The Planet Covid 19

Painted Lady

During this first true week of the pandemic in Arizona, I have seen great acts of kindness balanced with great acts of rudeness.  I have seen things written and said that are hateful on both sides. A divided nation.  Angry millennials telling the boomers that they deserve what they get and that essentially this disease is the "boomer remover". Here's the thing. Whether I agree or not with this older generation, I still love many of them. My parents are boomers.  Some of my best friends are boomers.  If anything happened to them, I'd be sad.  If anything happened to anyone close to me, I'd be sad. We are a divided nation with divided generations and a virus that doesn't care who you are. It's a scary time.  I look back at my life and just scratch my head.  So much has happened, but never have I had this experience! Home is my headquarters. Kinda....:)

Anna's Hummingbird

I have drawn deeper into myself this past week calling upon nature to heal.  And so have many other people; sometimes dangerously too close to one another.  Everyone says get out in nature, but people think, at least here, that if they are in nature and in close proximity that they won't be affected. Wrong!  As a birder, I know secret spaces where I can have a whole canyon to myself or a patch of grassland free of humanity.  It's really not as easy as you think.  Now that children have no school, they are off the leashes and some parents are letting them scare off the wildlife!

Common Black Hawk

The Tubac Hawk Watch was called off several days ago because many birders were congregating there to watch the amazing hawk show.  I did well and socially distanced myself from the crowds.  But some birders were jokingly doing high fives with their elbows and then hugged.  It's very human and beautiful.  And we forget.  "Certainly, he or she doesn't have the Covid(Corvid to birders) 19 virus.", we think. And let's face it.  Much of the birding crowd is over 60.  One infected person and BOOM! Gone. Wiped out. I'd hate to see that happen.  The hawk watch was shutdown by the town of Tubac.  Now secretly,in fear of fines or arrest, we walk the trails and look up at the skies in solitude pretending we're not looking for hawks in the sky above Tubac:) Hide the binos!

I've been personally connecting with spaces.  And friends in town.  This past weekend, we hiked 2 miles into the quiet Willow Canyon of the super crazy and busy Mt. Lemmon.  The snow on the road kept vehicles from driving into the canyon and that was a clue for us to explore.  We had snow and a beautiful running stream without human people screaming and shouting around us.  Perfection.  

female Cassin's Finch

Along the riparian corridors, clouds pose as jellyfish in the sky. 

A Common Black Hawk flies above our heads and we smile.  Migration is inspiration.  

The moon is a wonder in the daylight. 

Spring flowers bloom in the thousands.  The Anna's Hummingbird comes to feed in his territory. 

I look across the pond of a local preserve and observe Great Egrets hunting for fish.  Desert Bluebells and California Poppies begin their dazzling shows here. 

A Black-tailed Gnatcatcher dances around several wildflowers and gleans insects from the foliage. 

I go during the off times at a popular wetlands in Tucson and quietly observe everything around me.  The warblers are back!

Birds carry on as a serious pandemic takes hold in many countries. 

Common Gallinule

I scan the reeds and notice that one of the reeds is looking back at me. 

American Bittern

I drive out to a far away place for a rare bird.  I drive through miles and miles of wildflowers blanketing the Sonoran desert. It's the quiet that I need now. I need time to think. We are in the eye of a storm.  The crazy is about to begin and virus takes hold of the West.  Tonight, Pima County had its first Coronavirus death. 

I've seen people pay it forward.  We've witnessed someone giving the last loaf of bread to an elderly man who cried.  Someone at our produce market paid for 50 people to get food to their families. I almost had a tear in my eye until I saw an old granny vaping and blowing the vape in our directions.  Everyone around her was like, "What the hell lady?"  Social distancing was not happening.  

Northern Beardless Tyrannulet

And hey! I'm okay with ordering food every night to help support local restaurants.  That might be the worst silver lining ever:)  

Lucy's Warbler

Have hope.  Be safe.  Be smart.  And be kind to each other. Below is a video that made me laugh.  But warning....there is language. Until next time.....

Southeastern Arizona's Hawk Watch

Peter Collins searches the sky for raptors moving North

If January and February were about revisiting our regular neighboring feathered friends of southeastern Arizona; then March is about new beginnings. 

Red-tailed Hawk

The trickle of migration begins as raptors make their migratory move north along the Santa Cruz and San Pedro Riparian areas. It's an exciting time for birders as they complete their Arizona winter bird lists and wait patiently for the first signs of the spring migrating raptors during this first week of March. By the third week of March, the faucet is on full force!

The Snowbirds are on the move

 As I have pulled documentation photos from the past years, I smile from all the happy encounters I have had from these raptor gatherings.  So many snowbirds come together to see these amazing daily shows that it has become a social event for many birders.  Sometimes, it's the only time you see these people.  So my suggestion is to take it all in and enjoy the company. 

A pair of Common Black Hawks

So when and where does a birder go to see this spectacular event? And what do you need? I'll go over all of that in just a second, but let me begin with a basic first tip.  During the morning and sunset hours from anywhere in Southeastern Arizona, look up over any water corridor like the Santa Cruz river. Or at parks with watering holes.  Sometimes it's that easy.  Normally raptors move along the riparian corridors north, but from personal experiences, I can tell you that I've seen some random and cool sightings from my own home in midtown Tucson. 

