Stepping Back To Move Forward

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Gypsy again.  The way I began. And the way I'll continue from this point forward. 

Always in the shadows learning, but now wearing my invisible cloak for good. 

What once was unknown is now known. What once was new is worn. End of the line. 

5 years doesn't seem like a long time ago. But it has changed me in ways I never imagined.  Now I join "the others" who also have vanished from the public spotlight.  Africa, Australia, Fiji, Cape Verde, the Arctic, Argentina.........

Lincoln's Sparrow

I slowly move closer to a 1000 new species.  It is difficult.  When I see others with a total of 8000 or 9000 bird species, I am overwhelmed.  That is an incredible accomplishment.  

Belted Kingfisher

In October, I will say my good-byes to the AZ crowd one last time.  I am grateful for all the friendships and will maintain the ones I have.  For now, it's time to take a step back from their community.

Gray Hawk

Time to save money and plan for bigger treks. Time to train our future generations about saving our planet's species.  About protecting habitat. About making better decisions when it comes to our environment. And move forward. 

A woman once told me as a beginning birder, "The first two years are the most exciting because everything is new.  But then the game gets harder."  During my 4 years as a birder, it was all thrilling.  Then, during this 5th year, I felt a shift happen.  The game has gotten harder and my patience shorter.

Sage Thrasher in Box Canyon

While I am here in Tucson, I will enjoy the birds.  I will save the $$ and then on my time off, I will fly.  

Common Poorwill at Saguaro National Park

 But the crazy Arizona chases are done.  I crave solitude. No more calculated chasing.  Because that isn't birding.  It's playing a game.  And I'm not playing this game anymore. I just exploded after being surrounded by all the bird politics (and the who's bird was rarer crap.) I felt I had lost control creatively over something that I love.  Something that was once very much my own. I have taken it back again and it feels good. 

As you'll see, Las Aventuras is heading out for some fun along the ocean in a few short weeks. I'm looking forward to birding alone for awhile. As the weather cools down, the epic birding will start to take off!  So many stories to tell over the next several weeks....so stay tuned for more:)

300 Lifebirds

Greetings all,

Today was a big day for me as I hit 300 lifebirds!  I know I know.  "That's it?", you're all saying:)  Yes.  10, 000 birds out there and only 9,700 +some to go:) But with my work ethic and OCD nature, those numbers will go up. It's not as easy as it sounds:) I began truly birding just a year and a half ago.  And I only began serious birding when I met Kathie Brown.  So I blame it all on her:)   So today, I thought, I'd take you on a brief countdown from the EBIRD list of birds I've seen and photographed during my travels.  It was fun revisiting all of these shots.  So here we go.....

25-Lesser Kiskadee.  At number 25, I found this bird in Panama City on the Amador Causeway.  I thought the tree leaves and bird were perfect together and took the pic.

50-Mallard Ducks.  Invasive for some countries and seen everywhere, the Mallard is well known around the world.  This shot was taken at Bay Beach State Park near Green Bay, Wisconsin.

75-Red-tailed Hawk.  The pride of the Desert Southwest.  The Red-tail Hawk is a beauty.  Here he stares down a punk Loggerhead Shrike.  They had issues on this day.  At Box Canyon near Green Valley, AZ

100-Black-throated Sparrow.  Many say this bird is handsome.  I think they're correct:) Taken at Saguaro National Park, Rincon Unit, Tucson, AZ

125-Mexican Jay.  We all have Jays in our lives and at our feeders.  The Mexican Jay is the Jay that I see on every outing in Pima County.  We both speak Spanish and have a good relationship.  Thankfully, there aren't any issues with Border Patrol and this bird.  Gracias a Dios! Madera Canyon, AZ

150-Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher.  Truly a catch.  This bird is sought after by everyone in the US.  Arizona is its' northern most range.  Here the bird nests at Ramsey Canyon.

175-Plain-Capped Starthroat.  This bird taught me the thrill and anxiety of the "chase".  It was my first bird that I couldn't let go.  I lost many nights of sleep pursuing this rare Mexican migrant.  During one day with people from around the US, this bird came to the feeder and allowed me some much needed R&R....and relief from the chigger bites.  Ash Canyon B&B in the Huachuca Mountains

200-Belted Kingfisher.  I love Kingfishers.  They are one of my favorite birds to see in the wild.  Taken at Sam Lena Park in Tucson, AZ

225-Western Meadowlark. The beautiful song of the Meadowlark makes people smile ear to ear.  Near Sandario Road

250-American Pipit.  While maybe not an exciting bird for many people, it sure makes looking at a farmer's field more interesting.  Santa Cruz Flats near Picacho Peak, AZ

275-Hepatic Tanager-Who doesn't like Tanagers?  Whitehouse Picnic Area, Madera Canyon.  Now drum rolls please........who is number 300????

