This past week, I wanted to do some photography work. I headed out to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum to check out the wild birds breeding on their grounds. It did not disappoint! </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_h0o1_eM6U/Xx-qbOCL6UI/AAAAAAAAqbI/TpqYfcZRRY48qv4rpvMAiue-K-W75mZKACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/116098081_10219824772544352_1680461609378898593_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_h0o1_eM6U/Xx-qbOCL6UI/AAAAAAAAqbI/TpqYfcZRRY48qv4rpvMAiue-K-W75mZKACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/116098081_10219824772544352_1680461609378898593_o.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Also of note? If you're into reptiles and amphibians, this is the time of the year to visit. The rains, along with that heat, gets these critters moving. So while you're watching birds, enjoy the herp show going on. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUp7fZN0qlk/Xx-oYqBqS0I/AAAAAAAAqaA/5CmVEXAl9GkhZW_yuyRYOUmsyizGtOPxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_4265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1600" height="324" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUp7fZN0qlk/Xx-oYqBqS0I/AAAAAAAAqaA/5CmVEXAl9GkhZW_yuyRYOUmsyizGtOPxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_4265.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert Spiny Lizard</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">During this time of year, birders need to be careful with torrential rains, flooding and running washes. They also need to bring water with them at all times. If there's an issue with your vehicle, you want to make sure you have an extra larger container of water with you. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ru_l8NjNHj0/Xx-od6ImiBI/AAAAAAAAqaI/JePYHxHzYpIACLrapmIe1mz0fYTsO7zXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_4290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ru_l8NjNHj0/Xx-od6ImiBI/AAAAAAAAqaI/JePYHxHzYpIACLrapmIe1mz0fYTsO7zXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_4290.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rufous Hummingbird</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I surveyed ONLY 2 places this past week, The Desert Museum and Agua Caliente Park. This means that I spent an hour to four at these locations. I made other smaller stops from my vehicle. Those counts were 20 minutes or less. These stops are primarily to check for migrating shorebirds. (And to build up my strength again to hike longer distances)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYSN_HUYz-o/Xx-oiVNAjZI/AAAAAAAAqaM/1ITxy4Yh8XQkfFMT34MZQYxKNI1YKnbwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_4376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYSN_HUYz-o/Xx-oiVNAjZI/AAAAAAAAqaM/1ITxy4Yh8XQkfFMT34MZQYxKNI1YKnbwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_4376.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Couch's Spadefoot</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Due to the Covid pandemic, I have been working almost every day in my yard/garden. It has been incredibly rewarding. Soon our butterfly show will also begin. We've put in these amazing pollinator plants around the property and it has increased our hummingbird and butterfly numbers in Midtown Tucson. I am really excited about August and September as we see butterfly numbers really increase. I've created little butterfly islands to make the watering easier. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fobslx5ffcg/Xx-omBExFPI/AAAAAAAAqaU/PoWX-El_Aw42Dck3wUJpObEBuXna9kJlACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_4326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fobslx5ffcg/Xx-omBExFPI/AAAAAAAAqaU/PoWX-El_Aw42Dck3wUJpObEBuXna9kJlACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_4326.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm a huge turtle, toad and frog fan. During an important birding quest this week, I observed lots of amazing frogs and toads come alive and begin to breed in the rain puddles. It's incredible that we have such diverse amphibian life in our desert. Every time I see a frog or toad here, I just think about how crazy it is that they can survive in this climate. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9WgtUDVS8Y/Xx-opKI72EI/AAAAAAAAqac/oL4-7o9CiaweHwobs8zHbayZzT3KSCMlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_4393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9WgtUDVS8Y/Xx-opKI72EI/AAAAAAAAqac/oL4-7o9CiaweHwobs8zHbayZzT3KSCMlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_4393.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Sonoran Toad actively feeds from a colony of ants nearby</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now onto this week's chase. Staying closer to home this year in Pima County, I've been trying to find new bird species within the county and add new ticks. Well, another interesting species, the Painted Bunting makes their way into Arizona during the monsoon season. They aren't common but it isn't unusual to find one here during these next 3 months. They're often far away and difficult to see in the shade. But I can now say that I have a decent photo of this bird. It's just taken me a few years. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8oDteMlYag/Xx-paT2PQrI/AAAAAAAAqa8/KyA14MeBOVI9_QDgXySyR_9VpcbGEn0PACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/115889804_10219849045391158_468535037294918771_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1532" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8oDteMlYag/Xx-paT2PQrI/AAAAAAAAqa8/KyA14MeBOVI9_QDgXySyR_9VpcbGEn0PACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/115889804_10219849045391158_468535037294918771_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="612" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">naked eye view</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We had stunning close up views of this bird casually feeding off the roof of the visitor's center and around the nearby garden below. The bird was very actively feeding which leads me to believe that he will be a one day wonder. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFy96_Cm1Xk/Xx-pRDfgIBI/AAAAAAAAqa4/MBYjgW9fYTseQk6mxncdHr7VHTo1fmLDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/116201973_10219849045711166_2321007573242889076_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="1326" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFy96_Cm1Xk/Xx-pRDfgIBI/AAAAAAAAqa4/MBYjgW9fYTseQk6mxncdHr7VHTo1fmLDACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/116201973_10219849045711166_2321007573242889076_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the western subspecies of a male Painted Bunting</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">What does an Arizona sunset look like during monsoon? This is looking out our window towards the Catalina mountains. This is not an exaggerated picture. Monsoon is truly a unique Arizona treat. We hope for more rain this year. August usually provides us the much needed precipitation. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HocIVYro7CI/Xx-q_ajd_iI/AAAAAAAAqbQ/Zlncs1kbr7gUquw3FlKpIJ5duXvZwU6lgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/109792836_10219808030285806_5159708369481896918_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HocIVYro7CI/Xx-q_ajd_iI/AAAAAAAAqbQ/Zlncs1kbr7gUquw3FlKpIJ5duXvZwU6lgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/109792836_10219808030285806_5159708369481896918_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I refuse to sit and watch the world pass me by. While we "recovered" from Covid and are no longer contagious, we still experience some moments of coughing and fatigue. During my trek with a friend to the desert museum, I wore my mask, walked around for 4 hours in the humid temps and almost passed out. I felt terrible. Thankfully, my friend understood that I needed to go home. Once I got home, I crashed and slept several hours. I let my body recharge a few days and tried it again. The second time was better, but when I overdo it, I do a little coughing....and sleep:) Apparently this is normal. This is yet another reason why people need to wear masks, wash hands and social distance. It takes forever to feel better. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpMWBo7SKEI/Xx-o11nUrKI/AAAAAAAAqas/540WDarc9Z42crMYEVwRaOYoex4XsYzlACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_4256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1343" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpMWBo7SKEI/Xx-o11nUrKI/AAAAAAAAqas/540WDarc9Z42crMYEVwRaOYoex4XsYzlACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_4256.jpg" width="536" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burrowing Owl</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As we approach the month of August, I plan for several new birds for that life list. Plan A and B were taken away from me. But Plan C has been one I've been waiting to take off the shelf and dust. Hopefully it will happen. Stay safe and until next time....</span></div>
Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-51460955797498494762020-07-23T20:40:00.000-07:002020-07-24T07:38:38.957-07:00After Covid<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fHUcYdtDh4/XxfBYwjlb3I/AAAAAAAAqYM/EmcmFdcIJtoXI02pdv6LJ5SIjxzwGxkqACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_4164%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1600" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fHUcYdtDh4/XxfBYwjlb3I/AAAAAAAAqYM/EmcmFdcIJtoXI02pdv6LJ5SIjxzwGxkqACPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_4164%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first outing was to Madera Canyon where I watched two Coatis roaming around their patch for food</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">When you're almost dead and don't have the energy to clean, there's the aftermath of house cleaning! Good gods! There was laundry, bed sheets to wash, cleaning the floors, dishes and so on and so forth. And then, there's the whole covid sleep factor. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJhXBolJSIo/XxfCEVCz21I/AAAAAAAAqZM/KqZqJRnaQQ0Z9Y60pdY1k9GPrWgOGKUCQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/115865921_10219801684327161_2880098418461741017_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJhXBolJSIo/XxfCEVCz21I/AAAAAAAAqZM/KqZqJRnaQQ0Z9Y60pdY1k9GPrWgOGKUCQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/115865921_10219801684327161_2880098418461741017_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nova "helps" me organize a trip. Knock on wood. I'm hoping it happens. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">When you have covid, sleep is amazing. I have spoken to so many dead people in my dreams in crazy fantastical places that it's not even funny. The dreams are intense and real. And the sleep is deep and sound. Maybe it's because we have one foot in the grave now? Who knows? But it has created a terrible sleep pattern over these past 2 months! I stay up until 4 in the morning and sleep until 11 everyday but expect myself to keep the same daily routine with less time to do so!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cS2GHPL-EuY/XxfBqXWz1pI/AAAAAAAAqYg/_7FtBLmtLvEGZPq4tGqQ8t4ezP1af6urQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_4193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cS2GHPL-EuY/XxfBqXWz1pI/AAAAAAAAqYg/_7FtBLmtLvEGZPq4tGqQ8t4ezP1af6urQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_4193.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cassin's Sparrow</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">After a month of quarantining, I am slowly getting my groove back. I had a haircut! And I've been hesitantly interacting with humanity. Once you get covid, you don't ever want it again. I went to the post office today to mail off some masks to a friend but noticed two "Karens" without a mask in our mask mandated city of Tucson. It made me angry. There were so many people being careful and two jackasses didn't social distance or wear a mask. My attitude? Get the hell out of the post office. I don't want covid again. And it's not fair to the all the people who were standing there socially distancing with their masks on. There's a special place in hell for people like that. Needless to say, I reported the post office for servicing those covid spreaders. If we don't take this seriously, I will never see my students again. My tolerance for stupidity is very low now. And I am angry. There were a lot of wide eyes at the lady. I won't be going to the post office again. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYW-N1SlN6c/XxfBeJl9ZkI/AAAAAAAAqYQ/cWUxAh5z-KsSQ07fPJBDNATVLydRDa7rwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_4125%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="1600" height="412" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYW-N1SlN6c/XxfBeJl9ZkI/AAAAAAAAqYQ/cWUxAh5z-KsSQ07fPJBDNATVLydRDa7rwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_4125%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Grosbeak</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The public is exhausting. I am grateful for the friends and family who brought us groceries while we were down. Even today after the covid, shopping can be very draining. So much careful planning has to happen for every visit to a store. I try to go when numbers are low. And I avoid shopping on the weekends now. I think that was the hardest thing to do......grocery shop again. The body has to build strength again and those first baby steps were hard. I'd break out in a sweat for a minimal amount of exertion. So I had to approach my birding that same way for a week until my body could build strength. It was a treat to see people outside exercising as if there wasn't any major pandemic going on. It has also been very strange that there hasn't been any real quarantining happening in Arizona even after we became the hotspot. If you're lucky to leave your covid hell, it's a real eye opener!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wBV5WxsUD48/XxfBhLVUXEI/AAAAAAAAqYY/e_Vlcy0Ak8Yb0dY2GAT5wm_KcRQewSPTQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_4139%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wBV5WxsUD48/XxfBhLVUXEI/AAAAAAAAqYY/e_Vlcy0Ak8Yb0dY2GAT5wm_KcRQewSPTQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_4139%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a juvenile Bridled Titmouse begs the parent to feed them</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Escaping the endless horrible news after quarantine is a must. I get so bored, but thankfully, I enjoy writing. For several weeks, I pulled out those "emergency blog posts" while we were dealing with our sickness. I lost the stamina to write. Now that I'm back to "normal", I have enjoyed the writing process again. I had a few students who shared with me their stories of the covid infection. Here is some useful information if you get the mild case of covid. There are 3 choices with this virus. You either are asymptomatic, have a mild case(what we had) OR you are in the ER/Covid Unit/ventilator due to breathing issues. If you experience "allergies or a slight cough", get tested as soon as you can. After the hellish experience with our mild case of covid, we were told by doctors that a slight cough can be expected for a few weeks after you had the virus. (which was good to hear). It's probably similar to what smokers experience. Hopefully it's not for life. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRIlTHzvAMQ/XxfBkmXzWKI/AAAAAAAAqYY/IiRi1OKIQ0IP3pKJOKvQrZFeg_o1m99EwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_4180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRIlTHzvAMQ/XxfBkmXzWKI/AAAAAAAAqYY/IiRi1OKIQ0IP3pKJOKvQrZFeg_o1m99EwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_4180.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesser Nighthawks are quite visible now at sunset. We had one fly over the garden recently.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">One night, my stubborn German side came out and said, <i>"You're going for a walk!"</i> Part of the resistance building came from simple walks at night or from the car. My first attempt was a walk around Agua Caliente Park when everyone went home. I watched Lesser Nighthawks and Purple Martins zip around me at sunset. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0QIXaX8wsfE/XxfBndzv6BI/AAAAAAAAqYc/ysGlMgVDNKcsbpSwOAa5lIQwmlvqcotuwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_4199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0QIXaX8wsfE/XxfBndzv6BI/AAAAAAAAqYc/ysGlMgVDNKcsbpSwOAa5lIQwmlvqcotuwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_4199.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greater Roadrunner</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">During those first few outings, I just drove in my car and went to places away from people. Monsoon is here now and it has been rather beautiful so I did my yearly trek during a rain event to count Cassin's Sparrows in the grasslands. There was lightning so I stayed in my vehicle, the USS Betty White. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A lot of the action has been also happening at home. I've been purchasing more oranges and seed for ONE station under our oak trees in the courtyard. You can see the plants getting "excited" for the rain events. The humidity in the air is wonderfully nasty for humans but the plants love it! It looks like they are almost glowing green as if they were giving a sigh of relief. And after getting beat up by the sun for nearly 2 months, they immediately perk up with that glorious first nitrogen rich rain!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ6aX8euYjk/XxfCAK9VlmI/AAAAAAAAqZY/4bye6wZYKJMBZTuK9ktP-JvePviEaRbggCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/115924205_10219795651936355_7607994644395173808_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ6aX8euYjk/XxfCAK9VlmI/AAAAAAAAqZY/4bye6wZYKJMBZTuK9ktP-JvePviEaRbggCPcBGAYYCw/s640/115924205_10219795651936355_7607994644395173808_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a view of the beautiful monsoon sunset from our side garden</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tucsonans get excited about the monsoon season. Most people groan elsewhere but in the desert West, it's a celebration. It also makes for very comfortable birding after the rain event. I just have to be careful with the lightning. It's not a joke here. Birding is also good for the memory. I had a moment on the trail today when I forgot the name of the blackbird with red on the wings. Seriously! I stopped what I was doing and concentrated.....RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD! It took about 30 seconds to remember. I was a bit scared that I couldn't multi-task and remember all the birds zipping around me. Baby steps. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeWZbwIgMoU/XxfBa2_vPvI/AAAAAAAAqYM/7I6oGZDb1uYgW544vgeABUrD-d8FyZwRACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_4109%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeWZbwIgMoU/XxfBa2_vPvI/AAAAAAAAqYM/7I6oGZDb1uYgW544vgeABUrD-d8FyZwRACPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_4109%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A first for our patch!!!!!! A Bullock's Oriole visits our feeder!!!! It was so exciting!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am so glad we secured our place with our catio screen. Crime rates in midtown have gone up. For TWO nights, there has been a police helicopter shining lights over my garden! An armed felon hid on my neighbor's patio! It was very scary. And then the next night, two men, one without pants, lit a dumpster on fire and ran into our little forested oasis. But no worries readers:) I have strategically placed deadly cacti, like cholla in unexpected areas where people could run or hide. It's super painful if you step on it. They are placed near lush vegetation making the person think that it's "safe" to hide. LOL! Besides keeping the criminals out of our oasis, I also placed cacti like cholla in our garden to encourage Cactus Wrens and Curve-billed Thrashers to nest. They have lost habitat in midtown due to construction and so I'm trying to help them out. They do visit our gardens often for insects, etc. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6adpizK9wW4/Xxi20Hys3XI/AAAAAAAAqZc/7zojOwAHnx8TkbtR876U9H4z_FLsSB2jACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1373" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6adpizK9wW4/Xxi20Hys3XI/AAAAAAAAqZc/7zojOwAHnx8TkbtR876U9H4z_FLsSB2jACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3438.JPG" width="548" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This has been a good year for our Broad-billed Hummingbirds. We've had lots of nesting happening. I keep putting in their orange jubilee plants and keep the feeders full. They stick around all year on our property. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And after being in bed for nearly a month, I got fed up looking at ugly ceilings. So, I pulled out the supplies I had stored and mustered the little energy I had to begin Covid Project 3, the Coastal Room. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This room surprised me with different challenges. The vinyl material I used did not want to stay up on the ceiling unlike the other room. There were cuts in the ceiling for electric additions. And notice that there is an area of the vertical wall that needs to be re-painted. As I began the art of redesign, I cleared the area for a blank slate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I watched so many DIY projects on Youtube and did a lot of reading. The glue did not work. I used tacks to keep the thin planks up on the ceiling and quickly realized I was going to need a staple gun to make this project work. Plus the tack method, which worked in the other room, did NOT work in this room. And it killed my thumbs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Each day I did little by little. My body would get tired and then I knew it was time to stop. I wasn't going anywhere so I didn't force myself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As the ceiling was being completed my photography began to come in. So I started placing the work in different areas to get a feel for the coast. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9V8bz24GiM/XxfCL8tMf3I/AAAAAAAAqZU/w-yLrKX20SQauBSfI572cZo73OvQALd1QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/115963627_10219793462361617_6363126343530522164_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9V8bz24GiM/XxfCL8tMf3I/AAAAAAAAqZU/w-yLrKX20SQauBSfI572cZo73OvQALd1QCPcBGAYYCw/s640/115963627_10219793462361617_6363126343530522164_o.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Like a jigsaw puzzle, I began to sort out all the pieces and details. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I sat back one evening and smiled. It all fit together. Now there is more I have to do! Do you see where the horizontal seams are on the ceiling between the wood planks? Well. A wooden beam will cover that seam adding to the coastal charm. I need more reds and whites over the next couple months to complete this project. So I look forward to adding those fun and simple ideas. When I finish this, I'll post the complete pictures. Right now, I'm happy how this turned out, but I want to finish this before work starts up again. Until next time and thankfully there will be a next time......stay safe and free from the nasty covid. Avoid the Karens at all cost. You don't want this. Now that we've recovered, I'm even more careful. </span><br />
