The Land Of Shadows

Grace's Warbler

This past week was a whole lot of crazy.  I had a hard time coming up with a theme for this post. Birds and Blossoms?  No.  The Mt. Ord Jinx?  No.  Updates on the owls? No.  So instead, it's an assortment of fun. 

Sonoran Bumblebee

My week started out well but soon turned into crazy at work. I had decided that my focus for the birding trek over the weekend would be centered around Gray Vireos, Hermit and Grace's Warblers.  It would also include flowering plants found around the various areas. However, an Eared Quetzal, the gem of all gems, showed up in a remote area known as Gardener Canyon.  This tropical bird is so quiet and elusive that it makes the chase very difficult.  I decided to stick to my original plan and let all the other birders do the chase.  Glad I did!

Ocotillo Bloom

We had been receiving updates from Gardener Canyon throughout the day. The Eared Quetzal was a no show for the 20+ birders. So the gamble paid off...this time.  On Saturday, me and the Magill headed up to Mt. Ord to find the above mentioned bird species. But little did I know, a dark shadow lay between Magill and this mountain. It didn't take long before we began spotting birds. Whenever there are Ocotillo blooms(above), the Broad-billed Hummingbirds will zip around the blossoms.  Now the Broad-billed Hummingbird is considered a rare bird for Maricopa, but it is quite common in the Tucson area all year round!  So we lucked out on this day and found two of them!  That was a pretty special way to kick start the day. 

Broad-billed Hummingbird

While up on Mt. Ord, we spotted two other rare birds.  The first species was Laurence Butler(Butleri larencei) while the other was Gordon Karre(Kare gordonis).  And mentally, I was relieved! Why?  Well, apparently they had also decided not to chase the Eared Quetzal. When the holy triad of cars came together on the dirt road, I smiled. While it was brief, it was nice seeing everyone together. It doesn't happen often! The moment lasted for a few minutes and then it was back to "work".  

Desert Mariposa Lily

So while I was planning on working with one group of birds, I found myself distracted by other things.....which is natural.  It's not always about the birds. 

Microtia dymas or Tiny Checkerspot

We found large numbers of Black-throated Gray Warblers moving through the area.  They were the dominant warbler species on this day. Our count had an amazing 40+ tally!

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Blue-gray Gnatcatchers would also be quite numerous on this day. 

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

And we kept on the dusty and rocky roads observing several of our target birds which included the Gray Vireo. Our Mt. Ord bird count was outstanding! However our return trek down the mountain side would prove to be too much for Magill's car. The shadow of Ord.

Gray Vireo

As you might imagine with treks like these, our amazing views and amazing birds can sometimes come with a hefty price:)  Magill has had issues on this nasty road twice!  This trek, unfortunately, wouldn't be any different.  We got a flat on the way down.  At least it wasn't at the summit!  As we attempted to change the tire, the jack slipped on the uneven dirt road as we were about to put on the spare.  And now the jack was bent. 

Top of Mt. Ord

 While we tried figuring out what to do(since our cell service was spotty), a Scott's Oriole sang in the background. "With a sigh you turn away.  With a deepening heart no more words to say.  You will find that the world has changed forever. And the trees are now turning from green to gold. And the sun is now fading." It was really quite sad. But this brilliant yellow oriole sang to the feathered gods and our birdy prayers were answered. A golden gas guzzling hummer slowed down to help us out. Within this majestic vehicle, there were two friendly Canadians.  And they had the jack of all car jacks! A hummer car jack! Invincible!  

Magill calling AAA.  The catch?  AAA doesn't cover dirt roads.  Of course.

Together we were able to change the tire while Magill told these poor souls about the horror stories that have happened on Mt. Ord:) Afterwards, we slowly crawled back to Phoenix on the spare. Magill said good-bye one last time to Mt. Ord. Never again will she attempt to drive the hairpin turns along this mountain's rocky one lane road. It was over.  But I also remember Cher saying the same thing about her retirement concerts. However, you can find her in Las Vegas STILL performing! So we'll see.....

"Fame" Rose Bush.  A good and almost pest free Rose bush for Tucson.  Only catch?  Not fragrant like other roses.  But the roses last longer.  We placed this particular rose bush within our school garden several years ago and it has endured the test of time!  

I hadn't planned on studying swallows and their nest sites, but I did:)  Below are two swallow species found in Arizona.  Both nest differently.  The Cliff Swallows create mud huts over water while the Violet-green Swallows live at higher altitudes nesting within tree cavities.  

And FINALLY!  This past week at my job, I've been able to monitor our nesting Great Horned Owls.  They began hanging out on the rim of the baskets which is a very good sign.  My guess is that they are no longer in the basket.  Well, the weaker one might still be there. There's always the one that lingers. Two are pretty bold and the third is a yawny follower:) Both owl parents have been near them during this transition period.  For the next several weeks, they will develop their leg strength as they learn to eat their prey and climb trees.  During the last part of May and beginning part of June, they will begin to fly.  

So there you have it!  It has been a pretty amazing week full of fun treks.  

 
The next several weeks will prove to be challenging and exciting as we get into migration more. I'd like to once again acknowledge Doug Taron and Margarette Brummermann for helping me out with the bug ID's. 

Spotted Towhee

Here's a parting glance at a Chitalpa blossom from the El Presidio garden:)  A little impressionism for you all:)

For more from other birders and their friends, check out Hootin' Anni's Chronicles and Wild Bird Wednesday. Until next time....