300-Swainson's Hawk!!!!!  Today on the way to work, I saw one on the telephone pole!  The picture above was taken at the Renaissance Faire for up close study and detailed shots.  For every hundred gained is a celebration earned.  More soon.....

Digging Deeper

Great Egret

Searching(chasing really) for the Western Grebe, I wasn't into the photography bit.  However, the one picture that I really worked for was this one.  It was an early early morning at around 6 AM before the humans and their dogs would arrive at Sam Lena Park in Tucson.  Using my GPS tracker, I was hot on the trail before it got too hot!

Western Grebe

I found my target bird which is only used for ID purposes.  This is not a great shot but evidence that I found the bird.  Along the way, I had nice views of this female Belted Kingfisher.  I am hoping to get better shots but this is my best so far.

Female Belted Kingfisher

However, my series of photos dealing with this Great Egret below would be the artsy shots for the day.  And everything thing else was just icing on the cake.  Here is my take on the work.  Note the clarity of the shadows and the slightly out of focus images of the actual bird and its' reflection.  And my intent here is, "What's real?"

And that was a thrill for me to observe!  But more importantly it creates a deeper shade to the shot than looking at "just another bird".  I think I took about 50 of these!  I never know when an opportunity will present itself, but when it does, I'm ready with the camera.

Spotted Sandpiper

While focusing on the Great Egret, my eye captured another lifebird scurrying along the shore of the lake.  Grabbing the camera, I snapped an image quickly before the bird disappeared.

Northern Rough Winged Swallow

Above my head, two Northern Rough Winged Swallows flew.  I questioned if they were real, but I snapped the shots for evidence.  Not all of them have migrated and several reports from that day indicated several were still in the area.

Northern Harriers

After Sam Lena, I headed to the Amado Recharge ponds to find the Lesser Scaup reported.  I would find the find the bird but not on this day.  But I did see another two Northern Harriers along the pond.  I had to strain my lens to get a poor quality shot.   They are such interesting birds.  I'll have a report on how challenging the birding has become so stay tuned for more:)

Contributions

Ruddy Duck

Greetings all, I have been on the road for the past several days celebrating the holidays with family and friends PLUS doing some epic birding.  Sunday, I'll be back again catching up with posts.  There just doesn't seem  to be enough time in a day to do it all.  So let's get started with today's topic.  I didn't want to bring the camera on this shoot. To be honest, I wasn't into taking any pics, but I always bring the camera in case that random bobcat shows up.  Murphy's Law would suggest that the minute I left the camera home, the bobcat would make an appearance at Sweetwater.  Today's post marks a first in two different areas.

I now have another weapon on my wildlife/birding treks.....the IPhone!  After this past years Montosa Canyon run in, Pat decided that it was time for me to get a cell phone.  I have resisted that technology for years.  But I'm finding that the Panoramic feature is SWEET!  So you'll be seeing many more of these.  Plus when someone calls me, my favorite bird call of all time(the Loon) will sound.  Just hopefully not in a movie theater!

But all of that is foolish stuff when compared to the feeling I had today as I joined an Audubon group at Sweetwater in Tucson.  It marks a first for me and I'm proud that I could help beginning birders out.  Some were old pros but I found that I loved helping people ID birds.  And my neighbor wanted to go birding with me.  She had asked me for this outing chance to see what I see everytime I go on my walks.  I love her dearly and said absolutely.

It would mark the first "cold" day for Tucson since last spring.  The temps were in the 40's and it was COLD!  My nipples could have cut glass. Okay maybe that was too much:)  A group of 7 met and we began our trek.  It was very rewarding and a lot of hard work spotting the birds.  But I scoped out the area the day before as the leader Debra had done so that I would be prepared for my friend.  I got her a checklist and I brought my notepad along with me(like Kathie taught me) and left the camera at my side.  It wasn't about my pics.  It was about finding as many birds as we could.  Debra had her scope and we viewed birds.....48 of them to be exact(at least on my count).