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Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-3331676962910268732020-07-12T14:34:00.003-07:002020-07-14T16:01:38.701-07:00A Life With Covid<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1CU1rOxLVw/XwtmKOMFHuI/AAAAAAAAqWE/G29lQinkyjch18MCuvjui1oYfTfmxPaAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/101222111_10219363748739045_8660063329110196224_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1CU1rOxLVw/XwtmKOMFHuI/AAAAAAAAqWE/G29lQinkyjch18MCuvjui1oYfTfmxPaAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/101222111_10219363748739045_8660063329110196224_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">With trips cancelled and covid the norm now here in Arizona, we've been in isolation. I hate TV so much. It's SO boring. I'd be outside gardening but it's HOT. Today, our temps will reach 114 degrees! Last night we had our first rain storm which was rather exciting. So, what's a birder to do? After years of not tackling our ceilings and walls, I am now forced to do so! There is a silver lining to it all even though I'd rather be birding in Panama. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My exploration days have come to a halt for now. A lot of the money that I would have used for travel is now being invested into projects that I needed to get done. I have had a lot of projects sitting inside my brain waiting to get done from over the years! When we first moved into our place I had electrical work done in 3 rooms. And we removed popcorn from the ceilings! Well, ONLY now, some 13 years later, I am forced to deal with those ugly cuts in the drywall! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It began with this room. I couldn't travel to Panama so I worked on the place that inspires me, my office. This is the place that transports me to all of my favorite Spanish speaking countries. And a tin ceiling went up and covered the ugly patchwork. Then it was onto Covid Project 2, the Eared Quetzal and laundry room. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Our laundry area, in the hallway, had a nice spot for some of my photography BUT there was an ugly ancient intercom that blocked part of the wall and didn't allow for a nice framed picture. I took the non-functioning intercom off the wall which revealed a huge hole, patched and stuccoed it all. Once that was done, I pulled out my paints and found the right green tint and touched up the white areas. Meanwhile, as I finished ceilings and walls, I worked at night organizing pics from my work that I wanted to hang on the walls for Covid Project 3. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta include butterflies! This is the Western Tiger Swallowtail from the Tijuana Slough</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It is absolutely time consuming, but the end results are amazing. It's trying to pick a balanced group of themed pics for each room that is the challenge. It can't be all birds. I will say that the Eared Quetzal was an exception. It will probably mark the ONLY highlight of the 2020 birding season. I have added 3 lifers this year so far and I'm okay with this reality. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DD9TMn3QT_o/XwtmT2WHafI/AAAAAAAAqWQ/9NlhXLgKQZcQ0_Pwt_0h4I1U1E-tK5h7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/106177526_10219585242756257_6441357659629880743_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DD9TMn3QT_o/XwtmT2WHafI/AAAAAAAAqWQ/9NlhXLgKQZcQ0_Pwt_0h4I1U1E-tK5h7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/106177526_10219585242756257_6441357659629880743_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now I'm working on Covid Project 3, the other bedroom. As you can see in the above pic, there are cuts in the ceiling that I want covered. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhK1KRXvzeI/XwtmWbNVF6I/AAAAAAAAqWU/b4KZOzNo1C8gukBRCCBNcLDBHAlgKRWpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/107764093_10219727984804719_3854667897805385403_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="960" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhK1KRXvzeI/XwtmWbNVF6I/AAAAAAAAqWU/b4KZOzNo1C8gukBRCCBNcLDBHAlgKRWpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/107764093_10219727984804719_3854667897805385403_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So I have been working on this project now. This material is trickier as it is vinyl planking. This room will be the coastal room. It will have lighter elements mixed in with the darker insides of a lighthouse. I love lighthouses and this theme works well in super bright Arizona. In some cases, the darker rooms are very important and necessary to let your eyes recover from the blinding light outside. Some of the photography that will be used here are not Arizona birds! Instead, I'll be using work from Maine, California, Wisconsin and Wales. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwRj8i2tRTM/XPFW33963eI/AAAAAAAAnxk/nVejUl1B8rM9nZHDjgBXxQz0Oaw2d12EwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_1101%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwRj8i2tRTM/XPFW33963eI/AAAAAAAAnxk/nVejUl1B8rM9nZHDjgBXxQz0Oaw2d12EwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_1101%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Gannet-the white against the blue</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's really difficult to choose wall art. Or at least, it's difficult to pick a favorite because of the lack of wall space. While I was in Wales, I fell in love with my friend Bonnie's place. Her home is so cozy and happy. Every inch of her walls are covered with wonderful birds. If you can't travel, you can bring those experiences into your home. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANGTAz6lasc/XPFXJKwW4rI/AAAAAAAAnyI/NyoEVqHfVcoB1fa7Qf9nxrEe0wH-sh0mACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_1023%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="1600" height="552" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ANGTAz6lasc/XPFXJKwW4rI/AAAAAAAAnyI/NyoEVqHfVcoB1fa7Qf9nxrEe0wH-sh0mACPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_1023%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of Atlantic Puffins</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">These works will be arriving soon and I can't wait to put them up on the walls. This room attaches to the catio that opens up into our beautiful garden. I still have much work to do in the other rooms. The dining room will have grouse. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yx4tMP2NVJg/XwtwRFmbx3I/AAAAAAAAqW8/C9Hn_CEi0MEZ42LKIcSa_5gx6YikF6vdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_2866%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yx4tMP2NVJg/XwtwRFmbx3I/AAAAAAAAqW8/C9Hn_CEi0MEZ42LKIcSa_5gx6YikF6vdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_2866%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crested Caracara-still trying to figure out where to put this one</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The living room will have a Madera Canyon theme utilizing hummingbirds and a very special owl, the Mountain Pygmy-Owl(still titled Northern Pygmy-Owl, but it's not the same species-calls and looks are different). It is my absolute favorite owl of Arizona. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIbnoOSOLDE/XwtwX2wzAMI/AAAAAAAAqXA/2Z9UrJjO_wwbGkK2FLdNbRFst4khVSw4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_5188%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIbnoOSOLDE/XwtwX2wzAMI/AAAAAAAAqXA/2Z9UrJjO_wwbGkK2FLdNbRFst4khVSw4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_5188%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruffed Grouse is one of the grouse that will be featured in the dining room</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's hard to pick and choose a favorite, but there are some birds that make me smile more than others. Grouse and sparrows are my favorites. I'm still trying to figure out a way to put together a sparrow collage! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZM_Sc0xKjo/Xwtwp_oLIEI/AAAAAAAAqXM/bQ40Uc5cUps1fywFTfoG7qyA0kWvgMziACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_5013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1457" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZM_Sc0xKjo/Xwtwp_oLIEI/AAAAAAAAqXM/bQ40Uc5cUps1fywFTfoG7qyA0kWvgMziACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_5013.JPG" width="582" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Pygmy-Owl</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This is what happens at night, these endless nights. I put together canvas works and remember these amazing experiences. I measure spaces on the wall and am excited about how the wall will come alive with MY work, not someone else's stuff. In a way, it's a good pause in life to reflect. In many other ways, I find myself going stir crazy! At least I'm being constructive and not giving up. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ1HLhwd6FU/XPFW--41StI/AAAAAAAAnyM/zerYSGbsylANMdAfGZfKxkm6oPoqUYHbQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_0929%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ1HLhwd6FU/XPFW--41StI/AAAAAAAAnyM/zerYSGbsylANMdAfGZfKxkm6oPoqUYHbQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_0929%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The coastal room will include these amazing birds PLUS lighthouses, sea lions and other coastal delights. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klSB_JseHVM/XPFXM3Mk-uI/AAAAAAAAnyU/pjOhSbex7oETG-V2ggDqfQkO6A1a3o4mACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_1033%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klSB_JseHVM/XPFXM3Mk-uI/AAAAAAAAnyU/pjOhSbex7oETG-V2ggDqfQkO6A1a3o4mACPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_1033%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Razorbills</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Then I think about why I'm putting these themes together. Why the hispanic room(rain forest)? Why the coastal and montane themes? Because I think these areas, including the grasslands, are some of my favorite places to bird. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6AW-SSjHfg/XTTWTndsbVI/AAAAAAAAoP0/Hfe-fMr4pc4RbWNRjImZbJ-NNpI51W6eACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_3130%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1339" data-original-width="1600" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6AW-SSjHfg/XTTWTndsbVI/AAAAAAAAoP0/Hfe-fMr4pc4RbWNRjImZbJ-NNpI51W6eACPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_3130%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsh Wren</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">These projects haven't been too expensive. Each room is around 500 dollars, including the photography, paint and ceiling materials. I get into my OCD mode and am a perfectionist. I can't stand looking at unfinished work so I push myself to get it done. Then I take a break from the projects until I'm ready for the next one. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SV4yI0YELMI/XTTWwzLpHWI/AAAAAAAAoQE/FZKcCExOZYA1cZ4S24ES3cQ_TCoHNGxFACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_3564%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="1600" height="636" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SV4yI0YELMI/XTTWwzLpHWI/AAAAAAAAoQE/FZKcCExOZYA1cZ4S24ES3cQ_TCoHNGxFACPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_3564%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American White Pelican</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">If you've never been inside of a lighthouse, you'd be surprised by how dark the inside can be. The top is beautiful with bright and open airy windows. I'd love to have my office up in that room. But the bottom floor is also very cozy and dark. It reminds me of a cave, except you can hear the waves crashing against the shore outside the building. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBwoWUBbZ54/XWRJSQsPi5I/AAAAAAAAoho/pw7SMBSOw3g0p8c9BQwbdSA2Qaxa7zpdgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/66195992_10216740775166345_2501310213554962432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="960" height="362" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBwoWUBbZ54/XWRJSQsPi5I/AAAAAAAAoho/pw7SMBSOw3g0p8c9BQwbdSA2Qaxa7zpdgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/66195992_10216740775166345_2501310213554962432_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now onto the official news. During the last week of June, we contracted covid. It was hell. The coughing and breathing were real issues. Non-believers called it the flu, but I lost my taste and smell so I knew it wasn't the flu. For one week, we both slept away our lives and lost lots of weight. Here in Arizona, we are the hotspot of the world. I don't know how we got it, but it was nasty. We are mostly recovered now as the infection rates continue to rise in the state. Our governor is an idiot, but not as stupid as the one in Florida. Even the Texan governor looks a tad more intelligent than Ducey and that's not saying much. We badly need a change in our government here in the US. We are finally beginning to see people switch sides against this current administration. They are all about the money and could care less about human life. Welcome to the Republican Party. November can't arrive fast enough. In short, we don't trust anything our state or government officials are saying and have to go to real sources, like the CDC. Meanwhile, the death rate continues to climb as do the infections. And people are still ignoring the recommendations. It's such a strange time. We just lost someone to covid in our family this morning from Micheal's side. I continue to isolate. I am so grateful for the love and support from our family and friends. I work inside the house and dream of birding. But I am back to feeding my birds and watching them from our windows. Today we had a Brown-crested Flycatcher visit our fountain. Stay safe everyone wherever you are. And let's hope for a cure by the end of the year! Until next time, I'll continue working on birdy home projects:)</span></div>
Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-43643762039730909302020-06-30T11:34:00.000-07:002020-07-08T20:33:20.361-07:00Revisiting Old Friends<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSw_gk2cptM/XvDz6oIpRrI/AAAAAAAAqSc/mFpOYUmyIegHJsfxX8uGD3cWjV2Cz2AFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3993%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="1600" height="560" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSw_gk2cptM/XvDz6oIpRrI/AAAAAAAAqSc/mFpOYUmyIegHJsfxX8uGD3cWjV2Cz2AFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3993%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montezuma Quail</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This past week, after the onslaught of birders searching for the Eared Quetzal without any luck, they abandoned their hopeful searches and turned their eyes to our other specialties. It was mayhem. They still continue to search. And a few birders have reported a female now. So it's possible the Eared Quetzals are nesting somewhere on the mountain. Whatever the case, birders need to be aware that covid has spread among the community AND birders need to follow ethical protocols. There are times when some things should be kept secret, especially during their breeding season. Playback is terrible during this time of year and people should refrain from using it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hLGPH3mJY4/XvD0lc3TytI/AAAAAAAAqSk/fcXEmDGx_c4TvrUX2_HJmkohG2_GRhWDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3893%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1135" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hLGPH3mJY4/XvD0lc3TytI/AAAAAAAAqSk/fcXEmDGx_c4TvrUX2_HJmkohG2_GRhWDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3893%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I was back in those old birding routes that every new hopeful birder visits. It was rather strange. With covid abound everywhere, I was forced to stay home during this very nasty time in Arizona. Many of us locals leave Arizona to go birding in cooler temps. Guides, generally, don't offer their services during this month due to nesting conditions and of course, that sweltering heat. Everything picks up again in July when our monsoon gets into full swing and bird life is ALIVE! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKxVogao7RA/XvD0qpsuQsI/AAAAAAAAqSo/7YVH9xtiMcItRlnDdU7OiUnjkMhMT4e9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3753%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="1555" height="546" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CKxVogao7RA/XvD0qpsuQsI/AAAAAAAAqSo/7YVH9xtiMcItRlnDdU7OiUnjkMhMT4e9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3753%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted Redstart</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There are still windows of opportunity to bird. Early mornings are best. Evenings are second best. Afternoons are a no no unless you are at higher elevations but one of my favorite places to take people is currently on fire. And it's a tragedy. So many nesting birds gone, many of them warblers. Between crazy birders chasing that quetzal, covid closures and covid in general, the heat and the fires, it is a bit too much to take. I regulated my outings with my friend because I can't do those extreme chases anymore for an entire day. One of the days, I felt heat exhaustion coming on in the 104 degree temps. Yes, I wore sun screen, a hat and drank plenty of water, but there comes a point when your body just shuts down. Words get blurry, that little headache begins and birds become a second thought. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5JJ4zZ6ibPI/XvD0t3cPmGI/AAAAAAAAqSs/oDPJzr0c_2EKfr4q7R18_924Y1mmnw2igCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3842%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1241" data-original-width="1600" height="496" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5JJ4zZ6ibPI/XvD0t3cPmGI/AAAAAAAAqSs/oDPJzr0c_2EKfr4q7R18_924Y1mmnw2igCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3842%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucifer Hummingbird</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There were also flashbacks during our treks. A sadness that only one would know had they grown up as a birder with the people they once knew. Take for example the Lucifer's Hummingbird. Nearly every birder has gone to Mary Jo's Bed and Breakfast for their lifer Lucifer's Hummingbird. Mary Jo passed away a little over a year now. I haven't gone back because there are a lot of fond memories with that lady. But we went because it's the one reliable place for birders who like photography, such as myself, to observe the secretive Montezuma Quail and of course that very special hummingbird. Her place is now a sanctuary and it's still very special. But I sat and looked at her home where the volunteers stay now. And it was a different experience. The volunteers were wonderful, but Mary Jo wasn't there. Or her African Gray Parrot. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1-xpWCnezc/XvD00Xh7qzI/AAAAAAAAqSw/Pb-2b_gyIjwNGvMqKRQrKuLZS5_aw30CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3726%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="1600" height="474" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J1-xpWCnezc/XvD00Xh7qzI/AAAAAAAAqSw/Pb-2b_gyIjwNGvMqKRQrKuLZS5_aw30CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3726%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Least Tern</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I took a day off to just work on house stuff and hang out with my neighbors. On that day, a Least Tern showed up at Canoa Ranch. It was a fun and fast trek to see the bird fly over the waters there. The following day, we went to search for some difficult birds. You have to prioritize your birds. So you choose your targets carefully. Sometimes you spend an entire morning on ONE bird. And that's what we did. Anything after that window is a gift. We achieved our targeted goals. We stopped at another great birdy area, the Holy Trinity Monastery. Another formerly owned Catholic property and magnet for incredible birds like the Gray Hawk, Mississippi Kite, Tropical Kingbirds and other special birds. But on the day we went there, the place looked unkept. The shop was closed. The pond was overgrown with algae. Broke my heart. I sat in the meditation garden and noticed several of the wonderful shady trees were gone. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXYey5p6wTA/XvD080jiu_I/AAAAAAAAqS4/ctfmDDXRQ1sJd_zNJ4fiqexCTkGrlfgpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_4008%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXYey5p6wTA/XvD080jiu_I/AAAAAAAAqS4/ctfmDDXRQ1sJd_zNJ4fiqexCTkGrlfgpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_4008%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesser Nighthawk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">During our travels, we noticed Lesser Nighthawks hunting in broad daylight. 'Tis the season for feeding babies. Normally these birds are only seen at dawn or dusk and at night around lights catching bugs. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPuxHATmEcs/XvD0_MoVfTI/AAAAAAAAqS8/dHmYMwprygI1Eaa4UkTtl9Z__lvZNylkACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_4025%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="1600" height="612" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPuxHATmEcs/XvD0_MoVfTI/AAAAAAAAqS8/dHmYMwprygI1Eaa4UkTtl9Z__lvZNylkACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_4025%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There are several birds in Arizona that are well protected and kept secret. However, those secrets get leaked and then coordinates appear. Such is the case with the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, a very sensitive species in AZ. The species is another Holy Grail for birders, ABA'ers, state listers, county listers, etc. There are few spots in the US that you can see them. Texas is the best place for them. Arizona has many but they are located in VERY difficult access places far away from civilization. The best place for these owls is still Organ Pipe National Monument in a VERY accessible place. And that's all I will say:)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75Y0g7Si1Z8/XvD1CzUUWjI/AAAAAAAAqTA/LJCO-Mj7W_kGZqK7iJmYuoh6ullfsm3HgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_4043%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1600" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75Y0g7Si1Z8/XvD1CzUUWjI/AAAAAAAAqTA/LJCO-Mj7W_kGZqK7iJmYuoh6ullfsm3HgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_4043%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scaled Quail</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I think the most exciting part of our journeys came from observing all three quail species. It was a lot of fun revisiting these old sites for some great birds. Currently my plans are on hold. As we see a spike in covid around the country, it has once again messed with travel plans. Testing in this country is a joke. I'll leave it at that. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hePbZF7GScY/XvD1NI1YmZI/AAAAAAAAqTI/lOFctkQ9Q8QcLqFDeCo8HZISrX3wzNikgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3963%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hePbZF7GScY/XvD1NI1YmZI/AAAAAAAAqTI/lOFctkQ9Q8QcLqFDeCo8HZISrX3wzNikgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3963%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">juvenile Gambel's Quail</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Stay cool everyone. And stay safe! Until next time....</span></div>
Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-39485632656336135592020-06-20T15:27:00.001-07:002020-07-13T12:07:04.836-07:00As Rare as a Unicorn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2US_t2P5GXI/Xuu83wFjvFI/AAAAAAAAqQE/ojSEq5M0YTYAy1OWXuOkU-aOCKIPhAbhQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/103332266_10219485468301958_8502805545797035805_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2US_t2P5GXI/Xuu83wFjvFI/AAAAAAAAqQE/ojSEq5M0YTYAy1OWXuOkU-aOCKIPhAbhQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/103332266_10219485468301958_8502805545797035805_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The incredible beauty of Portal, AZ. A must visit place for all people to see, especially for birders</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">On the day the Eared Quetzal showed up in Southern Arizona, it would also be the day I was in a no WiFi zone in Box Canyon with Celeste. There we casually observed a beautiful group of White-throated Swifts feeding babies. Meanwhile the birding world was literally and figuratively on fire elsewhere. Our Catalina mountain near Tucson is STILL on fire. The other fire was the one that spread just as fast, only by word of mouth.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KxCO4q1krlo/XufMUufhY4I/AAAAAAAAqOM/pvQAQBEPSP8bS6zDBTWUIXfXIpNzgiVUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3350%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1135" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KxCO4q1krlo/XufMUufhY4I/AAAAAAAAqOM/pvQAQBEPSP8bS6zDBTWUIXfXIpNzgiVUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3350%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-throated Swift</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">In the background, we had Scott's Orioles and Five-striped Sparrows singing. A Lucifer Hummingbird buzzed us with a loud speeding motorcycle VROOOM! Sure, they are all exceptional birds but so were the swifts. Since when do we ever get chances to see this species in action? There, in the high rocks on the cliff in that little crack, the little ones called out to the group with their hungry call, "Feed us!" And the group of swifts would all go and feed the babies. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qnMOSr9s_jc/XufMXEklyOI/AAAAAAAAqOQ/g_Stzxr1rz0Dm-PgojEEHrdySio8sXn1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3364%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="1600" height="490" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qnMOSr9s_jc/XufMXEklyOI/AAAAAAAAqOQ/g_Stzxr1rz0Dm-PgojEEHrdySio8sXn1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3364%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As we left our beautiful trek from Box Canyon and the grasslands, we hit a wifi spot and saw that a very rare Eared Quetzal was seen in the Chiricahua Mountains. I have waited so long to see that bird. It would be a lifer and one from my bucket list. But by the time we got back from our birding, we were both too tired to make the nearly 3 hour drive to a remote part of the state. It would have been dark by the time we got there. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g95F9BUUce0/Xuu839mA7OI/AAAAAAAAqP0/Tm-o_lf42yERG_NVYL3M3zzpqb2Pl6t3QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/103565287_10219467037801207_4778024863283147799_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g95F9BUUce0/Xuu839mA7OI/AAAAAAAAqP0/Tm-o_lf42yERG_NVYL3M3zzpqb2Pl6t3QCPcBGAYYCw/s640/103565287_10219467037801207_4778024863283147799_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We planned to go if the bird had been seen again. We were set for a Thursday trek to Portal. After the day it was reported, the bird was nowhere to be found for several days. <i>"I should have gone! I should have gone!" </i>The group who saw the bird had really nice views. Usually this bird is a heard only species in the dense forest. Sometimes, it's seen but briefly! But on that first night reported, the bird was so cooperative for that evening crew of birders that they even got pictures! I was angry with myself. I remember a friend's words to me about rare birds. "You can rest when you're dead." I was so angry with myself for NOT TRYING! Even if I had dipped, I would have felt better because I had made the attempt. Now it was too late. I'd probably have to wait another 10-20 years or go to Mexico. The latter was the original plan.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXM4ZKOU7W0/XufMoERFPxI/AAAAAAAAqOc/Lpcx_s2VTVYsfv8fp_EaBZQpehaMFF1_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3394%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXM4ZKOU7W0/XufMoERFPxI/AAAAAAAAqOc/Lpcx_s2VTVYsfv8fp_EaBZQpehaMFF1_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3394%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Wood-Pewee building a nest</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The next day we were supposed to go but there weren't any sightings. We made the tough decision to stay. I suggested we hike the Carrie Nation Trail to find bear and our own Eared Quetzal! It was the right decision but a grueling hike! The bird song was so beautiful. Hermit Thrushes sang and their electronic melodies echoed throughout the canyon. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PVMhOOHfAk/XufMsAK__rI/AAAAAAAAqOg/Au9fV2x8Lr88WzbAD3nUbnmiUMyy5rWiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3409%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1600" height="378" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PVMhOOHfAk/XufMsAK__rI/AAAAAAAAqOg/Au9fV2x8Lr88WzbAD3nUbnmiUMyy5rWiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3409%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arizona Sister</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The bird show was incredible as were the lizards and butterflies. A hiker was so excited about the bears that he even filmed them and showed me his videos. What a beautiful thing to see! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vxm30kyWwY8/XufMzvQAP0I/AAAAAAAAqOk/4mWmxkpjzV0Z2IykdVxIFNy69EYPn55hQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3460%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vxm30kyWwY8/XufMzvQAP0I/AAAAAAAAqOk/4mWmxkpjzV0Z2IykdVxIFNy69EYPn55hQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3460%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yarrow's Spiny Lizard</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We were exhausted after that day. Still no reports of an Eared Quetzal. My iceless cooler arrived as I got home from our Carrie Nation Trail hike. I was so excited. You just plug it into the outlet in your vehicle and drive while it keeps all your meals and drinks cool! No need to get covid or stop at restaurants. People reminded me to make sure I unplugged it after I was driving so that I didn't kill my car battery. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7fOGeRcVjg/Xuu87v2PjFI/AAAAAAAAqQI/h295O9-dQf0yf-Se-TewtU-sO-NkLO8fACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/104054046_10219467491132540_5137141613089736089_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7fOGeRcVjg/Xuu87v2PjFI/AAAAAAAAqQI/h295O9-dQf0yf-Se-TewtU-sO-NkLO8fACPcBGAYYCw/s640/104054046_10219467491132540_5137141613089736089_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This cooler came at the right time because I was going to get to see my friend Gordon for a Saturday morning run up to Globe where we would bird. We hadn't been able to bird for several months and I was looking forward to seeing him. That night, I set all my equipment out, including my new iceless cooler! I prepped my meals for the day and then all hell broke lose. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1lAY0oZfk0/XuvCR7n4dRI/AAAAAAAAqQM/BGjycCMmo-Up0hNyA8ke3VV5UMSmYYgZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/5ee1ceaa3d9ad.image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1lAY0oZfk0/XuvCR7n4dRI/AAAAAAAAqQM/BGjycCMmo-Up0hNyA8ke3VV5UMSmYYgZACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/5ee1ceaa3d9ad.image.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pic is not mine, from KOLD news</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">That evening our Santa Catalina mountain exploded with fire. I had some friends leave their home to take a fun weekend trip up to a cooler location. When they left, there was no fire. As the wind picked up, the flames spread quickly and raced down the mountain towards their home. Their neighborhood was set to GO which means that they had to evacuate. Our friend Lori got their dogs and watched the fire as it approached their home. The town of Catalina was almost up in flames. This lasted until 3 in the morning as everyone worried about this fire. Our friends drove back the next day and thankfully, the fire fighters were able to keep it away from their property! But the fire still threatens surrounding communities. Now it's on the other side by my friend Celeste's home!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtmTgKr-B2U/XufM4deTzPI/AAAAAAAAqOs/K2eH7lw6bEsWeKYYX9Au3wojOvLVF4PDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3480%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtmTgKr-B2U/XufM4deTzPI/AAAAAAAAqOs/K2eH7lw6bEsWeKYYX9Au3wojOvLVF4PDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3480%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexican Jay</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I was supposed to leave the house by 4 AM so that I could meet Gordon by 6 in Globe. Well, that wasn't going to happen so I texted him and let him know that my plans to meet him had changed. I went to sleep and didn't wake up until 10 AM. I sat in the pajamas bummed yet again that I missed birding with my friend, watching the fire grow out of control on the Catalina mountains, and reading a few of the birder's posts who had seen the Eared Quetzal that one special night. </span><i style="font-size: xx-large;">I should have gone. I should have gone. </i><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NudnO7RGPxE/XuvJioz9S9I/AAAAAAAAqQU/4ZHVaYnQvhwWZMICN1tKAbKrubg211OegCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/103276636_10219501692227546_2300963147994703014_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="747" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NudnO7RGPxE/XuvJioz9S9I/AAAAAAAAqQU/4ZHVaYnQvhwWZMICN1tKAbKrubg211OegCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/103276636_10219501692227546_2300963147994703014_n.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">All my stuff still sat on the table. The backpack. The cooler. The camera and water flask were charged and full. Then a birding friend, Steve V, posted on FB that the quetzal was seen again. I grabbed my face mask and without thinking, loaded my vehicle, the USS Betty White, with all my stuff. And I drove.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfosajuFx5g/XufNA7jWwbI/AAAAAAAAqO0/6na6xStiECwdhwc7AjU3zAVKbdApntx6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3531%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1249" data-original-width="1600" height="498" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfosajuFx5g/XufNA7jWwbI/AAAAAAAAqO0/6na6xStiECwdhwc7AjU3zAVKbdApntx6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3531%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first view of the Eared Quetzal!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I put on relaxing music to calm my inner anxiety. But I felt better because I was acting and not feeling sorry for myself or making terrible excuses for not going. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-slW1Z-FValk/XufNFCSPipI/AAAAAAAAqO8/QJWHQalkuIoAs8QV1mpTJqHsDsBGO2B1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-slW1Z-FValk/XufNFCSPipI/AAAAAAAAqO8/QJWHQalkuIoAs8QV1mpTJqHsDsBGO2B1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3536.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This bird, like its close relative, the Elegant Trogon, blends perfectly into the shadows of trees. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iScTjP4FYV4/XufNIIZYcRI/AAAAAAAAqPA/3hZDUBalBiEIILcxeQ7qJHcnP-PbErOgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3563%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1553" data-original-width="1600" height="620" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iScTjP4FYV4/XufNIIZYcRI/AAAAAAAAqPA/3hZDUBalBiEIILcxeQ7qJHcnP-PbErOgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3563%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then the bird flew our way! NO WAY! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There were a lot of birders with smiling faces that afternoon. Fast track to now and there have been hundreds of birders who remain hopeful. Even as I write this, there are people from all over the US keeping an eye out for this rare Arizona gem. For me, it was a lifer and Arizona bird. But for the ABA listers, which covers North America(not Mexico but Hawaii?!), it's a significant bird. Due to covid and airline flights, many are naturally choosing to drive. I have met birders from almost every state here in AZ, THE capital of covid. There is no greater sport than the one played by ABA listers. I am not that person but I understand their competitive natures. To say that this quetzal didn't light a fire in my brain for the irrational chase would be a lie. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGp-QVyXMyU/Xu5700BnZ0I/AAAAAAAAqQg/j_M1nKHHYzAK5X5bcPdr6v_FfbCqCFh2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="1600" height="588" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGp-QVyXMyU/Xu5700BnZ0I/AAAAAAAAqQg/j_M1nKHHYzAK5X5bcPdr6v_FfbCqCFh2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Its relative, the Resplendent Quetzal, did the same thing to me years ago in Guatemala where I interviewed locals to find a secure place to see this bird. On a time constrained trip, there are only small windows, moments really, to observe these birds. Living in a place gives you more time to enjoy these birds. As a traveler with an agenda, if you miss it, it's over. In Guatemala, the quetzal is their national bird. It's also the name of their currency. And it also happens to be a rare bird. My friend followed my crazy butt to the area near Coban EARLY on that foggy morning. Together, with a wonderful family, we saw so many of these birds flying around eating avocados. We also had avocados with our breakfast after observing these amazing birds. It was one of those perfect days. They were never seen again while we were there on that day. It was a 30 minute window and then....it was done.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6L5Wwc4I_8/Xu58snKPs_I/AAAAAAAAqQo/CIFuT2EZs2cy3CsawFG6qgwjZ-fnMJ6_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6L5Wwc4I_8/Xu58snKPs_I/AAAAAAAAqQo/CIFuT2EZs2cy3CsawFG6qgwjZ-fnMJ6_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0217.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We share an exciting moment with this little girl as she grabs video of these amazing birds. She stays with Lynda and helps point all the birds hiding in the trees from her. We are amazed by the quetzal show near Coban</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Like the Kirtland's Warbler or Lesser Prairie-Chicken, it took some research to see that particular subspecies of Resplendent Quetzal in Guatemala. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">It is said that at some point, the Resplendent Quetzal may be split into separate species. It took a lot of work to see them in Guatemala. They were much easier to see in Costa Rica. Anyhow, back to the Eared Quetzal. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-b8IrK-WZo/XufNODYhfcI/AAAAAAAAqPI/zxji343DEakiCDwi5OT6qLwaBtd1WgcTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3628%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-b8IrK-WZo/XufNODYhfcI/AAAAAAAAqPI/zxji343DEakiCDwi5OT6qLwaBtd1WgcTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3628%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the print I ordered for my wall. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here's what I can tell you. The Eared Quetzal is a very secretive bird, even in its most active range. So to get views of the bird ANYTIME like this is a Christmas miracle. And to get a view of this bird in the US is one extra bonus. As many of you know, I travel to Mexico often. It is my sacred place of sanity and spirituality. So any chance I get to go to Mexico is a special time. The Eared Quetzal and Thick-billed Parrot have been on my research list for quite some time. Drug cartels over recent years have made travel to that particular area difficult. US news makes you fear Mexico more than you should so I listen to the people who live there. And I read several local papers. Yeah. It really wasn't safe. Now with covid, the borders are locked. So one can understand why an Eared Quetzal in Arizona is a big deal. The last sustained view of an Eared Quetzal in Arizona was back in 1999. There have been other "sightings" or "heard onlys" since then, but nothing like a viewable bird for many people to see out in the open. In fact, ebird has had very little photo documentation on this species....until now:)</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFTLWlfd6iQ/XufNQ2Ix-bI/AAAAAAAAqPM/XWkFIjxEyk8zBj8aQbDzXXnt7A0LYXk2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3655%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1600" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFTLWlfd6iQ/XufNQ2Ix-bI/AAAAAAAAqPM/XWkFIjxEyk8zBj8aQbDzXXnt7A0LYXk2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3655%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I hope others are able to find him safely. After more than a week now, this bird still makes me smile. This is what bucket list birds do; they inspire and capture the magic of birding. It's about exploration. It's about sharing an experience. And it's also about observing an incredible bird that you never thought possible. The Eared Quetzal is like a unicorn. We see the bird in our guides, but never hope that we'll ever see something so amazing. Surely this bird does not exist. I promised myself that if I ever saw this bird, I'd make a photo and hang it up in my house. I've ordered the picture and I'm drywalling, texturizing and painting the area where it will go. If this is the last bird I ever see, I will be a happy person. Until next time.... </span></div>
Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-953008866705518772020-06-15T12:02:00.000-07:002020-06-15T12:17:44.425-07:00Terns Of Endearment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKrxjnHLMoo/Xuaegg5Z3qI/AAAAAAAAqM4/AOZ2dlwNbtcKoYUxHP9Eck2gFl3OaO7zACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_3280%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKrxjnHLMoo/Xuaegg5Z3qI/AAAAAAAAqM4/AOZ2dlwNbtcKoYUxHP9Eck2gFl3OaO7zACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_3280%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Tiger Swallowtail</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I wish we could have slowed down our time in California. It was such a nice stay full of great birds and memories. We stayed close to the beach and had fun looking at the birds along the shoreline. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdINNeswCHA/XuaagNlqriI/AAAAAAAAqMA/36-q8rXbHXgEkhDtJYuWOFswjpDinLEFwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_2326%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdINNeswCHA/XuaagNlqriI/AAAAAAAAqMA/36-q8rXbHXgEkhDtJYuWOFswjpDinLEFwCPcBGAsYHg/s640/DSC_2326%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arctic Tern-blood red/orange thickish shorter bill</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Besides the many Brown Pelicans, we also saw many terns. The previous week in Arizona, we had a super rare Arctic Tern show up at a local watering hole. It had been my only tern for the year which was rather surprising! Usually a Forster's or Least Tern shows up in April first. Instead it was the super rare Arctic Tern. Okay! I'll take it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_U0ZGfWqAk/XuaemHVdyCI/AAAAAAAAqNM/pYvni8BIQCocLoDfjVJZ6o28csDfnabgACEwYBhgLKs4DAL1OcqxIl5_ZVSUUgXvIwh77H4NTdmncHTxA6OP7ftDQaVN-lnS8z9c6r5ANjylq1CYJEFXDF0_OxPYGw57GoAk_8TtMI6_Qug9u4FatR_fnOg68-deYCe9HBO50c7RsK8ZA09O6KvzZirMQnlNNbHyFEfbBbO15XnCkJEKMQmbvgfm13WsGTXyjHOzJo78gz_4wwI0rkkEVgVyzteLMQYAF93JmqjHuyu9r-a3OIyVpyYc3IQb5McCbjj3hr_bznXVaFU_ecXEcoICqTf4JTbQ75beyyVMf7NgJIK0XzoEzb3cMmA9p5SdFSmy4dHZtJpzt2OUnr9yXeWefKJggAE89aCw2m0yAciv2b2y5OQ--jABvwImyy-zdJVcSlptDCUgADaPrWSXWBaQPatd2lPNa73Mb_jz6Lp_PsJgaZNf52ge1wIOJQR7yVxpkQ6vtIV-L43SPxHE1AQooPeRw7xPphqRzd4FwQ1Mst26ytoTegXD1WATm5MIzI3_OyMeyep_ciXsxHov3S_0OrVYRaWtOsjRb3T22BTceEBTDJDcCPM723zDgANmU5ulQrC193bT9cRbHmFGUrXfC341ExYzqzysEI2-_3ofXEa8vMO7EmvcF/s1600/DSC_3039%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_U0ZGfWqAk/XuaemHVdyCI/AAAAAAAAqNM/pYvni8BIQCocLoDfjVJZ6o28csDfnabgACEwYBhgLKs4DAL1OcqxIl5_ZVSUUgXvIwh77H4NTdmncHTxA6OP7ftDQaVN-lnS8z9c6r5ANjylq1CYJEFXDF0_OxPYGw57GoAk_8TtMI6_Qug9u4FatR_fnOg68-deYCe9HBO50c7RsK8ZA09O6KvzZirMQnlNNbHyFEfbBbO15XnCkJEKMQmbvgfm13WsGTXyjHOzJo78gz_4wwI0rkkEVgVyzteLMQYAF93JmqjHuyu9r-a3OIyVpyYc3IQb5McCbjj3hr_bznXVaFU_ecXEcoICqTf4JTbQ75beyyVMf7NgJIK0XzoEzb3cMmA9p5SdFSmy4dHZtJpzt2OUnr9yXeWefKJggAE89aCw2m0yAciv2b2y5OQ--jABvwImyy-zdJVcSlptDCUgADaPrWSXWBaQPatd2lPNa73Mb_jz6Lp_PsJgaZNf52ge1wIOJQR7yVxpkQ6vtIV-L43SPxHE1AQooPeRw7xPphqRzd4FwQ1Mst26ytoTegXD1WATm5MIzI3_OyMeyep_ciXsxHov3S_0OrVYRaWtOsjRb3T22BTceEBTDJDcCPM723zDgANmU5ulQrC193bT9cRbHmFGUrXfC341ExYzqzysEI2-_3ofXEa8vMO7EmvcF/s640/DSC_3039%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We did well staying away from people, but people gravitated towards each other and we had to be conscience of this. Thankfully Cheroot, the wonder dog, helped maintain social distance with his grouchy demeanor. He's really not grouchy. He loves hanging with his friends, but he doesn't like strangers! Or dogs off their leash! I don't have a dog because I'm a cat person but dog owners are sometimes so irresponsible. Sure, you're dog is friendly and so am I. However, some dogs are not friendly and are put on a leash for a reason(besides it being the law! to protect wildlife) "Free dogs" who are social put themselves in danger by running up to defensive pooches. It was a new element to our birding that I hadn't much thought about. A lady in Balboa Park laughed and said her unleashed dog was friendly and that it was "okay". Yes, we love your dog, but Cheroot will rip the dog apart because of your negligence! If I were a cat, I'd hiss. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FO_kpLmYViY/XuaagM1RDdI/AAAAAAAAqMA/zTfXHUcP9AM1Ji6ertpZ2xfa-1TJx8GBwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_3122%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="1600" height="560" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FO_kpLmYViY/XuaagM1RDdI/AAAAAAAAqMA/zTfXHUcP9AM1Ji6ertpZ2xfa-1TJx8GBwCPcBGAsYHg/s640/DSC_3122%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forster's Tern</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Let's talk about birds. While at the beach, we were noticing a lot of terns flying over our heads. And with a closer look, we noticed quite a few species of tern. My friend Celeste mentioned there was black at the tip of the bill. That narrowed the bird down to a Caspian or Forster's Tern. I saw her bird and then noticed it had a thin orange bill with a beautiful tail pattern. Forster's. But what were the other terns?!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOmHsH1ZSSI/XuagN94xBfI/AAAAAAAAqNQ/r5kszvUCJTAM1a_cK1ttGzUuF6vctvcpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/101396432_10219433363159362_7141946293611362479_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1600" height="390" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOmHsH1ZSSI/XuagN94xBfI/AAAAAAAAqNQ/r5kszvUCJTAM1a_cK1ttGzUuF6vctvcpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/101396432_10219433363159362_7141946293611362479_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The next tern we saw breeds in the same area as the Snowy Plovers. And sure enough, a Least Tern flew over our heads. They weren't as numerous as the other species and an easy one to ID. Small tern with a yellow bill. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HG4WhdvhuQc/XuaagLpH4kI/AAAAAAAAqMA/XIPbdFoiTPwWLneI1EJIwbtFhdWTz4FWgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_3070%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HG4WhdvhuQc/XuaagLpH4kI/AAAAAAAAqMA/XIPbdFoiTPwWLneI1EJIwbtFhdWTz4FWgCPcBGAsYHg/s640/DSC_3070%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Least Tern</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Wildlife and visitors continued along the beach of Southern California. In one area, we had both Harbor Seals (or Common Seal) in one colony while several rocks over, we saw a huge group of California Sea Lions. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSE8QrYpm90/Xuaea--S1AI/AAAAAAAAqNE/N6dkhquIUWwtChD2ik46sDET7QS-6mSXACEwYBhgLKs4DAL1OcqypGJU06piyOJ4J-CPBlDKnllc2qHVjV7Q4F2lCFmLLc14mXpFL4eOcJpolW1xP75zPRSiQA8DrSqW4RnCako819genxAYIA_zsih1J18dGZrta3pEi_qDTLduhxabLLleNUdfSu5YiZBKkS_hP-Pm-8EHFS946e5JkVh9CTMTDAwKJCX_l7ZLbFNgiBU7syRSMW9XANfMX3-QKoQpuBBBg6-tD8RY241R44FNU7ZzZ6BF9Ru0ey8ZmKkoaWlqyHBH8g0zKX2kdoWjGCgKtc0Bn_4CG45lYBDq0ishBkg35ZUSC0hgCkG39rRGo3H5wNHCFbprodjCwHYi0VqL3RASH_p534zPXVjA0tT4ZU-Pl8MLA2cXIZRFJA0JquxrF4_FSgFUfD3rOWnVO_ugW3D2xr1d8oHUO_wiKM-ZspJNlpHvLDQ2mnVXjJCOo0BjctfFlWskCIntfU6-o7AiZSYi0zM5Nai93WT4jteMUQXZVB9SF1pKWlqrot9C7FXGbGGTgDDMk3p-iRtvK8KLBJnGw7lCczuKVQA0AA3TtecoOAOAASYz-u41H5cyvj0H5hHxTyCunlcfrXkek3Z3JquHBa8uwTgn84aiLMP_EmvcF/s1600/DSC_3258%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1600" height="374" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSE8QrYpm90/Xuaea--S1AI/AAAAAAAAqNE/N6dkhquIUWwtChD2ik46sDET7QS-6mSXACEwYBhgLKs4DAL1OcqypGJU06piyOJ4J-CPBlDKnllc2qHVjV7Q4F2lCFmLLc14mXpFL4eOcJpolW1xP75zPRSiQA8DrSqW4RnCako819genxAYIA_zsih1J18dGZrta3pEi_qDTLduhxabLLleNUdfSu5YiZBKkS_hP-Pm-8EHFS946e5JkVh9CTMTDAwKJCX_l7ZLbFNgiBU7syRSMW9XANfMX3-QKoQpuBBBg6-tD8RY241R44FNU7ZzZ6BF9Ru0ey8ZmKkoaWlqyHBH8g0zKX2kdoWjGCgKtc0Bn_4CG45lYBDq0ishBkg35ZUSC0hgCkG39rRGo3H5wNHCFbprodjCwHYi0VqL3RASH_p534zPXVjA0tT4ZU-Pl8MLA2cXIZRFJA0JquxrF4_FSgFUfD3rOWnVO_ugW3D2xr1d8oHUO_wiKM-ZspJNlpHvLDQ2mnVXjJCOo0BjctfFlWskCIntfU6-o7AiZSYi0zM5Nai93WT4jteMUQXZVB9SF1pKWlqrot9C7FXGbGGTgDDMk3p-iRtvK8KLBJnGw7lCczuKVQA0AA3TtecoOAOAASYz-u41H5cyvj0H5hHxTyCunlcfrXkek3Z3JquHBa8uwTgn84aiLMP_EmvcF/s640/DSC_3258%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harbor Seals</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's tricky for birders. Terns are magnificent creatures, but they aren't always easy in their varied plumage. Often I go with the bill as a field mark. We were lucky as we had clear marks. I start getting into trouble when both Arctic and Common terns are in the same area. Then there's the Elegant Tern vs the Royal Tern. We did see a few Royal Terns while we were there. Let's take a look.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-leWWxsPAY/XuezPdo5wTI/AAAAAAAAqN0/tA9heLiOFXc0RDtU0MpXMi-CXeGGM7T4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_2398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-leWWxsPAY/XuezPdo5wTI/AAAAAAAAqN0/tA9heLiOFXc0RDtU0MpXMi-CXeGGM7T4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_2398.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Tern</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here's a shot of both species. Royal Terns will also have the black cap. This one does not. The bills are slightly thicker with the Royal Tern. The tern also has a paler orange/yellow coloring. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gq-eTTXSbLo/XuaagAE1K-I/AAAAAAAAqMA/Bxre7rsKTa4Simzos_3-HlkMp52Gbif3gCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_3123%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1600" height="384" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gq-eTTXSbLo/XuaagAE1K-I/AAAAAAAAqMA/Bxre7rsKTa4Simzos_3-HlkMp52Gbif3gCPcBGAsYHg/s640/DSC_3123%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elegant Tern</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">When you look at the Elegant Tern, you'll see a longer skinnier orange bill. It's also a large and elegant tern. REALLY:) These terns are more common along the coast of Southern California right now and were the predominant tern species over the waters. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-67GE9vUCVCE/XuaeVEAa8AI/AAAAAAAAqM8/zRe8lhPavZg8enUEORuRUXKnEvF4HJojwCEwYBhgLKs4DAL1Ocqw25p4EhkYojYltoYZNguq3QvU4i7zBHKKWfB5qqStNZb68L5rApp2nsopif-4SCSbFPXAL5JUNB7bvajUNwcJnB32W-COIjuwaJOFkWPXqTo_9EYNjfoXnsfUIpRAGO1ugeklS5u8lQvlrR-b8D1iMNp4alxNV-32FsnrY_SZ4CAiWqL30gqG-szyYYQ2VjoUijShG0ECNsbaphK-k8zT4HcfNullwjtWvjnLopVT2DDXS32tGbE7b4FPHu7iKKllQ4Set1cN7omX_t0rPVjwqGZhskFgrdAUL25WeEOYvUDzPgEZxH2JOTVJeo8phRBDMQLXUsDO_SYO7v6kw5PsStKdZNKVSvav1wJLZoJus9GSTT8QUy3wQaaxQeSFrqu0HTlFDPQLPeXtvlcX1jwidXTLNN0wjCQH5-CrxXSZQVFZzi4EMYMOT3pxM2UxfjYxsbt8LlrqYJgqjWCQwBUQlKYVN8uymjMJreZAqERq51qocoZ1O1i2U8fcVFcVuiBzFjrlJsAJH2xoApSEDbMmj5ixU5IKQGUar-q6POwzeZDW5s0DOE6-yHIYOMRgpEi2c1UBoYKJsb6veTJbYgM8GWhUgNxjR0BiCMLnFmvcF/s1600/DSC_3214%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-67GE9vUCVCE/XuaeVEAa8AI/AAAAAAAAqM8/zRe8lhPavZg8enUEORuRUXKnEvF4HJojwCEwYBhgLKs4DAL1Ocqw25p4EhkYojYltoYZNguq3QvU4i7zBHKKWfB5qqStNZb68L5rApp2nsopif-4SCSbFPXAL5JUNB7bvajUNwcJnB32W-COIjuwaJOFkWPXqTo_9EYNjfoXnsfUIpRAGO1ugeklS5u8lQvlrR-b8D1iMNp4alxNV-32FsnrY_SZ4CAiWqL30gqG-szyYYQ2VjoUijShG0ECNsbaphK-k8zT4HcfNullwjtWvjnLopVT2DDXS32tGbE7b4FPHu7iKKllQ4Set1cN7omX_t0rPVjwqGZhskFgrdAUL25WeEOYvUDzPgEZxH2JOTVJeo8phRBDMQLXUsDO_SYO7v6kw5PsStKdZNKVSvav1wJLZoJus9GSTT8QUy3wQaaxQeSFrqu0HTlFDPQLPeXtvlcX1jwidXTLNN0wjCQH5-CrxXSZQVFZzi4EMYMOT3pxM2UxfjYxsbt8LlrqYJgqjWCQwBUQlKYVN8uymjMJreZAqERq51qocoZ1O1i2U8fcVFcVuiBzFjrlJsAJH2xoApSEDbMmj5ixU5IKQGUar-q6POwzeZDW5s0DOE6-yHIYOMRgpEi2c1UBoYKJsb6veTJbYgM8GWhUgNxjR0BiCMLnFmvcF/s640/DSC_3214%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Another tern that I know well is the Caspian Tern. It breeds along the shores of Lake Michigan in my home state of Wisconsin. This tern is widespread and a bulky tern with a heavy orange bill with a dark end. This was the second most common tern species along the coastal waters. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu2n8lUeIQc/XuaagDoWv7I/AAAAAAAAqMA/fq2XYAJf53IulfPp5zFeSryyk8iImlSJgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_3106%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1600" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu2n8lUeIQc/XuaagDoWv7I/AAAAAAAAqMA/fq2XYAJf53IulfPp5zFeSryyk8iImlSJgCPcBGAsYHg/s640/DSC_3106%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caspian Tern</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">During the in between time, we'd all sit and enjoy the shade. The ocean is great but the sun can still be very strong. We found shade and charged our batteries under a tree full of Allen's Hummingbirds. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OEHmeA7uFb0/XuaeKF8hE-I/AAAAAAAAqM8/8sdgTcuZ1lgsUKgKabU3cWmaidDjv2FOgCEwYBhgLKs4DAL1Ocqw25p4EhkYojYltoYZNguq3QvU4i7zBHKKWfB5qqStNZb68L5rApp2nsopif-4SCSbFPXAL5JUNB7bvajUNwcJnB32W-COIjuwaJOFkWPXqTo_9EYNjfoXnsfUIpRAGO1ugeklS5u8lQvlrR-b8D1iMNp4alxNV-32FsnrY_SZ4CAiWqL30gqG-szyYYQ2VjoUijShG0ECNsbaphK-k8zT4HcfNullwjtWvjnLopVT2DDXS32tGbE7b4FPHu7iKKllQ4Set1cN7omX_t0rPVjwqGZhskFgrdAUL25WeEOYvUDzPgEZxH2JOTVJeo8phRBDMQLXUsDO_SYO7v6kw5PsStKdZNKVSvav1wJLZoJus9GSTT8QUy3wQaaxQeSFrqu0HTlFDPQLPeXtvlcX1jwidXTLNN0wjCQH5-CrxXSZQVFZzi4EMYMOT3pxM2UxfjYxsbt8LlrqYJgqjWCQwBUQlKYVN8uymjMJreZAqERq51qocoZ1O1i2U8fcVFcVuiBzFjrlJsAJH2xoApSEDbMmj5ixU5IKQGUar-q6POwzeZDW5s0DOE6-yHIYOMRgpEi2c1UBoYKJsb6veTJbYgM8GWhUgNxjR0BiCMLnFmvcF/s1600/102379156_10219395101002832_3531671875727917056_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1440" height="402" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OEHmeA7uFb0/XuaeKF8hE-I/AAAAAAAAqM8/8sdgTcuZ1lgsUKgKabU3cWmaidDjv2FOgCEwYBhgLKs4DAL1Ocqw25p4EhkYojYltoYZNguq3QvU4i7zBHKKWfB5qqStNZb68L5rApp2nsopif-4SCSbFPXAL5JUNB7bvajUNwcJnB32W-COIjuwaJOFkWPXqTo_9EYNjfoXnsfUIpRAGO1ugeklS5u8lQvlrR-b8D1iMNp4alxNV-32FsnrY_SZ4CAiWqL30gqG-szyYYQ2VjoUijShG0ECNsbaphK-k8zT4HcfNullwjtWvjnLopVT2DDXS32tGbE7b4FPHu7iKKllQ4Set1cN7omX_t0rPVjwqGZhskFgrdAUL25WeEOYvUDzPgEZxH2JOTVJeo8phRBDMQLXUsDO_SYO7v6kw5PsStKdZNKVSvav1wJLZoJus9GSTT8QUy3wQaaxQeSFrqu0HTlFDPQLPeXtvlcX1jwidXTLNN0wjCQH5-CrxXSZQVFZzi4EMYMOT3pxM2UxfjYxsbt8LlrqYJgqjWCQwBUQlKYVN8uymjMJreZAqERq51qocoZ1O1i2U8fcVFcVuiBzFjrlJsAJH2xoApSEDbMmj5ixU5IKQGUar-q6POwzeZDW5s0DOE6-yHIYOMRgpEi2c1UBoYKJsb6veTJbYgM8GWhUgNxjR0BiCMLnFmvcF/s640/102379156_10219395101002832_3531671875727917056_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A tern that I had been wanting to observe in the wild finally happened on this trek. All of my friends have seen this species except me:) That was such a wonderful discovery. I thought I had seen one fly over my head. My heart skipped a beat and my pace quickened on the beach towards the salt marsh. These birds were outside the clouds of terns over the estuary. They were fishing from the calmer waters of the salt marsh. Easy to ID with that nice black bill. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6mMRIAExwQ/XuabGc1l6II/AAAAAAAAqMI/9lb_6NeIs5k6DWx5YsGBMstDZA6wYizvQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_3137%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6mMRIAExwQ/XuabGc1l6II/AAAAAAAAqMI/9lb_6NeIs5k6DWx5YsGBMstDZA6wYizvQCPcBGAsYHg/s640/DSC_3137%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gull-billed Tern</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Where did we see all these terns? Well, we found them at Imperial Beach along the Tijuana Slough that borders the ocean front. Here is the </span><a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S69994389" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: xx-large;" target="_blank">list</a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> that we generated from our walk. Directions to get there are in the report. One bird we did not see was the Ridgway's Rail which is often found there in good numbers. But we didn't time our visits to the tide. When the tide rises, you have a better chance of spotting this very cool and endangered rail. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jv7tOnA46iI/XuapluxW9AI/AAAAAAAAqNg/hBGNpl-O_nw-BvyP61X1c0YSJL4e1FMgACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/83598232_261409658637533_6206829018702607056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jv7tOnA46iI/XuapluxW9AI/AAAAAAAAqNg/hBGNpl-O_nw-BvyP61X1c0YSJL4e1FMgACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/83598232_261409658637533_6206829018702607056_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end of the pier behind Celeste is where you can find the Pelagic Cormorants, when it opens again. Great eats along that road as well</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I want to also share with you that it's possible to observe all three cormorants in this area. The most common cormorants seen are the Brandt's and Double-crested Cormorants. The more difficult one can be the Pelagic. But for some reason, the purplish hues of the beautiful Pelagic Cormorant love the end of the big Imperial Beach pier. Even though the pier was closed, I did spy one bird fly towards the end of it. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37I5l-BLw3M/XuabX7O8Y6I/AAAAAAAAqMQ/E_SC1hkZSZIWX8n9J4wj1CkN-q6SlNnGwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_3250%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="1600" height="486" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37I5l-BLw3M/XuabX7O8Y6I/AAAAAAAAqMQ/E_SC1hkZSZIWX8n9J4wj1CkN-q6SlNnGwCPcBGAsYHg/s640/DSC_3250%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandt's Cormorant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was a lovely walk. The past two posts covered 5 principal areas of what I think are San Diego's premier birding spots. There's a few more but we avoided those areas due to high human traffic. We stayed near Balboa Park which is a really nice walk and full of great birds including the exotics. We spied Red-crowned and Yellow-headed Parrots with Red-headed Parakeets. Also feeding from the grasses were the Scaly-breasted Munia. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGOflscHQnk/Xuapsa8z-OI/AAAAAAAAqNk/bTHJAnrmLVUt-7B1iW-DTFtq-n4qrXIMACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/103783726_561508674513592_3834142236149180748_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jGOflscHQnk/Xuapsa8z-OI/AAAAAAAAqNk/bTHJAnrmLVUt-7B1iW-DTFtq-n4qrXIMACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/103783726_561508674513592_3834142236149180748_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Other stops included the beautiful Imperial Beach and Tijuana Slough, <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S70058504" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">La Jolla coastal area</a>, <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S70059928" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Torrey-Pines State Park</a>, the <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S70026107" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bird and Butterfly Garden</a> near the Tijuana border, and <a href="https://ebird.org/checklist/S70015505" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sunset Cliffs Natural Park</a> where we saw this beautiful California Thrasher below. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa79ZqP28QM/XuabnKHsC8I/AAAAAAAAqMU/veeGuv2Nm4kLF_7nScCt9lqKq8jCpjbzwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_3157%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="1600" height="374" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa79ZqP28QM/XuabnKHsC8I/AAAAAAAAqMU/veeGuv2Nm4kLF_7nScCt9lqKq8jCpjbzwCPcBGAsYHg/s640/DSC_3157%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Thrasher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">If anything, this trek inspired me to get on the road soon. But something was holding me back. I'm glad I waited. The bird gods have been kind to the birding community in Arizona. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XD9SImuBupU/Xuap0YxRWlI/AAAAAAAAqNo/XgntoCIlHngScomtNKkycK9YCpXg4xC3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/104203400_1325686237642056_1891522018207783526_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XD9SImuBupU/Xuap0YxRWlI/AAAAAAAAqNo/XgntoCIlHngScomtNKkycK9YCpXg4xC3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/104203400_1325686237642056_1891522018207783526_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Maybe not exciting, but I think beautiful, the Western Gulls were nesting along the coastal cliffs. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qn5SDVLKRx4/XuabnAV3P6I/AAAAAAAAqMU/jZ_Hlog3JKIvkqdVyj63UcVR6K184OdjwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_3247%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="1600" height="548" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qn5SDVLKRx4/XuabnAV3P6I/AAAAAAAAqMU/jZ_Hlog3JKIvkqdVyj63UcVR6K184OdjwCPcBGAsYHg/s640/DSC_3247%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Gull</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">On our way home, we spied this very young Green Heron at a park in Yuma, AZ. At one point I had to take this poor little heron out of the pond because a girl ran up to it and forced it into the water. It barely could swim. It needed a few days to get more strength. She knew what she was doing and it pissed me off. Back in the day, you could yell at kids freely(or talk to them nicely). I was hungry and grouchy and not in the mood to deal with kids. So instead, I had a talk with her mother while giving her the death stare. Then I rescued the little bird who couldn't get out of the pond due to the concrete pond wall being too high. Hope this little one is okay. Just needs a few days to strengthen up. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b65Fdj1LbFc/XuadPY4FGjI/AAAAAAAAqMk/DO4KrI4tNx8tJgiHzylyJmmHS24Mr4gqgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_3307%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1600" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b65Fdj1LbFc/XuadPY4FGjI/AAAAAAAAqMk/DO4KrI4tNx8tJgiHzylyJmmHS24Mr4gqgCPcBGAsYHg/s640/DSC_3307%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">juvenile Green Heron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So if you are chasing terns along the coast of Southern California, here are the terns we saw most to least being the Least:)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1. Elegant Tern-the most common</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">2. Caspian Tern</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">3. Forster's Tern</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">4. Gull-billed Tern</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">5. Royal Tern</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">6. Least Tern</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOupAzIZKIE/XuagPiVrrOI/AAAAAAAAqNU/y4EIjbVaBqMvk2i9HTvszONG1OhDFP-WwCEwYBhgLKs4DAL1Ocqw25p4EhkYojYltoYZNguq3QvU4i7zBHKKWfB5qqStNZb68L5rApp2nsopif-4SCSbFPXAL5JUNB7bvajUNwcJnB32W-COIjuwaJOFkWPXqTo_9EYNjfoXnsfUIpRAGO1ugeklS5u8lQvlrR-b8D1iMNp4alxNV-32FsnrY_SZ4CAiWqL30gqG-szyYYQ2VjoUijShG0ECNsbaphK-k8zT4HcfNullwjtWvjnLopVT2DDXS32tGbE7b4FPHu7iKKllQ4Set1cN7omX_t0rPVjwqGZhskFgrdAUL25WeEOYvUDzPgEZxH2JOTVJeo8phRBDMQLXUsDO_SYO7v6kw5PsStKdZNKVSvav1wJLZoJus9GSTT8QUy3wQaaxQeSFrqu0HTlFDPQLPeXtvlcX1jwidXTLNN0wjCQH5-CrxXSZQVFZzi4EMYMOT3pxM2UxfjYxsbt8LlrqYJgqjWCQwBUQlKYVN8uymjMJreZAqERq51qocoZ1O1i2U8fcVFcVuiBzFjrlJsAJH2xoApSEDbMmj5ixU5IKQGUar-q6POwzeZDW5s0DOE6-yHIYOMRgpEi2c1UBoYKJsb6veTJbYgM8GWhUgNxjR0BiCMLnFmvcF/s1600/98362171_10163812138000105_794162096097984512_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DOupAzIZKIE/XuagPiVrrOI/AAAAAAAAqNU/y4EIjbVaBqMvk2i9HTvszONG1OhDFP-WwCEwYBhgLKs4DAL1Ocqw25p4EhkYojYltoYZNguq3QvU4i7zBHKKWfB5qqStNZb68L5rApp2nsopif-4SCSbFPXAL5JUNB7bvajUNwcJnB32W-COIjuwaJOFkWPXqTo_9EYNjfoXnsfUIpRAGO1ugeklS5u8lQvlrR-b8D1iMNp4alxNV-32FsnrY_SZ4CAiWqL30gqG-szyYYQ2VjoUijShG0ECNsbaphK-k8zT4HcfNullwjtWvjnLopVT2DDXS32tGbE7b4FPHu7iKKllQ4Set1cN7omX_t0rPVjwqGZhskFgrdAUL25WeEOYvUDzPgEZxH2JOTVJeo8phRBDMQLXUsDO_SYO7v6kw5PsStKdZNKVSvav1wJLZoJus9GSTT8QUy3wQaaxQeSFrqu0HTlFDPQLPeXtvlcX1jwidXTLNN0wjCQH5-CrxXSZQVFZzi4EMYMOT3pxM2UxfjYxsbt8LlrqYJgqjWCQwBUQlKYVN8uymjMJreZAqERq51qocoZ1O1i2U8fcVFcVuiBzFjrlJsAJH2xoApSEDbMmj5ixU5IKQGUar-q6POwzeZDW5s0DOE6-yHIYOMRgpEi2c1UBoYKJsb6veTJbYgM8GWhUgNxjR0BiCMLnFmvcF/s640/98362171_10163812138000105_794162096097984512_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We're back in Southern Arizona enduring the heat and wildfires. Please think good thoughts for our Mt. Lemmon. The Bighorn Fire was caused by a lightning strike for about a week now. As we were arriving back into Tucson, we hit the huge lightning storm. It has done some major damage to the mountain. I hope we can get it under control. Fire is good but it's not cool when you have your friend's home in danger of getting burned down. It's painful to watch the wildlife flee their homes off the mountain. June is already a stressful time for all the critters with water and heat being major factors. And the smoke! Is it covid or smoke that's causing the headaches? It's one thing after another these days. Next week, we take a longer and deeper look into the magic of Southeastern Arizona birding. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not my image, from ABC 15 news</td></tr>
