Every year, I wonder how I'll end up seeing the Five-striped Sparrow in Arizona because somehow I always do. I never plan on searching for the bird but it's the birding community that demands to see this very special sparrow. So once again this year, birder friends from Wisconsin really needed to end the search for their nemesis sparrow. It was the last one on their list for the lower 48 of the US. In Phoenix, my friends take people to see the LeConte's Thrasher. Down here, it's the Red-faced Warbler and Five-striped Sparrow that people want to see.
A very bright Warbling Vireo!
Last year in December, I had some sort of sinus infection that affected my hearing loss. For several months, I wasn't able to hear the lower/softer hoot/chip notes of the birds and I became a little scared. The allergies/sinus infection cleared up and my ears are back to 100 percent again. The reason I share this story? Had I not heard the chip notes of the bird, I wouldn't have been able to pinpoint the location of the Five-striped Sparrow on the hillside. My eyes are soooo bad, but my ears act like my binoculars and locating beacons.
Veined Ctenucha Moth
So as we all searched for birds, we noticed lots of wonderful bugs (and a snake!) It's fun helping people find their birds and teaching them their calls.
We did VERY well that day. We heard and saw all of the Southern Arizona specialties like the Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Elegant Trogon, Sulfur-bellied Flycatchers, Five-striped Sparrow and even heard Montezuma Quail!
I have to say though, the female Elegant Trogon was SILENT and I would have missed that one completely if it wasn't for Tom's eyes! Even with his scope, I had a hard time finding the bird. The female blended in perfectly with her surroundings at a very healthy distance (so for Tom to spot this bird with his binoculars was epic).
Tiny Checkerspot
We had beautiful weather that day in Box and Florida Canyons.
If you come to Southern Arizona this time of year, it's hard NOT to notice all the insects. There are SO MANY strange and beautiful looking bugs.
Sleepy Orange
States in the US continue reporting a decline in bee populations. I'm not sure if that's happening here in Arizona. But again, I'm not sure if they've done research in the state. What I can tell you is that I've observed healthy populations of bee species here in Southern Arizona. I don't see the Sonoran Bumble Bee often, but then again, I'm not looking for it while on my treks. I try to stay away from the buggier trails like the DeAnza trail this time of year. I showed Tom and Carol a piece of this awesome trail and now I am regretting it with all the chigger bites:) Chiggers are the worst!
As we said our good-byes for the morning, we took a photo remembering the awesome views of the Five-striped Sparrow. No longer a nemesis for these two amazing birders.
An awesome moment! Note to self, hair cut needed and that hat I'm wearing makes me look goofy
As I headed home looking forward to a shower from the suspect chigger attack on my legs, I looked over at the water treatment plant to see if I could spot the rare Brown Pelican. I saw the bird and I saw a ton of birders there. The pelican has been at this spot for weeks now. Surely they weren't there for that bird. I continued down the highway and something inside of me told me to check the listserv. Sure enough, another common but rare migrant for this time of year, the Sabine's Gull, was hanging out at the Amado WTP. I high tailed it back to that spot to add this bird to my Pima County list.
Sabine's Gull
There are several lifetime goals as a birder in general. First priority, life birds. Second priority, AZ State birds. Third priority, Pima County birds. On this day I added Lucifer Hummingbird, Sabine's Gull and Five-striped Sparrow to my Pima County list. Super exciting! That doesn't happen very often!
While there, yet another state bird was being reported, the Roseate Spoonbill. And not just one but TWO! So Deborah Carney said let's go and I said ok. I wasn't feeling the drive alone to Willcox after a busy morning out so I am grateful to her for driving and her optimism even after they were reported GONE! It didn't change the fact that we were heading to Willcox. It's a beautiful location and the sunsets are incredible. The smell isn't so good because there is sewage here but if you plug your nose....
After not seeing the spoonbills, I began to watch the birders and just take in the surroundings. This soft spoken birder took advantage of the cooler breezy weather to walk the grasslands around the "lake". Just speaking with him made me feel at ease.
There we stood, Deborah, this kind man and myself watching the White-faced Ibis settle in for the evening. We watched for Lesser Nighthawks but no luck. I went over the nighthawk calls with both birders and told them to listen for the "rarer" Common Nighthawk that could be passing through the area. I've had them here in the area before. I was with Ms. Kathie Brown the first time we heard them so many years ago. And on this night we were rewarded with a couple loud "PEENTS". Not a bad way to end the day. Until next time.....
