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| Pyrrhuloxia male |
Taking a break from the Guatemala treks, here is a fantastic discovery closer to home. My Aunt from Prescott came down to visit me in Tucson. I had taken her to Sabino Canyon for a walk and possibly find some wildlife. She wanted to know more about what I did on my free time. And so I showed her....
And not too far from the entrance to the park did we spot our first adventure! I noticed a lot of Pyrrhuloxia activity happening around a grove of mesquite trees. So we moved closer to spot what all the commotion was about........and then my Aunt saw why they were going crazy........look at the pic above.
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| Pyrrhuloxia Female |
A Coachwhip snake climbed the branches searching for the young ones in the nearby nest. The father Pyrrhuloxia tried to distract the snake from the babies. Meanwhile mom had food in her beak for them while she sat nearby to the young ones. But where were the young ones?
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| Coachwhip Snake(Red Racer) |
My question would be quickly answered as one plopped down in front of me on the road. Now I'm not one to interfere with nature's battles, but the little ones were in danger. Well they were out of danger from the snake, but not from the human "tram" that drove up and down the road. So I led them back near the base of the trees while the snake climbed higher towards the nest. At least they were safe from the human traffic.
We did our part to help the little ones out, but it is my rule of thumb never to interfere with "the show" unless of course humans caused it.
We hiked to the rushing waters of Sabino and cooled off. And for the moment, the Pyrrhuloxia family was safe. Just one of the many dramas that unfold in nature. More from Guatemala coming up.....
the snake was beautiful as were the birds! hope there was a happy ending.
ReplyDeleteHi Chris Boy that was exciting. That snake meant business. That little chick looks a bit lost but it was right that you took it off the road.
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful birds, I hope they remained safe from the snake. Nice outing and story, Chris! Happy Birding!
ReplyDeleteWow Chris! Great post, and absolutely stunning photos. Pyrrhuloxias aren't always the cleanest to photograph, but these here and dy-no-mite
ReplyDeleteThank you:) I don't know about you but I'm itching to get back on the trails this weekend. NO BIRDING AT ALL this week!!! Yes, cabin fever and work. But the good part is that I've been planning trips left and right until the end of this year into next. It is way too hot right now.....and the mosquitoes!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Chris - you did the right thing to get the birds off the road - so hope they remained safe from the snake. Lovely photos to illustrate the story :)
ReplyDeleteI can understand why that little one looks so grumpy. Hope they all come out okay.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting show of nature in motion. And although I agree about not interfering believe you did the right and a good thing keeping those babies out of the road.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful "scenery banner."
ReplyDeleteI am sure you did the right thing and wish the birdies a happy end. Your aunt must have loved it. One more birder in the world :-)
Oh my gosh Chris...what a moment you were able to share in. Actually I am kind of thankful that we don't have those snakes here.
ReplyDeleteJen
Beautiful scenery. I am glad you helped the chicks. I hope the snake did not get them!
ReplyDeleteI had to look Pyrrhuloxia up Chis as at first I thought it was a Cardinal. Now I see an alternative name is Desert Cardinal- doh. Great pictures you got- looks like the younsters fledged early rather than be eaten by the snake but you did the right thing.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is a tough old world out there in nature Chris, I see it myself right in my own back yard :)
ReplyDeleteHooray for you Chris! Sometimes interfering with nature is the right thing to do.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots and beautiful birds and the snake too :)
Ahhhhh--what beautiful birds... Hope the little ones continue to be safe and hope they made it! Nature is hard for all wildlife at times...
ReplyDeleteSounds like you and your aunt had a great time.
Hugs,
Betsy
Qué bonito es este pajarillo.. Yo le quiero hacer fotos algún día.. :-)))
ReplyDeleteOh dear Kreesh, this is such a marvelous post, photos and adventure. It deserves a wider audience and more formal write up in a glossy magazine, NG i suppose! haha. But it was really awesome, i held my breath till the end. And the photo with your ant with that whole background is super awesome!
ReplyDeleteI love to come with you too! LOL.