The White Mountains Speak!

Clark's Nutcracker

Exhausted, but wanting one last go of it before work started up again, we escaped the heat of the desert and headed up to Greer for some lazy birding.  It was a fast three days.  

Nine Pine Motel in Pinetop-Lakeside

I discovered on this trip that it wasn't birds we needed to see; it was about rest and SLEEP!  The word "STAYCATION" comes to mind.  A "Staycation" is when you go somewhere close to your home and vacation/rest. While we were up in the resort town of Pinetop, I slept so well in our log cabin!  We both had a deep and sound sleep for two nights!  Sometimes, you have to do what the body needs.  And apparently, it was rest that we both needed. 

Golden-crowned Kinglet

The drive from Tucson is a long one so the word "Staycation" is loosely used.  Thankfully it's mostly a scenic 4 hour drive through some epic Arizona landscape!

migrating Calliope Hummingbird

Now we didn't sleep the entire weekend away.  We did actually do some hiking before the storm clouds arrived.  We had a beautiful hike on a trail near Sheep's Crossing. 

the West Baldy Trail-can you see the Great Blue Heron on top?

During our hike, I felt the last of my birding energy disappear.  It was difficult to accept, but I hit the wall. No más!  Hopefully it will come back.  Looking back at posts during this time period, I always feel exhausted by the month of August.  

Quite honestly, it scares me to have these feelings.  Everyone needs to take a break, right?  The White Mountains were exactly what I needed to help put things into perspective. I've been on the road for most of the summer and it's time to slow down now.

Lincoln's Sparrow

As we walked the trails, I began to understand what it was that I was feeling. Frustration. Anxiety. And loss of my focus. I've forgotten how to "just be".  For many people that is a scary concept as they need a plan.  For me, it's the thing I like most about myself.  I go to a place with an idea and play with it.  I find that when I do this, it usually wields better results. I don't mind getting lost and discovering something not on the agenda. As I've gotten into birding more, I've really enjoyed the company of some wonderful friends, but we have such a tight agenda that it doesn't always allow for certain freedoms. The birding world can be a serious one! So it's time for me to open up the larger playing field and explore. And it's okay to admit that to myself. What do I miss?  The random stuff that happens when I don't have a fixed plan. 

A stock photo from my trek to Valparaiso, Chile back in the 90's.  BB(Before Birding)

Like walking into an old sailor's inn with a man playing an accordion to a crowd of people in Valparaiso, Chile.  It wasn't planned and it was that spontaneous moment that I will remember for my entire life. And the meal was excellent! Or the time I passed several gypsies on the road near Las Ramblas in Barcelona discovering the best tasting sangrías in a vampire bar. Or drinking cheap Portuguese wine at the ancient canons of the "plato" in Cape Verde with my friends as we looked out towards the moonlit ocean. Little did I know that this would be the end chapter of my youth. And my list goes on and on.....and I'm beginning to stray from my point:) When you follow other tour group agendas, you tend to find more birds but miss out on the flavor of the culture.  I LOVE BIRDS, but I love the cultural aspect as well.  Without the culture, it's kinda like eating a bland piece of chicken. Every birder has this gypsy side that they must exercise from time to time.

 People check off lists and then talk about the next bird they need to check off their list.  They speak ABA crazy nonsense. I wasn't careful and I got sucked into the "game". I have been so caught up with all the Arizona birding politics and games that I've forgotten my true purpose.  To seek out new birds.  An attempt at the 10,000 life bird promise.  All this other stuff has stressed me out.  Birding isn't supposed to stress a person out. And my inner gypsy is starting to emerge again:)  It's almost time to let Arizona go.

American Dipper

We watched the American Dipper weave in and out of the water.  As I watched this amazing bird, I thought about all the other dippers I have yet to see. What was I doing back here again?  Ah, that's right....trying to find an American Three-toed Woodpecker and Dusky Grouse! My new nemesis birds:)

Woodland Lake Park in Pinetop-Lakeside

We spied a family of Lewis's Woodpeckers and it was wonderful.  I've seen this bird so many times and it was once again spectacular seeing them up close. 

We got into our car afterwards and just drove through the forest with our windows down. I couldn't really articulate to Micheal how I was feeling.  I just wanted to be alone and figure it all out on my own.  I read reports about birders in Costa Rica and on the Andes Mountains.....and on far away pelagics.  And my mind wandered.  Why should I spend money and revisit the same birds I've already seen so many times? I think it's because I love them.

When I began birding with my friend Kathie Brown, it was simple.  I was no one. As I began to bird more, I discovered this hunger for more knowledge, more study, and more travel. And with it, I became part of the birding community.  I do love my "peeps" and I am so glad to have been adopted into this larger community of birders. 

juvenile Lewis's Woodpecker

BUT! There is constant conflict within me.  Work within the area I live or save the money for the bigger and larger treks. I am not doing any type of big year, but I do like challenging myself.  Can I find this bird again? etc etc. And yet there are birds I won't chase unless a visitor from out of town needs to see them.  Take for example, the LeConte's Thrasher.  It's a beautiful bird in the ugliest landscape possible.  I've seen the bird and don't need to return ever again. And I haven't:) I think a lot of birders reach this point in their lives. But how do we evolve into this next chapter?

Juvenile American Crow

I had so many deep thoughts during this weekend. And while it was rewarding, it was also good to get away with my other half and do some thinking. The White Mountains are fantastic.  They have a whole set of birds that can only be found in that area. Many were new birds for the year and it was nice seeing them again.  Even better?  The cooler temps!

