Golden Opportunities

Female Phainopepla

When one bird is found, another is just waiting to be discovered.  Of course along the way, previously discovered birds continue to present themselves in better light and require another photo.

Western Bluebirds

I'm still waiting for better shots of the Western Bluebirds.  Of course there were lots of them flying around this mesquite but nature doesn't really care if you get the shot or not.  You get them when you can and so I wait for that better Bluebird shot.

Male Phainopepla

Now while one bird may not be ready for their pictures, some sit perfectly in the right light.

Northern Mockingbird

And even though I may have better pictures, who can resist taking more postcard perfect pictures!??  It's not everyday we pass by the Phainopepla population:)

And on this day, we'd work hard for our new and old discoveries.  But they were all worth it!  And we got a great walk on top of it:)

Female Broad bill Hummingbird

In the beginning of this post, I mentioned finding one bird and then looking for another new one.  I had discovered what I still think was a Golden Eagle the previous day but didn't have enough observation time with the bird to call it.  Several other "pro" birders felt confident and called the shot.  Coming up this month, I plan on getting better shots of not only the Golden Eagles but the Bald Eagles in New Mexico.   But on this day at Sabino, we were able to observe two wonderful eagles together.  It was amazing.  I'm really learning flight patterns and looking for those field marks.

Golden Eagle

The Rock Wren below sounds like a police whistle.  I had heard it and counted it before but was never able to get the shot.  Today the opportunity would arise.  But this photographer has to remember where he was going while trying to capture this bird.  I lost myself behind the camera and when I came back to reality, I discovered I was on a rock ledge with a pool of nasty water 2 feet below me!  That would have been nasty.

Rock Wren

And another sparrow would present itself on this day. In 1886, the Rufous winged Sparrow was considered extremely rare where before it had been VERY common.  At one point it was considered extinct until 1936 when the species was rediscovered. Some of these birds held on and today, their populations are once again expanding however slowly.   Loss of habitat as a result of overgrazing and urban development is believed to have had the greatest effect on populations.  They are considered a treasure by many birders as they are still uncommon.  In fact when I posted the shots on my Facebook, several birders proclaimed that we did indeed have a good day:) Yeah for us, but I hope this bird  becomes common once again.

Rufous-winged Sparrow

This guy grabbed my attention while Kathie was snapping shots of a Rock Wren and Black-throated Sparrow getting into a tiff.  Golden opportunity.

Whether it's an "old" bird or "new" one, it's still fun observing the world of birds.  It's a fantastic world. All you need is patience and a good eye.

Black-throated Sparrow

It also helps when your birding buddy is shorter:)  More tomorrow.....

Drive By Birding

It was so blasted hot!  And it's October!  But the need to bird is constant and never letting up.  With windows down at 5 mph, Kathie and I take a slow drive through Saguaro National Park.  Can you believe I had never been?  It's desert and I've seen it all before.  But I hadn't.

Antelope Jackrabbit

"Can you turn the radio off?"  Yes.  I'm such a dope.  If you're birding, you need to listen for birds.  Duh!  But I was in my car....a place one normally doesn't bird(in my mind). Yet on my drive to and from work what do I do?  Look at birds. But to bird from the car.....It was strange and so much fun all at the same time.    So we listened and drove slowly.

This is going to be fun.  Kathie and I have had some incredible journeys into the strangest places.  Places that I'd normally overlook.  Drive and bird?  Who does that?  "Chris, can you turn that a/c down more?"  But it's hot Kathie:) As I whine to myself in my brain.  It's like a bazillion degrees outside.  And we're birding......

Black Throated Sparrow

And it's incredible fun.  We see a Jackrabbit and for the first time in my life, I realize that I've never seen one before.  How many years have I lived here?  So I've been seeing the Peter Cottentail types.....but never a Jackrabbit.  And it's exciting.

Eventually we stop the car and begin to walk and bird.  There's activity in the hot desert.  Amazing that anything can survive these temps.  And yet they are.  Soon the sun begins to set and time is limited and there are birds out there.  We see and hear them.  They hide from our gazes.  But we walk sandy washes watching for snakes.  It's a total thrill.  We count many birds which include a Turkey Vulture, Red Tail Hawk, Gambel's Quail, Black Throated Sparrow and oh so many more birds.   For my plant friends, we find a Christmas Cholla and many Hackberry bushes loaded with the orange berries....and popular with the birds:)

I'm going through something in my life.  I can't explain it.  But it's powerful.  It was always there but I've let it come to surface over these past couple of years.  There is a calm and peace from it all.  It's more than just some hobby.  It's a passion.  A calling.  All I have to do is take that first step, but I'm scared. I speak Spanish.  I have a plant and wildlife background.  I have an education background.  But I need to learn to shoot a firearm. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it's true.  That's what is holding me back.  If I can do this, I can make a career change happen.  I did it once when I wasn't so settled and invested.  While "Drive By Birding", we notice a Border Patrol agent checking out something suspicious in the wash.  Incredible wild terrain full of dangerous things.  Over the past several years, one Park Ranger was killed on the job and of course, several border patrol agents and a rancher were shot dead.  As of this write on October 2nd, a border patrol agent was killed this morning. It has hit Southern Arizona pretty hard.....yet again.

