Devotion

Miller Canyon

Now that summer is upon me.  I can begin to devote my time towards the study of birds.  It is not enough to just see, photograph or hear a bird.....

Curve-billed Thrasher on Saguaro Cactus

It's understanding the ecosystem better, recognizing the calls, and working with others.  Many early mornings have been gladly sacrificed for these incredible birds.  My mother, in her 40's, turned into a crazy bird lady specifically working with parrots from our home.  I honestly laughed and enjoyed watching her feed baby Monk Parakeets on our cupboard.  She'd place the syringes full of the fruity goo into their hungry little beaks while we helped keep an eye on the others.  When friends came over, they would laugh at our loud birds.  They would also mention that our home sounded like the Amazon rain forest.  Not that they'd ever been...... 

Purple Martins

I had a hard time keeping parrots, parakeets, and lovebirds in their cages.  I always left the cage door unlocked or cracked open so that they could fly or walk to wherever they needed to go.  But I wasn't INTO birds.  I wonder if there was a secret gene waiting to be activated....just like it did for my mother.  

Summer Tanager

I've always had the desire and passion to travel and garden.  I've always loved wildlife.  But this need to really really understand birds?  I just don't understand it.  I just know that they are on my mind constantly.  Sometimes I wish I could just shut it off.  And I'm not alone.  There are several within this social circle that are just as addicted as I am.  Addicts encouraging each other to do better.  To see better.  To hear better.  And just be better birders.

In St. David searching for the Mississippi Kite

Recently, we met up with a mother and daughter team from Washington state for a special focus on the Montezuma Quail.  Bruce Berman invited me to tag along and help out in the search.  I've heard these birds often and I've even waited for them quietly to make an appearance. One blew by my head once, but they never had given me any great visuals. It's one of the most difficult birds to observe in the wild, but we were determined to hike and find these birds once and for all. But nothing would shock us more than to discover the mother in our group was 90 years old! Both mother and daughter conditioned their bodies during the winter months to prepare for this steep and rocky hike. Now that's dedication!

A Montezuma Quail call could be heard from the canyon's hillside. Everyone put their scope, binoculars and cameras up. It was very very close. For this bird, one has to stand perfectly still and scrutinize every detail in the landscape.  This quail often surprises birders by shooting straight up from the grasses.  One sat still only inches away from me before exploding from the rocks.  Heart attack?  Thankfully not this time. 

But the reveal would happen.  I heard the male's distinct call.  And I searched the spot from where I heard the call.  Like many other moments before, I held my breathe and waited........and waited.  A "rock" bounced up and a moment happened.  Don't move. Don't breathe.  Stay forever in my mind. 

Montezuma Quail

 Eventually, everyone got their binos on the bird.  Then I heard several more calling nearby.  We moved further on down the trail where the quail would silently watch us from the rocks......and we'd silently watch them back.

White-eared Hummingbird

 After our epic Montezuma Quail finds as what is called my many birders as the "Quail Valhalla Trail", the group disbanded and went to grab breakfast before hitting another trail in Miller Canyon. 

Buff-breasted Flycatcher

 Our target bird would the nesting Northern Goshawk.  This would be a lifer for me, but to be honest, I was fascinated by all specialty birds nesting along the trails!  We found Western Tanagers, Buff-bellied Flycatchers, Northern Pygmy Owls, Greater Pewees, Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers, a White-eared hummingbird, and of course the Northern Goshawks.  For many birders, these birds are high on their list of "must sees" when they come to visit.  On this day, we would find all of them casually flitting around branches or rock. 

Painted Redstart

 I'd like to dedicate this post to three very special people.  First to Bruce Berman for inviting me along on this wonderful hike.  And finally to the mother/daughter team from Washington state.  Jackie and Annie, you both inspired me with your birder dedication.  I've met 70-somethings on the trails, but to hike with a 90 year old is a real honor.  I am not worthy.  Jackie, you make me believe that anything is possible. Annie, you are a wonderful daughter. I can only imagine the adventures you have while on the road together.  Very few things surprise me these days.  This was one that still lingers freshly in my mind.  And it will be part of my Montezuma Quail story.  Until next time.....

Northern Goshawk

For more stories of birds from around the world check out Wild Bird Wednesday.