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....

Crafty Playmaker

The rare Flame-colored Tanager

I have realized that I cannot bird 24/7.  I have thought about cloning myself but I don't know how to do it. Yet.  With final exams, visitors from others states, and other demands, I find myself often exhausted. But it's a good exhaustion. April and May bring in the best birds, but they are also some of the busiest for me. Most of the time, I do a good job making people believe I don't have a job.  But then April comes and the truth is revealed. But. And. But. And. But......yes, my writing in May takes a hit:)

Luckily, much of our "tah-dahs!" in Arizona revolve around outdoor activities.  So when visitors come, I carefully schedule beautiful hikes and visits to some of our most incredible places.  Take for example Ramsey Canyon(above).  A Flame-colored Tanager was hanging out there, and what a coincidence!  So were we:)

Hammond's Flycatcher

Tucson isn't hot or cold right now.  It's juuuuuuuuuust right!  So I like to take my teaching outdoors.  On this day, we had a fun break from grammar lessons and celebrated Guacamole Day!  

While the kids were having fun, I was also monitoring our nesting Great Horned Owls.  

Great Horned Owlet

 Or were they monitoring us? Perhaps they had a taste for avocado?:)  Either way, the parents and their owlets were in good shape. This year they had 3 healthy owlets!

Meanwhile, the students finished up their guac and began tasting each other's work.  While we were sitting down at the picnic tables, I had them move back a little from an area I was staging. Then I taught them how to "bird whisper" with a few crunchy tortilla strips.  "Profe, there are no birds here!"  I responded, "They are all around us watching." A few moments of silence and some crunchy tortilla bits did the trick. A massive flock of sparrows, doves and other birds flew onto the scene. "No way!!!" Maybe I'll get one of them addicted to this birding passion besides learning Spanish:)  Or better yet, they become a Spanish speaking Ornithologist!  I can dream, can't I?

Spotted Towhee

Over the weeks, a rare Caspian Tern would show up as would many other beautiful and wondrous birds. 

My Dad would visit.  And as a transition between work and his visit, I would bird for 20 or 30 minutes quietly each day. I am overwhelmed by people's conversations non-stop all day.  So it's important that I shut down away from people for just a few hours each day.  Birding allows me this opportunity. I observed Common Poorwills and Lesser Nighthawks feeding at sunset.  

Gadwall

While the locations weren't exotic, I didn't care.  I just needed to connect with the outdoors alone.  People make time to exercise or go to church or whatever.  I make time for nature.  Without it, I would go stir crazy. 

Black-crowned Night Heron

We had a great time.  My Dad saw lots of wonderful places.  And he got to meet some great people like Anne and Christopher Lucic of Oracle.

Anne proudly stands next to her hubby Chris.  They both are artists who live in Oracle and the sculpture behind them is his work!  The Oracle Sailcart

They invited us to explore Oracle State Park and the ranch house.  What an amazing morning out! I discovered where the Western Scrub-Jays hang out on Mt. Lemmon:) I fell in love with the artsy little town of Oracle.  Thanks Anne for the wonderful tour!

Now it's off to explore again.  It's time to find more life birds.  An epic journey is about to take place.  After finals are over, it'll be time to fly again!

Until next time friends......