For The Journeys Ahead

Northern Harrier

Sometimes we wait in a holding pattern.  But it's the anticipation of the next big adventure that excites the imagination. 

The Knob Hill Fire burns in the Dragoon Mountains

In the meantime, I scout areas and collect data for several birders who will be coming to Southern Arizona for their own adventures.  They too are excited about finding new birds to add to their life lists. It's a job I take seriously.  

Sandhill Crane comes in for a landing. 

The winter months are the only times we are able to observe certain birds.  Every year, I head down to Willcox and Cochise Lake to be among the Sandhill Cranes.  Everyone says to go to the Whitewater Draw.  I love it there too, but it's not the same as Willcox.  If you are a photographer, you head to Willcox.  The birds fly right over your head and land just a few feet away.  It's pretty spiritual. 

Our wildfire season is early this year.  Fire started this weekend on private property and spread over 2 thousand acres on the Dragoon Mountains. While observing the cranes, we watched the fire spread over a section of the mountain.  

Another fun challenge was finding ONE Eurasian Wigeon in the near thousand population of American Wigeons. 

American Wigeons

Can you find the bird?:)

A Eurasian Wigeon

I have written this before and I'll write it again.  I wish I could bird in this weather all the time. It was comfortable.  

On my weekly observation at Reid Park in Tucson, I watched our beautiful wintering Zone-tailed Hawk take flight and stay in the air for nearly 2 hours!  Often it flew right over my head looking for prey. Other times it looked like it just wanted to fly for enjoyment. 

Zone-tailed Hawk

During one moment, I thought the bird had lost its head. 

However, the hawk was just preening.  This is the second observation that I've seen of this species preening in flight. This bird is an acrobat!

On another outing during the week day, I just wanted to bird in a different location.  So I went to Agua Caliente Park for an evening count. 

Agua Caliente Park

I hadn't researched this location.  I just wanted to bird.  Birding keeps my skills sharp for the people who rely on me to find their birds.  Maybe you've noticed this about yourself with certain species of birds?  I tend to glance over some species while with others, I look at more closely.  Such is the case with sparrows. My gaze lingers a little longer with these bubbly happy-go-lucky birds. 

a beautiful Swamp Sparrow

I enjoy sparrows.  I don't know why. Most people don't get into these birds but I could spend hours watching them hop around bushes.  During that evening, there were a couple Lincoln's Sparrows in the area and I was enjoying their fine plumage design when I noticed this Swamp Sparrow(above and below) next to them!  Wow!  It's a rare bird for Pima County in the winter, but it was a most welcome sight!

We went on other adventures, mostly for the walk.  I just needed to bird pretty spaces after those past couple weekends of gross agricultural habitat.  It was really really nice. 

We take a lovely stroll in Ramsey Canyon of the Huachuca Mountains

While up on Mt. Lemmon, I met two people who signed up for our trip with Tucson Audubon to the Huachucas in August.  I had a blast getting to know them and we had a great time finding birds. It was fun hearing their excitement as I got them on great birds. My reports are below. 

Northern Flicker

This year's theme is all about family and friends in other places.  I am working on one trip now and looking forward to the challenges ahead.  While I wait, I will continue to count birds around the state.  I try to balance it all out. People in my life will sometimes say, "I wish I could travel like you do."  A lot of them could, but often it seems like it's outside of their personal comfort zones. I've just made it a personal mandate.  I've earned it.  There's no looking back.  Only forward.  You only get one life.  Own it and find happiness.  Until next time.....

For Agua Caliente Park, click here. 
For Willcox Lake, click here. 
For Mt. Lemmon, click here. 
For Reid Park, click here. 

A Disquiet Follows My Soul

Lovebird en cantata

By the end of the year, I was exhausted.  Then something strange happened to me after our jaunt to New Mexico for the Common Crane.  I became a bit sad.  Was this it?

My cat Luna is exhausted watching me run in and out of the house for a rare bird

What would I do now? For a week, I struggled to redefine my work and get a grasp on how I would organize my journey this year. I still need to make some birding progress because as most of us already know, life doesn't wait for us to catch up. 

Tucson's "new" premiere birding spot....."The Coachline Gravel Pits Lake"

So I called Kathie. We chatted for awhile and like always, she gave me some wonderful advice.  Saturday morning came quickly and I woke up feeling a tad better.  I headed out to Madera Canyon which remedied some of the building anxiety. Getting rid of the "chasing bird" syndrome is not an easy thing to do.

Lewis's Woodpecker near Madera Canyon

As I sat watching the Pine Siskins at the feeders, I noticed several birders approaching.  One asked if he could sit next to me and I said of course.  He proceeded to ask questions about the birds as did several other birders seated in the nearby benches.  Instead of giving them the answers, I had them work for their ID.  It's the teacher in me. And it was fun watching people connect with the birds. 
 

Pine Siskins with Lesser Goldfinches

I continued observing the birds getting quality views of them all as I've done time and time again....year after year. It doesn't make them any less spectacular.  But what would my challenge be for the year?  I was still trying to figure it all out.

