Las Aventuras

Kharma

2012-03-10T00:49:00.000-07:00

The Sora. A rare find.

A little over half a year ago, I thought birding was funny. Not that it was a joke, but I didn't get it. Sometimes I would joke that birders were goofy people and sometimes just plain ol' strange. Well, the tides have turned and it hit me several weeks ago that I had crossed over to the other side. And I don't know how I feel about it. It started with my post, The Closeted Birder.

Several of my birding friends reported Cedar Waxwings in the area and I knew I had several days to get my butt over to the springs where they were hanging out. Agua Caliente park is a large park FULL of palms. And with palms come the fruit that these birds love. I walked the entire park searching for them and other birds. It was a breezy day and I wasn't sure I would find the Great Blue Heron or Cedar Waxwings reported around the waters.

Northern Beardless Tyrannulet

I certainly found a lot of other birds out there, but I needed better guidance and thought that the docent in the gift shop would know more. If you walk inside the building, there is a birding checklist. It's actually quite nice and helpful for someone like me who has difficulty at times trying to identify birds. The docent was out.

So I went to the art gallery where there was another person selling beautiful artistic quilts from various artists. I asked if she knew anything about birds and she said that "She knew what most people knew about birds." which answered my question. So I left and found several birders in the area. They didn't know so I kept my eyes open until I spotted a birder standing near a group of palms. More on that tomorrow. But here's what happened.

Yellow Rumped Warbler

The Cedar Waxwings were near a group of palms along with a bunch of American Robins. We shot a lot of great pictures and had a really nice conversation. I stayed a bit longer and did some more photography until I got some shots with better lighting. It's very tricky to get good pictures of birds doing something special in midflight.

But what turned out to be a dull start ended with a bang and I wanted to share my excitement! On the way back to my car, I stopped at the center and let the lady know that I found them. She was talking to another woman and while they were polite, I could see that they didn't care. And I get that, but what I didn't expect was the mean laugh that followed after I turned my back and left the room. "He's one of those nutty birder people." I have to say that I have a thick skin, but that kind of hurt a bit. When did it happen?

When did I become one of "them"? The adrenaline rush from finding anything in the wild is pure magic. It doesn't matter if it's a deer, wildflower, bird, cactus....it's just a wonderful gift. I let it roll off my shoulders but I'm documenting this to remember that moment so I won't forget. Maybe I am one of "them" but it sure beats sitting inside a room all day waiting for people to visit when the sun is out and about shining. Kharma. It was a good lesson for the day.

One other note. "When the people play; birds will stray!" I have to remember to search for low traffic areas where the majority of people don't congregate.....which would then turn out to be a high traffic area for birds that day. More tomorrow on my Cedar Waxwing show!

American Robins

Time to fly!

Help! Need Your Birding Advice

2012-03-09T14:06:00.001-07:00

Dear birding friends and nature enthusiasts,

This pic was meant to be a surprise for my readers but because of the situation today, I needed a photo.

As many of you know, I work at a high school near a wash and open desert grounds. I have a great love for Owls and several every year nest around my work site. A mother has been spotted flying around the grounds as she has been disturbed by high school students during the lunch time hours. On my break today, I went to search for her after several students had shown me a picture of her flying. I am worried as she is nesting on a school ledge just out of reach of students but close enough for them to throw rocks at her. Normally I wouldn't have been worried, but several people have reported that there were some kids wanting to hurt the owl and I have deep feelings about protecting our wildlife. I contacted the Arizona Sonora Desert museum for more direction. I confirmed the site and see her nesting on two eggs. My mind is occupied right now because the site is in danger. Mother can fly away, but if the owlets hatch, they will not be able to escape if say a boy throws a rock. The kids know where the nest is now and it has this birder on edge. Any advice would be appreciated.....

A Race Against The Sun

2012-03-09T00:00:00.001-07:00

I ran and ran to get here. The sun was already in its decline because as you may or may not know, I have this little issue known as work. It interferes with my travel plans every single day! Several weeks ago, I posted on the Great Horned Owls. When I returned to the area where the nest was, this is what I found. The Red Tailed Hawk had returned and reclaimed the nest. The Owls....gone.

But when one door shuts, another opens and my observations begin again. As I got closer to this hawk, it would screech out a warning. I stayed my distance and respected the air space around the tree.

Here I catch her with my longer lense screeching at me. It can be rather chilling. Why was the bird doing this?

Pull back from the situation and have a look. Nest in left tree. Guardian on the right. I was disappointed that my Owl friends moved elsewhere but was granted the gift of an angel in flight. A quite shocking thing to see in a mostly brown desert wash. A large Great Egret flew above my head....and a rare sighting it was!

Another gift from birding alone. It was solitary and flew high above the trees in a descending fashion.

The Great Egret

As the sun set, I knew I only had a matter of time to get out several more shots.

And as this large bird descended, I was reminded of the grace and beauty that surrounds us everyday. And today was yet another unintended special day. I ran out of work. Literally....ran.

And like this bird, I landed exactly where I was supposed to be. Here.

Night began to cover the skies. I left the trail and headed back into Tucson with another sighting!!! Javelina! The world stopped and watched the families cross the street slowly. The desert is full of life. We just have to look closer than most people to "see" it. And then. The sun faded from the sky.

WILD(flower) Ideas in Tucson

2012-03-08T02:00:00.008-07:00

The African Daisy

Dear Sexy Tucson,
" I love you most this time of year as things get warmed up. I love your display of wildflowers before our spring season gets started. Your natural firework display is THE BEST! And every year, you get me excited with your razzle dazzle display of colors. Truly yours. Rohrerbot"

This photo shoot was taken in February around the second week. A neighbor took their front yard and made magic happen. They spread wildflower seed all around and as you can see in the photos, it is something special for the human eye. As we get further into wildflower season, I'll be taking you to some hot spots around the city and state in search of the best display.

The best time to see wildflowers here in southeastern Arizona is either during the spring wildflower season (March through early May) or during the summer wildflower season (late July through early September). Autumn wildflowers will begin blooming here in October as the weather cools a bit, and they will continue blooming until the hard frosts of late November. Scattered wildflowers can be observed here in lower elevation desert areas almost all year-round.

Today's feature flower is the African Daisy. (OR Dimorphotheca aurantiaca)

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS:

Exposure: full sun
Water: water flowering plants every week; fall-sown seeds need weekly watering if winter rains are sparse
Soil: any well drained
Propagation: annually from seed; self-sows
Maintenance: none; leave dried seed heads on to encourage self-sowing

LANDSCAPE VALUE:

Wonderful early spring color. Annual color in landscape. And a great example of a wildflower garden!

So where will I be next? Stay tuned for more adventures. You never know where I'll show up, but if it's worth a picture and some helpful info...I'm there! For now, I hope you enjoy the light show of sun and dazzling color. I'm pumped for this season! More tomorrow....

La Casa De Semillas

2012-03-07T00:00:00.007-07:00

House Finch

Bird feeders are fun. I'm nowhere near some of you when it comes to your birding checklists:) I'm still enjoying using my camera to capture the shots. My focus today is on "the easy". I went for a hike in Madera Canyon a couple weeks ago, which was fun, but there wasn't much wildlife out and about.....or at least none that could be seen:)

.....well....beyond the woodpeckers. So I met up with an older birding couple from Ontario, Canada who were really nice......

And we watched as the birds kicked the seed all over the place......

....and while that was all going on, we had a great conversation on some of the birds they saw that day.

White Breasted Nuthatch

So I discovered the Nuthatch and the Titmouse. It was funny. I hiked 2 hours and saw a lot of pretty landscape but NO animals until I got off the trail.....

Acorn Woodpecker

.....where local residents put out bird seed......and it was nice to not have to work at snapping the pictures. I just stood where I was and let the show go on.

.....and then I saw some of the most amazing visitors.....like the Bridled Titmouse. A new favorite in a never ending and increasing bird list. The Bridled Titmouse!! What an interesting name! They were cute. Sometimes I wish we had some of the birds that are seen elsewhere like the Blue Tit, etc. But this was just as cool.

Bridled Titmouse

Making a strong appearance were the Gray Chested Jays. They were in EVERYONE'S airspace today! Still.....what a beautiful bird!

Gray Chested Jay

And then people wonder why we add birdfeeders to our gardens:) I ask them back, "Why wouldn't you?" More tomorrow....

The Shire

2012-03-06T00:00:00.001-07:00

One of the defining novels in my life has been "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings". And it's no secret that Tolkien is with me everywhere I go when I do photo shoots. There is magic everywhere. I just have to look. Sometimes it's easy to spot. Sometimes it's a little more difficult. But it's always there.

Many times I stand alone on a trail wondering what will show on the path. Sometimes I experience fear from the dead silence of it all. These shots were taken on Madera Canyon from the Old Baldy trail. The images in today's post haunted and fed my imagination. The trees were dark and quiet.

The Mexican Jay reminded me of Gandalf in the Hobbit during the whole Smaug scene where a blue bird led Bilbo into his fiery layer.

These birdhouses reminded me of the hobbit holes.

The textures. Plants. And the stillness of the Shire......

Madera Canyon

.......hidden in the magical forests that surround Madera Canyon.

Pecking Around (Woodpecker Style)

2012-03-05T00:00:00.002-07:00

Acorn Woodpecker

Somedays, you just have to go with the flow. Whatever Mother Nature presents; she presents....sometimes in abundance. Today it was the entire Woodpecker population.....so I went with it. There are many more out there, but here are the 3 common ones you'll find around Tucson, Madera Canyon, and Southern Arizona.

Arizona Woodpecker

Each one has unique markings. The Arizona Woodpecker was found off on the trails around Madera Canyon. They worked in pairs of two and generally had a group of them in the same area on different trees. They tended to be more "shy".

The Acorn Woodpecker(above) was more "aggressive" and "independent". I would usually see just one here and there.....but they were also everywhere and could be pushy sometimes with other birds:)

Look closely at the pic and you'll see two of them on the tree. All woodpeckers like to listen to the tree and that's fun to watch.

I silently walk the trail and hear the "tap tap"....

Grey Chested Jay

I think it's a woodpecker but a party of Grey Chested Jays fly outta nowhere. One leads the way and watches guard as the others settle into their areas.

I home in on the "tap tap" and find this Arizona Woodpecker(above) on the Arizona Madrone.

But that doesn't stop others from going onto the other various trees around the Madera Canyon area.

I listen and listen. I hear a rustling in the leaves. Is it another bird? A new one I have not discovered?

No. Just one of the many squirrels looking for food on the ground or in the trees.

The entire day I hike and all I see are woodpeckers......

.....eventually I leave the park after a nice 2 hour hike.

