Between Blade And Blossom

Monarch Butterfly

It has been a lovely spring migration so far this year.  As birds arrive, I watch how they interact with the blooming plant life. 

Arizona Bell's Vireo

Tucson is also home to some amazing butterfly life as well.  As everything blooms, we watch Monarch, Queen and Pipevine Butterflies connect with the colorful array of wildflowers. 

Northern Rough-Winged Swallow

Warblers and Vireos are easier to see as the trees are only just beginning to leaf out. 

Yellow Warbler

Many species of bee visit our wildflowers. 

Desert Globemallow

I hear the call of a Verdin and approach this Blue Palo Verde slowly.  Among the massive yellow explosion, I find.....

Blue Palo Verde

......a Verdin making a nest and snipping off the delicate yellow blooms of the tree. 

Verdin in Blue Palo Verde

I know that the wild Tree Tobacco is popular to many hummingbirds.  I stand and watch the tree knowing that there will be a hummingbird arriving soon to feed from the tubular flowers. 

Black-chinned Hummingbird staking out a Tree Tobacco

I discover a turf war between male Black-chinned and Anna's Hummingbirds.  The Black-chinned hide in the shadows and send the male Anna's Hummingbird away. 

Anna's Hummingbird

The Black-chinned Hummer resumes his feeding from the plant. 

The Arizona Bell's Vireo calls from the mesquite; a favorite haunt of the bird. 

The last of the wintering Orange-crowned Warblers picks apart this cattail. 

Orange-crowned Warbler

 And as fresh blades grow high, a rare American Bittern hides in the shadows feeding from tadpoles. 

the American Bittern at Sweetwater

Spring has arrived. Birders keep their binoculars near with the hopes of spotting something rare during migration.  Each day can be an exciting one. This is one of the best times to visit Southern Arizona.  You never know what will show up.  Until next time.....