PS. This is the best time of year to see our butterflies! They are everywhere!
Since I have been home from Wisconsin, I have forced myself to get out of the house to help friends and new visitors to Arizona find birds in this relentless heat. You might think they are crazy for visiting Arizona during this time of year until you see what birds have been showing up! So here is the latest from the Arizona highway birding patrol.......
Mesquite Beetles
A couple weeks ago, birding friend Ernie came to visit from New York to find the ABA countable Five-striped Sparrow in the remote California Gulch. However, it was more than a tick for him. He just wanted to see the bird! While I was in Wisconsin, I was mentally planning for his arrival in Southern Arizona. He was doing the same on his side. The Gulch is a rough area and can be quite dangerous during monsoon. But in a miraculous turn of events, we had the most beautiful weather ever!
The California Gulch on a cloudy day
The Gulch is hot and very remote. Ernie rented an SUV and the ride was smooth. He really wanted to see this sparrow and quite honestly, the summer is the best time to find it there. We had overcast skies and a gentle rain that day. It was an amazing morning full of wonderful birds and other critters. But even better? Ernie had great views of the sparrow.
Five-striped Sparrow
I'm always afraid that I won't deliver on my part. I try my best to help others find the birds and most of the time, the birds cooperate. I had such a wonderful morning out with Ernie and Fran. And we couldn't have asked for better weather on this day.
Widow Skimmer-thank you Gordon for the ID!
We listened to the night sky and heard owls and nightjars. And something strange that growled at us from beyond the edge of darkness! Still not sure what it was, but I know there is a Mama Cougar in the area and the call was reminiscent of a larger mammal. The night is dark and full of terrors! Well if I could have ID'd the growl, it would have been less terrifying:)
The rough and beautiful Proctor Road at sunset
After Ernie left, a series of events happened. One right after the other:) They were quick and easy spots. On a very hot and muggy day, I met up with Jon and Michael to find a rare Purple Gallinule at Sweetwater Wetlands. After 20+ minutes, we located the bird. I began to see stars from the heat and it was time to get back into the car. But WOW! I mean....it's a purple bird. It was a lifer for Michael and a state bird for Jon. It was great to see their smiling faces on the trails.
Purple Gallinule
Then it came time to go find the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher that made Sierra Vista home for a couple weeks. So we went down to visit family but stopped along the way to view this very beautiful bird. Easy summer birding! The heat once again pulled us back into our vehicle after a really great time observing the bird.
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
After several expeditions between rare bird chases, I went with Gordon and Jeff to the Huachucas for some honest and real birding. This time the bird gods would grant us a rare and beautiful Berryline Hummingbird. Finally! I've never been around when one shows up. So this bird taught me to let it happen as it happens:)
Berryline Hummingbird
While we were up in the Huachucas, the birding community received word that rare Black Skimmers and a Hudsonian Godwit were found in a hot and muggy agricultural area in Buckeye.
The old Gillespie River Dam bridge
The Hudsonian Godwit would be a lifer and it was a no brainer. I dipped on the Black Skimmers but had a great time observing the Hudsonian Godwit! Again this was an easy observation. Get out of your car. Look through a scope(thanks Caleb and Tommy!). And watch the bird. Then it was back in the car.
Hudsonian Godwit surrounded by Black-necked Stilts, Killdeer and other peeps
After the viewing, I didn't want to drive back to Tucson wasting gas on just one bird. So I met up with good friend Magill for some fun research to various areas around the Gila Bend area. We mostly birded from the car and had a lot of great laughs. And along the way we found a bird or two checking out historical ebird hotspots.
Migration has begun and I feel it in the air. Shorebirds and hummingbirds are beginning their journey south. As you can see, Arizona is a hot bed for birds(in every way possible). It has been a thrill to help out on surveys, help friends find birds, etc. We have one last summer trip planned up into the North to find some great birds. I need two more expected birds to complete my Arizona list. They would be two more lifers and bring me closer to my year goal of finding 100 new birds.
Beatty's Ranch House
Birds guide me. By finding birds and hanging out with friends, the summer seems to be flying by quickly. Life is good. And so are the Arizona birds! Until next time....
Only days would pass before I'd find myself back in Madera Canyon. It was inevitable. It has been a very active summer for birders here in Southern Arizona. Many are trying to find some rather difficult birds in our very trying Arizona heat. Mix it up with some crazy monsoon weather along with our active wildlife and as they are finding......it's a vacation they won't forget anytime soon:) So as Kathleen and Zeke left for our southern mountains, young birders Walker and Dalton arrived to find several lifers of their own.