Gila Woodpecker

I arrive home and hear a "tap tap" on my Oak Tree. I begin to laugh because I get the message. Today was meant to be about Woodpeckers. I just hadn't planned on it being about Woodpeckers.

I think this particular Gila Woodpecker has my favorite markings of the 3 woodpeckers presented today. They're all very cool to watch and have around. They aren't like the Green ones I've seen elsewhere but they are all fascinating. What's your favorite of the 3 presented? Acorn? Arizona? or Gila?

Gila Woodpecker

And here is yet another common Woodpecker in Southern Arizona....the Ladderback Woodpecker!

So I lied...that's 4! More tomorrow...:)

Birding Around The Patagonia Area

2012-03-04T02:00:00.010-07:00

Western Screech Owl

Another owl and another amazing hike. This time in the Patagonia area! Surprisingly I had never been. It was a bright day. I did more hiking than taking pics, but it was a fun day with a lot to see!

Patagonia Lake

Patagonia lake costs 10 bucks per vehicle with 4 people. It's a really nice park full of camping, swimming, trails, and boating. In fact, you'll find a little bit of everyone here. This park does cater to the birding crowd and has several of the best trails to help discover our feathered and furry friends. Meanwhile the RV enthusiasts, swimmers, and campers will all stick together in their own areas. Patagonia is one of the most diverse areas for birds and humans using the park for various recreational services.

However before I went to the actual lake, I stopped at a birder's haven....the Sonoita-Patagonia Preserve. Bring 5 bucks cash with you as they don't take debit cards. No machines. Today I met several birders on this trail that I WON'T use for role models. Oh goodness. Where do I start? Not typical of any birder I've met so far, these "birders" were loud and obnoxious. One of them claimed to be a Professor of birding somewhere in the south of the US, but I don't even know how that was possible!!!?? There was a group of Javelina in the reeds and one of the women, with her thick Southern drawl, screamed, "LOOK!! THERE ARE THOSE JAVELINAS!" Unfortuneatly they did not attack but instead fled the scene:) If I had been the Javelina, I would have done the same thing.

This Western Screech Owl is very cool. And well hidden in the trees. I thought I would spot more, but my neck gave out. I tried to hang with the Southern birders for awhile but they were nuts. Loud. Obnoxious. Shouting. I hope the poor owl didn't die of a heart attack from the way they were climbing all over the base of the tree! At one point, "the Professor" showed me his pics and wanted to see mine for comparison. You know that contest...."Whose is better? Bigger?" etc.....ohhhhh some people. While they were scrambling to set up their equipment to get a better shot, I took the opportunity to fade into the background and escape. And was I glad I did....

A much quieter path lay before me. And I kept my eyes open for movement....anywhere and everywhere. It can be very exhausting. I think I hiked about 6 hours today!! The path was shaded and a birder's paradise.

There was plenty of movement in the branches and I honestly was a bit lazy with my camera. I forgot to take them because it was such a beautiful day and a wonderful hike on some fantastically maintained trails. Birders and nature lovers will enjoy the walks.

As I walked past a birder, he whispers, "Deer to your left." And there they were. Silently I watched them watching me out of the corner of their eyes.

I smile to myself. Even the simplest of things like spotting a deer makes me happy. I sat for a few moments and watched as she grazed incognito.

At the end of the Railroad Trail, I reached the creek where I sat for a few moments to take it all in......

Mourning Cloak Butterfly

Fluttering about me was this Mourning Cloak Butterfly that captivated me with its beautiful shades of brown.

Some of the oldest Fremont Cottonwood trees are found here. It's also home to several endangered fish, bird, and insects. Bring binoculars and a good pair of hiking shoes.

The American Robin

During this day, birders searched high and low for the Rufous Backed Robin. I couldn't find them, but I did see plenty of American Robins.

And how about some Western Bluebirds? Here are the best shots I could get of these lovely birds.

And the birders were goo goo gaga over the Phoebe bird. Seriously, everytime I encounter a birder in the woods they are so excited! I see Phoebes everywhere I go. So I took several shots to prove it. It's a cool little bird but I don't understand why they're so cool. Maybe they don't have these little guys back home? In fact, when I hear Phoebe....this is who I think about.....

Not my own pic...obviously. But the one below is. Again many of my birder friends may not find that funny. This is Phoebe from the TV series Friends. It just shows you the kind of birder I am:) The odd duck. But here's the Phoebe that they're talking about:)

If you are interested in more info on the Patagonia Sonoita Creek Preserve, click here.

Hope you enjoyed my little trek. More tomorrow.....

Tucson To Phoenix

2012-03-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

They say the road between Tucson and Phoenix is one of the worst. People say there is no greater hell than driving north into this hot inferno of evil. They say the devil lives here and acts as our Governor!!! Can you believe the stuff people say? Well not all of it. The part about the highway between Tucson and Phoenix is true:) Or is it? Judge for yourselves at the pics today from our Interstate 10 and make up your own minds.......

Picacho Peak. Careful driving through this corridor. Sometimes accidents happen here and will stop traffic for hours. And there are cops with radar guns. Be aware of your speed in the town Casa Grande. Many speeders pulled over in this area as well.

The differences between Tucson and Phoenix are vast. Tucson is a democratic city while Phoenix carries the red of our state heavily. At one point last year, Tucson had proposed seceding from the state of Arizona. I'm not sure I liked the name of Baja Arizona. It was all silly really. But it is true. Tucsonans aren't much for Phoenix and Phoenix isn't one to travel south and visit our city. Yet there are many that do. Most people in Phoenix will head north to the mountains and areas that surround Sedona.

One of my favorite areas of the interstate are along the Pecan groves. Gorgeous bare or green.

It is also hot in Phoenix. Very hot. There is usually a ten degree difference between here and there. So on our mandatory road trip up to Phoenix, which occurs once or twice every year, we took the I 10 corridor to the concrete city in the desert. While the drive is terribly long, the best time to go is when the sun is setting. I brought my camera to keep me occupied on this trip.

But don't listen to what people say. Phoenix is a beautiful city. The Convention Center is one of the best and the landscaping is gorgeous. While Tucson can be a bit unkept, Phoenix is a stark contrast with it's clean downtown scapes.....and it's nice. But while the sun is setting...or rising....you will see some of the most beautiful color in our skies. And I don't care what side of the political fence you're on, I think most people in Arizona would agree that our state is pretty incredible.

But we rush, rush, rush. And it was very evident once we arrived in the city. Traffic everywhere and people not seeing the incredible sunset displays. We are so busy running around that we take things for granted. There is beauty all around us. I am having a hard time these days focusing on conversations while an incredible bird flies over my head or a citrus smell permeates the air. It's these moments that matter the most. But then again....

You see something like this below and you snap back to reality and laugh your butt off. We will be "trekking" to the north this May to take part of the 25th anniversary of Star Trek the Next Generation with Patrick Stewart and gang. And that's pretty exciting. I'll have coverage and so much more...including some spectacular landscaping from around the Convention Center. I CAN'T wait to show you some of the things that they've done with Agaves and other structural plants. Life is too short and I'm going to live it:) It's not better anywhere else because it's all the same. Cold weather. Hot weather. Sun. Clouds. After awhile it all blurs together into one reality and just IS. And Interstate 10 isn't an exception to the rule. The pictures today were taken during our drive up and proof that it's all in the eye of the beholder. But if you still don't believe me and have some time on your hands between Tucson and Phoenix, you can always take the "in your face!" picturesque State Route Hwy 77:) Live long and prosper.

The DeVINE Design!

2012-03-02T02:00:00.021-07:00

Hello blogger friends and anonymous desert gardeners,

Pictures taken from last summer at El Presidio. Note that my older cameras were used.

For my blogger friends, this post is an informational one and you may just glance or skim, but I promised myself that I would do some writing about the garden. For you(anonymous desert gardener) who googled my website and found this place, welcome! You'll absorb it all in and then leave in the night:) That's okay. I've done the same thing. I hope your garden endevours for this spring are exciting. March has arrived and there is so much to get ready for!!! While it may be a little early yet to put things into the ground, garden centers all over town are gearing up for the big days ahead. This month you'll find several interesting writes about xeriscape gardening and how to do it. I'll be featuring several "top" places that had some fun with their landscaping and demonstrate to you that Tucson can be a wonderful place to landscape and garden.

Solar lights hang from the top of the trellis and are mixed in with the Cats Claw

Today it's all about using vines in our designs. Sometimes we want to drape a wall or building. Sometimes we want to frame an entry. Or other times we'd like vines to just ramble around the ground and go wherever they please. I used the Creeping Fig in such a manner and it's doing a good job on "creeping" up my palm tree and around the ground. Vines add vertical dimension to the garden and pull the eye upwards and around your green space. They also have the affect of softening the rough edges and make things like fences or brick walls fade into the background.

Here is our ramada at El Presidio. We still need to add color to this structure, but there are solar lights above and A LOT of cats claw around the this area. We placed Confederate Jasmine to climb up the sides and it is slowly doing so.

Brighten an entry. Train woody vines like Bougainvillea, Wisteria, Trumpet Vine, or Lady Rosebanks to frame entryways or balconies. The beautiful flowers will dress up an ordinary house. I personally love the color of the bougainvillea bracts next to our stucco. Gorgeous. You will need to fasten them and keep them in place with wires, eye screws, plastic ties etc to hold up the main branches.

I use a free standing trellis to frame our small patio space. In hot burning temps, this bougainvillea thrives and flowers.

Screens and boundaries. For fast and quick ways to hide a fence or divide a space, use Cats Claw(considered a weed here). The leaves stay on this vine all year round making it a popular vine to grow here in Tucson. BUT be careful as this vine can pull off paint or stucco from the building. Other vines with fast growth are the popular Morning Glory and Passion Vine. They'll create an attractive windbreak or privacy screen in NO TIME! It's just that in winter these guys go dormant. I personally like something all year round.

Morning Glory at El Presidio. A great vine that spreads FAST!! Careful where you place it.

There are generally 3 ways homeowners like to use vines. The first is by using a lightweight wooden or metal trellis(clematis, bougainvillea, etc) for plants to crawl up. The second is by using a freestanding trellis, ramada, gazebo or arbor. No matter what your use, vines inspire and let the eyes wander upwards. During this spring, think about ways you could use a vine or two around your place. Last year during my garden journal series, I reported on several vines that many Tucsonans, including myself, use around our gardens. Click here to begin your fun from that series. More tomorrow....

Birding The Renaissance Way

2012-03-01T02:00:00.000-07:00

Peregrine Saker Falcon

Cleverly done. An education program for the public on history and the birds of the Renaissance period. I had not expected something like this and was surprised to see this exciting show out in the open at the Renaissance Festival near Florence. It was the first thing we saw as we entered onto the grounds.