Before I pursued education, I sat in a Ranger booth and welcomed visitors to the park in Wisconsin. Then teaching called.

But Kathie pulls me out of my deep reverie and this stupid midlife crisis and we search for birds.  At the end of the night, we sip wine on her balcony enjoying the beautiful night sky of Arizona.  A perfect way to end an amazing weekend exploring Southern Arizona. And speaking of driving, this is one of my songs I'm liking right now on the radio.  There is language so you've been warned:) Stay tuned for more....

Cienaga Creek Preserve

Today I make my way across the desert to a "permit only" preserve known as Cienaga Creek.  However, I’m not sure many of the people had oneJ  I drove 30 minutes east of Tucson and found myself in the middle of nowhere.  PS.  Sorry about the font size today.  Blogger switched over to the new interface several weeks ago when this post was written and I was forced to copy and paste for the blog from Microsoft word which I was not happy about. It wasn't until Jeanne from In Search Of recommended me to use Google Chrome.  I am now able to write normally again.  I am in the far away remote city of Portal this weekend searching for bear, coati and whatever amazing bird comes my way. I'll be back again soon with more exciting news to report.  The thrill of journeys and adventures.....so let's get started with Cienega(See-en-ah-gah).

I was alone.  The trains came at me from all directions.  The road was lonely and I felt like I was in a completely strange new world.  Another birding hotspot where you can (and probably will) get your feet wet.  The trains though were a bit unsettling and unique at the same time. The operators have some beautiful views from their tracks!

I crossed a bridge and the cool wind almost blew my hat into the running creek below!  And I looked at how far down the creek was…..and saw a biology class in session.  Sweet!  Now how do I get my butt down there?  A random person came along and told me to follow the dirt path near the bridge.

Green lush vegetation surrounded me including lots of beautiful wildflowers!

I had a feeling that I wouldn’t spot many birds on this very windy day, but I did love all the varied vegetation habitat going on.  You start at desert landscape and work your way down into the Arizona Cottonwood Canopy…..a whole world in itself!

But I had to keep my eyes open for trains as I crossed the tracks.

I finally made it down into the creek and a woman with her dog called out in her thick accented voice, “I see you made it down to the creek!”  Indeed I had…..and there were other birders and wildlife enthusiasts as well .

So I wasn’t alone after all!!!  And there was a comfort knowing that there were others there because the barren desert road was well.....deserted.  Where did they all park?

Due to the day being fairly windy, it was difficult to spot a bird in the canopy of the trees.  However, I did spy swallow nests under the bridgesJ

Cienagas Creek was amazing.  Next time I go, I’ll wear water shoes on the hike to enjoy the cool running water.

From Tucson on eastbound I-10, exit 281 (Sonoita/Patagonia), turn left to cross I-10 to Marsh Station Road. From westbound I-10, exit 281, loop exit to Marsh Station Road. Travel northeast on Marsh Station Road approximately 3 miles and watch for the Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead sign on the right. After parking, walk through the gate and go left (northeast) on the trail. At "Y" go right and follow trial down to creek.

I did see a Phoebe under a tree near the creek.

And a Black Throated Sparrow.

The Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead parking lot provides access to the Cienega Creek Natural Preserve and Davidson Canyon. This is a 10-car lot. The trailhead is located just off Marsh Station Road. Note: A permit is required to access the preserve. Open dawn to dusk. Details: 520-877-6000 (Pima County). Call (520) 877-6158 for permit information. These permits are free.

Three Bridges or the second parking lot is 0.3 miles farther up on Marsh Station Road, on the left side and just before railroad tracks. Parking is allowed on front portion of lot. Do not go under tressel (railroad property). Road to third lot is right across Marsh Station Road from second lot and holds approximately 5 cars. Note: these two lots are recommended for viewing and photographing trains only. NRPR cautions against crossing railroad tracks to enter preserve.

For a bird checklist click here.

There was a lot to see, but it was getting hot.  So, it was a sign that I needed to head back to the car. Bring bug spray!

On my way back to the car, I found this scruffy little guy with a prickly pear fruit in his mouth.  More tomorrow from this Cienagas series….

Don’t worryJ  He made it across the road safely. More adventures tomorrow with Kathie!