Lesser Goldfinch-female
One of the birds on Walker's list included the Plain-capped Starthroat. This meant sitting at the feeders for a longer period of time. It's amazing how one day, the bird would show up without any hestitation. But it wasn't meant to be for Walker or Dalton. After several hours of sitting, we abandoned the feeders only to have missed the bird by 20 minutes after we left! That stung so bad. We went back and sat for a couple more hours. NADA. The Starthroat never showed up again and Walker would dip on both days for the Starthroat. We all have to have a Nemesis bird:) It just makes the eventual sighting even sweeter and more special.
male Broad-billed Hummingbird
I have certainly mellowed out a lot over the past year on this birding thing. I have learned to just enjoy what shows up. Walker reminds me of what it's like to have that youthful energy. I'm not by any means old but I knew we had our work cut out for us. This young man was going to bird hard and I mentally tried to prepare myself for the trek ahead. Normally I don't do long hikes in this crazy heat. But he could not afford anymore dips after the Starthroat mishap. And so it would happen as it has for so many birders before us......a trip to the mysterious and sometimes dangerous California Gulch.
Black-headed Grosbeak-male
As we left the feeder birding behind, we began our long trek past the Peña Blanca Lake area and headed onto a decently maintained dirt road towards the ghost town of Ruby. The California Gulch was just beyond this fascinating town. It has a very dark past. Last year, I went camping with Gordon at Ruby. We had a blast but we also knew that the border was only minutes from our location. There was a moment when we heard what we thought was a bird, but it turned out that it was someone from the Mexican side communicating something. Mexico is a great place but the border is known for drug and human trafficking....especially in that spot. So we headed back to our camp.
male Brown-headed Cowbird
The heat and humidity during the day increased. Monsoon storms seemed to be popping up and dotting the skies.
Whiskered screech-owl
From a distant hill, we could see the flash of lighting followed by the booms of thunder. Please be nice Mother Nature! The initial cracking sound silenced the ongoing cicada hum. Eventually we reached the general California Gulch area, but where exactly were the Five-striped Sparrows and Buff-collared Nightjars found? No internet. No GPS. Nothing. So we birded a stretch of the road with some good finds. Walker found his first Pacific-slope Flycatcher, but it wasn't one of the target birds. He's moving to Idaho and figured he'd find this bird there. It wasn't the Nightjar nor the Sparrow.
White-winged Dove
On our way into the vast expanse known as "the Gulch", we spotted at least 3 Five-striped Sparrows but they took off quickly and Walker wasn't able to get a picture or good ID of the bird. We had to continue on. This bird was a MUST!
Overlooking the California Gulch
Along the way, I was thrilled to find lots of our common birds jumping around with juveniles in the desert scrub. There was evidence that nesting had been a success for several species!
Bewick's Wren
But then something incredible would happen. I spied a WILD Desert Tortoise in the road. My only lifer for the day! And it was a GOOD one! This species is threatened and in decline due to human involvement.
When I spot one of these rare beauties, I document the time and place with a photo. I make sure that they are safely off the road before leaving the scene. And that means just watching to make sure it crosses. I do not carry them and as you'll find out there's a reason why. This tortoise was on a very quiet road and was safe from getting hit by a car.
the ancient Desert Tortoise
Here's some stuff I learned a couple years ago about finding turtles or tortoises in the desert and grassland areas. Never pick a tortoise up as it will void. This will cause dehydration and possible death. If the road is active, you obviously might need to move it. Arizona Game and Fish recommends picking up the tortoise slightly off the ground(not high) and taking it safely to the other side of the road. Recent estimates indicate that there are about 100,000 individual desert tortoises remaining in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. As late as the 1950's the desert tortoise population averaged 200 adults per square mile. More recent studies show the level is now between 5-60 adults per square mile. This tortoise is labeled "Threatened". One level above the "Endangered" category.
Five-striped Sparrow
Eventually we met up with several other birders who were also on the same mission. Together we joined forces and made it all happen. The Buff-collared Nightjar and Five-striped Sparrows were realized. Walker and Dalton got their hard earned lifers. And I had a bat fly into my head. That was a first. I think I had a huge bug on my hat.
