The Trogon Kingdom

male Elegant Trogon at Madera

Nothing.  And I mean NOTHING is more exciting than the discovery of the Arizona Elegant Trogon.  I've worked with these birds over the years doing surveys and attending meetings about their breeding grounds. So when I see one, I get excited just like everyone else does but I forget about what these birds do to people. In a canyon full of rare and exciting birds, these resident birds still win the popularity vote.

British birders spy their first Elegant Trogon and the world is complete

Let me share with you what happened.  I went to Proctor Road to get my Townsend's Solitaire and Gray Flycatcher for the year in Pima County.  And while I was there, birders from all over were looking for the Elegant Trogon.  HOWEVER, there was a "better" bird in the canyon, the ABA AZ first, White-throated Thrush.  This bird should steal the show, but no, the Trogon was more popular.

Several birders from Scotland and Ireland were there while I was birding.  They had tried 3 times over their lifetime to see this bird and when it literally landed in their laps, it was thrilling.  I felt so happy for them.  Their joy was contagious.

In Scotland, Trogons do not exist.  Here in AZ, they do!

The Elegant Trogon can be very difficult to observe in the wild.  If you ask any birder who has chased this bird, you'll hear lots of stories about how they dipped on the bird. During my years as a birder, I can tell you from experience that winter seems to be the best time to observe these birds as they often just sit out in the open and hunt.

The ABA mega rarity, the White-throated Thrush

I nearly had a heart attack when the TRUE gem, the White-throated Thrush landed right next to me. And I had no one around to say, "hey.....pssst....the bird is right here!" So I took my documentation shots and passed the word onto others who were all much more interested in the Elegant Trogon.

Townsend's Solitaire

Last month, I shared my reports of all those birds with you.  But on a quiet stroll after things have somewhat quieted down on Proctor Road in Madera Canyon, I had my best views. It was funny.  I saw those birds before I saw my own target birds, the Townsend's Solitaire and Gray Flycatcher!  But I eventually found them:)

None of them are as "exciting" as the trogon I suppose, but I still like them!

After my hike, I went up to the Santa Rita Lodge and just watched amazing birds.

Painted Redstart

Their feeders were active.  Here in Arizona right now we are experiencing storm system after storm system.  This is not a complaint.  This is wonderful rain that the desert needs. But it requires careful planning.

Arizona Woodpecker

After 2 months of attempts, I was finally able to head to Mt. Lemmon for some important reports.  I went up with friend Hollie and together we saw some amazing birds!  And it was just in time too!  Another storm system came our way while we were on the mountain.  Temps dropped to freezing and snow clouds began to encroach upon the skies. They were dark and heavy.

The frigid cold on Mt. Lemmon!

This is the one time of year that I have an easier time finding Golden-crowned Kinglets in a couple spots.

magical Golden-crowned Kinglets

And like always, I heard them first but what I didn't expect to observe was a male territorial dance!  WOW!  It was like something out of a bird book.  Incredible!

We both watched in awe as they did their display.

Now, the biggest challenge is getting out of work to find an Arizona first(for me), the Varied Thrush! As I near 500 birds for the state, the list gets smaller, especially with the Pima county challenge on!  The 2019 birding adventure is only just beginning. Until next time!

Con Ti Partiro

Open the door Chris.  Step outside.  Breathe. Think. What do we do now?  I get into my car and drive.  

White-nosed Coati

The world seems to stretch on forever.  My eyes strain to see what is on the far horizon. 

Golden-crowned Kinglet

When will it end? How could I be so callous? How could I ever think such things? She has trusted us to be there and protect her. Throw yourself into your work.  Find birds. Don't think about it. 

Somewhere in between, my eyes get all blurry. A pause in life. Between the trails and work space, she brightened our day with purrs and cuddles. She helped us cook dinner.  She waited by the door when we got home. And she always reminded us when it was time for a little snack. 

Brown Creeper

It's the present that keeps me at bay.  It's the heart that takes over and the end that I must face. But I don't want to. It isn't fair. 

Bushtit

No amount of love, kisses or hugs can stop the inevitable outcome. What can we do to stop her painful cries?  Either way, we lose what is most precious to us.  Prolong her suffering? Or humanely end it? 

Cassin's Finch

I can't sleep.  And at the same time, I don't want to get up. Sometimes I pray that she has passed in her sleep so that she won't suffer anymore. She can't breath.  Every moment causes her physical pain.  She doesn't eat.  And her golden eyes lock with mine. Please don't leave us.  Please stay forever.  

Vermilion Flycatcher

Our memories begin to flash back over her life as we wait in the doctor's office with her.  How did we get here?  We did everything right.  And still, here we are. 

She is,for us, the purest form of love and trust that we have experienced as a family.

No amount of birding can fill up this void in my heart.  We said our goodbyes.  The worst word in this world.  But we were there with her as we said our final words. 

It is said that if a goodbye hurts, it is because we loved a lot, and that it is a price worth paying. 

We will always love you Cassie.  You made our lives so much richer for being here. 

