Three Betrayals You Will Know

Canyon Wren

As the Canyon Wren inspected my binoculars, I pondered the meaning of it all.  Somehow we made it.  And thank the bird gods we did.  I'm not sure what we would have done had we been alone. 

This trip showed signs of trouble from the start.  Kathy's truck met a river for a road.  We tried to get around the river but got stuck in the mud.  And later it happened again! But this time in the Cocospera river!  Had it not been for Jim's tow cable, I'm not sure we would have gotten out.  

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

I looked over and saw the Canyon Wren again.  This time on the backpack.  We took our walk and again I counted birds once more for this ranch.

As we hiked down the trail, we noticed a new road cutting through pristine desert habitat.  This ranch?  Was it even protected anymore?

I still noticed the birds.  They were all still there. But something was different this time.  

female Varied Bunting

They checked their jaguar cams.  I recorded.  This time we noticed mesquites cut down. The cameras picked up service workers from the state doing the cutting. On this ridge, where Jaguars survey their large territory, we witnessed the incredible Sky Islands.  We could see the Santa Rita Mountains in Arizona from Mexico!  This spot was magical as we could see every major sky island. I now could piece together the bird migration puzzle.  It all made sense. 

And this time around, there were more cattle. Once upon a time, the ranch owner was sensitive to the number of cattle on his land.  But it seems he has lost this battle as well.

The old couches sat outside on the patio now as if to be taken away at some point.  There the Canyon Wren sat. 

I watched an adult Cliff Swallow feed the baby. 

Cliff Swallow

Nothing lasts forever.  There comes a breaking point when one says enough is enough.  Not only was the ranch going through some changes; so was I. At my work, a friend betrayed my trust.  After 16 years of working together, it was a hard slap in the face and it broke my heart. It's now strictly business.  My life has become a complicated and wonderful thing.  And the same is happening for my other half.  I share my adventures with people and they wonder how I am able to balance it all together.  It's hard.  But I have kept this motto ever since I first heard the words from Principal Art Johnson. "Work hard; Play hard." And it can be done with the proper management of time.  AND it's also the same reason that I have written in the past that we are only given a certain amount of time.  Do we spend our time living in the negative moments?  Or do we live our lives to the fullest? 

Vermilion Flycatcher

I've now cut the last threads of negativity out of my life. Life changes. We change. When you can't trust a friend with personal information, they no longer are friends. 

At night, we walked muddy roads discovering more bugs than reptiles.  I thought more about betrayal. Maybe this is how the rancher also felt.  He thought he could trust the Mexican government to do the right thing.  He thought he could trust the conservation groups to keep his efforts going.  And in all his efforts, he kept running into obstacles. 

Wolf Spider

Several of us swallowed bugs.  Something big ran across my foot. The air was saturated with insects! Clouds of winged things formed around us under the starry sky.  They were in our hair, on our skin and in our mouths. It was quite the experience. Sometimes I shined my light on one of my friends and they couldn't figure out why they were getting attacked by all the bugs. I needed a good laugh to get through this hellish bug nightmare. We were walking through the poopy stream where the cattle were now hanging out. It was gross. 

Antlion

In the darkness, it's difficult to see with human eyes.  Thankfully our head lights illuminated these incredible alien looking bugs.  Our ears could detect Great Horned, Barn, Elf and Western screech-owls.  Eventually we hit the muddy river of a road where we first got stuck.  I was not walking through that mess again. 

Tarantula

Jim checked traps for snakes and other reptiles. This guy is fearless!  

A sleeping Pacific-slope Flycatcher

Meanwhile, I counted the sleeping birds in the trees while Tim and Robyn tried finding snakes climbing up those trees. 

Hummingbird migration was at full force.  

The Canyon Wrens jumped onto my chair.  I had a good laugh.  How many people struggle to see these wrens when they come to visit?  Sure, I often hear them but to have them come right up to me was a nice change. Talk about an armchair tick!

And I continued counting birds while running into more cattle.  No decision is ever simple.  More cattle equals more money.  It's obviously where the cash is made. But surely there is a way for conservation to be equally profitable beyond the hunting sector?

Wilson's Warbler

I came back and found these two wrens getting into more mischief.  At one point, someone left the truck door open and one of the birds went into the vehicle!!!  So I obsessed about the bird until it flew out.  

For years, I tried to believe that the ranch owner was trying to make a difference.  And I think at some point he did maybe try a little. During our last visit, we witnessed things on the ranch that seemed to be reversing the conservation trend. 

Blue Grosbeak

I've listened to the ranch owner tell stories about how the government and town were not pleased that he wasn't putting more cattle on the ranch.  And that whenever he tried to move forward in the various conservation areas, he was blocked by someone or something.  It must have been frustrating. 