Red Tailed Hawk

It began with a presentation on the Red Tailed Hawk. If you read history novels, you'll find many of these birds mentioned as they were used for hunting purposes by royalty,etc. My eyes were drawn to the hawk as it flew over my head.

And out from my side, the camera flew into action as I caught this bird in flight. How were these birds used in ancient times? And how did the hunter operate? The hunter would need a horn for communication with the other hunters. In addition to this the hunter depended on the assistance of certain domesticated animals. Three animals in particular were essential tools for the medieval hunter: the horse, the hound and the hawk (or falcon).

"Medieval terminology spoke of "hawks of the tower" and "hawks of the fist", which roughly corresponds to falcons and hawks, respectively. The female hawk was preferred, since it was both larger than the male and easier to train. Hawks were captured all over Europe, but birds from Norway or Iceland were considered of particularly good quality."

Eagle Owl

"Training a hawk was a painstaking process. It was normal at first to "seel" the bird’s eyelids—sew them shut—so that it would not be scared or distracted. The trainer would then carry the hawk on his arm for several days, to get it accustomed to human presence. The eyes would gradually be unsealed, and the training would begin. The bird would be encouraged to fly from its perch to the falconer’s hand over a gradually longer distance. Hunting game would be encouraged first by the use of meat, then a lure, and eventually live prey. Such prey included herons, sometime with their legs broken to facilitate the kill. " Source Wiki

They also had owls here at this presentation. What I like about the Birds of Prey presentations held in various outlets like our Renaissance Fair or the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson is that many of these birds were rescued and saved from near death. They are cared for with the utmost respect and are given a second chance at life. Reasons why they come to a program such as this....humans, a broken wing, fallen out of nest, mother killed in the wild and babies left in the nest, etc.

They then take on a new role in life and educate the public. This was a really nice surprise for me and made me smile. Why? Because there were a lot of people in attendance at this festival watching this program. Smarter educated humans make better decisions when they come into contact with majestic birds such as these in the wild or around their homes. For the next shots, I'd like you to take a look at how BIG this Eagle Owl is!! The above pictures show it flying to the perch.

The wingspan is incredible and they are able to lift larger animals off the ground....like yappy little puppies:) Their wings have also been known to break a human arm. Check out this pic below to see the size of this owl!!!

I'm in love and forever will be with the owl species. When I heard that there were owls in this show, my heart started beating quickly. I stood and just stared like a little kid into the owl's eyes. Let me put this into better perspective....there is the man and the owl flying past his head. When I saw this picture from my shots, I was just floored by the wingspan next to the human body!

A story that touched my heart. The Eagle Owl does not live here in Arizona but it is related to the Great Horned Owl....which does live here. The pic below is a rescued owl with one blind eye. Many of these cases are human caused and the more I educate myself; the more angry I become with human ignorance...whether it be with a plant, bird or animal. There is good but there is also ignorance which I have witnessed on many of my treks.

Great Horned Owl

Owls were symbolic and continue to be today. Intelligence, brilliance, wisdom, power, knowledge,
intuition, messages, mysticism, mystery, unconscious, silent observation, independence, protection, bravery, transition, longevity, reincarnation......."If you are drawn to owls or owl symbolism, you may have this same ability to uncover secrets. People may feel uneasy around you, as if you are able to see through pretence. The owl also teaches us to acknowledge the dark side of our personality, and in that darkness we may find food for growth." Source

Finally, the most associated bird during the Renaissance times was the Peregrine Saker Falcon. It was the easiest of birds to train for hunting purposes. Fast, quick, agile.....this guy had my heart racing as he sped through the air at high speeds. The trained Falconer used his chain and spun it around in the air. The bird took flight quickly. As the falcon spun through the air at high speeds, an item was thrown up where it was caught in NO TIME by this bird. I was amazed by the fast movements!

Up up and away! You'll see several of those shots below.....and did you know that Falconry has been around for 3000 years!!! And guess what? It continues today. Airports use the Peregrine Falcon to chase birds away from the airstrip.

Spin, spin and turn. Catch, spin, return.....

....to arm of the Falconer!

Amazing!

The show is called the Ancient Art of Falconry and it shows several times during the day.

Vulture

The Renaissance Festival is here until April 1st. Check it out Saturday and Sunday.

The Arizona Renaissance Festival

2012-02-29T02:00:00.022-07:00

If you're a Game of Thrones fan, doesn't she kind a remind you of Melisandre? Only she's not. She's one of those street women!

Calling ALL Arizona residents!!! Here Ye Here Ye!!! The Arizona Renaissance Festival is in full swing! I'm not one for street fairs or most fairs, but this one is special. Have you ever read a medieval book and wondered what it was like to live during the times of Kings and Queens? Today we take a trip back in time to experience what it was like to be a villager during the time known as Renaissance.

I was a bit leary of it all. I had never been, but I had heard it was a lot of fun. After a weekend of hiking and exploration along the Riparian corridor of the San Pedro river, I wasn't sure what to expect. Was this going to be another place of overpriced food and crowded with a billion people? Well yes. But surprisingly, the road trip up through the wildflower show along the highway and sunny bright skies made for a fun road trip. And guess what? The overpriced food and crowded fair wasn't bad at all! Why? Because there was a lot going on for different people all around the grounds. It was around 22 bucks to get in, but you can pre purchase your tickets at Fry's Grocery Store for 18 dollars. Parking is free at the event. Just be careful around the traffic area as it can get congested.

With an open mind, I saw a bird flutter. Then 2! What was this?!! A bird show? YES! We were off to a good start. To make it even better, there were owls!!! That's when I realized that the day was going to be a lot of fun. And it didn't disappoint one bit. We heard wonderful music, fantastic reenactments of a jousting competition, and excellent side shows.....just like they did back in the day when street performers were....well....street performers.

What I enjoyed most was that there were times when I felt like I was in one of my books.....and I actually experienced the feeling of heckling others or watching street performers make a mistake here and there. It was interesting and enriched my knowledge of the descriptions created in novels like the Game of Thrones.

Color and design. Everywhere you went, you could see unique signs and fabrics that would have been sold on the streets of the past. I imagined villages along oceans or rivers where pirates, royalty, commoners, farmers, vendors, knights......all intermingled together. And it made realize how complicated human society was back then.....and continues to be today.

On a break between events and a little respite from the hot desert sun, we found a grove of shade trees where a harpist and a mound of grass awaited for us to plant our butts. If I could learn 3 instruments in my life, it would be the violin, Spanish guitar, or harp. Why? Because they're cool.:)

There were acrobats, gymnists, comedians(like a pair of funny nuns), puppeteers, and plenty other performers to keep one's attention throughout the day. It seemed like fire was used often in a lot of the performances(which made for great photography).

Barely Balanced performed and entertained crowds with their borderline adult humour and fire acts. They were very funny and made the audience laugh. One of the performers hails from my university!!! Stevens Point! What a small world we live in! And what an awesome place to learn stuff!

The Fair will go on until April 1st and it's a great place to go with friends, family and loved ones. Parents and Grandparents, while the event is family friendly, do check with performances before attending. A lot of the talk is double entendre and will fly over your kids' head, but if you have a kid like my nephew Nolan, there may be a lot of questions:) But I have a feeling the fire will distract:)

The shows will run throughout the day until 5 PM. The gate closes at 5:45 and the crowds start filtering out at around 5 PM. There is a schedule for the day's events so that you maximize your visit.

I liked the images. I like the feel of it all. But mostly, it made me glad I went. Why have I never gone before? I suppose when I hear the word "fair" I think BORING! And if you're like me and hate FRIED FOOD or turkey legs, don't worry. They offer other kinds of foods as well. I had a delicious crepe, some raspberry mead, and taco salad during the day.

There is a little something here for everyone. For birders. For gardeners. For history aficionados. For people who like the Arizona sunshine. I highly recommend this outing. I had been secretly hoping for a pic with Twig the Fairy. Upon our exit, she was standing there. I watched as kids approached her. It was absolutely adorable. If you could have seen the children's faces......priceless. In fairy character, she didn't speak. But she did play her flute and it made me smile and think of Fairy Gardens and Fireflies.

I did have my picture taken. I'm a bit red from the sun so bring some sunblock. I wore a hat all day, but I took it off for this picture. What a way to end the day:) And let's not even talk about the beautiful Arizona sunset on the way home! You can check that out below:)

The Renassaince Fair is around until April 1st on weekends. PS. I have some exciting news. My photography will be featured in a published book on UNESCO sites next year and I am truly honored to have my work featured. To see those pics, you just need to visit the posts on my Coiba Island experience or The Forgotten Garden from last year. After the news, I popped open a bottle of Pinot Noir and poured myself a glass. Life is good. The adventure continues tomorrow....

Gambling

2012-02-28T02:00:00.013-07:00

Ugh. I don't like waiting until the last minute to get work done. Last year was a deadly year for us here in Tucson with a historic freeze that would kill everything. This year, it has been mild and I waited for awhile before making a decision. An educated and experienced gamble. But still a gamble nonetheless....

Our Summer Bougainvillea Bonanza

Landscapers, gardeners, plant enthusiasts......have you done this? Well I will admit that this is the first time I've done this on our property. I pruned our plants like Bougainvillea and Crape Myrtle back. I wanted to get a head start and this winter has been a mild one compared to last year's killer cold temps. The plan is to prune, fertilize, and clean up around the plant areas in a sequential manner. Every weekend I've been outside working on planter areas adding little by little to the empty planters. And it's all coming together quite nicely.

In winter, they look like this.

But it's a still a gamble. If freezing temps arrive before the official March 15th date, I could possibly jeopardize my plants.....or will I? The root systems on these plants are strong and have been around for years. I think this spring is going to be an amazing one and I can't wait to see all the growth. Last year our plants were stunted from the freeze and everything was delayed by about a month and a half. Several never developed blossoms like the Jacaranda. Thankfully, I saved the Jacaranda from death and this year it, along with my neighbor's Jac, will hopefully develop those beautiful purple flowers. I'll have pics in early summer of these incredible blossoms. For now, it's prepping for the big spring show. Stay tuned for more in the El Presidio garden. So have you gambled in your garden? And if so what did you do?:) Did it work?

In February and March, they look like this:)

La Loma Jungle Lodge and Chocolate Farm

2012-02-27T02:00:00.009-07:00

The Red Frog and symbol of this island

On a trip this past summer to Isla Bastimentos in the Bocas Del Toro region, we stayed at the amazing La Loma Jungle Lodge and Chocolate Farm for a little pampering before heading out to the turtle conservation program on the opposite end of the Bocas islands.