Everyone gathers around the scope of a juvenile Bald Eagle.  What is it about that bird?  Well for this area, it's rare. 

So where can one go to see amazing raptors like the Common Black Hawk or Zone-tailed Hawk?  Let me begin with Tubac and the man who puts all this together every year, Peter Collins. This guy has a great sense of humor and a heart of gold.  In March, he counts raptors every morning from around 8 AM until noon (or beyond) at the Ronald Morriss County Park. For specific details, click on the link here. Bring a chair and a scope. And maybe a nice warm beverage. 

watch for eagles!

As the temps warm up, get ready for lift off as raptors begin to ride the thermals from the budding Cottonwood Trees.  Many hawks will fly right over your head! Every year I am surprised by a random rare bird sighting.  One year with Peter, I had a first record juvenile Bald Eagle fly over us.  I got the shots and we were able to document the bird.  As we were focusing on the eagle, a White-tailed Kite flew over!  Another amazing bird!  And when everything gets going, people will be calling out birds left and right.   

juvenile Black Hawk

Where does one park at the Ron Morriss County Park?  Inside the park!  There's enough parking space for everyone.  And if there isn't, you can park at the intersection of the road leading into the park and walk in.  DON'T park on the bridge.  DON'T congregate on the bridge.  You'll want to do it because you'll see a Common Black Hawk fly over your head.  You might hear the call of an early Gray Hawk as it flies out of the Cottonwoods.  And if you're on that bridge while it all happens, you might also see police lights flashing at you.  It's no joke so be careful NOT to congregate on that bridge. There's a resident who's watching. He's not looking at hawks; he's waiting for a birder to break the rules! Come inside the park and....park! 

A kettle of Vultures

As the coffee or tea courses through your body, you might feel the need to visit a bathroom.  You'll be happy to know that this park does have a nice restroom nearby. Also layer your clothing.  It's cold in the morning but as it warms up, you'll want to peel some of those clothes off.  

Zone-tailed Hawk

You'll learn about all the different types of Red-tailed Hawks.  You'll see numerous Common Black Hawks fly over.  Peter has been keeping track of their numbers for many many years. If you're lucky, you might even spy a very rare Short-tailed Hawk that likes to pass through the area every year. 

Red-tailed Hawk

You'll see large kettles of vultures, both Turkey and Black, mix into the aerial parade above you. While hawk migration can begin as early as the last days of February, the real show begins during the second and third weeks of March.  

Black Vulture

This year, we are expanding our hawk watch to Canoa Ranch lead by Mr. Brian Nicholas.  I am excited to join him for this new adventure.  I don't know what to expect, but that is what is exciting about this count.  Canoa Ranch is going to be something special as Pima County completes the wetland portion of the property by the end of this month. The water is already flowing into the cienegas. 

On a wet and overcast day, the newly created cienegas fills up with water....and promise. 

This ranch also sits along a major flyway for many birds.  So I'm looking forward to see what comes our way. The hawk watch at Canoa Ranch starts March 12th-16th from 10:00-1:00 each day at the ramada on the north/east side of the lake. Canoa Ranch is just south of Green Valley along the interstate.  Take the Canoa Ranch exit to get there. 

White-tailed Kite

During this time of year, several local birders will also count vultures/hawks along the washes of Tucson in areas like Ft. Lowell Park OR the Tanque Verde Wash east of the city.  It's fun!  I'd say if you haven't seen a Common Black Hawk or a Zone-tailed Hawk, head to Tubac with Peter Collins.  They're easier to spot there, but if you've "been there and done that", come and check out Canoa Ranch.  It'll all be brand new for everyone! 

Gray Hawk

We'll keep our eyes out for Gray and Swainson's Hawks.  Maybe a wandering Golden Eagle will pass over us.  There are so many wonderful possibilities.  Spring is a time of renewal.  It's also a time of beauty and excitement. 

Swainson's Hawk

As for Canoa Ranch, I'll be there on March 14th which is a Saturday.  I'm pretty excited about the possibilities.  Maybe I'll see you there?

Brian Nicholas leads his Saturday morning bird walks every Saturday at 8 AM. 

Drops Of Discovery

The very polluted Guy Tobin Trail of the DeAnza Trail.  It's here where the Ruddy Ground-Doves hung out.

This past weekend, another winter storm helped soften the moderate to severe drought in parts of our state.  At this time, all streams, washes and rivers are flowing at capacity....and then some!

male Ruddy Ground-Dove

Between the storm clouds, I decided to keep myself busy and revisit some very cool birds around the state. 

Female Ruddy Ground-Dove

It has been nearly two years since I last saw Ruddy Ground-Doves.  So I thought, why not? Here, near the US/Mexican border on a very littered DeAnza trail, I had very nice views of these two birds.

Sunset Point

But life.  Life has been crazy.  It gets in the way ALL the time.  Over the past few months, I have been planning two very big trips with my friend Gordon that could potentially propel us both closer to the 1000 life bird category.  Now remember, this blog is about the discovery and adventure leading to 10,000 lifebirds:)  And oh is it slow going right now. 