The White Mountains Speak!

Clark's Nutcracker

Exhausted, but wanting one last go of it before work started up again, we escaped the heat of the desert and headed up to Greer for some lazy birding.  It was a fast three days.  

Nine Pine Motel in Pinetop-Lakeside

I discovered on this trip that it wasn't birds we needed to see; it was about rest and SLEEP!  The word "STAYCATION" comes to mind.  A "Staycation" is when you go somewhere close to your home and vacation/rest. While we were up in the resort town of Pinetop, I slept so well in our log cabin!  We both had a deep and sound sleep for two nights!  Sometimes, you have to do what the body needs.  And apparently, it was rest that we both needed. 

Golden-crowned Kinglet

The drive from Tucson is a long one so the word "Staycation" is loosely used.  Thankfully it's mostly a scenic 4 hour drive through some epic Arizona landscape!

migrating Calliope Hummingbird

Now we didn't sleep the entire weekend away.  We did actually do some hiking before the storm clouds arrived.  We had a beautiful hike on a trail near Sheep's Crossing. 

the West Baldy Trail-can you see the Great Blue Heron on top?

During our hike, I felt the last of my birding energy disappear.  It was difficult to accept, but I hit the wall. No más!  Hopefully it will come back.  Looking back at posts during this time period, I always feel exhausted by the month of August.  

Quite honestly, it scares me to have these feelings.  Everyone needs to take a break, right?  The White Mountains were exactly what I needed to help put things into perspective. I've been on the road for most of the summer and it's time to slow down now.

Lincoln's Sparrow

As we walked the trails, I began to understand what it was that I was feeling. Frustration. Anxiety. And loss of my focus. I've forgotten how to "just be".  For many people that is a scary concept as they need a plan.  For me, it's the thing I like most about myself.  I go to a place with an idea and play with it.  I find that when I do this, it usually wields better results. I don't mind getting lost and discovering something not on the agenda. As I've gotten into birding more, I've really enjoyed the company of some wonderful friends, but we have such a tight agenda that it doesn't always allow for certain freedoms. The birding world can be a serious one! So it's time for me to open up the larger playing field and explore. And it's okay to admit that to myself. What do I miss?  The random stuff that happens when I don't have a fixed plan. 

A stock photo from my trek to Valparaiso, Chile back in the 90's.  BB(Before Birding)

Like walking into an old sailor's inn with a man playing an accordion to a crowd of people in Valparaiso, Chile.  It wasn't planned and it was that spontaneous moment that I will remember for my entire life. And the meal was excellent! Or the time I passed several gypsies on the road near Las Ramblas in Barcelona discovering the best tasting sangrías in a vampire bar. Or drinking cheap Portuguese wine at the ancient canons of the "plato" in Cape Verde with my friends as we looked out towards the moonlit ocean. Little did I know that this would be the end chapter of my youth. And my list goes on and on.....and I'm beginning to stray from my point:) When you follow other tour group agendas, you tend to find more birds but miss out on the flavor of the culture.  I LOVE BIRDS, but I love the cultural aspect as well.  Without the culture, it's kinda like eating a bland piece of chicken. Every birder has this gypsy side that they must exercise from time to time.

 People check off lists and then talk about the next bird they need to check off their list.  They speak ABA crazy nonsense. I wasn't careful and I got sucked into the "game". I have been so caught up with all the Arizona birding politics and games that I've forgotten my true purpose.  To seek out new birds.  An attempt at the 10,000 life bird promise.  All this other stuff has stressed me out.  Birding isn't supposed to stress a person out. And my inner gypsy is starting to emerge again:)  It's almost time to let Arizona go.

American Dipper

We watched the American Dipper weave in and out of the water.  As I watched this amazing bird, I thought about all the other dippers I have yet to see. What was I doing back here again?  Ah, that's right....trying to find an American Three-toed Woodpecker and Dusky Grouse! My new nemesis birds:)

Woodland Lake Park in Pinetop-Lakeside

We spied a family of Lewis's Woodpeckers and it was wonderful.  I've seen this bird so many times and it was once again spectacular seeing them up close. 

We got into our car afterwards and just drove through the forest with our windows down. I couldn't really articulate to Micheal how I was feeling.  I just wanted to be alone and figure it all out on my own.  I read reports about birders in Costa Rica and on the Andes Mountains.....and on far away pelagics.  And my mind wandered.  Why should I spend money and revisit the same birds I've already seen so many times? I think it's because I love them.

When I began birding with my friend Kathie Brown, it was simple.  I was no one. As I began to bird more, I discovered this hunger for more knowledge, more study, and more travel. And with it, I became part of the birding community.  I do love my "peeps" and I am so glad to have been adopted into this larger community of birders. 

juvenile Lewis's Woodpecker

BUT! There is constant conflict within me.  Work within the area I live or save the money for the bigger and larger treks. I am not doing any type of big year, but I do like challenging myself.  Can I find this bird again? etc etc. And yet there are birds I won't chase unless a visitor from out of town needs to see them.  Take for example, the LeConte's Thrasher.  It's a beautiful bird in the ugliest landscape possible.  I've seen the bird and don't need to return ever again. And I haven't:) I think a lot of birders reach this point in their lives. But how do we evolve into this next chapter?