Magnificent Hummingbird

Another day would pass and I'd chase the rare, for Tucson, Eastern Bluebirds and just sit and watch them feeding on the desert mistletoe berries.

Eastern Bluebird

I went to find my Yellow-headed Blackbirds for the year and discovered them in the same place around a pair of Red-winged Blackbirds.  I observed their size differences and also enjoyed viewing the male and female Red-winged Blackbirds together.  Three years ago, the female confused me. I had thought she was some rare sparrow. Silly me. Today, this bird is part of my being.

Yellow-headed Blackbirds and Red-winged Blackbirds

I move on and explore some more, spotting both common and rare birds in new and old places. And I begin to feel something inside again.  The spark. Instead of the rush to find that rare bird, I sit back enjoying the full experience.  I see two men with their scopes looking for Wood Ducks.  One of the men tells me he shot one the other day. He asks me where he could find more. I keep their locations secret. "I don't know.  I haven't seen any this year."

Drake Wood Duck. Hide your brilliance!

Two ladies are doing a big year and ask me about several birds.  I smile and share with them several areas that they should target. While they are speaking, I notice the two paired geese that have stayed in Tucson over the past month or so flying over to our location. The Snow and Greater White-fronted Geese make a landing. They have bonded now.  What if something happens to the other?  They are right by my work which makes for a nice stop on the way home. Tucson birders are very happy to have this relatively new place to bird.   Also in the water, we notice 18 Canada Geese!  For most people, these birds are common but in the Tucson area, we're lucky if we even have one stop by for a visit during the year!

A Northern Shoveler leads the way for the Snow and Greater White-fronted Geese

I continue searching and visiting areas. There are a lot of birders doing a Big January.  

Canvasback

I revisit the now annual  and rare wintering Eurasian Wigeon, but this time I try to get a picture that shows the contrast between the two wigeons.

American Wigeon with a rare Eurasian Wigeon

I find myself beginning to develop a plan as I bird with my bud Magill Weber around the Phoenix Metro.  Just what would I call this chapter of my birding career?  We explore cemeteries and random parks for species we have already seen over the years.....just not for this year:) 

People ask, "What happens after we die?"  This past weekend I discovered the answer!  Birds sit on our gravestones!

But the difference here is that we examined new areas to find these same birds and that made the challenge much more exciting. Magill counts over 300 American Wigeons at one of the cemeteries.  While doing so, she locates a rare morph Storm Wigeon! About 1 in 500 male American Wigeons are born with this beautiful "White-cheeked" morph.  Definitely won't be telling any hunters about this bird!  The fun part about this count was that the birds kept flying in and out of the watering hole during Magill's count!  

Storm Wigeon-a rare morph of the American Wigeon. 

And it's these minute details I enjoy today. The challenge of finding one bird in a flock of over a hundred or a thousand is very rewarding.  As everything begins to unfold, I realize that I am happy exploring weird spots without having the need to get a pic of the bird anymore since it's not a lifebird.  I can relax and just observe. It makes birding much more enjoyable.

Laurence's Goldfinch

We play detective and think like the birds.  And there they are.  Not always.....but most of the time. 

Say it like you mean it...STOOOOOOOOOORM WIIIIIIIIGEON!  Magill says the nickname of this AMWI morph sounds lke a 70's rock band!

And then it happens! A theme snaps into my brain for this new birding year. AMERICANO. In Spanish, the word "americano" refers to anyone from the Americas which includes the US, Mexico and Canada! The primary focus of my bird searches will happen in the West and Mexico.....especially around the state of Sonora. So a North American year it is!

A Green-winged Teal showing off his.......brilliant green on the wing:)

And just like that!  POOF!  My anxiety goes away.  It's not the US anymore but a good portion of North America. I hope to see a Groove-billed Ani again which is definitely one of my top 10 favorite birds.

One of my all time favorite top 10 birds, the Groove-billed Ani.

For now, it's all about combing the parks, cemeteries and rediscovering all the birds from last year:)  And so the new adventure begins.  Americano. 

When I pass into the unknown, I hope that I am surrounded by birds.

Never Alone

Northern Shoveler with a Red-eared Slider at Sweetwater, Tucson

The birding world doesn't have to be a lonely one.  Over the past two weekends, I've met some fantastic people while also saying good-bye to another.  And rediscovered a face from the trails from my bird past whom then hooked up with my birding bud up in Phoenix.  Talk about a small world!
  

The Hepatic Tanager at Kubo Lodge in Madera Canyon with the gang

The birds guide us.  They make us explore new areas alone or with others.  As my friend and birding buddy Kathie said good-bye, I was introduced to another group of birders.  On this weekend, I was more fascinated with the various birders than I was with the birds.

At Catalina State Park from left to right....Kathie, Donna, Dawn and me

 We had a great time birding, sharing in delicious meals and learning about/from each other.  The weekend happened so quickly.  And I wish we had more time to hang out!  But the birds guide us yonder!