Inca Dove

The rain.  That beautiful and wonderful rain continued into my Sunday birding schedule.

near the Page Springs Fish Hatchery

So, Magill texted me and asked, "You up for finding a Tennessee Warbler?"  Since it was a lifer and I haven't had one in quite awhile, it was a no brainer.  On Sunday morning, I woke up to the cold rainy weather and just pulled the covers over my head. NOOOOO.  It's going to be such a long day driving back and forth from the Phoenix area! And to make things worse, my cat decided to snuggle with me.

American Kestrel

Then the text. "Are you coming up?"  Yes, but it's raining and snowing and cloudy and cold....and I'm lazy:) This is exactly why you need a birder friend to motivate:)

And what a gorgeous day it was around the Page Springs Fish Hatchery near Sedona.  It was a first for both of us.  We had heard about people birding there but we just never got around to exploring it. Which made us think....

a wintering Common Black Hawk!

......how much of this state don't we know about?!!!  I mean, we're birders!  We thought we covered pretty much all of it.  It appears that there are still secrets and surprises waiting to be had.

As our winter winds down, there is a dramatic pause with wintering birds and a sense that migration has already begun.  It's a tad early this year.  We are seeing birds move in February that should be moving in mid to late March.  Take for example, the Common Black Hawk above.  As of this date, I have found all summer dwelling hawks(minus the Short-tailed and Swainson's Hawks) before their mass March migration.  That is a first in my nearly six years of birding!

Gadwall

Birding is not easy.  Well sometimes it is.  We had such a great time exploring the area that when we finally got to the Tennessee Warbler spot, we were in a good mood.  As we pointed to where we thought the warbler might hang out, the bird popped up on cue for us.  We had great views as it sat there watching us before joining the Ruby-crowned Kinglets down the river.  It was a lifebird.  Just one.  But enough to keep me going.

a rare Tennessee Warbler

This blog is a work of love.  Every life bird has a story.  Some are very hard to find while others, like this Tennessee Warbler, are easy. 

So another lifer down.  And another 9,253 to go! I leave you all with a look at Arizona's doves(minus the Pigeons).  I swear that if you live in Arizona long enough, you'll find every North American bird:) Until next time....

Return of the Wrenegades

It's that time of year again when the Wrenegades unite and try to find as many bird species as we can in one day!  All the money raised goes towards Tucson Audubon.

Northern Cardinal in my yard

While it's exhausting, we have such a great time together.  Months of preparation are set into motion.  

The Hooded Oriole has just returned back to Tucson! 

On May 1st, the team reunites.  And it's going to be epic!  This year I plan to use the live feature on Facebook to chronicle our journeys.  Should be quite fun:)

We begin with smiles at midnight and end with "zzzzz's" the next day

Captain Jennie MacFarland leads the team.  Tim Helentjaris carefully schedules the routes.  I am the team recorder.  Sara Pike and Matt Griffiths are the publicity gurus and first officers of our mission.  They keep us on track and on time!

Black Phoebe at a local patch

We begin in darkness and typically end in darkness:)  It's an intense journey into the mountains, grasslands and desert landscape around Southern Arizona as we race against time to find as many birds as we can.

Lesser Goldfinch feeds from local wildflowers near my home

There are several routes I enjoy very much which include, of course, the grasslands.  You never know what you will face.  Take for example last year.  We had a rabid skunk chase us off a trail while searching for some secretive birds.

Rabid Skunk territory! Be careful Tim!

At about 2 AM, we had a Flammulated Owl fly over our heads as one of the members had to use the bathroom.  As the person gets to the outhouse in the middle of the woods, our team member shouts out, I hear an OWL!  This little owl was right over their head:)  We all had a good laugh.

A Common Black Hawk returns to a nest I monitor every year.

There is nothing like falling asleep in a van waiting to hear the "gobble gobble" of Wild Turkeys as the sun rises.

Blue-winged Teal dot the waterfowl counts

As many of you know, I do a lot of travel around the country and world to find our birds.  I am proud to live in one of the "birdiest" places on this planet.  Much of our habitat is protected or will be protected thanks in part to Tucson Audubon's work with the public and researchers.  And it takes money to keep this operation going.  Arizona has great birding but it's better thanks to these folks!

I would never bird urban Tucson at night but when we join together, nothing stops the Wrenegade!

A Birdathon Big Day is an important way to share the excitement of being outdoors and watching birds while raising funds to support the programs that make this region a better place for us all to live(or visit!) and enjoy.

The crew finds their second wind

Since 1987, Birdathon has garnered support for birds and bird-friendly habitats, and for Tucson Audubon's work to conserve these unique natural resources and to educate our community on their importance. 

Anna's Hummingbird hangs out at a local park feeding from the wildflowers

If you would like to donate, just click on the link here and scroll a little ways down. We are the Wrenegades with Jennie Wren. It's safe and secure.  A login is not required after you go to the donate button.  Every little bit counts. Our journey begins on May 1st.

Yellow-eyed Junco

 Until next time friends.....