This was a very positive experience for us and we had a great 3 day stay here. A couple things to note. It's really hot and humid in this region. Luckily, we had a breeze up in our cabin overlooking the ocean. And there are several cabins located up a steep hill. Watch your step and take your time going up hill with your luggage. But we had help and people helped carry our luggage up on our way up the hill. The staff, owners, and guest staff are really kind people. The owners were back in Europe for vacation, but we had their replacements Karen and Steve who did an amazing job keeping us occupied around the island. Steve is a retired landscaper who has a great knowledge of rain forest trees and plants. Karen is a scifi/fantasy geek like I am and we spoke about Game of Thrones amongst other things.

Our cabin was beautiful, private, and open to the rain forest environment. We were able to read and hang out in our hammock on breaks. This is really a great getaway for newlyweds or families. It's also an excellent place for birding. Listen to this one. So this birder guy brings his family. He has to do all the family stuff like go to the beach, bla bla bla, but when they turned their backs, he had his binoculars out spying on the trillion and one birds. Clever man:)

Our showers were open to the world and I have to say......I loved it:)

This is one nice bathroom. I felt safe and welcome on this cozy little forested island. The Bastimentos National Park is located there as well.

Mosquito nets keep the bugs out and I slept quite well on this lovely little vacation.

Imagine yourself on this hammock(hamoca) taking a break from caving or swimming.

If you love native cultures or the outdoors, you'll love this visit. The mangroves here are spectacular.

And if you're a birder, check out these Oropendalas from my open bedroom. Their calls are unique and pretty strange. They sound like something from outer space.

If you like gardens or growing your own food, all of it is made on the farm! The meals were delish!

You will also have some amazing guides take you around the National Park and island. Here we toured the Chocolate farm and sampled the fruit. But the pic above is the only one I have of us entering the cave hidden in the lush flora. There were a lot of bats!:)

And there was this dog that followed us all over the island and he was our magical guardian. Sometimes he'd come out of nowhere! Expect to see caiman, sloths, a billion birds, jellyfish, lots and lots of frogs, and a lot of critters.

While it may seem pricey at about 100 buck a person per night, sometimes it's just the break you need while backpacking through the rain forest. And who doesn't like freshly made chocolate?!!! You get to see it being made right there! If you're heading to Panama and want a nice cozy getaway, I highly recommend this posh visit. And if you are interested more in going to Panama, just head on over to the month of August on this blog for lots of interesting tidbits and fun. Check this place out:) More soon....

A Taste of What's To Come

2012-02-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

Greetings all,
I just wanted to answer a bunch of questions from readers real quick. Things have been busy here....I mean really busy! It's spring and I've discovered that I've had to schedule my life....not around blogging but around the million things going on here in Tucson. I don't have kids so that's one less distraction in my life. A lot of my gardening blogger friends have been wondering if I will be featuring more on the garden and spring here in the desert. The answer is yes and they are already done. They're coming soon....and more are in the works.

Maps of trails cover my desk and table. Birding, Arizona events and hiking will be featured next month. Some of the posts will have to be switched around to keep them current with activities around the state. I also have updates from the El Presidio Garden. The simple truth is that this winter has been mild and while I've been working around the property and gardens, not much has been going on....yet. But it will be happening very soon as I believe spring has unofficially arrived here in Tucson.

Finally, I'll be answering some technical questions about my camera and the lenses etc. These will all be featured next month. There is a lot of information to share and some photo shoots that I am truly excited to share with you all. So while the garden has been in hibernation, the birding has been hot! And it has been fun playing detective on a lot of leads around town and other areas. The pictures you see today are from yesterday at the Renaissance Fair near Florence. They actually have a raptor program within the festival that was cleverly intertwined with the theme of the Renaissance. I'll have more information coming up on this show and several others. One is on birding. The second is on photography. And the 3rd will be on the event itself. PS. This is an Eagle Owl. They do not live here, BUT it was a great opportunity to work on my owl photography(which I have more of!!!:) I'm learning the flight patterns for a better shot in midair, etc. Incredible creatures and some wonderful captures of birds, Tucson, the garden, travel, and so much more as we approach the month of March. Until tomorrow.....

Sine Qua Non

2012-02-26T00:18:00.000-07:00

Translated "without which not". The sense is something like: This is the thing without which you will not succeed. It is an absolutely indispensible thing or condition.

Desert Mistletoe

.....or "most essential requirement". When one or more of those things disappear in nature, the chain is affected. Take for example the relationship between Desert Mistletoe and the Phainopepla. The Mistletoe spreads by seed with the help of this bird and the bird benefits from the berries in the wild.

Phainopepla

You can't have one without the other.

Hoo Am I?

2012-02-25T00:29:00.000-07:00

Details......

Pull back from the outside....

And watch this morphos demonstrate color!

Wings of Desire

2012-02-24T02:00:00.010-07:00

Malachite Butterfly

I love butterflies. I don't know anyone who doesn't. One of the things I enjoy about them are the designs and color on their wings.

Once you've worked with butterflies after awhile, you'll find that most fall into general categories. This is a Malachite butterfly. Adults feed on flower nectar, rotting fruit, dead animals, and bat dung. Yum!

Emperor Swallowtail

Here in Tucson, we are home to a Swallowtail.....just not this one. This one hails from Southern and Eastern Africa.

But you'll find them here at the Tucson Botanical Gardens on display from now until April 30th.

Think about starting your own butterfly garden. In Tucson, we have a lot of butterflies that visit our gardens. There's the Giant Swallowtail, Pipevine Swallowtail, Cloudless Sulphur, Grey Hairstreak, Marine Blue, American Snout, Gulf Fritillary, Painted Lady, Queen, Sara's Orangetip and Fiery Skipper.

It's easy. Find the plants and the flowers and you'll discover a whole new world. It's just like birding in your own backyard. But instead of the birdseed, bring in plants that butterflies will love. As it warms up, so will your garden as you add an extra "dimension" to your place. Bird sounds, birds, fluttering butterflies, and lush green plants for lizards and crickets to chirp.....well you'll have an oasis for desert wildlife in no time!

Rock Gardens

2012-02-23T02:00:00.013-07:00

As I get back into the garden again, I thought I'd explore the idea of a rock garden. This idea is growing in popularity and it's really a fun theme that requires very little maintenance once the set up is complete. The expensive component is the rock used. If you move to the desert, you may notice the lack of lawns and an increase of rock or pebble mulch. Rock doesn't have to be boring and if organized properly, this garden can be the star attraction of your home or frontyard. There are several ideas behind the general term, "Rock Garden". When I think attractive, I think of the above pic. Strong colored rocks mixed with agaves, aloes, grasses, cacti, several groundcovers like the ice plant, wildflowers, or succulents are excellent choices for this type of design. Strong rock design with structural plants create a really bold statement. Whatever you choose, remember to keep water similiar plants together. For example, you may not want to put cacti next to succulents as succulents require a bit more water. Similarly, keep all sunny plants together in one spot. Wildflowers look amazing in this kind of garden.

Japanese Garden

There's even a more sterile type of garden known as the Japanese Rock Garden. Talk about low maintenance! It's not the typical "rake your gravel" in the Arizona desert. Instead, think of it as a way to add grace through elegant design around rock formations. It's very zen and relaxes the body and mind. It's not for everyone, but it is a unique form of rock gardening that is also gaining popularity in the Old Pueblo. No plants to very little plants are used for this design. If a plant is used, it wouldn't be the focal point but off to the side away from the rock design.

Here in Tucson, we are very lucky to be able to choose from a great selection of structural plants. What do you think? Do you have a rock garden? Do you like this design? Would you have one in your own landscape?

To Rise From the Ashes of the Phoenix

2012-02-22T02:00:00.009-07:00

Soon our desert floor will erupt with an array of flowers. Keep your eyes open around the Tucson area. Take a road trip down to Kitt's Peak where I think our wildflower season will be a hit. Today's photos were taken in Tucson at the Tucson Botanical Garden. The normal desert floor will turn from a brownish green to a burst of intense pinks, yellows, blues, reds, and oranges. This year promises to be spectacular. And as always, if you can't make a visit to our desert for vacation, I'll be snapping the shots of our "spring" season here. Stay tuned for more....

Black Eyed Susan

Blackbirds

2012-02-21T02:00:00.021-07:00

Red Winged Blackbird

So many blackbirds. On a recent visit, I went to check out the loud and beautiful breeding calls of the Red Winged Blackbirds at the Sweetwater Wetlands in Tucson off of Prince Road.

Today I learned about many things. My eyes are sharper to detail now and this place is like a soap opera on TV. All you have to do is watch it all go down. Commercial free. I try to be good and not talk to many birders on the trail, but once in awhile I break down and ask my one big question for the day which was....

"Why are some of the reds on different birds brighter than others?" The nice lady told me that the closer they get to breeding season; the redder the tips of the wings get. And those tips are called epaulets. Like I said, something new everyday. The males are territorial. He can have up to 10 females in his area to protect.

But if you look deeper into the wetlands, you'll notice a segregation of different kinds of blackbirds. Not only did I see the Red Winged Blackbird, but also the Yellow Headed Blackbird......

When they flew amongst the reeds, it was quite beautiful.

But at times, it was hard to distiguish with all the fast fluttering who was who!

Because from a distance, you could only see black.

The calls were different, but there was one thing that they both had in common....the reeds. However they all stayed in their own colonies. It was like "the hood" but with birds:)

As the sun began to set over the Catalinas, the blackbirds flew more and more around the wetlands.

And as the sun set, their calls were drowned out by all the other birds in the area.

....And so it began.....settling down somewhere safe. Somewhere protected. And are you ready? Stupid newbie. Get ready. Look what I learned today:) Every beginner has had this issue including me....

Female Red Wing Blackbird

What you're looking at here is not a Sparrow or an Eurasian Quail but the female Red Wing Blackbird!!! Was that a shocker!

Yellow Headed Blackbird

They too also nestled in the reeds because the ominous darkness would slowly take over the lands.

Because lurking around twilight......

.....two Harrison Hawks waited to make their kill. At first they nonchalantly landed on the radio towers above. But like most Harrison Hawks do, they work in unison and plan their strikes together. And so it began.....

....the hawk flew towards the wetlands and went out to make the kill. The blackbirds flew in crazy patterns all around me......a bobcat even jutted out of the bushes and then turned around......

.....the other hawk sat waiting....

.....and eventually the sunset and the drama would end before nightfall. Did the Harrison Hawk catch a meal before sunset? Will the blackbirds find love? Did the bobcat catch a duck for dinner? Like I said, it's better than any daytime drama on TV......and it won't be cancelled:) More tomorrow.

