Saturday, October 20, 2012

Under the Mesquite, I Wait

On the day I took these shots, it was National Park day which meant free entrance.  I don't know why I went to Sabino Canyon.  Well I know why I went but I should have known better.  We have so many canyons here. Most of them are relatively quiet and unknown.  Sabino is full of life but it is also one of  Tucson's premiere tourist destinations.  Yes.  There were lots of people.  I went early to enjoy the cooler temps and perhaps discover the Coati, Racoon or Gila Monster.....or the Mountain Lion that was reported with 3 cubs.
Stop 4
And as for birds?  I heard them but didn't see much activity.  It was a beautiful hike. I did get a little tan from the walk. The water in the creek was flowing and it was pretty.
But I feel like I shouldn't have gone here on this day.  And yet I did.  Any place that's full of runners, crying children, tourists shouting, and loud trams going up and down the canyon road tend to scare off the wildlife.  And yet I went.
It wasn't disappointing. At first I did a long hike but I ran out of water and know my limits.  It was getting hot quick and I returned back to the entrance......but I wasn't going home.  So I took that darn tram for 8 bucks to stop 9 hoping to find birds.....or something........
But I wasn't alone.  While I was searching for birds at Sabino, the Audobon was in a much more quiet canyon on the other side of the mountain.  They reported the same as I did on this day....birds quiet today.  The difference?  They spotted a Gila Monster!!!!
Gila Woodpecker
And speaking of things "Gila", I can always rely on the Gila Woodpecker.  They're always around to make me smile with their loud squacks. But it would be the only bird I'd see up close.  There was a flycatcher in the distance but I couldn't make out what it was.....so I went to the top.
female Filigree Skimmer
And hiked down.  Nada. Zip.  Zilch.  I left the road and walked along the creek to locate the birds chirping in the trees.  There were Verdins, hummingbirds, flycatchers, quail, warblers, and other birds.  But I could only hear them.  But along the creek, I spotted this little gem!  A new kind of dragonfly I hadn't seen before. So I sat on a rock alone and watched them flutter around me.  They landed super close while I sat in the shade.
And while today was a nice hike without lots of wildlife to see, I think I got some of the best dragonfly shots yet.  This is a female Filigree Skimmer.
Now don't laugh at me but I play these games in my head.  "If I were a dragonfly, which one would I be?"  And I think after the find today, I'd choose this color and style:)
Normally I only go to Sabino Canyon when I have guests coming into town because it is a beautiful area and everyone falls in love with Tucson after that visit (and the one to the Desert Museum:)  I've seen deer, cardinals and all kinds of critters in Sabino Canyon but no one captures the beauty of Sabino Canyon like Diane from Desert Colors.

So after an extensive and hot 4 hour morning hike, I gave in and headed to Stop 4 and waved my tram ticket up in defeat.  Why Stop 4?  Because that's where I seem to find all the birds hanging out.....and there was a wonderful shady mesquite tree to keep me from having heat exhaustion.   At least I had some great exercise, but that was cancelled out by movie night and Dominos pizza with Pat.  Tomorrow, Kathie and I are going birding in one of our local parks.  We'll probably find more in town than outside of it.  Stay tuned to see what flies our way:)  More tomorrow.....

Trans-Pecos Morning Glory



19 comments:

  1. There is a reason for everything and after all you found your "dragonfly."

    "Tell me doctor, what's the cure for the wicked man's blues?

    Fly Dragonfly,
    Fly Dragonfly,
    Fly Dragonfly..."

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4sQfHD_b_E

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  2. As usual very nice to see Chris.... good work again.

    greetings, Joop

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  3. Once again it's really good to see your dragonflies.
    Have a good weekend.

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  4. Muy bonitas.. Me encanta ese Pájaro carpintero..Tiene un dorso a rayas precioso. Un saludillo..

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  5. Looks like a great adventure. It was worth going there after all, with all these lovely creatures, flowers and other things that you have captured. Nice post again!

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  6. I have had plenty of the days where the birds stay hidden or people scare them away. So, I know how you feel. Your photos are pretty and I love the dragonfly and the lizard. If I could be a dragonfly, I wish I were an Amberwing, they are so pretty. Great shots, have a wonderful weekend.

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  7. That's how it's been for me also at Sabino, I've seen fewer birds but more insects, and yes, dragonflies! I'm so glad you've identified the Filigree Skimmer, it wasn't in my field guide. Cool pictures, love the lizard and the trans-pecos flowers. Thanks for linking to Desert Colors. :)

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  8. I can't believe he can rest on the catus like that. Must have tough feet

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  9. even with all the activity, you seemed to get great wildlife shots.

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  10. I like ur pictures!
    Especially that cool dragonfly!...

    xoxo, Juliana
    [pjhappies.blogspot.com]

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  11. No matter the amount of visitors to the park, you did manage to get some great shots Chris.

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  12. I love the Skimmers! Neat photos!!!

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  13. You sure do find a lot of interesting stuff for "not finding anything". Ha! I agree that Diane's photos are wonderful! And so are yours, my friend. You have a great gift.

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  14. Sometimes, the birds are scarce but it's always nice to be outside with nature. You did manage to see some lovely skimmers, though. Wonderful, detailed photographs of these beauties! Sweet lizard, too. Always a pleasure to visit your terrific blog.

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  15. Oh my... I am on bug wing overload!! That is an interesting creature for sure.

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  16. Hey that spider's web makes great hummingbird nesting materials. Make sure to include more spiders in your landscape.

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  17. You are seeing some wonderful wildlife on your hikes. The markings on the dragonfly's wings are absolutely beautiful :)

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  18. Sorry you didn't see any wildlife, and only a Gila woodpecker for birdlife that day...but I LOVE the filigree skipper you found! It's beautiful!

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