But the real story isn't about any of us. It's about the father/son team we met. Enter James and Monroe McKay. James, who is recently retired, is traveling around the ABA world with his 87 year old father. Together they are accomplishing amazing things. Their one rule? Father and son must BOTH see or hear the bird before they can count it. Night birding operates primarily with the use of our ears. If we are lucky, we will just see the shadow of the bird fly around us. If we can ID the call, we can count the bird. Well, his father could not hear the soft "laughing" of the nearby Elf Owls. Birders united to help both these men see the owl.
Here are some hardcore birders. From left to right, James and Monroe McKay and Walker and Dalton Noe
And within moments, we had the world's tiniest owl pass through the mesquite tree next to us where it was hanging out with some juveniles on a branch. Mission accomplished. They moved on their way until their "laughter" disappeared further down into the canyon. While we waited for the night sky, I learned much about their wonderful adventures across the country. It is an amazing accomplishment!
Elf Owl
After hearing the Buff-collared Nightjar, we all drove back together in a caravan safely passing through the network of dirt roads until we reached the interstate. Border Patrol was active that night. Several bug people were out collecting. And Common Poorwills flew around our vehicle. Once we entered back into the Rio Rico area, Walker was able to contact his family and let them know we were okay. On MY way home, I had a crazy thing happen. A meteorite fragment flared across the front of my windshield and almost hit my car on the interstate! Maybe the hit from the bat messed up my head. But seriously, it was a bit scary! Anyhow,what an amazingly difficult and hot day out in our beautiful desert. There is no place like our wild Southern Arizona on this planet. The Sonoran Desert is a thing of wonder. Scary sometimes. But that's what makes it so amazing.
I wish Walker and Dalton luck on their journey ahead. Sure Idaho won't have all those Mexican vagrants, but Arizona isn't that far away. Plus, think about all the amazing adventures you'll have around that state. Idaho sounds like a beautiful place to explore. And full of amazing finds! Happy trails ahead for all!
The Glendale Recharge Ponds-normally it's a brutal survey of shorebirds. The shorebirds are great, but the intense heat makes it a killer. Bring plenty of water out to this area. And your scope!! It's your one stop shopping center for shorebirds in Arizona:) This place actually was quite beautiful as we went to find the Sabine's Gull around sunset.
On a final note, since we are heading into September in a few days, my North American bird tally is at 493 for the year. My latest addition is the Sabine's Gull. There are a few that are currently migrating through the state of Arizona thanks in part to the active monsoon weather patterns here this year. I will say this about August. It has been a long and tough month for me as a birder. My energy levels are waaaaay down now that work is here again. Plus the heat makes everything so much more difficult. In the days ahead, we will be exploring a lot more of the wild wild west. I am looking forward to these treks with great anticipation. Not only will the birds be great, if we find them, but the landscape and temps alone will make the trekking so much more fun. And perhaps we'll meet a fellow blogger or two along the way:) Stay tuned for more.... For more about birds check out Wild Bird Wednesday(link on the left side top) and Anni's I'd-Rather-B-Birdin'.
The body grows tired, and my work gets mixed up in flowers, lizards, snakes, bats and bugs. But onward I trekked with an amazing crew of wildlife trackers and herpers. Being one of two birders, we safely entered the state of Sonora, Mexico which borders the southern part of Arizona.
Flame Skimmer
We camped for several days and nights without electricity, air conditioning and other creature comforts. And yet the rewards were higher on this trek than any other because we were in some remote areas around Sonora. While the birds were in great numbers, they took a backseat on this trek.
Pallid Bats
Some of the greatest mysteries still remain on the mountain tops of Northern Mexico. Sonora is an amazing state full of surprises. As I've reported before, Arizona is a well birded state in most of the various regions. In contrast, much of Sonora has not been ebirded. It's rather sad since it's all connected. Part of my job at our locale was to find birds and other rarities. Birds like Green Kingfishers and Five-striped Sparrows are often seen in these places and this time was no different.
I'm not a rough and rugged hiker as I do prefer the softer side of camping. And yes, camping can be fun and comfortable! One of my big dislikes for this time of year comes in the form of scaly fanged critters known as snakes. It makes birding a challenge! There were rattlesnakes and other venomous creatures hanging out in the thick grasses. In one situation, I had a Black-tailed Rattler sound off with a loud "RAAAAATTTTLE!" and flee further back into the grasses! I did my heebie jeebie dance and got away from the area. The herper with me was sad that it had escaped. While I was freaking out, he was running after the snake! Hopefully he didn't look back and see me doing my willy nilly freak out. And yes, guys can admit that snakes freak them out. Just don't kill them. They are good to have around.....just not my personal space. Herpers are a fascinating group of people. Both birders and herpers are nerds in their own sense but I'll just say that one group is wilder than the other:) Might have to challenge those stereotypes!