Ruddy Ducks, Grebes, Hawks....you name it!  Even Snowy and Great Egrets were discovered in the distant skies.  Thanks to 6 other sets of eyes, we were able to spot lots of wonderful birds.  But I was contributing and helping people ID the birds that I know so well.  Sweetwater is my patch here in Tucson when I need to bird quickly.  And I knew my birds.  But this time we had a scope and I could finally ID Least Sandpipers and a Belted Kingfisher using Debra's scope!  Thank you!!! We had a fun lunch afterwards and it was wonderful getting to know a new birder buddy.

Look carefully for the Belted Kingfisher

But I also made a realization.  I missed Kathie.  For two weeks we hadn't been able to bird together and it wasn't the same.  I know that it probably sounds weird but it hit me right in the face that I missed my birding buddy. I am thankful that both our spouses allow us to hang out and bird together.

Red Tail Hawk

Debra was awesome and amazing and I hope we get to bird together as well.  But I am finding that many of us have similarities.  We all have spouses that prefer to stay home while we explore the outdoors.  It's also very rare and wonderful to have a birding buddy to share the adventures and thrills.  I didn't take it for granted before but when we couldn't bird these past couple weeks, I found that I missed birding with her.  Debra spoke of her male friend she used to bird with and how much she missed birding with him.  And that's when I made the connection.  Bizarre but true.  Birding is an addiction and deep inside we want to be around people who LOVE birding for more than just an hour.  I've written before that Pat can stand about an hour before we have to go to breakfast:)  I don't want to bird for an hour.  I want to bird for much longer and I want the person next to me to get excited!! And I thought about this more and here's my run-on sentence conclusion......it's NO different than the football crowd sitting and screaming at a TV together eating guacamole and drinking beer.  Well it is different.  We're exercising; they're not.  The simple fact is that we all should have hobby buddies to make the experience even more incredible.  Pat and I have lots of other things that we do together.....but birding is not one of them.  And that's okay.

Harris Hawk

Every bird is a complete thrill and it's so exciting to play detective with another person who gets in the game as much as any birder does.

Eared Grebe

Recently, several birder people have set goals.  For example, they'll say that they hope to spot 50 species.  No time limit has been set yet on these outings because that would make it quite the workout:)

Recently, I've been asked to join in on the Christmas Bird Count and I'm absolutely thrilled to join in on the quest.  I believe Kathie and I both will be joining up together to do the count somewhere. She keeps me focused.  I tend not to look both ways when crossing the road.....especially when we're on the hunt for a bird!   This Audubon excursion, selling my photography, and having several pieces published in an upcoming book validate that what I'm doing isn't a joke but something that is leading elsewhere.  And I will keep trying my best to learn as much as I can until I can't anymore. And learning never ends.

Grebe love....Pied Bill Grebe and Eared Grebe together

In a short 3 years, I will no longer be owned by debt and student loans.  That day, and let me tell this to you all, will be a coming of age celebration.  For many years I have been financially trapped by this "education" investment.  When it happens, I will be planning a "BIG YEAR".  I want to know more.  I want to see more. Be more.  But my home base is teaching me a lot.  Arizona is truly a premiere birding spot.  This is a hotspot in our country for so many species.  International travel has opened my eyes to how others view Arizona.  I just didn't see what they were seeing......until I actually opened my eyes.

On this trip, we found so many incredible things.  Sparrows still challenge me. And the difference between a Clark's and Western Grebe are subtle, but I won't stop until I learn them all by heart.

Over the next several days, you are going to witness some incredible finds from trips not only with Kathie but with my solo visits as well.  There will be lifebirds added and photographed.

And while I write this post, I am also wanting to share with my garden friends that I have not stopped gardening.  But I have been working on a courtyard segment as well but it's just not complete yet and I can't wait to share with you the plants and water feature that are going into our property.  There's a lot happening on the plant side as well.   Yes.  I am a busy person but I wouldn't change it for anything in the world because this is where I'm at in my life and I don't know where it's all heading.....but I do like it:)  A special thank you to Debra for an awesome day.  I hope we get to bird together again. More tomorrow.....

A rare sight...the Sora!  But it is heard easily:)

An Active Day!

Vermilion Flycatcher(male) and curious:)

It was El Presidio Gardens 2nd clean up event for this year and thank you to all the homeowners who came to help out on this very important day.  Without your help, our property would grow into a jungle!