Why Color Was Created

2012-02-20T00:00:00.001-07:00

Ornamental Kale

Who says your garden in Tucson has to look drab over the winter? Here are some colorful ideas to inspire while you wait for Mother Nature to get going. My posts have been all over the place from hiking to birding to a lot of other things. But I have been working at El Presidio on the gardens and prepping for this spring season. During the months of January and February, Tucson gardeners can plant some things like bareroot roses or fruit trees. Maybe work on some cool vegetable gardening. I usually clean up palms, trees, etc before new leaf growth. But remember..March 15th is when you can really start thinking about your dream garden. I would just plan right now and save your money for the big spring sales around town. For now, here are some interesting winter ideas for your Tucson garden......

Think color contrast. I love the purple on this Ornamental Kale. Use it in repetition and then combine it with other flowers. Look below.....

I enjoy this design because it uses garden art in a cool way. Your eye is drawn to the pomegranates on the leafless tree, the bench, Ornamental Kale, and the flowers in the basket. Some excellent choices are Zinnias or even bulbs!! But the key here is to be creative and mix color up with repetition and plant combinations. I think that is one sexy setup.

For more on the gardening journals for our Tucson landscape, head over to January 2011 where you'll find a lot of information on plants at the El Presidio Gardens. Right now several of the hot topics are fruit trees and their chill hours. My place is slowly achieving balance but the gardens are still incomplete. I'll have more updates as we go plus I'll be taking you to some key locations around town where I think the landscaping is dynamite! The biggest challenge for me in the garden is the maintenance which include our old Oak trees that drop acorns, leaves and pollen around spring which should be a time for renewal. Thankfully the homeowners come together and help clean this mess up:) More tomorrow.....

Ghost Hunters

2012-02-19T02:00:00.013-07:00

Recently, we went on a LONG drive to the former ghost town of Jerome. I say former because this place shows a lot of life today and thrives on thousands of visits everyday. It is home to people who like to ride motorcycles, artists, and people who like to sing Stevie Nick's music. Not that there is anything wrong with that:).....but I believe that the ghosts have been chased away from this tiny little town on the hill. BUT it still has a lot of charm.

Jerome has fantastic views, shops, and restaurants. Parking still sucks and scares the crap out of me. Remember to turn your wheels and put on your parking brake if you find a spot somewhere on the hill....and you will. Just be patient:) It's also rather cool this time of year so bring a jacket:)

I love this place in the summer. Miners made this land crumbly and a thicket of the Tree of Heaven(or Hell) grows around the tiny village. It's really beautiful actually.

You can see the red rocks of Sedona only 27 miles away. Honestly, I'm not a big Sedona fan and the people searching for spirits in these rocks are a bit coo coo in the cocoa puffs. Let me explain. Before the rich came and developed this highly sought after land, there were spirits and ghosts. But they are all but gone today. It's nothing more than a tourist trap now and if you hate crowds, you'll hate these places. SO....if you are a nature buff, what you really need to focus on (if you are like me) are the trails of the mighty Mingus Mountains behind Jerome or the lovely trails of Sedona where it's a bit more difficult to walk for the regular tourist crowd.

At the Mingus Mountains in the 90's.

I know many of you reading this post actually love these places and I enjoy them for what they are. But like anything discovered, the charm can sometimes evaporate from places like Sedona and some will argue Jerome as well. I remember the late 80's when it actually felt like a ghost town and Sedona wasn't as built up as it is now. In fact Oak Creek Canyon was free to all at one point, but today it sadly has to be managed due to crowds of people stomping over the grounds. Go during the weekdays. It's less hectic and you won't have the weekend crowd from Phoenix.

Jerome still has a nice feel to it. The buildings are still old and they've done a great job making it a place for people to want and visit.

So why visit? Well, I get a lot of artistic design for my garden and home from visiting places like these. While a lot of the stuff can be overpriced, ideas are free.

King Tuzigoot joined me for a drink.

If I were in the area, I'd check out this charming B & B and her gardens. It was one of my favorite finds. I'd stay here! The night really calms down as all the tourists disappear. And I think that's when this town really comes alive!

The place is called the Surgeon's House and it really had some great landscaping and garden going on. There is a water fountain and the inside of the building is really really charming. Expensive? Maybe. But if you're looking for a little R and R for yourself and spouse, lover, boyfriend, girfriend, life partner, mistress, I'd stay here:) Or if you're just looking for a quiet getaway for yourself, this looks like a great place to get lost. Reserve ahead of time though because it looks like a popular place to stay.

The streets are hilly. The people are friendly. Food and drinks are aplenty, but sadly the ghosts and other spirits have moved elsewhere:)

But it's still worth the visit.

The Watcher

2012-02-18T02:00:00.057-07:00

Gambel's Quail

How do you know if you've passed the test for a successful bird sanctuary in your garden for Tucson? It's not a permit by the city or by the environmental people. The true answer lies here with the Gambel's Quail. On my nightly walks into the Encanto neighborhoods, I heard the unmistakeable cry from the watcher.

He glimpsed me passing into his territory where he kept an eye out for his family below. Here, the watcher peers over the mesquite tree.

On the fence, his back is turned to me, but that quickly changes to a more defensive stance in the pic below.

This is one of my favorite desert birds here in Tucson. You'll find these birds on the outskirts of town and anywhere that is a desert sanctuary in town like the Encanto neighborhood in midtown. If you wonder whether or not you have a real wildlife sanctuary in Tucson, the true answer lies with this bird. It is finicky about certain places and if you have them in your garden, give yourself a pat on the back. You've just won Mother Nature's approval.

Keep your eyes open this spring for the chicks. I know a lot about these birds because a family, one year, decided to join my rainforest collection. If you remember my post from a long time ago on Small Patio Spaces, you'll remember that I had been renting an apartment up in the Foothills without an outdoor space. So I created this protective area and the Quail found a way inside where they laid eggs and sat on them for a quite some time. I had been worried that the chicks would fall to their death after they hatched so I moved my patio table and created a chute for them to scoot down. And they did. And they lived for several days on my small patio where I fed them chicken feed. But one day, Father Watcher cried one last time for the birds to leave the area. Momma took them out....all 13 of them! and left my patio for good. It was a really sad moment for me but I actually felt good about helping this Quail family out. Will the El Presidio gardens pass the test? Only time will tell:)

The King Of Tuzigoot

2012-02-17T02:00:00.013-07:00

Recently, I took a trip up to Northern Arizona to Tuzigoot National Monument(Too-zie Goot), but unfortuneatly I didn't have a guide. So I summoned the powers of the Spanish Gods to bring me the King of Tuzigoot. The only compromise? Provide glasses and regular human clothing to keep him "incognito" amongst the commoners.

He began with his story of his people...the Southern Sinagua. It was a prehistoric culture that once flourished in the Verde Valley but around the early 1400's disappeared for unknown reasons. "King Tuzigoot" explained that it may bave been from overpopulation, disease, changes to weather patterns, and depletion of natural resources. And with the Spanish conquistadors and their own beliefs, he said many of his people changed their spiritual ways. He also explained to me that he was surprised that this place was still preserved hundreds of years later.

He missed the old days and tried to summon his people from on top of the hill. These were the fields were his people worked and lived. But a road and developing suburb stained the landscape and reminded him that his people no longer existed. No trace left behind but these ruins.

In the winter, much of the land appeared brown and dead, but the Verde River nearby supplied fresh water and opportunities to hunt for food. While appearing like nothing more than a moderately sized home by our standards today, this village was inhabited by around 50 people. Eventually it doubled in the 1200's. And again later, and this is when the people would disappear. I explained that the same thing was happening on our Earth with the ENTIRE human race. He simply shook his head and together we both said, "Birth control. "

One part of the land was for harvesting corn and other crops. While on the other, trees covered another area which made great habitat for wildlife like birds and deer.

King Tuzigoot recalled his days milling corn and he smiled.

He also noticed a beautiful visitor center and an entrance fee of about 5 dollars. I explained to him that in our culture today we "traded" this money for food, education, maintenance, etc. and that this paper would help preserve the memory of his people.

So he went to the other side of the hill and looked over the riparian section where he chanted and placed a magic spell over his former home so that it would be forever preserved for others to learn about his people and their past.

From inside his home, we sat and enjoyed a bit of shade from the intense sun.

Sadly, we had to depart as the gates to his park closed at 5 PM. I explained that it was necessary to protect his home from vandals and those who would do harm to his lands. He said good-bye to the tourists below, but they ignored him and went on their way. I shook his hand and thanked him for the tour. I drove back to Tucson with a lot to think about that evening.

For more information on Tuzigoot, click here. Easy walk for everyone. On the day we went, there were 50-60 year old people with their parents. It was really touching and a great way to spend time with family. It's kid and people with special circumstances friendly. Wheelchair accesible except for the very top of the village.

Isolated in the Reeds

2012-02-16T02:00:00.008-07:00

Cinnamon Teal Duck

Creating is just as fun as reflecting. There is nothing better than sitting alone in a quiet room and reflecting on my work out in the field after a long day of the real world. Today I sit with my coffee, some relaxing guitar music and ponder all the little adventures around me. Yesterday I went to photograph Blackbirds, but instead heard a woman shouting, "Hey Guy!!! Hey Guy!!!!" Her voice got louder and louder as I had been engrossed in my potential owl hunt. Instead Mother Nature wanted me to check out the Bobcat running my way. I turned and watched the cat near me. She slowed down and we were only inches apart before she turned into the bushes. No camera shot or bird(wrong lense for closeups).....just a cool memory and something that made me smile.

The Sweetwater Wetlands Park is becoming one of my favorite places to visit because something different is always going on there. So many birds and all of them unique. You have to look past the plethora of waterfowl to see all the other shows that are going on as the ducks can steal your attention away from the other birds in the area. Sometimes, within a weekend!, a group of birds will come and go. Each time I go, there is something new to spot or see around the grounds. And so today I leave you with some of my own reflections.

An Extra Hand

2012-02-15T02:00:00.015-07:00

And back to the garden I go again:) Somewhere or somehow I got lost. Isn't that what a garden does? Or did it grow into something that requires more management? Either way, on a budget of 300 dollars a month, it becomes tricky to not overspend on items, tree care or on new plants around the El Presidio property. Our Oak trees, while beautiful, create chaos during the winter months dropping tons of acorns, leaves, dead branches, and eventually pollen. For 1 person, this is a lot of work to maintain and El Presidio is going to be trying something else out. We have a resident who has offered their services as raker, weed puller, and waterer for over the summer months.

An extra hand around the garden allows for adventure elsewhere like here at Balboa Park in San Diego.

I am extremely happy to have this extra hand so that I can focus on the other things around the property like plant placement etc for this spring season. My experience with Landscaping companies hasn't been a good one. They charge too much money for a couple clean ups around the property per month. Most don't know what they are doing. For a person like me who creates desert gardening, AND SPENDS MONEY ON IT!, it's hard to watch them chop down a plant that they thought was a weed.....or worse yet....improperly prune a bush or tree! So I hold onto the money and invest it back into our property. While at times it can be slow going, the progress is evident. But now it's time to have a little help with the general clean up around the place while I deal with spring pruning and planter reconstructions.