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Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-15951080727257495932020-06-12T11:22:00.000-07:002020-06-12T11:22:20.392-07:00Ocean Tides<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not social distancing. The CDC recommends wearing a mask if you decide to get that close:) </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As the desert heat overtook Tucson, we made an escape to the much cooler California coast. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Oystercatcher</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We found some open and lovely spaces to keep away from the crowds. And when we encountered groups of people, we wore our masks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was a much needed mental break from the day-to-day routine. It was also great to see that in many parts of Southern California that 90 percent of the people wore facial masks and observed social distancing. It wasn't until we got closer to the Orange County border that we noticed more people not wearing them. La Jolla was a great example of people NOT wearing masks or observing the 6 foot rule. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love it when people paint on the beach. So nice to see. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We sat in our chairs and watched the waves crash against the shore. As the tide began to rise, the cold waters began to erase the footprints on the sand. The waves hit the ending beach point of the nearby estuary. Ocean waters rushed into the salt marsh with great vigor forcing the inland river to rise. Slowly the sand eroded around us and the beach disappeared. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Snowy Egret has yellow feet</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hundreds of terns flew over the "sweet spot" where the river and ocean met. There, they collected tiny fish from the waters. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Sea Lions</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The sun filtered through the clouds. And often the clouds won their gray battles. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the beaches of Torrey Pines</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was during that night of the ocean tides entering the salt marsh that I noticed a pair of Gull-billed Terns hunt over the tidal rivers of the marsh. At one point, I saw a bird collecting nesting material. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My only 2020 lifer so far, the Gull-billed Tern!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This has been such a strange year. We have a fire on our mountain in Tucson. Then there's the George Floyd protests amid the rising number of covid cases in AZ. And then my summer job was cancelled. No summer school. We don't even know how school will start up with the cases on the rise again. My Panama trip was cancelled yet airlines want everyone to get back on a plane like it's okay when clearly it's not. There's a lot of mixed messaging happening. We talk about all lives having value and yet we are allowing our elderly to die at elevated rates over money. Basically, we're all on our own even when they annoyingly say, "We're all in this together." No we are not. So watching terns at an estuary was a welcome mental retreat. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California ground squirrel</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">You can see people wanting to get back to normal. California state closed the parking lots to national and state parks making access to the beaches almost impossible. I know little tricks to avoid the public craziness, but even I had challenges on this adventure. We figured it all out and had a great time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Snowy Plovers were in good numbers as were terns and other shorebirds. It was a lot of fun doing some ocean birding and getting out of the Arizona heat. I actually felt a spark of excitement on this trip after observing the tern. The road is calling for me again. In the next post, I'll cover ID points for terns and some other fun observations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Our first day on the beach was a welcome moment. Like a mental sigh of relief. I didn't realize how much stress I have been carrying inside of me. Ocean breezes, cooler temps, awesome birds and lots of people watching. Life finds a way to go on even during a pandemic. Until next time....</span></div>
Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-35824615750357669872020-05-31T00:00:00.000-07:002020-06-20T16:13:31.530-07:00To Live Each Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pima County has really seen numbers of Crested Caracaras jump. I can't believe how many times I've seen these birds this year. I finally have a shot I can make into a larger photo for the wall. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">If you knew what your "end date" would be, how would you live your life? Would you wait for it to come? Would you seize the moment and live it the best that you could? Would you say your good-byes to friends and family? How would you do it? Back in the summer of 1987, I saw my past, present and future flash before my eyes. I learned a huge lesson from my Grandpa who was looking forward to retirement and passed away before his time, seize the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">All of it ended with a massive heart attack while working outside in his backyard. For the years I knew him, he was a happy man, most of the time:) We found adventure around every corner of their backyard along the river and woods, or while boating on Lake Michigan, or while eating at a restaurant in town....and even while gardening with grandma! Sometimes I hated it because she had a HUGE garden! Even breakfast in the morning was fun because we looked forward to visitors joining us telling us what they were going to do for the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I remember sitting that first Christmas without him. Nothing was quite the same again. It was as if life had lost its flavor. The holiday had also died for me on that day. A similar situation happened while standing outside in the snow while I looked into my parent's home at my grandma surrounded by family and relatives. I saw my grandma, dad, his brother, and her niece all standing together. My little sister joined me and I told her to memorize that moment. The following year, my grandma passed away. As a child, I memorized every little space of their home and gardens. The dinner smells, the Sunday drives, the conversations, the games we played.....and the toys in that hallway closet. They were all very special moments</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Like most of us, we learn from our families and if we look close enough, there are lessons to be learned from each of our friends, siblings, parents and grandparents. I write about these two individuals because they were some of the people who helped me define how I looked at life. One was looking forward to retiring while the other waited for death to happen. During our weekly conversations, Grandma Rohrer had once told me that living longer than her friends and husband was awful, especially when she couldn't see or use her hands due to arthritis. Four of her favorite past times were reading, cooking, gardening and the thing that isn't quite sewing. Crochet? Anyhow, they both taught me to live life NOW. Sometimes, it may seem in the eyes of others, selfish but I don't want to be on that bed dying regretting not having lived. I became a teacher so that I didn't have to have kids of my own and explore the planet for study. My siblings have more than made up for the nephews and nieces count:)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My third year of teaching on the island of Santiago in Cape Verde off the coast of West Africa</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I was struck recently by this quote "Because it's not enough to just live. You have to have something to live for." For some, it's having children. For others, it's something else. For me, my purpose is through teaching, conservation work and the exploration of the unknown. I know that when I'm gone, I will have left my mark. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hu0jKIb7590/XtK6giZTooI/AAAAAAAAqDg/a7gD-pk-058PUslthLz9wvpgcxFJmdzHQCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/Chris%2527s%2BPictures%2B191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hu0jKIb7590/XtK6giZTooI/AAAAAAAAqDg/a7gD-pk-058PUslthLz9wvpgcxFJmdzHQCPcBGAsYHg/s640/Chris%2527s%2BPictures%2B191.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little sis and I enjoy a fun trek to Rio Dulce in Guatemala</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Fortunately most people get to enjoy their retirement. But I think retirement can also be a little like this covid era living. With a lack of focus and the unknown, every day seems like one endless day after another. Often many people get depressed. I deal with this stress by going out birding, but with the 100+ temps now, it isn't easy. Many people have felt locked up and lost. At the beginning of my writes since this lock down, I wrote about how nice it was to get this break in life. I may have changed my tune a bit:)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdeSrrsOL6g/XtK6p2i8sgI/AAAAAAAAqDk/Mk5zKV3FsVsYpmeDR6edXqpMhk5sY4yHACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/205697_1027287477046_4134_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="455" height="636" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdeSrrsOL6g/XtK6p2i8sgI/AAAAAAAAqDk/Mk5zKV3FsVsYpmeDR6edXqpMhk5sY4yHACPcBGAsYHg/s640/205697_1027287477046_4134_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In 2008, we hiked the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As this has all gone on now for some time, I have also noticed entire life changes happening for friends who have found their way of living forever altered. For 10 years, I have assumed that I would have a long time to bird around the world. I have also assumed that others would be able to do the same thing, or for at least a longer time. It doesn't work that way and it's that realization that's beginning to sink in now. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSRoEAEFjxg/XtK3tm474WI/AAAAAAAAqDA/YyjMVZFkAlEFeXO-dBafNxrKwZhwjHSWACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_4272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSRoEAEFjxg/XtK3tm474WI/AAAAAAAAqDA/YyjMVZFkAlEFeXO-dBafNxrKwZhwjHSWACPcBGAsYHg/s640/IMG_4272.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm super disappointed that I won't be able to see this guy again, Ivan from Gamboa, Panama this year. Maybe next year. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Last year, it struck close to home when both my father and friend's husband had to go through major surgeries. Our plans changed and we made it work. It was a lot of fun. Last October, my health took a turn for the worse. And this year Covid put an end to our planned Panama trek. We got the phone call on Wednesday that all flights into Panama were cancelled. In some ways, it was a relief helping me organize Plan B. But even with that, there have been personal complications. And at the moment, if I am to be completely honest, I feel lost. However, something deep inside of me tells me to get into my vehicle and go. It's a bit scary and it shouldn't be. I used to do it all the time. Ah age! It makes us a bit more wary. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UoAYFRo2IkE/XtK8uPjo5vI/AAAAAAAAqDs/EhoZfWAB86Iqa1Bsn9SVKmgPwXKHTJsIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/83966218_572501560369196_8101318492269051904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="960" height="472" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UoAYFRo2IkE/XtK8uPjo5vI/AAAAAAAAqDs/EhoZfWAB86Iqa1Bsn9SVKmgPwXKHTJsIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/83966218_572501560369196_8101318492269051904_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Alan Van Norman; to see how good I am at taking nightjar photos....here's my attempt below! LOL. I've seen these birds a lot, but I never can get this kind of photo:) Nor do I really try. I just like listening to their staccato song. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8dxkwGRYf8U/XtK9XQnNl9I/AAAAAAAAqD0/ukUMtFkicscbtSCuiGF_7mjS8QroXqFuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_2962%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8dxkwGRYf8U/XtK9XQnNl9I/AAAAAAAAqD0/ukUMtFkicscbtSCuiGF_7mjS8QroXqFuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_2962%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Over the past week, I helped a friend with a client who had survived covid. We went to a remote area along the border that requires a bit of security. It was a beautiful evening as we went into the remote canyons far far away from civilization. There we sat under the starry sky and listened to the Buff-collared Nightjar. Absolutely wonderful.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-K-zGBWlHo/XtK-liaXjbI/AAAAAAAAqEE/L7waZqfrb1MIchcBVEyBstcxl9RYrCcagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/99275597_10163820732170105_7858863765888958464_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-K-zGBWlHo/XtK-liaXjbI/AAAAAAAAqEE/L7waZqfrb1MIchcBVEyBstcxl9RYrCcagCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/99275597_10163820732170105_7858863765888958464_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The day before, I was in Ajo with my friend Celeste and Cheroot. We went into the Alamos Canyon area of Organ Pipe and as we exited the canyon, Celeste's vehicle began to experience a really bad grinding sound. A stupid rock got caught between her brakes! We didn't want to do further damage to the vehicle, which I believe it would have done had we kept driving. Thankfully, we were able to flag down some border patrol agents in this very remote area. We did have plenty of food and water with us, thanks to Celeste. Poor Cheroot had a very long day as we were towed back into Tucson. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQzkndHPEGQ/XtK-jWfPw9I/AAAAAAAAqEA/35MvygmNcHI7mzJDXBz8pYE_By1KEK8kACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/101326997_10219337931093620_4716729145982189568_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQzkndHPEGQ/XtK-jWfPw9I/AAAAAAAAqEA/35MvygmNcHI7mzJDXBz8pYE_By1KEK8kACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/101326997_10219337931093620_4716729145982189568_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luna helps me unpack my canvas prints from my tropical series from Trinidad and Costa Rica</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Life is always full of good and bad surprises. The older I get, the more I think it gets to be a bit more unpredictable. I completed my room project during this time off. My photography only makes me want to get back into the field even more. For now, I have postponed the dream. If October happens, I will treat myself to a monk's sanctuary in Guatemala to celebrate my birthday. It will be a spiritual retreat. And if December happens, I plan on going with my other half to Hawaii. There are still so many unknowns in every sense of that word, but I will seize the day and live a full life. We will reschedule our Panama trek for next year. I mean after all, finding a Harpy Eagle is on my bucket list. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPihl6kNVEk/XtK-jbS9GnI/AAAAAAAAqD8/Wb5A7IDsLMY69GBrgEB3D4nA1Q5bJcqKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/100082302_10219316562319414_3524770722276704256_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPihl6kNVEk/XtK-jbS9GnI/AAAAAAAAqD8/Wb5A7IDsLMY69GBrgEB3D4nA1Q5bJcqKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/100082302_10219316562319414_3524770722276704256_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They say Ferruginous Pygmy Owls are all over Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument 😉<br />
Why pay a million dollars in Texas to go to King's Ranch when you can see much more for free here? Just saying.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So we have rescheduled for next year. It will be a big event as I mark a very important milestone in my life, the anniversary of embracing the life of a birder. I have changed as a person. And my life has changed because of it. Until next time....</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVLAXoTs1Kw/XtK_xyQy-XI/AAAAAAAAqEQ/JYyGHAvoTVM_CTA6u2y3wdw_IRLkk8PwACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/Brushfinch%2B076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1600" height="330" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVLAXoTs1Kw/XtK_xyQy-XI/AAAAAAAAqEQ/JYyGHAvoTVM_CTA6u2y3wdw_IRLkk8PwACPcBGAsYHg/s640/Brushfinch%2B076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I stand on a hillside overlooking the town of Antigua, Guatemala with an active volcano in the background. It continues to remain one of the places on this planet that I feel most connected to spiritually. Mexico, Guatemala and certain spots around Central America hold some amazing places</td></tr>
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Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-5580251582223188192020-05-25T13:45:00.000-07:002020-05-25T13:54:43.456-07:00A Mental Pause<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAXj7SMJ12g/XsgP05jul4I/AAAAAAAAp-o/ifFLhb5Y0hEssMRDWl3TY-KFz3EFjubYACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_2096%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="1594" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAXj7SMJ12g/XsgP05jul4I/AAAAAAAAp-o/ifFLhb5Y0hEssMRDWl3TY-KFz3EFjubYACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_2096%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Bluebird</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">After the constant chases for really rare birds, it was time to take a break from all this Covid madness. We headed up to the White Mountains to celebrate the end of our school year party. Usually we go to Mexico, but this year, we altered the plan and chose cooler temps. Plus the border is closed:(</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6y9WWrkNco/XswAE8ZdOlI/AAAAAAAAqAc/4soubF5ci-kgAlJJa9K-M-vKBWPNC0bFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/98434625_844696066015139_7803146460828008448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6y9WWrkNco/XswAE8ZdOlI/AAAAAAAAqAc/4soubF5ci-kgAlJJa9K-M-vKBWPNC0bFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/98434625_844696066015139_7803146460828008448_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I went with my peeps where we drank beer, hiked and of course, watched birds, Elk, Pronghorn and so many other critters! They have eased restrictions in many places around the state and we were able to have our first beer together in public. I didn't realize how wonderful that would feel. And there was live music! It was a well earned break.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltNDj2ZzOzQ/XsgP4xmWe4I/AAAAAAAAp-s/QcW4lGAO7Wsn16HXWqz2XG8O6xOhgmesQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_2107%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="1600" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ltNDj2ZzOzQ/XsgP4xmWe4I/AAAAAAAAp-s/QcW4lGAO7Wsn16HXWqz2XG8O6xOhgmesQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_2107%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vesper Sparrow</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was also a working vacation so we brought our laptops and had zoom meetings. This was the final week of school! We were at our whit's end with some of our students. And unfortunately with some parents who didn't monitor their kids better. I hope, but I doubt it, that they can appreciate our classroom management skills now. Things are still not normal. Summer school was cancelled after much discussion. Many parents refused to do online summer school (I get it) but it couldn't be done. Now there will be no summer school making the consequences for students who failed courses much more meaningful. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXJW54bRtBI/XsgP-rIQIDI/AAAAAAAAp-w/tTJhFI5rdIUYS4iipQSRJq3_wp6OBSR6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_2136%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXJW54bRtBI/XsgP-rIQIDI/AAAAAAAAp-w/tTJhFI5rdIUYS4iipQSRJq3_wp6OBSR6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_2136%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Band-tailed Pigeon</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It certainly has been a challenging time for all of us. Parents are NOT teachers. And we are NOT parents. A lot of students did a great job online, but for the ones who didn't do any work, it made things very stressful. Sometimes I'd have to break quarantine and go to school and call parents. I'm certainly not calling them on my personal phone! From my work phone, they got an earful...in a kind and wonderful way. But it was direct and to the point. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mqlSDYZmoqE/XswBCDD4tYI/AAAAAAAAqAk/Bw-tMbP5neoi3CaZEDwbWvbss4WZX9lvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/98036742_10219271871082161_7946701469204348928_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mqlSDYZmoqE/XswBCDD4tYI/AAAAAAAAqAk/Bw-tMbP5neoi3CaZEDwbWvbss4WZX9lvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/98036742_10219271871082161_7946701469204348928_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We gave our seniors a proper send off. It wasn't the same though and for many, it hit them that night as they wouldn't be able to throw tortillas into the air and say good-bye to one another. I felt their sadness on this day. I volunteered because believe it or not, I missed them. (Don't share that information with any of them though:) I felt a little bit of moisture around my eyes and rubbed it away. It must have been allergies. However, our school did a great job giving those kids....those young adults....a proper closure. The admin did a huge amount of work organizing this major operation in a safe manner for all. My hats off to them!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju5cv1C7new/XsgQCZTv-KI/AAAAAAAAp-0/FFPluth7CQE83Wjyq50c3flt5hOFC0g7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_2177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="1381" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju5cv1C7new/XsgQCZTv-KI/AAAAAAAAp-0/FFPluth7CQE83Wjyq50c3flt5hOFC0g7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_2177.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bullock's Oriole</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As we were signing off, I also had the hard realization that my Panama trip would be cancelled. The Corona virus has taken off in Central and South American countries. The borders into Mexico are closed. Panama has banned all commercial flights into the country. I haven't seen my friend Gordon, who was supposed to go on this trip, in over 2 MONTHS! In fact, I miss many of my birder friends. Watching the Seniors at graduation process their final days also forced me to realistically evaluate what would happen for the summer. It put me in a funk. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQufAmSI1Yc/XsgQEd-HLzI/AAAAAAAAp-4/WlQIUXyQ4WYhoFwMfxPNByZtxjA8zWCAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_2191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1600" height="404" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQufAmSI1Yc/XsgQEd-HLzI/AAAAAAAAp-4/WlQIUXyQ4WYhoFwMfxPNByZtxjA8zWCAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_2191.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert Grassland Whiptail</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The silver lining? Our Tucson Audubon fundraising event was more than a success! We raised over 53 thousand dollars for this year's birdathon fundraising drive! We were super thrilled! There were more participants this year AND we raised more money for a great cause!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There are days when I feel like I'm moving from one endless morning into another. Summer has officially started for teachers here with those lovely hot 100 + temps. All of us are in this uncertainty cloud. Summer is about renewal for us. Now, there is nothing to look forward to. There is just a lot of unknowns. It was good to hear that I'm not the only one dealing with this stuff. I still hold onto my Panama ticket with the dreams that I will be able to go even though our group will not. It's not going to happen. The Harpy Eagle will have to wait. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EZQaGr5gc_Q/XsgQMDCY_uI/AAAAAAAAp_E/oKPZd3OhrlAIKFUVwP9SnngXrxz60COQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_2224%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EZQaGr5gc_Q/XsgQMDCY_uI/AAAAAAAAp_E/oKPZd3OhrlAIKFUVwP9SnngXrxz60COQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_2224%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-breasted Chat</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh I still look at our AZ birds with a great fondness. But I'm a gypsy at heart. My hunger to learn more is ever present. I have put together the last of my western birds that I need for my Plan B Tufted Puffin project. Plus, it's an escape from the heat. It would be a beautiful trek into California, Oregon, Washington, Montana and Idaho states. There are 17 life birds left in this region. Assuming I find all these birds, there will be little need to visit the Northwest again. Over the years, I have enjoyed dipping on the Gunnison Sage-Grouse in Colorado because it just means I get to keep going back there and trying. There is the Black Swift under a waterfall in Ouray, Colorado that I need to visit. So on and on it goes, but I see the end coming for these states. And it's hard to imagine never going back to them again. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmWjkBtKPkk/XsgQX5MOAQI/AAAAAAAAp_M/GugNoK5QxKYG4rC9kg-jK7FhxfG_J803ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_2593%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmWjkBtKPkk/XsgQX5MOAQI/AAAAAAAAp_M/GugNoK5QxKYG4rC9kg-jK7FhxfG_J803ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_2593%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">10,000 life birds is a dream. They keep me focused like a laser pointer. In Arizona, what was once a challenge for me, is now known and memorized. I still pick up a few things here and there about our local birds. They are still interesting, but it's not new. I have this drive to push the envelope. And my focus has wandered. Reptiles have captured my interest. This year alone, I have actively sought, or not, snakes! What is happening? The things that scare me are now the things I really want to learn about! Of course, having a friend like Celeste who loves herps has made me more curious about them. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-241fHVtq_xo/XsgQdsuXqLI/AAAAAAAAp_Q/JQdBeJeedhUFnnxbuADQ_jHWTJ7jK2pTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_2083%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1600" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-241fHVtq_xo/XsgQdsuXqLI/AAAAAAAAp_Q/JQdBeJeedhUFnnxbuADQ_jHWTJ7jK2pTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_2083%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow-headed Blackbird</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">One night, while I walked out into my garden and filled my bird feeders, I saw the moon flowers of my night blooming cacti. The air carried the heavy fragrance of the honeysuckle vine. It was my little moment of perfection here in Tucson. In my garden, I have created a home for wildlife. I find that I've been turning more into a local naturalist. My cats certainly approve! They do a great job chasing the White-winged Doves off of the window feeders!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm glad to be able to bird with my friends who are here. My mind is also with my friends afar. And my thoughts wander towards those who have life circumstances that have redefined their explorations for now. Birding used to be so easy. Our lives are like an hour glass; we only have so much time before that sand runs out. It's been a meaningful time for many of us learning that we are all social creatures. For some, this is a dream! I used to take some of my travel for granted, in that I could always do it if I wanted. Now that everything has been turned upside down, I crave that time with other people wanting to do those treks to new worlds and cultures. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My brother back in Wisconsin has been enjoying the massive migration of the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. And of my family, I think he is the one who understands my love for birds the most. Granted, a lot of my family loves the birds, but he has a bird book! And he was able to pick out an Orchard Oriole. Maybe one day when we are older and retired, my brother and I will go on a birding trek somewhere and do some hiking. This is certainly a time of great pause in our lives. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The canopy of a Central American rain forest will have to wait. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Next week, we explore the border along Southeastern Arizona. It's a rare trek for two days into some really wild country! Until next time.....</span><br />
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Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-25427827725251139472020-05-21T15:19:00.000-07:002020-05-22T10:37:36.518-07:00Opening the Floodgates<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Before I begin this report, I need to let you all know that I have been waiting to get one particular shot for this post today. It only took me 3 attempts to do so! I apologize for the late posting. Now on with the show.....</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Arctic Tern shows up. Historical records say that this would be the 7th sighting for the state and a first photo documented bird!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This year has been quite slow in the "crazy rarities" chase. That was until April happened. Strange reports have been coming from homeowners across Southeastern Arizona about odd bird sounds around their patches and also about rare birds being seen around their feeders! In fact, a birder reported that she thought she heard a different trogon around her patch. Elegant Trogons are "common" and expected down here. Many of us who bird here are very familiar with their calls. Her thought was that the call being made was that of a Mountain Trogon. The bird was never confirmed. But it is one of the next expected birds to show up in Southeastern Arizona. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will a Mountain Trogon be a first record for the state?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Over the years, there have been secret sightings of breeding Blue Mockingbirds. These rarities have shown up in Arizona before and are definitely considered by birders to be gems. But it's the first state report of a species that gets birders into a frenzy! And then all birders from the 1st Age to the present come together as they look at each other in great mystery. "Are you the great Gandalf we see on ancient ebird reports?", asks the young birder who spends all their time researching historical data from the 1900's. Some wear an invisible cloak like that of the Black Rail, rarely seen but always heard.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Mockingbirds have been seen and banded in Arizona</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Other rare gems include the Yellow Grosbeak, Eared Quetzal, or Aztec Thrush. A birder in Arizona has the potential for a real exciting time here. Others claim, there's a secret population of Thick-billed Parrots hiding in the mystical Chiricahua Mountains! But these are stories for another time. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fan-tailed Warbler</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Often I believe that I'll never see such crazy things happen. Never in my life would I have expected to see a Fan-tailed Warbler, Pine Flycatcher or 3 species of storm petrels in the desert, but it happens. And usually, it's not all at once. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLJSa4aGaVo/XrWjZrobeEI/AAAAAAAApuU/JS6Pu2PfPjA3Cbd3QukpcBaYDNsj06WQwCK4BGAsYHg/DSC_1923%2B%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2112" data-original-width="3221" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLJSa4aGaVo/XrWjZrobeEI/AAAAAAAApuU/JS6Pu2PfPjA3Cbd3QukpcBaYDNsj06WQwCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h420/DSC_1923%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berylline Hummingbird</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As I shoot forward into the present, I am confounded by a great mystery in my mind. For the past 3 weeks, several amazing discoveries have happened here in Arizona. Normally a Berylline Hummingbird has been a rare yet regular late spring/summer visitor. About 2 years ago, they became easier to see again. Before my time, White-eared and Berylline Hummingbirds seemed a bit more regular until we had the massive fires on the Huachuca Mountains during that first decade of 2000. From that time, they've been one day wonders. Last year there was a late staying Berylline Hummingbird in Portal at the Southwestern Research Station. The current Berylline Hummingbird has been at the Santa Rita Lodge feeders for a few weeks now. White-eared Hummingbirds are also beginning to nest again in small yet stable populations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">One night recently, I escaped the heat with a friend into the world renowned Madera Canyon and was floored to see a Berylline at the feeders! I don't keep up with the rarities outside of Pima County unless I haven't seen the bird in Pima or the state of Arizona so this was a fun surprise!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plain-capped Starthroat</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Another fun hummingbird that can show up this time of year is the Plain-capped Starthroat. What a thrill!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Then something even crazier happened. In the magical, mystical mountains of the Chiricahuas, a birder discovered a pair of breeding Crescent-chested Warblers! And even more than that, there were more than 2 warblers in this remote canyon! Never in my life had I expected to see these birds in the US. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But then again, Tufted Flycatchers, Flame-colored Tanagers and Slate-throated Redstarts have also bred here. In fact, the Flame-colored Tanagers are back again near Ramsey Canyon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Birders, during this pandemic, went crazy and broke quarantine as only birders can and will do. Hundreds from all across the US drove(or flew!) and camped in this beautiful canyon to see these very visible warblers. They are still present today. This will be a first record for the US if these birds successfully nest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But it gets better. I thought, "Ok, this will be the bird of the year or summer." But I was wrong again. On Friday of last week, a Clay-colored Thrush was reported!!! And in Pima County! This is yet ANOTHER Mexican bird. One was seen last year in Portal but the record wasn't accepted. However that may now change with this very public bird! It will be the first record for Pima County.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clay-colored Thrush</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And how quickly we forget about last year's surprise first record, the White-throated Thrush! These birds are adding up to something bigger. Evidence that Mexican birds are moving up into Southeastern Arizona and beginning to breed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We are often chided as idiots here in the US by savage mongrels. "Climate change is a hoax." Is it? While Arizona has always had Mexican vagrants show up here in the state, we are noticing trends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Ten years ago, it was tough finding Black-capped Gnatcatchers, Rufous-capped Warblers, Rose-throated Becards, Green Kingfishers and even Elegant Trogons. I remember a birder once saying that Elegant Trogons could never be found in Pima County. And if the world wasn't changing, he would be correct. But we are finding Elegant Trogons expanding their ranges as are all these other species. Today, Trogons are almost a given. I say almost because I still hear stories from birders about how they chased these birds for 40 days and 40 nights:) With the right patience and timing, you can find all these gems here in Southeastern Arizona.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birders have had a fun time watching incredible birds out in the field</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Of course, the mysteries still continue. We await the report of a Rusty Sparrow or White-tipped Dove which are only miles south of our Arizona/Mexico border. There are many more species on that list, but over the past 5 years, we have been observing an increasing trend of Mexican vagrants. It certainly makes Arizona birding fun but it is also an alarm that change is happening. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I expect the first tern I'd see this year in AZ would be a Forster's. Turns out I was wrong. It would be a state and Pima County first Arctic Tern</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Why are these birds here? Has habitat been lost in Mexico that's affecting these birds? An air flow change? Or are the birds increasing in population and expanding their range like our Elegant Trogons and Black-capped Gnatcatchers? Did the quarantine of human kind affect migration habits of the birds this year? Are waterways affecting bird habitat in the state of Sonora and Arizona?</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheroot shares a bit of cheese during a lunch break while observing the nesting Crescent-chested Warblers</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">One thing is certain. Change is happening. I know in Pima County, there have been some great changes happening here. We've created better birding hotspots. Or we're improving the quality of known birding hotspots. It has been exciting for many of us who live in this area as we are seeing a real change happening around us. Much of this thanks in part to Tucson Audubon and Pima County with thousands of hours put in by workers and volunteers! Water is the key to everything here in the desert. And the birds are gravitating towards these places. As I've said before, Arizona birding attracts a lot of people from all over the world and the quality of birder has also gotten better, thanks in part to the dedication of ebird reviewers and bird leaders. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As for the lady who reported a possible Mountain Trogon. I believe you heard something different and I won't be shocked if someone reports one at some point. Will Military Macaws show up next? There had been a report and pics of them in Patagonia many many years ago before the time of ebird and digital documentation. What about a Black-throated Magpie-Jay? Elegant Quail? We are watching the world unwind. It is both exciting and sad at the same time. People can deny all they want. But we, the birders, see it happening in front of our very eyes. I've posted some very terrible videos of two great thrushes below. Both times I had these birds alone in the wild. Very special observations indeed!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birders wait and wait and wait.....for the superstar, the Clay-colored Thrush</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Until next time.......</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We spend the evening listening to the beautiful song of the Clay-colored Thrush at the Arivaca Cienega creek</td></tr>
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Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-87935078597840462672020-05-06T11:12:00.002-07:002020-05-06T11:37:53.960-07:00Wrenegades 2020 Birdathon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /><font size="6">Dear friends of Las Aventuras, </font></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6"><br /></font></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6">I'm sorry for the delay in blog posts. I have been working on documentation for two separate writes for this week and next. It has been a lot of fun and it has definitely taken my mind off of our current situation. This past weekend we did some important fundraising for Tucson Audubon. I'd like to thank all the people who donated to our team, the Wrenegades. We've raised some good money to protect Southeastern Arizona's birds, habitat and wildlife!<br /></font>
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<font size="6"><br /></font></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6">Obviously, this year we had to do things differently. The team had to break up and work within our circles of family and friends being socially distant and responsible. In this post, you'll see how we accomplished our goals separately and yet together using technology to communicate. </font></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6"><br /></font></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SsEYkoyzSsc/XrLqY9touHI/AAAAAAAAprM/6Be4SyJBiuAW4b4eta9OlZu-6vlAxMSkgCK4BGAsYHg/94143961_10219034681272564_2581957291213324288_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SsEYkoyzSsc/XrLqY9touHI/AAAAAAAAprM/6Be4SyJBiuAW4b4eta9OlZu-6vlAxMSkgCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h640/94143961_10219034681272564_2581957291213324288_o%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="I bird safely with a scope and a car. My friend does the same." width="640" /></a></div><font size="6"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6"><br /></font></div>I was responsible for the shorebirds migrating through the state right now. I went with my friend Celeste and her furry pooch, Cheroot. Together we saw some amazing birds. You'll see some of our finds in today's posts. Much of our energy was spent around water areas like Lake Cochise in Willcox and the riparian area near the San Pedro House. It was a gorgeous day!<br /></font>