As I chronicle my life journey into birding, I am finding that there are indeed "ups and downs" when it comes to finding birds.  I am currently at a "low" point, but I'm sure as the weather cools down, I'll be back on track again.  I can't believe I'm writing this but I'm happy that work is starting up again.  It'll keep my mind busy with other matters and allow me to take a break from the birding.  And recharge my batteries:) I'm also working on other "birdy" projects which I'm excited to present within the next several months. It's a first for the state and once again, I can thank my teaching background for the inspiration behind the project. When I hit a wall, I'll invent something interesting to keep challenging myself. For now, I've made my name disappear from these silly Top 100 lists. For now, it's all about sound and thoughtful birding. The way it USED to be! I've added an additional job to help fund my next treks for the winter, spring and summer seasons. It should be fun. Some hard work with some hard play! For now, it's taking it slow. Until next time....

This write is in memory of Dr. George West who monitored the Greer and Pinetop-Lakeside areas.  In fact, he was still alive during the time of trip.

Not All Who Wander Are Lost

Blue-throated Hummingbird feeding from Salvia

A couple weeks ago, we made a trek into Portal for several days. I needed a break from my home life.  We have a mentally ill man who lives across from us and has been harassing all the residents at El Presidio. We had to file a "no contact" order with the judge.  On Thursday, he attacked my partner and was served his papers.  Thankfully, no one was hurt.  Any more incidents from him and he'll be in jail permanently.  So we'll be watching:)

In Paradise, AZ at the George Walker House

So enough on the bad stuff. We headed to Portal, Arizona.  It has got to be one of THE BEST places to visit in Arizona.  It's off the beaten track but it's so worth the time and effort.  In fact, I have to admit that it's on my top ten favorite places to bird in Arizona.  The city of Portal is nestled within the wild and pristine mountains of the Chiricahua Mountains. 

Birders come here to search for Mexican rarities and of course, Mexican Chickadees. But you'll find lots of other things to keep your eyes and legs busy. 

Portal is unpredictable.  Rain, during the monsoon season, can flood campgrounds and roads quickly.  Several times this season, bridges and roads were closed off due to flooding.  The wildlife is outstanding.  There are snakes, bears, and lots of skunks!  This is one place where you'll need to be mindful of your surroundings.  

Remember, in Cave Creek canyon it's off limits to play audio devices.  Guest starring: Donna

And we had a blast.  We went with friends Magill and Muriel and discovered several other friends camping along the trails.  My buddy Donna from New Mexico was hanging out with her son picking up snakes and just getting some of that much needed fresh air. 

Forest fires get mixed reactions.  I think they are great!  At Rustler Park, there was a devastating burn several years ago, but today, new pine trees are growing and the wildflower show is OUTSTANDING.  Fire is natural and okay.  As long as they are not caused by idiot people.

For the birders who are reading this post.  September is a great time to visit Portal because warblers and hummingbirds are migrating in great numbers.  One of the few times we have Calliope Hummingbirds come through Southern Arizona is during the month of September.  During our visit, Calliopes were EVERYWHERE!  It's also the most reliable place for Blue-throated Hummingbirds. 

Calliope Hummingbirds are rare for Southern Arizona except during their fall migration

Now my buds Muriel and Magill were crazy.  This was a true birding trip.  They were mad birders trying to see how many birds they could find over the three day weekend.  We found 151 bird species in Cave Creek Canyon, Rustler and Barfoot Parks, the Southwestern Research Station, the George Walker House and the Canyon Creek Lodge.  I think I added 5 new bird species to my year list!   

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

On our way to and from from Portal, we stopped at Wilcox Lake to find some rarities. We had two Black-bellied Plovers wandering a part of the "lake" which was nice to observe.   

Long-billed Curlews

But I gotta say, I'm loving the road treks.  I think this time of year I become part landscape photographer and part bird detective.  The heat is beginning to let up a little and while birders here are very exhausted from the intensity of temps, they are starting to feel a tad better.  I write this because a lot of people have been talking about their drained energy levels.  I am not exempt from those discussions but thanks to my journal entries over the past several years, I know it's the heat that kills our spirit and energy.  Soon full birder power will be restored my friends. September is definitely not a month to sleep when it comes to the bird world.  Migration is at full strength and rarities are popping up left and right. 

Swainson's Hawk feeding at San Simon

Finally for today, I'd like to share this collage of chickadees.  There are several more in North America but here are the 3 that can be seen in Arizona.  Let me be specific.  The most common Chickadee for Arizona is the Mountain species(center).  The Mexican Chickadee(bottom) is only found in the Chiricahua mountains of Southern Arizona.  Popular places to find the birds are at Rustler and Barfoot Parks.  The Black-capped Chickadee is probably the most difficult one to find.  Why?  Well, let me tell you.  This is a fun challenge for down the road.  These birds come into Northern Arizona during the winter months BUT they are found in some very remote places. And birders love challenges!  Have you heard of Colorado City?  If you haven't, it's a city of the infamous polygamous Mormons who don't like outsiders.  There has been some talk between Arizona listers about going to visit this area in a larger group to find these birds together. Last year during a survey mission on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, I "met" several of these people in caravans driving the trails.  They waved and were polite people wearing clothing from the 80's.  Their hairdos were from the 70's.  And I was intrigued.  I always love exploring and understanding a new culture of humanity not touched by the Western Wal-mart and Starbucks world.  In any case, a plan is forming for a very exciting trek into the unknown. The Black-capped Chickadee is a common bird for most people in the US. But here in Arizona, it's a rare gem.  Now that sounds like an adventure!

Until next time friends.....