Hooded Merganser at Dos Lagos Park in Glendale, AZ

I remember a time when I began wandering the desert alone looking for pics of....anything. I liked birds and photography.  And it was fun being unknown for awhile. However, the more I began to bird and submit data; the more I became involved with the birder community.  Then I kept running into others who also went chasing rare birds.  They had names.  Some were friendly while others were very standoffish. I was informally introduced to the world of birders. It is full of wondrous complexity.  Stuff I am writing about in my notes for a future book. 

On the tram in Sabino Canyon with my bud Kathie

In the world of birding, there is enough drama and excitement to make a TV soap opera look rather boring.  There is deep friendship, passion, love, betrayal, love triangles, deceit and wildlife mayhem. They should make a TV show based on the birder world.  Wouldn't that be fun?  And there is drinking.....lots and lots of wonderful drinking.   And not just beer.  Although that's okay too.  Birders are a unique crowd.  They travel and are aware of other delicious beverages beyond wine. I've become a social drinker birder again:) I think college was the last time I really enjoyed that activity:)

Sharing Pisco Sours(from Peru and Chile) and wine with the gang.  From left to right, me, Jeff, Kathie, Dawn, Cynthia, Donna, Roger, and Linda(she made the most delicious Piscos! Gracias!)

What am I trying to write here?  Well it's always a new experience when birders come together. And like any family, there is a bond which has been created by our love for all things birds and wild......and of course, there is always fun gossip from around the world:) 

Le Conte's Thrasher at the Thrasher Spot near Buckeye, AZ

I have a lot in the works right now.  There are several trips planned out to California and Mexico for photography and some more birding.  It can be a bit overwhelming while maintaining the full time job and home life. I have a passport to renew and some surprises ahead for the blog.  Sometimes I shut down and just close the curtains, burn a candle, listen to some great music and write:)

The rare Eurasian Wigeon at Dos Lagos Park in Glendale

I began alone but have found myself pulled into the Ebird crowd, photography crowd, guide/host for other birders, writer and teacher.  The social media has expanded not only my own world but it works as a collaborative machine for us all!  We share information and when this happens, we come together and it makes us stronger.....whole.  And I realize that I am not alone on this great quest.

Canadian Geese

Writing is about being honest. Telling my story while on this path.  When I was younger and living on my own, I asked my Dad ways in which I could meet new people.  He told me that he became a member of his church so that he could meet other people of the same faith in the community.  And my parents really have met a lot of wonderful people over the years who are still very close friends to our family.   But church is not my thing. I think I'd have to believe in god. So I tried to take my father's sincere advice and apply it to my own life.

A feral colony of Nanday Parakeets that were rather tricky to find. A good ear is needed here.

It took me over two decades of travel around the world to make sense of my gypsy life.  I always wanted to be a part of something and found myself alone for most of it. I'd date, party and marvel at all the amazing things happening around me.  I quickly realized that nothing lasts forever and that change is definitely a constant in this universe.  Along the way, I've made great friendships but my friends are very much like I am....gypsies....nomads....sand people(Star Wars reference:) There is an intense curiosity that burns inside of me. 

Sagebrush Sparrow at the Thrasher Spot near Buckeye

Today, I have found the answer to my question that I asked my father years ago.  "How do I make friends?"  "Who is my community?"  "Where do I belong?"  The answers were already there.  I just had to let time sort it all out. Instead of god, I found birds.  Around the birds, I found people.  People who also love birds as much as I do!  They also love travel, exploration, trying new things and most of all meeting other kindred spirits....or not:)  There are still some of those antisocial birders who are more bird than human:) And that's not necessarily a bad thing:)

A Sora out in the open!!!

Birders come from all beliefs and backgrounds.  There are single birders, married birders, young birders, retired birders, logical birders,  funny birders, serious competing birders, arrogant birders, demanding birders, sassy birders......well you get the idea.  It's a VERY complex world based on the love of birds and outdoors. The birder club is open to anyone interested and is not exclusive:) But like any human group, there is that social ranking:)

Dark-eyed Junco

 I am losing myself into this bird world. It's an escape many times from the stress I can't control outside of my little world. It scares me sometimes how easily I can turn the key in the ignition of my car and disappear into a wooded park rather quickly.

Hairy Woodpecker on Mt. Lemmon in the village of Summerhaven

Or find comfort in a cemetery searching for what would be a lifer for many of the gang. I watched them become excited and take long lingering looks at the flycatcher as he danced in circles catching bugs around his perch. 

Greater Pewee at Evergreen Cemetery in Tucson, AZ

 Eventually I had to go it alone again and find more year birds(new birds for the 2014 year) but I know I'll be back birding with the group again.  So what's it all about? 

Cackling Goose at Dos Lagos Park, Glendale, AZ

This is what it's all about.......completing my Arizona Thrashers!  From Top to Bottom starting Left to Right.  Le Conte's Thrasher, Sage Thrasher(top); Curve-billed Thrasher(middle); Bendire's Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher(bottom)

No....wait.....this is what it's all about!!!!  The landscapes!!!!

I stand corrected....it's really about the people....and birds....and landscapes....and adventures! And there are more adventures in store.....stay tuned:)

Amazing people, amazing birds.....and so much fun!