Stop to Smell the....

Hooded Skunk on the Proctor Trail near Madera Canyon

I never forget that while on our little adventures to look up every now and again at the epic landscapes around us.  Today’s post is about watching where we step and noticing the “bigger picture”.

Willcox Lake

Part of the fun from birding comes from the great eats and hikes along the way.  And the views are to die for!

Bisbee, AZ

Most of the time, it's quiet.  No planes.  No cars. No people!  Just the wind blowing through grasslands.

The Whitewater Draw-Male Northern Harrier

There are moments of pure perfection as the sun sets or rises.

It's  during those moments I smile and think about how magical this trek continues to be.

Agua Caliente Park, Tucson

Along the way, I have faced cold and hot temps, blowing dust, whipping frigid winds, and some close wildlife encounters.

But the views keep me coming back.  As do the birds:)

Lakeside Park, Tucson with Great Egret

We inspect every blade of grass, hilltop, treetop, river, lake, and rock.  Movement catches our eyes and we spot a coyote(below).

And then there are moments of lazy birding around foreign feeders.  White-crowned sparrows and a Pyrrhuloxia dazzle the eyes.

San Pedro House near Sierra Vista

Sometimes the birds take you to secret hidden places most people don't know about.....like the waterfalls of the Santa Cruz river.

Santa Cruz River on a cold day

A solitary tree against the backdrop of snow covered mountains energizes the soul.  What lies beyond that next canyon? Or mountain range?

Friends make everything better.  A hot cup of coffee with Ms. Kathie Brown makes the outing even more special.

The birds surround us. Again. No cars. No planes.  No people.  Just nature.

And not all is perfection when there are factors that push the human limits.

Sometimes people get dragged along for the ride:) They enjoy the spectacles for brief moments before saying, "Enough is enough!"

And of course, I have to watch where I step.  This little guy almost sprayed me while I was taking his pic.  Instead, he sprayed a rude family with a dog!  As I walked back to my car, I heard the scream and then....oooh no!!!  Kharma.  Always pay attention to your surroundings.  And if you bring a dog that is going to bite people, you probably should leave them home.

This last photo warmed my heart while we were at Reid Park and it is one of two pictures from this post that are my favorites. I have always been an observer since I was a kid.  And for the first time in my life, I am seeing things clearly.

Reid Park, Tucson