El Presidio. One part of the entire complex!

Most of all, I am thankful that my neighbor will cover for our large property while I'm travelling elsewhere and monitoring vegetation during our hot summer months. Like anything that grows larger; so will the need for extra help. El Presidio has now reached that point.

Lofty Intentions

2012-02-14T02:00:00.057-07:00

At the Tucson Botanical Gardens, you'll discover the tropical butterfly exhibit at Butterfly Magic. The exhibit will be open until April 30th. After that you'll have to wait until October....or you could go to the tropics. That's fun as well:)

The Postman Butterfly(Heliconius melpomene) found in Panama and parts of Mexico, South and Central America.

Most of the butterflies are shipped from parts of Africa, Australia, Central and South America.

It was a nonbusy gardening day and I had to get some photo work done for a post on Rock Gardens this month. It's easy to capture butterflies while they are on a flower, but todays photo shoot was about capturing them in flight. And that is NOT easy. I think they're harder to capture than most birds!

The Cairns Birdwing Butterfly(Ornithoptera euphorion) This is a female. The butterflies are found on the Northeastern coast of Australia.

If you visit the exhibit, remember that it does get warm inside the building and it's humid. If you wear glasses or are planning on doing some photography, you'll need to give yourself some time to unfog your camera or eye lense:)

It's quite the show and everytime I go, I see something different. While it was a challenge doing photography with A LOT of people inside, I got some shots that I'm okay with....don't ask what happened to the 400 + that weren't chosen for this post:) More tomorrow.....

Unknown

2012-02-13T00:23:00.000-07:00

A hike I took down in the interesting little town of Arivaca. The unknown elements can be scary.

This is a different write for me, but it has been one that's been on my mind for awhile. I had actually set this one to the side to give me time to think about it more. We are, as a people and a world, growing closer together. True, there's war, death, famine, and all that other jazz, but technology is linking a singular mind together. We see it in the Arab countries. Why? Internet. People fighting for their liberties. Economics linked between countries. One country gets marked down; so do the rest. And I think we are becoming more conscience of how all closely linked we are together. But this write isn't about any of this. It's about our abilities to map out mysteries via satellite around our planet. It's about uncovering the discovery of secret jungles in Africa or Asia and finding legendary cities like Atlantis. As a child growing up, I always wanted to discover what others discovered. The fables of dinosaurs still living in the jungles of the Amazon or the Lockness monster uncovered. And the Yeti? But another part of me wanted those places kept secret as well. They were sacred. As the Amazon gets smaller and the mapping electronically becomes more accurate, we are entering worlds that should never be explored by the modern human. The tribes from the Amazon who have never seen people outside their forests are now forced to face "modern civilization". A large wild population of gorillas lived in a secret place. They were thought endangered until their uncovery last year via Google mapping. What will this discovery do?

On a quiet hidden river between mangroves, we came upon the native Ngöbe-Buglé

I love mysteries. One of my favorite stories is the Secret Garden. All of us have one. It's a place that's magical and private. Kept away from the rest of the world. Protected. Safe. As we enter this new century, A LOT is going to happen. The discovery of planets like our own are just months or a couple years away. Will there be anything left unknown for tomorrow? Mystery is a wonderful thing. It gives us something to think about....to imagine. Perhaps that's why I like the Game of Thrones series so much. It's human based and the fantasy is considered all a bunch of hooha by the characters and it was considered extinct....and yet it was still out there.....just hiding. Unknown.

The native Sinagua people's cliff dwellings in Northern Arizona.

Will we be cloning previously extinct animals like the Woolly Mammoth and bringing them back again? Well it's happening. Sometimes it's overwhelming and mind numbing. We are unique living star dust amongst a vast cosmos. What do you think about all of this? Just some deep thoughts for the day:)

I'm here with my sister-in-law and nephew Kellan. I am "unknown" to him because we've never met until this past Christmas. "Unknown" factor for me in this pic? The hair product my SIL uses:) LOL!!!

Nice is Nice!!!!

2012-02-12T02:00:00.018-07:00

One would think that I'd take a million pictures from this resort area along the French Riviera, but alas, it was not meant to be. Today I conclude my last adventures in France back in 2005. I really had a lovely time here. The people were a bit um....what's the word I'm looking for while I'm trying to be polite....uppity?, but I think that's generally true of all people in touristy areas. I think I'd get fed up with tourists after awhile as well:) The food is delicious and the times were fun. Here we are on the Mediterranean enjoying a boat ride. This fascinating port town has a lot to offer. But like Las Vegas, it charges double during high tourist season. France is an expensive country to visit.

Thousands of people flock to this town during the summer and enjoy the rocky beaches of the Mediterranian sea. It was strange for me because I had never seen people enjoying a shoreline on a rocky beach, but they all brought mats with them to protect their almost nude bodies. Well some were completely nude. Again a mix of cultures and attitudes. My only regrets about this trip were not taking more pictures of the lovely homes and gardens around the area. There are a lot of latin influences here and this town is really something special when it comes to design. There were times I felt like I had been walking around places in Mexico or Chile. The food is way tastier here as well.

But mostly, beyond being traumatized by men wearing banana hammocks on the beach(some things men should never wear!), I think I was in love with the charm of Nice's gardens. Overlooking the city on top, you'll find this waterfall cascading near a lush and exotic garden. It's a beautiful walk to the top of the hill. And it was here that I fell in love with Nice.

And when you turn around, this is what you'll see from on top of that hill. Bring some cash as it can be pricey, but be ready to see one of France's premiere destinations. I'm still a smalltown boy though and much prefer the quieter and more country like Avignon anyday. However, this was a fun visit.

Overview of Nice France

Le Louvre and Surrounding Areas

2012-02-11T00:26:00.001-07:00

Back in Paris, we did more hiking around the central areas of the city and it was really quite nice. However, let me state that there was A LOT of walking. There was also a lot to see. If you are interested in what Paris has to offer, I recommend spending at least 4-5 days to get a fuller experience. Of course, one could spend much more time if needed.

The Seine River

If you are an art aficionado, you won't want to miss the internationally famous Le Louvre(Loov-rah or just lay loov:) I don't speak any French. I'm actually terrible at it. Spanish, Portuguese, and Kriolu and that's it. But one night at a Paris cafe, I drank lots of red wine and I understood all of the French and was able to have a conversation with people. I don't know what was in the wine, but it was exciting and even my friend, who teaches French, witnessed the act. To this day, I don't know how it happened, but I spoke French fluently. Perhaps the message here is drink lots of red wine when traveling abroad:) And I may sound like an alcoholic here, but I'm not.....this is not denial either:), but French wine is divine:) But as quick as the French fairy touched my tongue with her magic wand, the spell had worn off by morning.

Yeah, it was pretty romantic all of it. Expensive city, but romantic. I am a huge Egyptian aficionado and we are planning a trip to this country next year if everything works out politically there. But walking around the park near Le Louvre brings back good memories.

Egyptian Magic in Paris

But you need to spend several days at Le Louvre if you are into art. Quite simply, this place is way too big to see in one day. We spent just one day....ONE DAY!!!! on one wing of the building. Yes this is a massive museum. Depending on the time of day or season you visit, you may have to wait in line. But again, it all depends on when you go. There wasn't a huge line when we went. Even if you're not a fan of art or museums, this is still a place to visit. I'm big into Egyptian statues and mummies....and Paris for some reason has a lot of Egyptian artifacts! We also saw famous Spanish painters because that's one of my specialties in my job as a Spanish guru. Never used to be but the job made me be.

Near Le Louvre

"What about the Mona Lisa? Did you see the Mona Lisa?" I'm sorry to disappoint but I didn't. That line was outrageous. And my feet were already killing me.

More Egyptian stuff in Le Louvre

Of course if you ever leave the museum, there are lots of other places to visit like Notre-Dame. I didn't see the hunchback, but I certainly saw a lot of tourists and religious stuff. Not really into any of it, but the place is definitely cool and should be witnessed in person. The shot below is one of my favorites from that trip. It was dark inside and the little light that entered this ancient building came through this spectacular window.

Notre-Dame de Paris

Anyone remember Edith Hope from blogger a couple years back? Her last post was on April of 2011. She was really a unique writer and her blog was quite fabulous. Whatever happened to her? Well, when I look at this statue below, I think of her because several of her avatar pics resemble this statue. On a side note, I always wonder why a blogger stops writing and disappears off the blogosphere without telling you why.....they become friends who you share your morning cup of coffee with each day. When Edith said she was leaving and said goodbye, I was a bit sad. I had taken her writing, comments and posts for granted. Today I hope she is alright and happy.

At the Louvre Park

And of course, let's not forget to mention how massive some of these paintings are at Le Loov:) I'm sorry Thérèse(Tournefeuille A to Z) for my terrible French manners:) I only wish I could speak French well but some things were never meant to be. My friend stands next to the painting to demonstrate how large some of these paintings are. Some take up entire building walls!!!! There are couches to sit on so that you can look at the depth and scope on each painting. Pretty impressive art gallery. Still the largest I've ever seen!

Inside the Le Louvre

There you have it! I'd like to apologize to my plant specific friends on this blog for ignoring garden posts and ideas at El Presidio. But I'll be back in March talking about all the projects and work I've been doing around our place. I still LOVE plants and gardening and it's still what I'm good at.....but the birding, nature excursions and travel are things that enrich the experiences:)

Sandhill Crane Art

2012-02-10T02:00:00.002-07:00

Today's post is a strange one. I used a new lense on my camera and I noticed on several of the shots that they weren't clear but that there was an image I liked. It was almost impressionistic(like the camera or pic is out of focus) and yet the images are strong. Here are my attempts at taking these pics and making them better......

This is our last stop with the Sandhill Cranes of Southern Arizona at the Whitewater Draw near Willcox.

There were so many birds.....

.....and this above shot is one of my favorites.

Imagine a sky covered with birds.....

.....as they all descend.

It starts with 2 cranes and then.....

It seems like they all descend from out of nowhere at once!

Exciting stuff! More tomorrow...

Nîmes, France

2012-02-09T02:00:00.014-07:00

Nimes Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct

Nimes. (Neem). A strange city. It had a very Spanish feel for a French city. Bizarre. The city derives its name from that of a spring in the Roman village. The contemporary coat of arms of the city of Nîmes includes a crocodile chained to a palm tree with the inscription COLNEM, for Colonia Nemausus, meaning the 'colony' or 'settlement' of Nemausus, the local Celtic god of the Volcae Arecomici. Veterans of the Roman legions who had served Julius Caesar in his Nile campaigns, at the end of fifteen years of soldiering, were given plots of land to cultivate on the plain of Nîmes. The city was located on the Via Domitia, a Roman road constructed in 118 BC which connected Italy to Spain.