Antelope Jackrabbit

And then there's my point of view.  I've been to the ranch when we didn't have electricity because he forgot.  Or he didn't tell us that he changed the gate lock even though he knew we were coming.  This last time?  He forgot to turn on the water AND we had to find a way around the gate because the locks were changed yet again. Then there were the bad conditions of the road. It wouldn't be so bad if people didn't have to pay money.  But they did. So how serious is he really about conservation work and attracting people to the ranch?  

I fear that soon there will be no one coming to do research at this ranch.  I understand that people need to survive and make money.  I also know that the people on our end work their tails off to do excellent research.  They have offered to help expand the organization but it has been met with lukewarm reception.  People like Kathy believe in this place.  She always has. 

Our glue, Ms. Kathy, can't keep this going forever. She has been the organizer for all these trips for so many years.  Both she and her daughter have spent MANY hours prepping for these trips so that people could experience the ranch.  It has been a magical journey and I've met some of the most incredible people.  But sadly, it looks like those days are coming to an end as the ranch owner ends his conservation attempts to protect the Cocospera Riparian area.

As I look out at the ranch one last time, I wonder what will happen. Only one weekend before this trip, I had heard a speaker talk about this rancher and what an amazing job they both had done creating this conservation friendly ranch. There were half truths spoken.  Old conversations with the ranch owner about this speaker suddenly surfaced. I watched the audience believe his every word.  In the back of my mind, I heard the rancher's voice.  And I listened intently to what this man had to say.  What the speaker didn't tell his audience was that he is not allowed back on that rancher's property anymore because he betrayed the rancher's trust. Again, the word "betray". To me, this speaks volumes about the relationship issues between conservation groups and ranchers.  I can't speak for the ranch owner as I have never been a ranch owner.  I've not been in his shoes boots, but I can tell you that I wouldn't want irresponsible people on my lands. 

Sleepy Orange

The people below continue to be optimistic and I will try my best to keep an open mind.  Some will keep trying for as long as they can. 

But here's the kicker.  Who speaks for the wildlife on this ranch?  Who will protect them if no one cares?  The bird gods must have heard my troubled thoughts because several days after our trek, I received a letter requesting the use of one of my photos I took on the ranch a couple years ago of the Crawford's gray shrew.  Jim was looking under wooden panels on a cold cold day and discovered this tiny mammal.  Perhaps these organizations will put Aribabi on the conservation map and help this ranch owner out?  Only time will tell.  How does that saying go?  One step forward; three steps back. 

I have watched "change" happen all around me in the desert. I've silently watched the major characters in conservation interact with their audiences and also between their egos.  Three Betrayals I have learned during this past month of August. A betrayal of land, friendship and intent. I remember a time before birding when everything was so black and white.  When birding entered my life, it fused itself into my being and changed everything.  And I changed.  I can't save the world but I can be the best citizen scientist possible.  I have to believe that we, as the shepherds of this planet, can do better. Until next time.....

A Rogue Agent

Often, I find myself alone on many of my birding treks these days.  By all standards, I am a rogue agent. Once and awhile I join teams, but it is often I slip off into the night sky like a nighthawk.

The sleepy Elf Owl

In the birding world, there is a lot of great support and structure for people. I record for Ebird.  I help Audubon with bird counts when I have the time.  I assist researchers out in the field when I have the time.  And I sometimes host as a bird guide.......when I have the time. I am also a photographer at heart. Many birders find themselves caught between such wonderful options. And whatever they choose to do, they directly or indirectly define who they are to the larger birding community. Some are more aligned to their Audubon agencies while others stand guard over the data of Cornell University's Ebird.  The Listserv crew shares rarities and first of year sightings with all the detailed information about where the birds are being seen to the birding community.  Meanwhile the smart ornithologist organizes events communicating between these various organizations to help aide in their research. Sometimes they tempt us with the taste of Bairds, Longspurs and Grasshoppers. And we can't refuse:)  Oh and did I forget to mention that there were working expert birders in the bunch who serve as guides? They add their useful tips for ID's and locations. And within all of this, there are various degrees of birders. It's a complex web of people all centered around the magical world of birds.  Yes, it could be a TV show full of drama.

A Cactus Wren guards the nest

And yet I am still a rogue agent.  Perhaps it's the way I look at things?  I can't commit large amounts of time to any of the organizations other than what I do now because I work full time.  My ears are powerful tools.  I found that whenever there is a group of people, there is often talking. So many times I need to go solo so that I can focus on sounds. I do like people but I have to concentrate. My eyes are so weak.  Sometimes when Pat is along, I need help locating the bird calling from the mass of vegetation as was the case with this Rose-breasted Grosbeak below.