It was hard to ignore the many beautiful butterflies around the area. However our mission was to track Jaguars. These elusive creatures had been found around several spots and so we went to check equipment around the various locations.
Queen Butterfly
I am truly fascinated by this state. This year Las Aventuras took you to Rocky Point, Sonora for a seabird adventure. Now we're visiting the interior mountain region of the state. It's a large area to cover and I hope to get further south for a closer look at the indigenous peoples and their tropical birds.
Dark Buckeye
Finding a crew to go to Mexico is no easy task. Not many Americans feel comfortable these days crossing the border. And rightly so! BUT crossing the border was a much safer option for me than staying near the border on the Arizona side to observe Five-striped Sparrows. This year we ran into drug trafficking around the Ruby Road area and it was a bit unsettling.
Africanized Bees! Very dangerous when a swarm becomes upset. Each year several people will die from their stings.
One of my favorite things about the Sonoran desert is how wild and dangerous it all can be. Poisonous critters, spiky cacti, heat and strange human varieties all inhabit this vast landscape. Coming from Wisconsin, this place continues to fascinate me. Every day I wake up in MY HOME, I think.....I live here! I really really live here! Purple sunsets. Prickly cactus pads. Sparkling hummingbirds. Colorful lizards. Outdoor dining. Mountains. Canyons. It's all so beautiful and overwhelming at times. And much of it is still so very wild.
Ocotillo line a wash
The Sonoran desert enters a good portion of Mexico. Political lines, drug issues and very remote and rocky roads can make this area very undesirable to explore. And maybe language barriers:) I'd love to piece together the "birdscape" puzzle between Arizona and the state of Sonora. I'd get to use my Spanish and study birds. Pretty awesome!
Southern Dogface
While on this trek, a major discovery happened for me. I glanced down on the ground and noticed this strange looking snake. But it wasn't a snake. Instinctively I knew this but it took me time to wrap my head around the creature I was staring at intently. Once my brain ID'd this lizard.....yes lizard......I did a secret herper lifer dance. The move looks something like a snake wrapping itself around its prey. Not pretty at all. There are not many lizards or snakes that inspire me to move in a positive manner, but the Madrean Alligator Lizard is like finding a Montezuma Quail! Herpers and birders alike rejoice at these beauties. Note their tiny tiny feet.
Madrean Alligator Lizard
With the recent monsoon rains, the canyon was ALIVE! Imagine Julie Andrews singing the "Hills are Alive" running through the grasses and then getting bit by a venomous snake. That's how green the mountains and canyons were! Black and Turkey Vultures would quickly find her body and have a snack. Definitely not a Disney production:) Thankfully Julie never ran through THOSE grasses.
Common Lesser Earless Lizard
Most of the time, it's all very brown. Yet with a wet rainy season, everything really greens up nicely! All of this happens within a matter of a month!
The warbler migration has begun. Most evident were the Nashville, MacGillivray's, Yellow and Wilson's Warblers dripping from the trees! They were everywhere. Blue Grosbeaks and Yellow-breasted Chats were also very abundant.
Five-striped Sparrow
However, my mission this year was to observe Five-striped Sparrows and a Green Kingfisher. I could not relocate the Rose-throated Becard. Their nest was still present, but no one was home!
MacGillivray's Warbler
I am now home after a long weekend of satisfying work and bug bites!
A special thank you goes out to Kathy Cooper and her daughter Mary Ann for making such wonderful meals. It truly takes talent to work off the grid feeding a group of people without having the use of electricity. Each meal was an amazing piece of art and our group was grateful for their hard work. Kathy and Mary Ann, you both are one of a kind. Thank you for organizing this spectacular event.
Ares Metalmark
While it was a challenging weekend, we each completed our goals to help keep tabs on the wildlife in that area so that they stay protected. We discovered Mountain Lions, Javelina, Coues Deer and so much more. As for the Jaguars? I hope they keep their secrets hidden from humans. I know they are out there. Once, 6 years ago, I came across one in the Amazon. We briefly made eye contact and I smiled. Some secrets are sacred. For more on wild birds and other fun things found around our world, check out Wild Bird Wednesday!
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