I sit under an old olive tree which is around 500 years old. The morning starts off cool, but warms quickly by the early afternoon. Birders, students, and general tourists visit this beautiful city. By the afternoon, it becomes a little hot and people start jumping into the nearby river. It is one of my favorite places to visit while I'm in France.

While at the Coloseum in Nîmes, I spot a cat. I love cats. So I took his picture. But the Coloseum will evoke images of bullfights or Roman Gladiators fighting one another. But I just love the Spanish feel of this town. The French rail system passes through this town and it's a great place to stop and visit. You shouldn't miss this highlight. Do your visit to the Coloseum earlier as it gets rather hot during the afternoon. Definitely bring sunblock.

Regrets? None. But I will say that I wish I had a better camera during this trip. When you think of France, this is one of the cities that appears on postcards or in magazines. Flowers, outside cafes, really lovely shops, and fresh seafood restaurants are some of the attractions here.

This trip was a lot of fun and I wish I could've spent more time here. I could have easily gotten lost in photography for several days. This pic was taken back in 2005 when pink was in:) I'm standing with our friend and guide Alex. She really had a heart of gold.

I placed these pics of shops here because they really are cool looking. Plus we get to see the French and their addiction to dogs!!! Dogs really live the life in this most excellent country!

Of course, I found a shop with my name on it and couldn't resist the photo opt.

Arena of Nîmes(This pic courtesy of Wiki)

Built around 70 AD, it was remodeled in 1863 to serve as a bullring. The Arenas of Nimes is the site of two annual bullfights, and it is also used for other public events.

Whether it's sipping on a coffee or going on an adventure, this city will surely delight. French tip for my American friends. Remember to watch your voice levels in France. We tend to talk loudly and if you watch the French, note how you can barely hear their conversations. Also note how they don't always sit facing each other at a cafe, but out....facing the sidewalks or streets watching people walk by. Life is good. Sure it has it's challenges and sad moments, but it's during times like these that I am reminded how life affirming travel can be. Take a risk. Leave your comfort zones. It doesn't matter if it's international or local, travel can make you feel like you can soar to new heights. It's just how we approach it all:) More on France soon.....

After Dark

2012-02-08T00:00:00.006-07:00

Excitement. Thrills. Chills. In the middle of nowhere. On a lead. Couldn't sleep the night before because the info was fresh off the wire. This post today is something I'm very proud of. The photos aren't the best, but I'm posting them anyway. It also marks a new level of birding for me.

Last night I heard the news about some nesting Great Horned Owls near the Tanque Verde Wash. BUT it was a chance opportunity and yesterday I had a crazy day at work. They were on my mind all day. Would I make it after school was out to find this area? I didn't sleep all night with the news. What is wrong with me??!!!! Why was this so important?? Because it was a dare for myself.

A challenge. Detective work. Knowing the city. Having a deadline. I worked and right afterwards, I drove an hour and a half to this location. I know my plants and the person gave me the tree that they were near. Find the Cottonwood. I don't know if I illegally parked. I just know that I had 30 minutes of sunlight left! I crossed my fingers. I rushed. My heart beating....

In the dark skies, I heard the unmistakable "hooo hoooo hoooo". Dark. Eery. Ominous. Adrenaline rush extreme. I slowed my pace and listened more....homing in on the sounds. I walked closer and closer until I saw a dark shadow fly across the ominous sky. The thrill. The EXCITEMENT! And the payoff....

I almost didn't bring my camera thinking it would be dark by the time I got there, but I remembered Murphy's Law. Don't bring the camera, owls will appear. Good call on my part. The only goal tonight was to try and locate the general vicinity for a potential weekend shoot in daylight.

I came home tonight with the biggest smile on my face. I love Tucson. Even living here after all these years, it still thrills and surprises me.

The Great Horned Owl

It doesn't get any better than this. More tomorrow....

Provence!

2012-02-07T02:00:00.010-07:00

If any place can transport you to another time, it's the Provence region of southeastern France. It's romantic, wonderful, sensual, and my absolute favorite place to spend a little time:) Today you'll see this place in winter and summer as you did with the Paris shots. It's truly an incredible visit and you won't want to miss this stop on your adventures to France.

The Rocking Horse

Most countries sell stupid touristy stuff, but I found it quite the opposite in France where you'll find lovely fabrics, perfumes, wines and other licours. The atmosphere around the place is timeless and you'll truly enjoy the walks during the day.

The above pic is taken outside the castle walls of Avignon, France. It's actually outside the city. This is a great place to stay for all your day trip fun! The places are unique and OLD! The restaurants are picturesque. The food divine. And the people are so friendly here!

This is a poor pic from our hotel in downtown Avignon and as you can see it's a place that's all about clowns. And quite frankly, clowns scare me!! But it had a lot of interesting architecture and design. Definitely a unique place to stay!

I couldn't decide if I liked this place during winter or summer, but I have to say that driving through fields of lavender is pretty incredible. The smells were some of my favorite. Blues and yellows are popular provinicial colors that make great additions to any Southwestern homes and garden design.

This is a place I'd go back again and again and again.......it's that amazing.

Birds of a Feather

2012-02-06T02:00:00.009-07:00

The Northern Harrier

So as a beginner in birding, I'm realizing that there are various levels of birding. Some go to see any birds(that's me) while others go to check birds off their lists. And some go for the challenge of finding rarities out in the wild. I'm not the last two types of birder....yet. The best comparison that I can come up with is from my French series. When you go to Paris, you go see the Eiffel Tower. When you go to the Whitewater Draw, you go for the Sand Cranes. I'm here to say that I'd like to be the birder who looks for the hard to find birds once I get over the ones that "steal" the show:) And I know that once I get my "Eiffel Tower" experience out of the way in the birding field, I'll be a better birder. But for now, it's the waterfowl, sand cranes, scarlet macaws, hawks, cardinals, and the owls! But there is so much more out there just waiting to be seen:)

Loggerhead Shrike

For example, did you know this Loggerhead Shrike above is a brutal killer? Known in many parts as the "Butcher Bird," it impales its prey on thorns or barbed wire before eating it, because it does not have the talons of the larger birds of prey. How cool is that? But the Sand Cranes steal all the thunder away from these interesting birds:) But I noticed!

The ducks fought back during my Whitewater Draw visit and they flew around the air just to say, "We are here!!!" And the air became thick with birds, waterfowl, songbirds and cranes alike as they flew around in a massive cloud of wings. When all that action is going on, it makes it difficult to focus on the smaller details hiding in the reeds. I know my advanced birder friends politely smile at me and look at my birding as naive. But I'll get there. As I expand the garden, I'll be attracting various birds to the area......and it's important to know what's out there. For now, I'm just enjoying the ride and look forward to the day where I'll actually carry a birding book and go with a mission to find the unattainable rare brown bird:) However no matter the depths of our birding interest, I think "Birds of a feather stick together." sums all of us best.

The Eiffel Tower

2012-02-05T00:08:00.002-07:00

So the title brought you here:) Or you think that the Eiffel Tower is romantic and wonderful? I've been to France twice in my lifetime and I remember the first time arriving. I HAD to go to the Eiffel Tower....just had to because that's what you do. This shot was in 2005 when I started thinking about a good camera and equipment to create fantastic pics. I'll recommend one thing about this trip to France. Visit the Eiffel Tower. Not because it's cool. Not because it's even interesting, but because it will calm you down so that you can enjoy the rest of what France has to offer. The Eiffel Tower is NOT the highlight of France and it's rather boring. LOL! Some of you might think, "Oh it was beautiful. I don't know what you're talking about:)" Give me a chance to explain and maybe, I'll redeem myself here:) But do get your mandatory pic in front of the Eiffel Tower out the way. But look at the pic. It's not my stupid face or even the tower that commands the camera's attention......it's the couple on the left. It's all about love and February:) That's the real picture and that's where I begin my story.....

The first time to France I got it all wrong. In 2004, I had to crawl up the darn thing and look around the tower, touch the tower and stand in that terrible line at the tower. In 2005, my 2nd and probably last time in Paris, I figured it out. It's not the stupid tower. It's the people we need to be watching that come to the Eiffel Tower! So I laid down in the beautiful park area that surrounds the majestic symbol of France and "people watched" and noticed.....the French woman playing ball with her dog and the colorful stand serving delicious warm crepes. The scene was so relaxing that I actually fell asleep in the park. This isn't hard to do since the time difference between the US and Europe are SO different. Day is night and night is day. However, it makes going out clubbing at night a lot of fun because it's really our daytime:)

The park that surrounds the tower is quite lovely and so is the river walk. Paris definitely has a lot of culture to offer and what I found fascinating were the Egyptian statues and fountains found all over the area.

While the tower is the central focus, it's just the glue for the attractions around it. There is plenty of shopping to do. You can take a ride on the Seine River and just let your hair down for a bit from the intense walking that goes on during the day. Also be ready for crowds.....

What's charming about the area are the formal hedges and plantings. As a gardener, I fell in love with the look and feel of the place. There are a lot of great ideas from fantastic design.

You'll notice some shots with sun and some with clouds. During my two visits, I went in winter and early summer. My recommendation is to go in spring or summer when things start to bloom. It's absolutely breathtaking!

This is a shot of the Seine River from on top of the Eiffel Tower. Built in 1889, it has become both a global icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The tower is the tallest building in Paris and the most-visited paid monument in the world; millions of people ascend it every year. Named after its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair.

You'll find lots of souvenir shops around the various levels of the tower. But truly, and I mean this with all my heart, it's the picture below that makes a trip to the Eiffel Tower worthwhile. This is one of my prized pics from the past. It's a simple shot of a woman taking her dog to the park to play ball but in a very French manner. The dog listens to her as she begins to prepare and throw the ball. And this is the true secret of the Eiffel Tower. It's about the Parisians who use the park for their own pleasure. Also watch their love for dogs. Dogs GO everywhere with them.....restaurants, shopping, the bathroom, and the changing rooms!!! I don't think I've ever laughed so much as when I saw a lady go into the dressing with her dog. Great memory.

But if you are like me, you had to get that pic of the Eiffel Tower into your shots or your entire trip to France would have been ruined. I'm here to tell you today that France is more than just one tower. I have a mini series on France which include some of my favorite memories from this truly picturesque country.

