A War of Roses

Rosy-faced Lovebird

Life is FULL of decisions.  We watch movies like Batman VS. Superman, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, North VS. South, etc. just to watch the conflict play out within the ranks.  Within me, there is constantly a similar battle between the artist and birder.  The birder side typically wins out, but on today's post, the artist won. 

Hutton's Vireo

The "Birderverse" had been receiving reports about rare Rosy-faced Lovebirds feeding in a local Tucson Park.  Unfortunately with my work schedule, I couldn't go and find these birds.  I have already seen them a million times, but never in Tucson. And never feeding from a blooming Ocotillo! Colorful images swirled inside my head and it excited the artist. That night I could not sleep. Before I closed my eyes, I had to make a big decision.  As you are about to read, a War of Roses was about to take place. 

After a lot of road trekking, I was tired and just wanted to do some local photography.  Then reports of a rare Rose-throated Becard came into the news room and I had to make a hard decision. Chase this bird or observe the art of a Rosy-faced Lovebird feeding.  Neither were life birds.  And only the Becard would be a state bird.  The artist won.  And the birder inside cringed. 

Rose-throated Becard seen in Chiapas, Mexico last year

I had planned to go the next day on Sunday until I had forgotten that I had made plans for a brunch with our neighbors and scheduled a movie date for later on. 

And while these aren't life and death situations, they do make me think about the entire scheme of things.  Every piece of my day is perfectly coordinated to accomplish those personal goals. This was one of the first times I had to REALLY pick which path to roam! Life does not wait. Nor do the birds!

Bronzed Cowbird

Either way, it was a wonderful day on the road.  I stood in a desert forest chatting with several birders. And I watched the sun rise behind a beautiful Lovebird feeding on Ocotillo blossoms.  What a great way to begin the day!  

Gila Woodpecker

I am thankful for that artist inside of me.  It tempers my insane birder appetite. I wonder what the real Rose Betty White would do? Until next time.....

Here is the other Rose I would love to meet one day.  Ms. Betty White