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a super rare bird for Southern Arizona

Recently, on a journey into Sweetwater Wetlands after school on Friday, I needed to unwind.  It began like most of my Sweetwater treks......begin at the stream and walk around the ponds.  It was dead quiet.  Hot and sunny.  But my thoughts were my own on this day.  As the sun began to set, I noticed the swallows and Lesser Nighthawks come alive in the sky.

The Lesser Nighthawks inundate our skies at twilight

I dig deeper into the magic of the Cliff Swallows as they feed in mid-flight.  I imagine it's like one motorcyclist trying to share a burrito with the other while going 55 miles an hour down the road.  I have a private laugh.

Cliff Swallows feeding

I stand under the gazebo and watch the dark shadows fly by me.  Wait?!  What was that?!

And then a miracle happened.  A bird with a looooooong tail flew past me.  Not a swallow nor a nighthawk!!!! No way.  IMPOSSIBLE!  No one was around to share this epic moment. I couldn't do anything other than quietly follow the bird and watch as it perched briefly for me to snap a few photos with my shaky hands. There it sat and there it watched me.  Me, the Rogue Agent. Or was it the other way around?  I'd need to prove to them, the guardians of data and rare sightings, that the near impossible had happened.  No one was going to believe this.  I was Big Bird with his imaginary friend Mr. Snuffleupagus.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

I contacted the necessary people, but by the time all was said and done, the sky had darkened.  An alert was sent out and people went to find the bird at sunrise the next day.  It had been too late.  The bird decided to continue its journey.  And this Rogue Agent felt bad.  How many times have I used the Listserv to find rare birds found by others?   This was my opportunity to help others find an amazing bird and I failed. I know I shouldn't be too hard on myself because I've chased other's reports only to come up empty handed.  But this was a chance to contribute something wonderful for my community.  When I help others find life birds, I get excited because there is nothing quite like the satisfying feeling of contribution.  But this life bird for many would not happen.....today.

So as I keep my eyes open for rarities during migration, I begin to plan for June. My eyes look to the North now because that is what the Rogue Agent does. I am constantly on the move like the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. I belong to no one because I am a world birder.  Not of the US.  Not of Arizona. I am a detective. This world has a few secrets left and I hope to unravel some of them. And even if I don't, I will die trying.  More to come.....

When the world comes crashing down upon us, all we have to do is step outside the door and look up....or down......to find Mother Nature's beauty. 

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

The North American Swallow Challenge

Tree Swallow

I sat back one day and thought, "How many more types of swallows are out there for my North American needs list?"  After reviewing my Sibleys and National Wildlife Federation guides, I found out that I need only one more.  If you are a birder, try to figure out which one it is.  If you're not a birder, which swallow is your favorite?

My first documented swallow was the Tree Swallow back in Wisconsin.  The vivid shiny blues caught my eye.  We saw our first one here in Tucson during early spring.

Bank Swallows

Bank Swallows are one the plainest of the swallows, but they have a cute look to them.  They are easy to ID by the collar or necklace around their necks.

Barn Swallows

Barn Swallows are easy to ID with their vivid marks and long scissor-like tails.

Violet-Green Swallow

But add a little green and you've got yourself a Violet-Green Swallow.  It's funny how swallows can be overlooked by birders. 

Each nest is created in slightly different ways.  This Barn Swallow above prefers to build on the sides of buildings etc.  They make a little basket.

I wasn't able to post any of these shots until I had the vast collection of photographs completed.   If you look at a lot of telephone wires, you'll find these birds hanging out.  They tend to do this early morning or late at night.

A swallow that is found all year round in Tucson is the Northern Rough-winged Swallow.

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

It's another plain brown swallow, but it's body is much bulkier in flight and reminds me of an odd shaped submarine.

Cliff Swallow

The Cliff Swallows like to build nests under bridges, etc.   They are quick to fly as are all swallows.  Again note the shorter and round tail feathers.  The wingspan is shorter and the head pattern/coloring is different.  They fly quickly and when there are hundreds of them in the sky, it can be a tricky job sorting all the birds out.

Look at the above and below shots.  One is the Cliff Swallow while the bottom is the Barn Swallow.  Maybe you can see why I'd confuse them at first glance:)

Finally, we come to the large and spectacular Purple Martin.  I was at a pool near open desert land when I saw these cool birds watching me from above.  They come to Tucson and nest in our Saguaros.

Purple Martin

They are indeed purple but can appear black in different light situations. So who am I missing?  Or who is your favorite swallow?

I still need the Cave Swallow.  They are found around southern New Mexico, Texas and Mexico. Once and awhile, one or two will fly into Arizona. I hope you enjoyed this showcase on swallows.  More to come.....