Saturday, September 14, 2013

Early Holiday Deals


Sometimes the best birding spots are the ones often overlooked.  After a rainy trip up to Greer in August for a couple days, we stumbled on this little gem near Winkelman on the way back home. Sadly, I must report that Santa was not seen in this thick mesquite forest.

Rocky Mountain Toad or Woodhouse's Toad
So if Santa didn't live here, why would someone call this place Christmas?  Apparently on Christmas day in 1902, this mine was staked out and a town would be born. However, it is now a ghost town.  Some old abandoned buildings remain around this area including an old playground.  For three decades, the former post office here was a popular destination for letters postmarked, "Christmas."

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher
I suppose it was like Christmas because I finally was able to obtain decent photos of a Canyon Wren!!!  For months, I had sworn to myself that this bird had it out for me.  I'd hear it, see it and try to get it on camera.  It would jump out on a rock and do its " ascending to descending" call right in front of me.  By the time, I'd get my lens fixed, the bird/s were gone!!  We heard the Canyon Wren calling down the verdant path and we quietly made our way over to where this bird was singing. Both Kathie and myself were able to get some of our best views ever on this bird.    So it was the best Christmas ever!  No cookies or milk were needed for this visit!

Canyon Wren
We marveled at this riparian area as it was full of life.  But Kathie mentioned that she wouldn't want to bird here alone.  I agreed.  Apparently Santa had some homeless elves living around the river as there were elfish things left around various places.


It should also be noted that under the dense mesquite forest, his reindeer pooped a lot.  However they looked more like cattle than deer, but I digress.  I couldn't find a red nose in the bunch.  But we did spot a Vermilion Flycatcher!


We continued under rainy skies searching for birds.  There were several paths and we followed them down to the river.  We were cautious because the river began to rise from the monsoon flooding north of our area.


We found a swing over the river. Not sure if this could hold Santa or not, but it looked like a great way to cool off on this hot and muggy day.  I imagined him taking off that shirt jumping into the muddy waters below.  It wasn't pretty.


Kathie had thought she had seen a Common Black Hawk up on our ride to the Greer area as we passed Winkelman.  We confirmed it once we heard and saw a juvenile Common Black Hawk taking flight.  Now that was pretty thrilling!  I'm not one for the crazy holiday season but I will have to say that this was probably the best Christmas ever.  I also learned that Santa was a miner and cattle rancher in another life:)  More coming up......
Today I'm linking with Wild Bird Wednesday.
Juvenile Common Black Hawk

28 comments:

  1. Now this is my kind of Christmas! A great place for birding. Love the cute Canyon Wren and the cute toad. Great post, happy birding!

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  2. such a range of colors in that terrain!!!

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  3. I almost didn't see the black hawk!
    loved the toad

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  4. That Hawk shot is pretty amazing. You almost cant see him unless you enlarge the picture. Birds of prey have such amazing wingspans!

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  5. Qué bonito lugar y que bonitos pajarillos.. Habrá que ir para Navidad. ja.. Un saludillo desde Madrid...

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  6. It seems like a great place for Santa to live, especially if he likes to bird in his quiet times!

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  7. I've enjoyed reading this post, Chris, with a smile on my face!

    I remember trying to find a calling Canyon Wren in Colorado Monument Park. Could hear it, and think I got a glimpse of one - but not sure! So pleased to see that you well-and-truly got one!

    Is that sign newly erected? My memories of the US of A are that many/most of such signs out in the wild were peppered with buckshot!

    Happy birding Chris - Richard

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  8. :) Those signs are normally dented and faded but there's nothing like a new sign to say come in and explore our homeless encampment...minus the homeless or at least they were hiding. Pretty fantastic area otherwise:)

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  9. Another great birding adventure Chris - what a wonderful place :) Sorry you didn't get to see Santa :)

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  10. This is how I'd like to celebrate Christmas this year!

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  11. Birding at CHRISTMAS, huh????? Was it COLD like it should be at Christmastime????? (Bet NOT).....

    Glad you did see some special birds especially the little wren...

    Did you dress like Mr. and Mrs. Santa?????? ha ha

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  12. What beautiful sceneries! Have I told how much I love the blog header?

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  13. There seem to be quite a few ghost towns Chris. Well done on capturing the black hawk, not an easy shot, quick reflexes required :)

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  14. Great area!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  15. I really like that Canyon Wren. From findlay

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  16. I have never heard of a canyon wren. They're pretty!!

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  17. It's a beautiful area. Love that little Canyon Wren.

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  18. What a lovely spot! Nice bird shots!

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  19. Lovely shots. The wren is very cute.

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  20. Beautiful captures!! I'm not big on Christmas but I LOVE LOVE LOVE this one!!

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  21. Looks like a great place. Nice you caught that wren. They can sing so loudly but sure like to hide in the rocks!

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  22. Wonderful photos! I like that rusty colored bird.

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  23. Splendid and your Canyon Wren images are really magical~

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