Juvenile American Crow

I had so many deep thoughts during this weekend. And while it was rewarding, it was also good to get away with my other half and do some thinking. The White Mountains are fantastic.  They have a whole set of birds that can only be found in that area. Many were new birds for the year and it was nice seeing them again.  Even better?  The cooler temps!

As I chronicle my life journey into birding, I am finding that there are indeed "ups and downs" when it comes to finding birds.  I am currently at a "low" point, but I'm sure as the weather cools down, I'll be back on track again.  I can't believe I'm writing this but I'm happy that work is starting up again.  It'll keep my mind busy with other matters and allow me to take a break from the birding.  And recharge my batteries:) I'm also working on other "birdy" projects which I'm excited to present within the next several months. It's a first for the state and once again, I can thank my teaching background for the inspiration behind the project. When I hit a wall, I'll invent something interesting to keep challenging myself. For now, I've made my name disappear from these silly Top 100 lists. For now, it's all about sound and thoughtful birding. The way it USED to be! I've added an additional job to help fund my next treks for the winter, spring and summer seasons. It should be fun. Some hard work with some hard play! For now, it's taking it slow. Until next time....

This write is in memory of Dr. George West who monitored the Greer and Pinetop-Lakeside areas.  In fact, he was still alive during the time of trip.

A Hobbit's Tale

A long time ago, I decided to leave my home in the Shire.  It was too comfortable. I dreamed of far away places.  There were so many adventures just waiting beyond the borders.

"If I take one more step, it'll be the farthest away from home I've ever been." 

So I did the proper thing.  I waited my youth out.  I went to school and got my education.  When I graduated, I moved away from my people.  And I missed them.

I missed the closed and safe borders of her community. The comfort of pumpkin pies and snowy skies. The named forests and hills that are not on a "proper" map.  And yet something else called me out yonder pass the Brandywine river.  Pass the comforts of food and familiarity.

“Home is behind, the world ahead,

and there are many paths to tread

through shadows to the edge of night,

until the stars are all alight.”

The truth is I never fit in.  Most people are content with what is.  I had too many questions and I was different.  Realizing at an early age that I cannot change what is, I left my Shire. Why should one want to go outside of their comfort zone?  And yet I am hobbit.  I like comfort.  I like familiarity.  It feels good. I am connected to those forests and hills that carry the memories of my loved ones both present and gone.  But I feared comfort and complacency.  When I return home to the Shire, I see not much has changed in habit or attitude. And I also know that I made the right decision years ago.  But it's never easy.  The Shire makes me forget about the outside world. People tend their garden, raise their family, go to work like most I suppose, but it's different. It's safe.

When something is disagreeable, it's different.  It can be a cold place.  The people's faces are hard. The world is changing and it has changed the stubborn Shire against her will.  All the work has gone elsewhere. The factories are shut.  The farms are corporations. And yet some family businesses remain but they too dwindle as their children leave for elsewhere.

I carry the Shire inside of me every day by retelling the tales of my youth. Children made chestnut necklaces and played in their front yards without having to worry about some Orc trying to harm them. There seem to be more and more Orcs everywhere these days. The Shire is still a place of "hellos" and friendly conversation.  A pub to share an ale or two with a complete stranger while smoking some pipe-weed. No matter how many times I tell them that smoking is bad for them, they "huff" me off and ignore me.  Therefore I no longer lecture.  I move myself out of the room.

Slowly the Shire withers away as the population decreases. But still tradition remains in full force.  An ale for a thought. Fried cheese curds for a snack. A pumpkin pie for dessert. Followed by more food.  Because eating is the way of my people. In the Shire, we celebrate with 6 meals. Breakfast, Second Breakfast, Elevensies, Luncheon, Afternoon Tea, Dinner, and Supper

And so I left the Shire my 8th grade year of school.  I went to the mountains and canyons of the great West. It was scary and exciting. I knew from that time forward, I would travel the world.  It was also on that trip, I lost one of my best childhood friends.....my Grandfather. He was only 57 years old. Today I carry his wedding ring as a reminder that life is short.  It is not a burden.  It's a reminder to live.

Time passed quickly as I had to leave soon for the Western world again. 

As a child, I always connected to Bilbo and Frodo the most.  During one of our great hobbit meals, we recollected times past.  Some understood the adventures.  Some dreamed of those adventures. Most were glad they hadn't known the far away places I've visited.  And it reminds me that I am alone on this journey.  The greater world my own personal treasure. My quiet reflection. 

“How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on, when in your heart, you begin to understand, there is no going back? There are some things that time cannot mend. Some hurts that go too deep...that have taken hold.”

 And yet, the Shire is my home.  No matter how far I travel, there will always be that part of me inside.