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6">In Arizona, especially southeastern Arizona, there is a lot of habitat to cover. While I took the Cochise county sector, Captain Jennie(MacFarland) Wren covered the Santa Cruz county area with Richard Fray and together they found such amazing birds like the Thick-billed Kingbird along the DeAnza trail. </font></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6"><br /></font></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNh_aRMLrvU/XrLrs4J2TlI/AAAAAAAAprg/myQ6pijnsqYw8gd95M4SGoqynqpxNODJwCK4BGAsYHg/10310683_medium.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="250" height="278" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNh_aRMLrvU/XrLrs4J2TlI/AAAAAAAAprg/myQ6pijnsqYw8gd95M4SGoqynqpxNODJwCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h278/10310683_medium.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6">Her area is great for vultures, like the Black Vulture, and other hawks. There are also great sparrows like the Rufous-winged Sparrow just waiting to be found. And they did!</font></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JemiaUH6PTs/Xq7llSBh3PI/AAAAAAAApqo/2M5CNdeF0G4a8o2Jy666RwFwB8TlZ8peQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1616%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JemiaUH6PTs/Xq7llSBh3PI/AAAAAAAApqo/2M5CNdeF0G4a8o2Jy666RwFwB8TlZ8peQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_1616%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Avocet</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6">Throughout the day, we kept in contact with Jennie and reported our finds. She kept together the checklist as we all accomplished our goals. Jennie and Richard birded from home. It also helps to live in Rio Rico where the wildlife is outstanding. It's near a lot of great birding hotspots along the I 19 corridor. </font></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61u9JsfCitw/XrLr-EWLAiI/AAAAAAAAprs/ZNym4YfblE0t-aZ5dktDxnK6gUblYYmjgCK4BGAsYHg/95283444_10109783346881322_2078504531901022208_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="960" height="430" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-61u9JsfCitw/XrLr-EWLAiI/AAAAAAAAprs/ZNym4YfblE0t-aZ5dktDxnK6gUblYYmjgCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h430/95283444_10109783346881322_2078504531901022208_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6">Meanwhile, Wrenegade's team member Sara Derouen Pike, took to the local state parks and city parks with her family to find such treasures like the Northern Beardless Tyrannulet. Sometimes we get so busy that we forget the "basics". You know......Rock Pigeons, European Starlings and House Sparrows. And in our case for that day, we didn't have a Black-tailed Gnatcatcher on our list! Sara saved the day and found us one! </font></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_BV3AXX6MY/XrLsp7SPw7I/AAAAAAAApr4/US5Rk8Xk8g8d2czAlPJnvZ0AB35fn8X2QCK4BGAsYHg/95380064_10223085751151289_9075887507064750080_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_BV3AXX6MY/XrLsp7SPw7I/AAAAAAAApr4/US5Rk8Xk8g8d2czAlPJnvZ0AB35fn8X2QCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h480/95380064_10223085751151289_9075887507064750080_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6">So many birds and just not enough time in ONE day to find them all! Arizona birding is amazing. </font></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUliqyPA1gA/Xq7lom34qXI/AAAAAAAApqs/i_ybt0BBTOkwrIqRsPeGLFj9ETG8d_pUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1667%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUliqyPA1gA/Xq7lom34qXI/AAAAAAAApqs/i_ybt0BBTOkwrIqRsPeGLFj9ETG8d_pUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_1667%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White-faced Ibis</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6">Sometimes I will find random birds that I wasn't expecting to get on my list like the nomadic American White Pelican. What a treat! These are inland pelicans but not always guaranteed on our counts. </font></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRug3PlElNg/Xq7lsjeqDpI/AAAAAAAApqw/mQdOkYeaFIQUPlvN0oT5tMlayCCzL1xBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1645%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="American White Pelican" border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1600" height="374" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRug3PlElNg/Xq7lsjeqDpI/AAAAAAAApqw/mQdOkYeaFIQUPlvN0oT5tMlayCCzL1xBQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h374/DSC_1645%2B%25282%2529.JPG" title="American White Pelican" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American White Pelican<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><font size="6">Often times, a lot of our amazing shorebird species are overlooked. Some of them are too confusing I hear people say, but if you get a close up look, they are quite beautiful. </font><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxaq9MBz_1o/Xqh7wSgMutI/AAAAAAAAppU/HbUUfdSamVQQNUuHzAUAckI6h324pZfuACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_1114%2B%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxaq9MBz_1o/Xqh7wSgMutI/AAAAAAAAppU/HbUUfdSamVQQNUuHzAUAckI6h324pZfuACPcBGAsYHg/s640/DSC_1114%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6">Like sparrows, the sandpiper group can be difficult for beginning birders. They can even be difficult for expert birders if they are in the wrong light! Thankfully, this Western Sandpiper posed nicely for the camera where I could observe that nice rufousy cap with black legs. There are some rufous patches on the back that also help with this ID. </font></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWDIcDavJgM/Xqh7wRZ10JI/AAAAAAAAppU/MU9597N-aVgdmPvbvJkUF3NkwITOBSjZACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_1047%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Western Sandpiper" border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1440" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWDIcDavJgM/Xqh7wRZ10JI/AAAAAAAAppU/MU9597N-aVgdmPvbvJkUF3NkwITOBSjZACPcBGAsYHg/w640-h438/DSC_1047%2B%25282%2529.JPG" title="Western Sandpiper" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Sandpiper</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: xx-large;">I failed to find any Baird's Sandpipers, but we did find quite a few Least, Spotted and Western Sandpipers. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: xx-large;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_GdmjXNOv4/Xqh7wZN5T2I/AAAAAAAAppU/le7BwO-XDeECgewZESvgmx8YKh51yTT1wCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_1068%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_GdmjXNOv4/Xqh7wZN5T2I/AAAAAAAAppU/le7BwO-XDeECgewZESvgmx8YKh51yTT1wCPcBGAsYHg/s640/DSC_1068%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6">It may shock some people to hear that we even have Willets pass through Tucson. Where's the water? Again we don't have many watering holes, but where there is water, there can be waterbirds! It's important to check them daily as birds come and go. And during our birdathon, we checked Willcox Lake several times to pick up new birds during each visit. </font></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCwDPcc2s6Y/Xqh7wTd2_wI/AAAAAAAAppU/RssrMUuXJzYrKJ2_UOw7JRlWzJ45E2_1ACPcBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_1214%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCwDPcc2s6Y/Xqh7wTd2_wI/AAAAAAAAppU/RssrMUuXJzYrKJ2_UOw7JRlWzJ45E2_1ACPcBGAsYHg/s640/DSC_1214%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Willet</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6">Meanwhile, our very own Matt Griffiths took social distancing and birding to the next level. This guy BIKED from Tucson up into canyons of Mt. Lemmon! He was the last to report from our group because he was out of wifi range. My hat goes off to Matt. I'd be dead trying to do that route. The ride up Catalina highway is a steep, hot and dangerous one. There can be so much traffic as well. Years ago I used to bike marathons. Today, not so much. He'd blow it off as nothing, but what he did was an amazing feat of birding. Meanwhile, Celeste, Cheroot and myself sat in the shade and ate lunch with a nice cold coke. That's my kind of birding:) </font></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZbM-CNFAsQ/XrLt9sv_E2I/AAAAAAAApsg/rxPDj_V3rqgV-ccndtlsYwavgdZf1JVEwCK4BGAsYHg/95528718_3889676991102266_916387386349322240_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IZbM-CNFAsQ/XrLt9sv_E2I/AAAAAAAApsg/rxPDj_V3rqgV-ccndtlsYwavgdZf1JVEwCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h480/95528718_3889676991102266_916387386349322240_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: xx-large;">I like the walks, but it's over one hundred degrees now here in Tucson. You bird in the morning or in the evening. And if you have a strong desire to bird the whole day, you go up into the higher elevations or bird from the a/c of your car. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj3qvhy3nQg/Xqh7wd6QxxI/AAAAAAAAppU/eXSTGnk1mTIva4ItkebG1JpTZx82zMazgCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_1203%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Willets" border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj3qvhy3nQg/Xqh7wd6QxxI/AAAAAAAAppU/eXSTGnk1mTIva4ItkebG1JpTZx82zMazgCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h370/DSC_1203%2B%25282%2529.JPG" title="Willets" width="640" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6">I had to take off my birder's cap for you all so that you can see this crazy covid do! We wore our masks when people got too close. We still have lots of cases here and so social distancing and masks are necessary. Thankfully Arizona has a lot of wonderful wide open spaces to meander!</font></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oCjo-JnbaE/XrLyLgxd65I/AAAAAAAAps4/g0HWq_H_bKwfkTDTqjrIeQCb-QX0ZQGuQCK4BGAsYHg/95354871_10219121390040229_1101805788852125696_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="958" height="482" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oCjo-JnbaE/XrLyLgxd65I/AAAAAAAAps4/g0HWq_H_bKwfkTDTqjrIeQCb-QX0ZQGuQCK4BGAsYHg/w640-h482/95354871_10219121390040229_1101805788852125696_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6">After all was said and done, our team managed to find 165 different bird species for the day. Each one of us will tell you that we had several stand out birds from our journeys. I always love those conversations. It's exciting to hear who found what and where. </font></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlfcrM_LJi0/Xqh7wUQCmPI/AAAAAAAAppU/qzDavaciu7018OdkPCVqdLtTMV-_yh6EwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/DSC_0765%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Solitary Sandpiper" border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1600" height="402" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlfcrM_LJi0/Xqh7wUQCmPI/AAAAAAAAppU/qzDavaciu7018OdkPCVqdLtTMV-_yh6EwCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h402/DSC_0765%2B%25282%2529.JPG" title="Solitary Sandpiper" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solitary Sandpiper</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<font size="6">What we do is important. Our team has raised, so far, 4300 dollars. We're not done yet. Tucson Audubon is one of the most active organizations here in Tucson and in the country. The organization is very involved with the Tucson and Southeastern Arizona communities. There is so much going on at all times. Even if you can't financially help, we still offer so many other ways you can participate with our local birds. All you have to do is check out the <a href="http://tucsonaudubon.org/" target="_blank">Tucson Audubon</a> website. </font><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zA_pvE2Lgp8/Xqru0V4ltfI/AAAAAAAAppo/U6khvoeM80U7vzgHL2b1m1R-DoQh6MfKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1339%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wilson's Phalarope" border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zA_pvE2Lgp8/Xqru0V4ltfI/AAAAAAAAppo/U6khvoeM80U7vzgHL2b1m1R-DoQh6MfKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h380/DSC_1339%2B%25282%2529.JPG" title="Wilson's Phalarope" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilson's Phalarope</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6"><br />If you'd like to donate, click <a href="https://tas.z2systems.com/np/publicaccess/publicTeamList.do?campaignId=83&fundraiserName=&sortBy=rank%20asc&show=&pageSize=20&pageIndex=1" target="_blank">here</a>. </font></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab0VWA6FgT8/Xqru8E1oOkI/AAAAAAAApps/GqHXIo0DqEQz1eNYgelmyDHafh1G7hQjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1431%2B%25283%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ab0VWA6FgT8/Xqru8E1oOkI/AAAAAAAApps/GqHXIo0DqEQz1eNYgelmyDHafh1G7hQjgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h422/DSC_1431%2B%25283%2529.JPG" title="Long-billed Dowitcher" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long-billed Dowitcher</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><font size="6">As always, thank you for following Las Aventuras. Next week, we go on a chase and take an adventure up into the White Mountains as I learn to maneuver around birds and people. We do some more social distancing in cooler weather! Until next time.......</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-42970181472298218252020-04-21T08:57:00.001-07:002020-05-07T10:04:21.804-07:00Endless Days; Sleepless Nights<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Before I begin with this week's chapter, I'd like to mention that blogger is having issues with pictures. I wasn't sure I was going to post this week. And I'm not the only one with the prohibited sign for several pics. It appears my cell phone, scenic/people shots were blocked but my camera photos were not. So you'll see my wildlife discoveries from this past week. Blogger is aware of the problem and they are working on the issue. Now let's get started with this week. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5XTXYPC524/XpxxPrMverI/AAAAAAAApmw/T796ogiT5qIcHLVB_lCWRBIdqWyqCXzLACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0967%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1600" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5XTXYPC524/XpxxPrMverI/AAAAAAAApmw/T796ogiT5qIcHLVB_lCWRBIdqWyqCXzLACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0967%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heermann's Gull makes a day appearance at a local pond in Pima County</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Are you feeling like the title of this blog post? Everyone asks, "How are you doing?" I don't know. Everything is an endless haze. Even the birding is mundane. Ohhhh, I like the walks with friends or alone, but it feels like I've been there and done that over and over again. I run the race but it feels robotic and empty. I am very close to throwing in the towel and grabbing my keys and laptop while taking my work with me along the coast. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F_RdBNRt81U/XpxxTy20BMI/AAAAAAAApm0/Z5Q05fsDPF4F2xPRnmFuTOsmwjezRco1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0844%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F_RdBNRt81U/XpxxTy20BMI/AAAAAAAApm0/Z5Q05fsDPF4F2xPRnmFuTOsmwjezRco1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0844%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="626" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like this gray and detailed throne of the Greater Pewee. They are all vocalizing right now which is absolutely beautiful</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I still enjoy the birds, but it's not the same as researching a new area full of new challenges. I have my projects. And they look good. I wake up. Read emails. Go for a walk and pick up new birds for the year in Pima County. Sometimes I walk. Sometimes I drive. I come home. Check emails. Work on the house project, putting ceiling tiles up. Then I go outside and water my garden and feed my birds. I watch TV for an hour and respond to students. Then I go to bed and do it all over again. Just like everyone else reading this. I don't even know what day it is unless I am given a task. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuM4xUZY1Rg/XpxxW8g6OzI/AAAAAAAApm4/z4n4-nL-roItOcXsnvSS8JcK4VLzsxFCACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0868%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuM4xUZY1Rg/XpxxW8g6OzI/AAAAAAAApm4/z4n4-nL-roItOcXsnvSS8JcK4VLzsxFCACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0868%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bushtits feed along a creek on Mt. Lemmon</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Rarities show up. I chase and snap a pic. Tucson Audubon had me do a count around Reid Park which was fun. Finally I felt like I had a real task for the day!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xRrJJFhboY/XpxxhbfDDtI/AAAAAAAApnA/Jnb3KEVaTAYDrtbMkh_ZilmTBORTQUHogCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0821.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xRrJJFhboY/XpxxhbfDDtI/AAAAAAAApnA/Jnb3KEVaTAYDrtbMkh_ZilmTBORTQUHogCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0821.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna's Hummingbird monitors my count at Reid Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A zip code next to ours is now a new hotspot in the city for the Covid-19 virus. I'm wondering if another nursing home was hit. This virus is taking out these retirement communities! And as you may or may not know, Arizona is one of the top retirement states in the US. So while I was doing my count at Reid Park(that's in the area), I was very careful keeping my distance from people. A police officer monitored the park for social distancing. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Yxlwt7VF7g/XpxxnzLooEI/AAAAAAAApnI/wdlQQ9QM3ZQRIwphOYiqrYsylJTAgWx8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0772%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1600" height="342" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Yxlwt7VF7g/XpxxnzLooEI/AAAAAAAApnI/wdlQQ9QM3ZQRIwphOYiqrYsylJTAgWx8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0772%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zebra-tailed Lizard</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some golf courses are vacant which is awesome! I can now walk to the ponds where there's usually something amazing hiding in the reeds, like the Solitary Sandpiper below. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnmFNy_-FPk/XpxxqGng1WI/AAAAAAAApnM/_g7kFefX5fIxLeUJN8FLJvM4mXg1_OzDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0717%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnmFNy_-FPk/XpxxqGng1WI/AAAAAAAApnM/_g7kFefX5fIxLeUJN8FLJvM4mXg1_OzDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0717%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A really cool Solitary Sandpiper hides in the reeds on a vacant golf course.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Everyone checks the few and random watering holes around town hoping for something rare to show up. It's our highlight for the day.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_pPHfudJYQo/XpxxuKumfUI/AAAAAAAApnQ/KJyZdADnUyQ59ADsm83yw5A_cVx4jI8qgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0781%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_pPHfudJYQo/XpxxuKumfUI/AAAAAAAApnQ/KJyZdADnUyQ59ADsm83yw5A_cVx4jI8qgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0781%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG! Yappy Black-necked Stilts warn me to stay back, even though there's a fence between us and that I'm some distance away from the fence. Good gods!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Mental health is important, but this caged bird is ready to fly. While the cases continue to rise in the US, people are beginning to lose their minds and protest. Not saying I'd do this, but if I had covid, I'd go to the protests wearing a red hat wrapped in an American flag coughing all over everyone. My best advice is to stay away from people everywhere. Stick to the birds. These are interesting times for sure. Stay well and hope you are finding things to keep your minds active, like birding:) Until next time.....</span></div>
Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-90647834359170550122020-04-14T10:28:00.000-07:002020-04-22T10:22:28.161-07:00Holding The Front<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQqxUEK6mqY/XpNFmKqbMvI/AAAAAAAApk8/dniRl0CDDjoUz-jFWJl8myWsiLOBUOtoACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0611%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="1600" height="504" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQqxUEK6mqY/XpNFmKqbMvI/AAAAAAAApk8/dniRl0CDDjoUz-jFWJl8myWsiLOBUOtoACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0611%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zone-tailed Hawk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">If I didn't have birds, I would go crazy. It would seem like one endless day streaming into the other. I view my bird outings as fun but sad! Because after I'm birding, I know I will have to go home!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Kvz2pNU4lA/XpNGn1teNWI/AAAAAAAAplk/kpH6Gpdz_okTtzvJoN-33s6RlaowCsfUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0362%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="1600" height="468" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Kvz2pNU4lA/XpNGn1teNWI/AAAAAAAAplk/kpH6Gpdz_okTtzvJoN-33s6RlaowCsfUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0362%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Every day, I find a moment and see something amazing. And luckily, there are always things to see. Or experience. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeM42VTb-WI/XpXhpEl7S7I/AAAAAAAApmE/hO-YQPkSREgor24CRT9OyAFvsEYTn2b7QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/92430502_10218880341854175_3313909947124678656_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeM42VTb-WI/XpXhpEl7S7I/AAAAAAAApmE/hO-YQPkSREgor24CRT9OyAFvsEYTn2b7QCPcBGAYYCw/s640/92430502_10218880341854175_3313909947124678656_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As this disease takes hold, I find myself having to end hanging out with friends on the trails. Keeping the distance is important, but even better is staying home or AWAY from people altogether. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aazlbvAiLzs/XpNFqx92QNI/AAAAAAAAplA/viVQksYn_ToyGSluzGJ2mjVA4PbQ2Jv6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0607%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aazlbvAiLzs/XpNFqx92QNI/AAAAAAAAplA/viVQksYn_ToyGSluzGJ2mjVA4PbQ2Jv6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0607%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">It has become even more difficult to stay away from stupid people who think it's all a joke. Some have even died. One young man, a couple nights ago, lost his life while drag racing on our Mt. Lemmon road drunk. No one is monitoring these areas. As a result, this guy is dead after driving off the side of the mountain. We were up on the mountain in the cold listening to owls and nightjars when we heard a lot of drag racing in the forested canyons. It was just a matter of time before someone was killed. Glad it wasn't us or the many other innocent bystanders who enjoy night hikes/birding on the trails. And the wildlife doesn't deserve to be around our stupidity.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXF2kjYRy8k/XpXaoMcmHxI/AAAAAAAApls/TTdnJGyTN7Y4XmV9jI0qcnQeQz8fpWM6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0695%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1600" height="404" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXF2kjYRy8k/XpXaoMcmHxI/AAAAAAAApls/TTdnJGyTN7Y4XmV9jI0qcnQeQz8fpWM6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0695%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonoran Gophersnake</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I walk the trails listening for people. Most people are good. The few who are foolish are usually loud and easy to avoid. Like a deer in the grass, I disappear. I watch other birders and smile. It is beautiful. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_b9FFkwu1U/XpXasCgE9YI/AAAAAAAAplw/uUDYZdbmgkAuq4tpPpe2gCL31aF_goZZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0705%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p_b9FFkwu1U/XpXasCgE9YI/AAAAAAAAplw/uUDYZdbmgkAuq4tpPpe2gCL31aF_goZZACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0705%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some days are difficult. I want to get out but I can't because I have to go to the store or I have appointments with my work OR I just have work to get done at home! It takes more energy these days. The evenings are the hardest as I have come to discover that I hate watching TV. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oH4jFSYA4-c/XpNFypwfYhI/AAAAAAAAplE/Ed5pr8-OFTkSHHhsAvzqfYPH9a3ddsXIACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oH4jFSYA4-c/XpNFypwfYhI/AAAAAAAAplE/Ed5pr8-OFTkSHHhsAvzqfYPH9a3ddsXIACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0530.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Western Kingbird</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This week has been fun, but my greatest challenge has been the Gray Vireo. It was a new bird for my Pima County list. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfxU-D28VQ4/XpXnXhxIpHI/AAAAAAAApmU/L5pMqbbnjnAW9_M7DfXMkMKj_HCeEtP-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="1067" height="326" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfxU-D28VQ4/XpXnXhxIpHI/AAAAAAAApmU/L5pMqbbnjnAW9_M7DfXMkMKj_HCeEtP-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray Vireos are common in Maricopa County but NOT in Pima. They used to breed in smaller numbers here and still may do so in areas that are difficult to scout. Outside of migration, it's a difficult bird to spot around Pima County.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I've seen many of them and recognize their call in AZ. However, in Pima county, it's a different story. I've chased this bird 3 times this past week! Finally, I heard the bird, but does it count? The short answer is yes. Plus I've seen it many times, but I like having photo records for my reports. However, as a more seasoned birder now, I also respect the bird and will not bother it if it's not willing to show itself. If it was a lifer, this would be a different story. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNfd9FABtUs/XpNF5gDR59I/AAAAAAAAplM/sRzZ05RJIGsVOYUoDnqCe2obnUlsdtYnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0403%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNfd9FABtUs/XpNF5gDR59I/AAAAAAAAplM/sRzZ05RJIGsVOYUoDnqCe2obnUlsdtYnACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0403%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pyrruhuloxia<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">However, I can tell you with great enthusiasm that Lucy's Warblers are plentiful and very often seen around here before they hunker down to nest. </span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q09rrqoCeeU/XpNGAK8C16I/AAAAAAAAplU/AXRlTEQB7L8OXHKsMAy6W1imgtOMGrtGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0389%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q09rrqoCeeU/XpNGAK8C16I/AAAAAAAAplU/AXRlTEQB7L8OXHKsMAy6W1imgtOMGrtGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0389%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">In a really beautiful moment this past week, I headed out to Proctor Road for a rarish Golden-crowned Sparrow. I met Tina and several other birders as we sat and watched her feeders. It was a crazy experience. So many good birds seen!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIsEeWh-Wz8/XpM4vAKWnEI/AAAAAAAApj8/xuzpK3Hhs9k5OdT_C2zoJtWssDJk0e2TgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0617%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIsEeWh-Wz8/XpM4vAKWnEI/AAAAAAAApj8/xuzpK3Hhs9k5OdT_C2zoJtWssDJk0e2TgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0617%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broad-billed Hummingbirds fight over a spot at her feeders</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">But even better? I missed talking to fellow birders. I missed hearing their stories. I missed the social part of it. Tina is "stuck" at Madera Canyon until the covid epidemic is over. She's in an RV and in the most perfect place ever. If she stays there long enough, she may even hear a Buff-colored Nightjar!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EK7efKT56FY/XpM5Jx7ju7I/AAAAAAAApkE/1h1K3ZLuTrUhB7PMt8HAmJ7zUQVA3iRpACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0664%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="1600" height="526" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EK7efKT56FY/XpM5Jx7ju7I/AAAAAAAApkE/1h1K3ZLuTrUhB7PMt8HAmJ7zUQVA3iRpACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0664%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare hummingbird to the lower elevation, this Rivoli's Hummer comes in for a sip. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The sunsets are gorgeous. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And the spring migration show is out of the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This female Broad-billed Hummingbird sips nectar from the wildflowers in the foothills of Madera Canyon. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZrtt4lx55A/XpM5jRg9ZGI/AAAAAAAApkY/Hulp9-36zcQyts0-A3PjeVz7TmYetSzNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0542%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZrtt4lx55A/XpM5jRg9ZGI/AAAAAAAApkY/Hulp9-36zcQyts0-A3PjeVz7TmYetSzNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0542%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sometimes she sits on the delicate branch to take a break from the high speed flying. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">For a moment, I forget the world is in chaos. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Cardinal</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And in my excitement, I completely get lost in the moment as the Golden-crowned Sparrow comes out from the shadows. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There are good days. And there are bad days. I am fortunate that I have family to remind me to keep my sanity. We zoom and drink. My sister puts together games and we hang out. There's a bit of ADD going on with this group, but I am grateful to have them there. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tried taking a pic but accidentally shut off my camera!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Stay well. We still have a bit to go on this all. Nature is happening all around us. Until next time.....</span></div>
Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196318759342517444.post-42825095081161944642020-04-04T12:41:00.000-07:002020-04-22T10:25:34.534-07:00Secret Worlds of Sanity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray Hawk monitors area</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Birds can and do speak to one another often. From the hundreds of bird species that call Arizona home, it's a constant challenge to learn all their various forms of speech. Every time I go out, I attempt to learn their language. Migration is in FULL swing now and birds are in full song mode. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fw51rC_CCM4/Xoi9Ysu2PPI/AAAAAAAAphA/1Hw50n1lncACTZq2zdgTuCrlff5xWB9bQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0279%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1600" height="408" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fw51rC_CCM4/Xoi9Ysu2PPI/AAAAAAAAphA/1Hw50n1lncACTZq2zdgTuCrlff5xWB9bQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0279%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camouflage and possible nesting site.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As the pandemic takes a stronger hold, I explore further into the overlooked/underbirded areas of Arizona. The town of Catalina has a lot of beautiful areas to bird. Arizona is wild and open country. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddHt2nxBFak/XojZR36GZGI/AAAAAAAApi8/YI0JIOE_epc3Xd5ckV3SfRAAMDJWNNXhACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/91194756_218983015834352_5375185690164199424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="960" height="614" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddHt2nxBFak/XojZR36GZGI/AAAAAAAApi8/YI0JIOE_epc3Xd5ckV3SfRAAMDJWNNXhACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/91194756_218983015834352_5375185690164199424_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is NOT social distancing! To be fair, I think we survived this covid scare because it was all around us in January and February. I'm still not taking any chances. My friend on the right , we believe, had it in January. But we'll never know since our governor doesn't have enough testing for everyone. Just go home and die there. Oh wait! Only go to the hospital if you're dying and it's too late. Ducey is a terrible governor. Thankfully Lori survived the event. She is a survivor. My neighbor is recovering from covid right now. She was lucky in that it was just a mild case for her. How did she get it? Friends from Washington came to visit:(</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I continue to counter the crowds by understanding their routine lives. I visit places that most people overlook. There's a lot of back road trails around the Catalina area that have several lovely riparian areas. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not distance in the trail between me and my subjects! Social distancing is a serious matter. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sometimes permits are required, but it's well worth the planning. Today, I'll share some tips and observations from my past week's time out with our amazing Arizona birds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The best birding right now in Arizona is along our riparian areas as birds migrate through these wet and shaded corridors. If you're a rarity hunter, this is the place to be. Our first stop is the incredibly beautiful riparian area known as Cienega Creek Natural Preserve outside of Tucson. You need a permit for this location, but it's easy and free! Just go online and follow the instructions. I was interested in this corridor for migrating warblers and nesting hawks.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ld6Q6jSFUfg/Xoi9bdzJGtI/AAAAAAAAphE/hEsGXX7M0OwDdP0igOA3wIam9THlNCaGACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0232%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1600" height="460" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ld6Q6jSFUfg/Xoi9bdzJGtI/AAAAAAAAphE/hEsGXX7M0OwDdP0igOA3wIam9THlNCaGACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0232%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Audubon's Yellow-rumped Warbler</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">This area is incredibly bizarre. One walks from desert birds immediately into a creek covered by cottonwood trees! It's night and day. And so are the birds. We walked from above the highway surrounded by desert into this very loud birdy area. It was so bizarre to me because I couldn't hear the birds down inside the canyon. But once we got there, WOW! The bird song took over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am always intrigued by this time of year because wintering and summer warblers overlap. There are the chipping Yellow-rumped Warblers in their gorgeous breeding plumage mixed with our other regular wintering warbler, the Orange-crowned Warbler. A regular warbler that breeds in the higher elevations of Arizona but pass through these areas on the way up to places like Mt. Lemmon, the Black-throated Gray Warbler, can also be found here in smaller numbers. So often, those are the "chips" you will hear in the riparian corridors. The challenging part is figuring out which chip is made by these warblers. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-alAhVj_OXbk/XmsOqEMnoGI/AAAAAAAApUk/LFB2g7-dX6YPKWye886tTPVqEj6qR4WLQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSC_9098%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-alAhVj_OXbk/XmsOqEMnoGI/AAAAAAAApUk/LFB2g7-dX6YPKWye886tTPVqEj6qR4WLQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/DSC_9098%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-throated Gray Warbler</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And while that is going on, the summer breeding warblers, the Yellow and Lucy's Warblers are vocalizing, (and chipping) and looking to settle down for a nest. Now the trickier part is separating all this "noise" from rarities like a Prothonotary Warbler or American Redstart. While Celeste was getting an ID on a sparrow along the creek, I was trying to locate what I thought was an American Redstart calling. No luck. Cienega Creek can be a challenge for birders as many of the warblers, flycatchers, etc hang out inside the trees. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And while all these warblers are chipping or singing, there are a million other birds making their various calls. My ears are good. Often I stand in one spot and just enter in the data. I don't have to see many of these birds as I have seen them often. But some, I like to see over and over again..... Yes, I have my favorites:)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm not a huge fan of vireos and it has been a vireo week! We had Cassin's and Plumbeous Vireos which have somewhat similar calls. We had a Warbling Vireo at the creek. AND the MOST common vireo is my FAVORITE one, the Bell's Vireo. Their "watchee wichahhh" call also makes me laugh. It's a small vireo with a loud voice and a huge personality. Here's your yearly photo of a Bell's Vireo. I cannot tell you how much I love these little vireos. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bell's Vireo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And again, flycatchers are cool but not my favorites EXCEPT maybe the Northern Beardless Tyrannulet. Again, it's a common bird for southeastern Arizona and one I know very well. The call is a piercing, repetitive and slightly descending PIU PIU PIU PIU! It's often in the background and ignored by birders. Or birders don't know what bird is making that noise. It's unique. But I've wired my brain to repeat the call subconsciously outloud when I hear the bird. Then I look. They also have this three note "di di di" that means they are just chillin' and letting their other half know where they are. The piercing repeated note is a territorial call. At the creek, we had them foraging for bugs around the lower canopy of the cottonwoods.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBww6iqLHHo/XojHIc0s2fI/AAAAAAAApik/N7vKO3QEoCM86T5vVNMGICFQc7_VmRVOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0241%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBww6iqLHHo/XojHIc0s2fI/AAAAAAAApik/N7vKO3QEoCM86T5vVNMGICFQc7_VmRVOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0241%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The smallest flycatcher with the biggest personality, the Northern Beardless Tyrannulet</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And while ALL this is going on, you have to keep your eyes and ears ready for hawks! Hawk migration might be winding down, except maybe for the Swainson's Hawks, but most of the other hawks are beginning to nest. On this day, we had beautiful views from a pair of Gray Hawks getting ready to nest. They made their "whiny" scream to let others know that this was THEIR spot. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYt-vtv5fPY/XojJA4J0LgI/AAAAAAAApis/09v65keer7c18OoIGQWsrYpH4AgtxJw0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0251%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1600" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYt-vtv5fPY/XojJA4J0LgI/AAAAAAAApis/09v65keer7c18OoIGQWsrYpH4AgtxJw0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0251%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Gray Hawk flies over our heads</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And while not a great shot of these Zone-tailed Hawks, it didn't lesson the excitement when we spotted them trying to pair up. To observe these hawks nesting in this area was worth the trip alone. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lO4f7Hgeyuc/XojJha1YgNI/AAAAAAAApi0/mAzbW134AS4P03GCP0tI0ofvjF2Tc9O5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0221%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1224" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lO4f7Hgeyuc/XojJha1YgNI/AAAAAAAApi0/mAzbW134AS4P03GCP0tI0ofvjF2Tc9O5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0221%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zone-tailed Hawks "flirt" as they ride the thermals over the creek</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">During another trek this week, I planned for a sunset walk along Proctor Road into Madera Canyon. I did about 2 miles along the trail. People were thick along the creek and all were Covid 19 violators. They weren't smart at all about anything really. They were in the streams letting kids run around the banks where I've seen rattlers. Another woman thought she could illegally trespass into the Santa Rita Lodge bird area because it was her right. The owner was polite and told her to turn around but the woman continued with her vulgar speech and that she had every right to walk on their private property. The lodge had to call the rangers. Many people from the city who have no clue about nature are literally overcrowding these natural spaces. And it's because of this, so many places are completely shutting down their entrances into parks and preserves.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci_JmiYEdIc/XojBr9HDhfI/AAAAAAAApig/mXdJ6-CzwWIlXAg9tuRkdIqq49Nsuk9xQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/91901606_10218794793955531_5671694714563198976_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci_JmiYEdIc/XojBr9HDhfI/AAAAAAAApig/mXdJ6-CzwWIlXAg9tuRkdIqq49Nsuk9xQCPcBGAYYCw/s640/91901606_10218794793955531_5671694714563198976_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Madera Canyon at the right time of day is a delight. At 4 PM, a lot of the annoying people have to go home and "eat" and do whatever they do at night. I arrived as the canyon was emptying out. And I had the whole place to myself. My mission? I don't know. Just get out of the house and enjoy being outdoors. This quarantine can be too much! Thankfully there's plenty of areas where I can go to avoid the crowds. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-td2V3SAHy_U/Xoi9slgbriI/AAAAAAAAphc/qdJYNtlOsOIstbPfBk8VNLvOMa5ZaGq3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0151%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="1600" height="486" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-td2V3SAHy_U/Xoi9slgbriI/AAAAAAAAphc/qdJYNtlOsOIstbPfBk8VNLvOMa5ZaGq3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0151%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Raven</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">As I hiked up into the Whitehouse area of the trail, I sat down with this Common Raven and watched him waddle about the empty parking lot looking for food. Then in a really interesting observation, I watched him call his partner from the parking lot into the sky. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">In less than a minute, I watched her swirl down from out of nowhere to join him. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FOuWDvpqs_w/Xoi9zo28QeI/AAAAAAAAphk/1UTPPNT6yF4AL8V8yLkUIlVkxrOa6Pg0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_0163%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="1600" height="572" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FOuWDvpqs_w/Xoi9zo28QeI/AAAAAAAAphk/1UTPPNT6yF4AL8V8yLkUIlVkxrOa6Pg0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_0163%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">She flew right in front of me. Ravens are absolutely gorgeous. Look at the detail of that plumage! I imagine, if I were a designer, how I'd incorporate such intricate patterns into one dress. This Common Raven has 7 or 8 different feather patterns! Incredibly beautiful bird. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hear the dry "whit" of the Ash-throated Flycatcher hiding on a limb</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">After watching the Common Ravens, I hear the unmistakable calls of the Montezuma Quail! I go into the canyon further and find them. They toy with me like they always do. And like always, I'm so stupid that I flush a covey! The male makes his alien descending "zzzzzzzrrrrr" after they flush as if giving me the middle finger. Well, that's me giving the bird a human personality. What he really was doing was telling the ladies where he went:)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The canyon was so lovely that I stayed until the evening just to listen for Whiskered Screech-Owls and Elf Owls. And it didn't disappoint. I also hung out with the owner from the Santa Rita Lodge for awhile chatting with him about his business in this time of cancellations. He's hoping the loans will help him out. I'm hoping he got through that mess. Apparently it wasn't as easy as the US government made it out to be. Again, a bunch of liars. Every single one of them. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coue's Whitetail Deer</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Okay. Breathe in and breathe out. I can't fix stupid. But I can escape and connect with nature if I so choose. And so can many of you. Until next time....</span></div>
Rohrerbothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com18