The Weight We Carry In This Life

 

                                                                       Black-throated Blue Warbler

This year has brought us joy and great sadness.  Throughout it all, many of us have found nature as an escape.  

Little gems show up in our neighborhoods nearby to get us excited like a rare Canada Warbler or Black-throated Blue Warbler. 

Ponds that have for years only held non-native turtle species are now becoming home again to our rare native Sonoran Mud Turtle. 

                                                                     Sonoran Mud Turtle

As we carry this covid weight on our shoulders, we find that there is adventure nearby.  As birders, we change the rules to make it more fun. 

                                                                    Canada Warbler in Pima County!

It hasn't been a year lost, but it has been a year of loss.  In 2019, I saw loved ones get sick.  Some passed away.  How could it possibly get any worse? And then it did.  

                                                                      Vermilion Flycatcher

I became VERY sick in October last year and it lasted until the first week of January.  Then covid hit.  Or did I have covid back in October?  Then friends got sick or had to go to the hospital.  Trips were cancelled and life came to a screeching halt.  

                                                            A rare for Pima Bell's Sparrow!

Not only does the US see a rise in covid cases AGAIN, but we've also experienced political unrest and environmental destruction caused by humans and global warming. Jobs are on the line. My job sees a rise in cases at the school.  How long will we stay open?  How long can this go on?? Food is on the line.  And we're still in a very sad place. There are those who have.  And those who don't. 

                                                            Great Horned Owl

Recently, four of our cats were poisoned by bad food. The older cats with health conditions died quickly. Two are still hanging on while our little ones seem unaffected. 

                                                                       Lincoln's Sparrow

And while it all seems overwhelming at times with tragedy after tragedy, there is a ray of hope.  A vaccine is coming.  Trump lost the election!  And Pima county has really seen some amazing and RARE warblers pass through our area! This week in Tucson, we are hosting a very cooperative Blackburnian Warbler!

                                                          Red-naped Sapsuckers

Somehow we are trying to muddle through all of this stress and anxiety.  I have to say that these past two weeks have been yet another stress test.  When there is time, which isn't often anymore, I go for a walk and do some quick birding to keep sane. 

                                                                       Pine Warbler

And there's a rare eastern warbler of the week showing up...Canada Warbler, Pine Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler.........very strange times!

                                                                       Blackburnian Warbler

Height Of Emotion

New England is a gorgeous place to bird.  I found myself drawn towards the borders of New Hampshire and Maine. The mountains and heavily forested areas were rather magical.  So we decided to take a trip into the Rangely District where we would explore several areas. 

We stopped at several hotspots which included rest stops, campgrounds and the infamous Boy Scout's road.  But before we began our walks into the wooded areas, we stopped at this amazing overlook.  Talk about breathtaking!

As the day went on, we had some amazing views of vireos and warblers. The humidity increased and a storm was brewing. 

Blue-headed Vireo

It would be great if someone could invent a light air conditioning outfit that would keep us cool on our hikes:) When we explore new areas(or old), we become wrapped up in all the wonderful discoveries forgetting about the bugs biting or terrible heat beating us slowly down.  But there comes a point when it doesn't matter how many bottles of water you drink or what sun hat you wear......

There comes a point when someone (or everyone) breaks down and says enough is enough.  Yet the bird song keeps us from using our common sense.  What's that?  Who's making that call? Just a couple meters here.  Pangs of hunger. Thirst. Itch. Damn mosquito!  Itch. Blood. Itch! A tick!?! How long has that been there?!  Just a few more minutes. Northern Parula!  Awesome!  And the time flies.  The dearest of friends become grouchy. The bug bites become too much.  And....

Northern Parula

SHAZAM!!!  Like that storm building on the horizon, words become thunder and lightning.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Wait!  A Blackburnian Warbler!?!  Life bird!!!  And then the storm hits:)

Blackburnian Warbler

I look back at this day and really enjoyed our visit to this region.  The views were beautiful but I remember everyone suffering from humidity and heat exhaustion.  At one point Kathie and I were grouchy with each other and dare I say it.....sounding like a bunch of old farts. Looking back at it, I have a good chuckle. Recently I witnessed another birder duo go at it and realized it's a natural part of any friendship/relationship.....especially when birds are involved. I had a smile. 

It rained hard later that day. A welcome relief from the unrelenting heat. We sat inside of a cute and cozy restaurant watching the thunderstorm take hold. 

I ate my warm chowder and noticed a couple Killdeer running around in the parking lot. On the way home, we spotted yet another porcupine for the year!  I have gone years without seeing them in the wild and within this year alone, I've had 7 different sightings in Arizona, Maine and New Mexico!

Locals know where to go for some relief from the humidity!

I think of all the incredible places we visited in New England, and I have to say that this area and the Lost Pond were my favorites.   Stay tuned for more!

Broad-winged Hawk

For more about birds from around the world, check out Wild Bird Wednesday!