When Does It Count?

Counting birds is a very important thing.  It tells us about healthy populations, where a bird is seen, or if a bird is threatened or dropping in numbers.  It's also fun to do.  Every bird has a specific behavior and personality.  And it makes observation so much fun.

But there are times when you see a bird that is a hybrid, domestic waterfowl, or exotic invasive species....like  the Monk or Lovebird species found in and around the Phoenix areas. Only recently have the Rosy faced Lovebirds been added to the ABA list as birds that you can count(and add to your lifelist:)  Could it be that the populations have been expanding and growing since their discovery in 1987?  However, you can only count this bird in Phoenix,AZ.  Many people will be flying from all over the country to get this "tick" on their birdlists:)

On EBIRD or Audubon, you can't always count these birds.  They are wild.  They fly free.  So where do they belong? There are categories for birds like the Coopers or Sharp-shinned that can sometimes blur if the bird is far far away and you can't distinguish the various field markings.  My issue happened when I found Muscovy ducks in Tucson.  They are considered wild domestic waterfowl....and yet they fly free.  Muscovy are found in Mexico but when I brought up the topic with birders, I hadn't expected a firestorm of responses.  Several counties in Texas and Florida allow you to count them but they are clearly found all over the States.  Some birders said, "Count them!"  while others said, "Sorry....you can't count them."  I found it all fascinating.

Do we count?

Here are some things I've asked myself while observing birders out in the field. The questions are not only technical but philosophical.  If they don't count on a lifelist, where do they belong? And do they even matter?  I'll leave you with that parting thought.  More tomorrow....  

So Very Vermilion

People can't get enough of these birds.  I know I know!  I'm the same way.  I have to take a picture of them everytime I see them!  In fact, I have about a gazillion photos of these birds so I thought I'd try getting them in flight.  Not so easy but they are predictable as they fly in a circle capturing bugs.

I spotted the female first in the Mesquite tree.  But then I noticed her red mate nearby.  Both are beautiful flycatchers.

Did you know?

In winter, Tucson has the highest count of Vermilion flycatchers in the US?  I always spot them early early in the morning right away.  I could be looking for the rarest bird in the world and this bird holds me up for just a lingering glance:)

Most Tucsonans will go for walks around our parks and glance this bird.  One day, I was with a group of birders who watched the flycatcher have some fun.  An excited person came up to us and said, "You look like birders.  What is that cool looking red bird over there?"  Vermilion Flycatcher.

For some reason, I never see them at Sweetwater which is weird to me.  But the best places to spot them are at Reid Park, Kennedy Park, Columbus Park, Lakeside Park, Ft. Lowell park. Or any parks with water:) Look near fence lines, tops of trees, and nearby water sources. I even spotted several at a cemetery! They perch out in the open for bugs, zip in a circle and return back to their spot.

Wherever there are many bugs, there are Vermilion Flycatchers.  Many times they will be in pairs.

Sometimes they are curious and will fly right next to you.....if you're lucky:)  More tomorrow....