Say what you like about pigeons but they do look beautiful in groups flying circles.  In fact, Miramonte Neighborhood has a group that swirls in circles AM and PM.  A signature piece to the Country Club/Speedway corners.

But on this day of write(10/6), something bigger would be revealed.  It has been hot here and now with the cooler temps arriving, it seems everyone has been breathing a sigh of relief!  Even the birds.

African Brown Goose

During our workday, I was overwhelmed by the number of bird species coming to visit El Presidio.  And let's not forget the butterflies.  For me, it was a testament that the gardens are serving their purpose.  Certain plants attract certain critters and for the first time(during the entire day), I was able to see how our property is attracting these magnificent creatures.  The research is paying off.

Black Crowned Night Heron

Certain areas have natural springs and of course, there are the parks......

Which is where I took these photos today.  Two Arizona blocks away is Reid Park.  I needed to get some birding in before our workday because I knew I would be exhausted afterwards. So I got up early and headed to the park where I would get my best shots ever of the Black Crowned Night Heron.

I was floored!  Never had I expected to find these magnificent creatures up in this tree.  In fact, there seemed to be an entire rookery up there!  But even stranger was this Great Egret on the adjacent branch!!!  Between this one bird and the many herons, I was snapping off shots for a half hour!  Even better was that I was finally able to get a nice shot of the Egret.  If you've tried to photograph these birds in the wrong lighting, you know what I'm talking about:)  In Tucson, our sun is intense and this bird glows on the shots because the white feathers reflect the sun!  Not today:)

But then, I nearly crapped myself.  And I almost missed it but thanks to my constantly evolving "bird sense", I spotted my first Kingfisher for the year!!!  The cherry on top of that delicious ice cream sundae.  This is the Belted Kingfisher.

I hope to get better shots of this wintering bird this year so we shall see.  But this bird is like spotting an owl....it makes me go "Ooooooo":)

Reid Park is my recommendation for those wanting to spot the Vermilion Flycatcher.  They are numerous here and seem to love the bandstand area.  Look at the trees around the building.  If this is on your life list and have limited time in Tucson,  head here early in the morning.  I spotted 5 pairs.  My female shots weren't so good.  She's yellow and has that black band around her eyes. 

While the pic below isn't up to snuff, I wanted to help you find where these birds like to perch.  This fence held two species.  The Gila Woodpecker stopped in for some fun.  It's one of the most reliable birds to see in the landscape.  You may not see the billion birds out there, but you'll always spot this Tucson favorite. And hear them as well:)

Like the Great Egret, this bird can also be difficult to get on camera because it's so small and if the sun hits the red feathers right, you may get blurry images.

There's plenty of water for these birds in this park.  I got there before the humans arrived with their dogs.  It was quiet, peaceful and the birds were happy.

Birding is definitely something to do bright and early.

Surprisngly I felt recharged and refreshed for some great gardening afterwards.  Although today as I type, my hands are full of cacti spines!  Yes, I wore gloves but none of that matters because our place looks fabu.

I came back and everyone was ready to work.  I pulled out my mental list.  Trees that needed pruning.  Weeds that needed pulling.  Plants that needed planting. Etc etc.

And while we were having our HOA meeting outside, I had a difficult time concentrating.  Because of the amazing life around me in the canopy of the trees.....the Curve Billed Thrasher, House Sparrows, House Finches, Cardinals, Verdins, Mourning Doves, Anna's Hummingbirds, Northern Mockingbird, etc etc.  They were all there and it was incredible. Truly incredible. And the butterflies hovered and clung to many of our leaves.  There were Queens and Swallowtails galore.

And I realized that once we add a water feature to the courtyard, we will have the perfect storm for maximum critter activity. Who knows?  We may become an EBIRD hotspot:)

And yet another shocker for me......this Starling.  They have invaded Tucson.  I thought I was seeing things but no....indeed, this was the Starling that gets everyone all angry.  But for me it was a life bird like the Belted Kingfisher so I kind of looked at this bird differently:)  Pretty scary looking.

And vocal!!!

To finish this post, I thought I'd end with a Swallowtail on Lantana shot.  Look at the wings of this beautiful butterfly.  You may notice that they aren't in great shape.  This is their last hoorah for the year and I will be sad when they disappear.