But just in case, you didn't get enough of the Eiffel Tower, here's just one more shot for the road ;)

Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge

2012-02-04T01:07:00.006-07:00

On a 3 day vacation, I spent a day at the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge. It was a cloudy day and I hadn't much hope to spot many birds. It was on the colder side that day, but I ended up getting some shots that I think represent this large area very well. If you want to escape Tucson and people, you shouldn't skip out on this treat for the eyes. The hiking is great! One of the hikes is easy and the trails at the refuge can be moderate to difficult depending on where you are. Where should you go if you head down to Arivaca or Sasabe? Well there are 4 main parts to this massive refuge, but for one, you'll need a truck for the dirt roads as they can be quite dangerous.

Barn Owl

I got into my car with my camera equipment, some good tunes, a packed lunch, and a full tank of gas. For about a hour and half, I drove south towards the international border area without much traffic around me. I arrived at the main office/tourist center and had a nice talk with two people from Ontario, Canada that were working down in the station for several months. They were informative and extremely helpful. One of the things I like to do before going on a photoshoot is ask people where they've seen wildlife recently and then I can tailor my hike to be around areas at those certain times. That day was hit and miss and I didn't get to see the Pronghorn, but I certainly spotted lots of other fun things like the above barn owl.

In southeastern Arizona, the mix of deserts, mountains, grasslands, elevation changes, and the northern limits of many subtropical species make this geographic area one of the most biologically rich regions of the world. Some species are here because the core of their distribution is in the nearby Sonoran Desert, the Sierra Madre Madre range to the south, or the Rocky Mountains to the north. A number of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians are here at the northern edge of their range and are found nowhere else in the US. Some exist only in isolated sites within the region. The pics you are looking at now come from the primary grassland site. It's also where you'll find the pronghorn and many species of birds.

Established in 1985 for the reintroduction of masked bobwhite quail and for the restoration of natural landscape for the native wildlife, the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge is a success story. They've eliminated a lot of invasive plant species and have allowed the grasslands to become full grasslands again. At one point, there was hundreds of miles of barbed fencing around these former rancher lands. Today, with international and local help, that fencing is no longer there which now opens the land for animals to roam between Mexico and the US.

Vesper Sparrow

Area 2(Brown Canyon) is what I consider to be another excellent wildlife spot and a major highlight. But it's difficult to get to as it is on a very poorly maintained road. Here studies are being done on the elusive return of the jaguar. I was up here in the mid 90's and I can tell you all that it's pretty incredible stuff. There is a center for people to stay if you can make the journey. But call ahead. You will have some amazing finds in this location. I found several bark scorpions on the wall before going to bed:)We had animals like skunks and coatis come right up to us not to mention deer, hummingbirds, and so much more.

Area 3 and 4 are really wonderful hiking spots and popular places for birders. You'll need to drive to Arivaca to find this clearly marked parking areas to hike. Each trail resides on one end of the town. And the town is small. On this day, I was a little scared as I was the only person on the trail. The entrance to this trail reminded me of some horror film and I was in it!!! But alas I ran into a friendly hiker and we spoke of birds and the ecology. It is safe, but I travel a lot around the world and recommend just keeping your head up sometimes. There's blind faith(travel anywhere, anytime, no problems) and then there's caution. And so while it's safe, use caution:)

There are some incredible finds here in this part of the world, but make sure you plan accordingly for your hikes. Here are just some things to consider....or keep in the back of your mind. While border patrol has a heavy presence in this region, it is still possible for random acts of violence to happen. At one point, a section of land was closed off near the border town of Sasabe, but here in this area, things seem to be a lot calmer. The town of Arivaca has also been known to be quite "anti" everything. In fact, when I passed through this tiny town, there was a sign that said, "Go Home Mineral Show!" But they've been known to fight against our government and have the reputation for being a little rebellious against the establishment. Therefore, I double checked my car doors to make sure they were locked:) It's probably not all that bad now, but it was not so long ago.

Best time for sightings are of course during the early mornings or mid to late afternoon right before sunset.

Bring good walking shoes, a hat, binoculars, a camera, and your birding guide. There's lots to see here.

I saw a lot of birds, but only a few of my bird shots turned out. Especially keep an eye out for the 19 raptors in the area. There are a lot!!!`A Golden Eagle is reported to be flying around the entrance of the main office at the beginning of the road. You can stop if you need to get out of the car and snap pictures, etc. Drive slowly as there is a lot of wildlife crossing.

Western Kingbird

I make it sound like it's easy to spot wildlife, but it's not. You have to be patient and quiet and all that jazz, but if you stand quiet, listen and scan......you'll find something. During the colder months, I always head towards water areas because that's where the wildlife seem to congregate.

Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge

PO Box 109

Sasabe, AZ 85633

520-823-4251

www.fws.gov/southwest

Common Yellowthroat Warbler, Female

For Refuge Information call 1-800-344-WILD

Red Tailed Hawk

And here's one last shot of my barn owl. I'm really proud of this one:) Until next time.....

Xanadu

2012-02-03T02:00:00.003-07:00

The Female Desert Cardinal

Happiness is sanity. This blog is sanity. Here is a mini break before I continue on with more of my work from around the world and a set of photo shoots from around town on the MOST EXCELLENT LANDSCAPES OF TUCSON! Well in my opinion. Those writings and photos are coming, but these are places that inspire me to think, read, and drink....and not necessarily in that order:) I hope you enjoy that series. Things are warming up in the Old Pueblo and gardeners are itching to get out there and do some planting. March. Think March. For now, enjoy these cool February thoughts.....

Saguaro in decline

"A place where nobody dared to go

The love that we came to know

They call it Xanadu

And now

Open your eyes and see
What we have made is real

We are in Xanadu"

Enduring the cold

A million lights are dancing

And there you are

A shooting star

An everlasting world

And you're here with me

Eternally

Xanadu, Xanadu!

Agave victoriae

For you, Xanadu

The love

The echoes of long ago

You needed the world to know

They are in Xanadu

The dream

That came through a million years

That lived on through all the tears

It came to Xanadu" Olivia Newton John and ELO

Cheese-tastic! More tomorrow....and there's an owl involved:)

Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area

2012-02-02T02:00:00.054-07:00

The Sandhill Crane

I came home today and went straight to the computer to write about this experience. Of course laundry has to be done! Today was a first with a new camera lense. It's really a telescope made for a camera. And I'm glad I brought this lense today because the sandhill cranes were further out than usual. There were two parts about this trip out to the Whitewater Draw that were important. 1. Observe and 2. Photograph. The previous night before leaving, I watched the weather reports. And in a sense, I gambled with the timing of the flight patterns of these cranes.

So I drove excited and nervous about what I'd see there. Worried that my car might not make it on the dirt road. Worried that I'd miss them flying into the wetlands. And I drove and drove and drove in the rain and cloudy weather. I left the house at 8 AM and arrived a little after 10. I had my doubts and wondered where the hell I was at times, but I stopped at a gas station in Elfrida for directions when this woman glanced over at me and said in a drawl, "Looking for them birds?" I didn't want to ask how she made that assumption. Was it the vest? Was it the full set of pearly whites and gorgeous greying and receding hairline? Either way, she gave me the directions to "them birds". So I kept driving on and on and on fiddling around with my radio station in the car. The channels were horrible and so I switched to a Cirque De Soleil CD. Don't ask. Side note. Why do people in rural communities here have southern accents? This is Arizona.

Terrible things run through my mind while driving alone. What if my car broke down? What if I get a flat tire? Does OnStar work out here? Who would come? You see, I still don't own a cell phone, but that's a conversation for another day. I wish I had had a friend who loved birding but wouldn't talk while I was filming. Unfortuneatly, my other half had to work. And you see not everyone would enjoy this activity because patience is required and if you don't like birding, this might be a terrible place to go. I watched as a guy who loved birding tell his friend that he would "meet up with him" after he was done. The friend replied, "I'll be waiting in the car when you're done." (Hint. Hurry up.)

Timing was everything. In my past, I have observed rain storms cause behavior change in animals and I wanted to be there for the big flight. I went the day after Wings Over Willcox finished up because I hate crowds and my experience with crowds is that they scare off any wildlife.

I set up my scope and as I did, the heavens opened up before me. Look closely at the above pic to see the thousands of birds high in the sky. I was swapping lenses out one after another talking to myself like I always do and there were excited birders all around. It just so happened the sand cranes were coming in earlier than previous times and with the best numbers that they had seen. This came from several RV guests that had been there for over a week. I KNEW IT!!! Good call on my part. I did a little happy dance once the show started.....and what a show it was!!!

At first, it was like watching a storm coming. Where were all these cranes going to go? And when would they land? But the first signs came from the waterfowl as they burst forth in great numbers as they cranes descended onto their area. Cranes trump waterfowl.

The explosion burst forward and my hands weren't quick enough for all the numbers that surrounded us......the watchers. Oooohhhhh and ahhhhhhs and Holy @#$! came out of several observer's mouths. I laughed and felt the rush of adrenaline. Glorious!

More and more cranes landed......

....which caused this to happen!!!

Mother of pearls was that a challenge. I couldn't keep the camera steady. The wind was so strong and that particular lense was super sensitive causing some blur.

Eventually it all settled down. Everyone gasping for air after the deep plunge. Better than any movie I've seen this year. And the best part? It was free. Well if you don't consider the gas spent....or the chili burrito.....or the ham sandwich....or the water......but you get my point. Bring a lunch. There is a bathroom. And there are chairs. I recommend sitting on them just to soak it all in. There are so many more birds here to discover. The experts look for the hard to find. The rest of us just come for the main show...the Sand Cranes. But the show will be closing soon. By mid month these birds will have flown back to their summer homes. The recommended time to view these birds is at sunrise when they all take off for corn. But because it was cloudy, it messed with their timing and I got to see this spectacular show without getting up at 5 in the morning!!

What is that Sand Crane laughing about on the end? Probably thinking, "Hah those idiots can't see us!! We're too far away from them for any of them to notice!" Okay, expert birder. This is where you correct me with your literal no nonsense logic and tell us why Grus canadensis is exhibiting that particular behavior:)

You know what I loved most? The birders that were there were extremely friendly. If this is what retirement is like, I want in! AND I think I spoke with a fellow blogger today. We met each other and kinda had a connection....like, I know you from somewhere....but from where? He was super friendly and we had a great conversation. I went back to the car to switch out my lense and saw him again and he thought his shots wouldn't turn out because the cranes were too far, but I had mentioned to him that some moved closer. His group released him and we went back to the spot and got the shots. This is the last pic I took before returning back to Tucson.

I drove home in what seemed like eternity. Got home and ran to my computer to see all the cool images....to discover that most of my 500 pictures would be duds. Even the ones on this post today are okay. But had I not used my telephoto lense, I wouldn't have been able to get the shots I did. There were 3 key shots that I was not able to get, but as a birder said to me today, "It's just another reason to come again." And that thought stuck inside this little brain......next time:) And I smile at the pure exhilarance of it all. What an awesome day!