Holding The Front

Zone-tailed Hawk

If I didn't have birds, I would go crazy. It would seem like one endless day streaming into the other.  I view my bird outings as fun but sad!  Because after I'm birding, I know I will have to go home!

Every day, I find a moment and see something amazing.  And luckily, there are always things to see. Or experience. 

As this disease takes hold, I find myself having to end hanging out with friends on the trails.  Keeping the distance is important, but even better is staying home or AWAY from people altogether. 

It has become even more difficult to stay away from stupid people who think it's all a joke.  Some have even died.  One young man, a couple nights ago, lost his life while drag racing on our Mt. Lemmon road drunk.  No one is monitoring these areas. As a result, this guy is dead after driving off the side of the mountain. We were up on the mountain in the cold listening to owls and nightjars when we heard a lot of drag racing in the forested canyons.  It was just a matter of time before someone was killed.  Glad it wasn't us or the many other innocent bystanders who enjoy night hikes/birding on the trails.  And the wildlife doesn't deserve to be around our stupidity.

Sonoran Gophersnake

 I walk the trails listening for people.  Most people are good.  The few who are foolish are usually loud and easy to avoid.  Like a deer in the grass, I disappear.  I watch other birders and smile.  It is beautiful. 

Some days are difficult.  I want to get out but I can't because I have to go to the store or I have appointments with my work OR I just have work to get done at home!  It takes more energy these days.  The evenings are the hardest as I have come to discover that I hate watching TV.  

Western Kingbird

This week has been fun, but my greatest challenge has been the Gray Vireo.  It was a new bird for my Pima County list.  

Gray Vireos are common in Maricopa County but NOT in Pima.  They used to breed in smaller numbers here and still may do so in areas that are difficult to scout.  Outside of migration, it's a difficult bird to spot around Pima County.

I've seen many of them and recognize their call in AZ.  However, in Pima county, it's a different story. I've chased this bird 3 times this past week!  Finally, I heard the bird, but does it count?  The short answer is yes.  Plus I've seen it many times, but I like having photo records for my reports.  However, as a more seasoned birder now, I also respect the bird and will not bother it if it's not willing to show itself.  If it was a lifer, this would be a different story. 

Pyrruhuloxia

However, I can tell you with great enthusiasm that Lucy's Warblers are plentiful and very often seen around here before they hunker down to nest. 

In a really beautiful moment this past week, I headed out to Proctor Road for a rarish Golden-crowned Sparrow.  I met Tina and several other birders as we sat and watched her feeders.  It was a crazy experience.  So many good birds seen!

Broad-billed Hummingbirds fight over a spot at her feeders

But even better?  I missed talking to fellow birders.  I missed hearing their stories.  I missed the social part of it. Tina is "stuck" at Madera Canyon until the covid epidemic is over.  She's in an RV and in the most perfect place ever.  If she stays there long enough, she may even hear a Buff-colored Nightjar!

A rare hummingbird to the lower elevation, this Rivoli's Hummer comes in for a sip. 

The sunsets are gorgeous.  

And the spring migration show is out of the world. 

This female Broad-billed Hummingbird sips nectar from the wildflowers in the foothills of Madera Canyon. 

Sometimes she sits on the delicate branch to take a break from the high speed flying. 

For a moment, I forget the world is in chaos. 

Northern Cardinal

And in my excitement, I completely get lost in the moment as the Golden-crowned Sparrow comes out from the shadows. 

There are good days. And there are bad days.  I am fortunate that I have family to remind me to keep my sanity.  We zoom and drink.  My sister puts together games and we hang out.  There's a bit of ADD going on with this group, but I am grateful to have them there.  

I tried taking a pic but accidentally shut off my camera!

Stay well.  We still have a bit to go on this all. Nature is happening all around us. Until next time.....