Watering holes, like this one, are very important for wildlife like this Arizona Gray Squirrel during the month of June
During the first weeks of June, I lose my sense of purpose. I find projects that force me to stay birding. Over the past week, I've learned to sleep a little more and bird when I could.
This pic from a local Arivaca Cafe caught my attention and I got lost in the image
On one project, this was personal, I went to check up on nesting Gray Hawks at the Empire Ranch in the grasslands. Last year, an off duty border patrol agent was target practicing during the driest month of the year (with an explosive target of all things!) and admitted to starting a major fire that swept miles across the grassland burning several structures. Thankfully no one was hurt, but it did have an affect on riparian corridor bird species. It also destroyed some historic Arizona Cottonwoods that people had come to love. The nesting Gray and Zone-tailed Hawks were not seen in their usual spots last year. The White-tailed Kites moved location. So I did a follow up.
Wildflowers love the sun and add a lovely splash of color along pounds or founds. They also are a source of food for hummingbirds and insects like butterflies and bees
The good news? The Gray Hawks were back in the remaining living patches of the riparian area of the Empire Gulch. I did not detect the Zone-tailed Hawks, but we didn't explore that sector of the grasslands due to the heat. The sun and heat were much too strong to be outside for long. At 107 degrees, we have to be careful. It always begs the question, how does the wildlife do it?
Wildlife aficionados around the Tucson area help out Mother Nature by placing fountains and other water sources out for their critters. In this harshest of months, the wildlife and native vegetation are put to the test.
I would have missed this night blooming cacti flower had I not gotten up early enough. In the morning, the flower closes up.
We are currently suffering drought conditions around the state which stresses out the wildlife even more. So anything we can do to help can make a difference to their survival. So my 2nd project has been my gardens.
The Mediterranean House Gecko enjoys the warm summer nights around lights as bugs like moths are drawn to the lights
Every night, I go out to my bird feeders and water stations and refill them for the morning's flurry of activity. There I sit watching all my wonderful critters in Midtown Tucson go crazy. So while I can't bird long hours like in the fall, winter or spring, I can enjoy my backyard for birding.
The sun is bright and strong. The heat is unbearable. Humans exist within their a/c run structures. The curtains are drawn to reflect the sun and heat from outside. For wildlife, they stay near the few water sources that exist. Most cling to the shade or their burrows during the day. At night, humans and other mammals leave their homes for a walk or an outdoor dinner event. We here in Tucson turn into vampires at night(minus the blood sucking).
Arizona Song Sparrow or what some call the Desert Song Sparrow
It never hurts to ask. I was bored. There was a golf course in Tucson that had a body of water. I walked to the visitor center and heard lots of bird song, but I turned around and got back into my car. Then I said to myself "screw it". I drove all the way there and for what? To turn around and drive home? Heck no. So I went to the front desk and asked to see their pond. The owner looked at me weird and eyed my camera wearily. In fact, I've noticed over the last several weeks that people have been hypersensitive about the camera. One lady even told me that my camera looked like a gun. So I have become sensitive to my public presence. I don't want to scare people (even though some would say that it's my right to carry a concealed weapon). The thing is that it's just a big and heavy scary looking camera:) But I think it's good that the public is noticing.
The hidden pond of Roger Enke Golf Course
Anyhow, the manager looked at me strangely and I smiled and told him I was doing a bird count in the area and wondered if I could check the pond. I reassured him that I'd stay out of the way of the golfers and then he told me, "No problem." So it never hurts to ask.
Round-tailed Ground Squirrels are active in the shade
I was able to collect nesting and breeding data from the golf course and I was thankful for the opportunity.
Neotropic Cormorants are found around our local watering holes in Tucson
Then it was back to Reid Park for my weekly bird check. I try to monitor the park once a week for a count. It's close to home.
While we both are researching, our cats love to "help out". Typing can be a real challenge. And if I'm not watching carefully, they'll do some typing for me!
Band-tailed Pigeon! This year has been a good year for them!
The Elegant Trogon survey, with Tucson Audubon, is happening right now. Jennie MacFarland is leading the efforts to help keep tabs on our trogons in Southern Arizona. She asked if I would be interested and I said yes:)
The lovely sanctuary known as Ramsey Canyon
The mornings are still nice in some areas like around the foothills of our mountains. They didn't have anyone to survey Ramsey Canyon so I jumped at the chance. For the first time, I was able to bird Ramsey Canyon alone without all the walking and talking people.
Common Ground-Dove
It was pretty magical and it was the largest count I've ever had in that area without all the people around. So it goes to show that human activity does have an affect on wildlife. Also it helped birding early. Here in Southern Arizona, bird numbers and activity are highest between the hours of 4 AM until 8 AM. Yeah. It's early. Miss that window and you'll have to wait until 5 PM for everything to sort of pick up again.
The interior sub-species of White-breasted Nuthatch
Creating these projects, whether they be with organizations or personal, are important contributions for your communities and your own bird data. It's fun and forces one to get out and keep birding in the worst of conditions:)
Western Wood-Pewee
Go early. Freeze water bottles the night before to stay cool. Or if you have a water cooler, pack it with ice. It will melt:) Stay shaded as often as you can. Wear sun protections like a hat or sunscreen. A lot of birds are on nests right now and it's pretty exciting to see.
The Red-shafted Northern Flicker
For Arizona birders, June is often the month to travel to other worlds. I'll be flying out soon. But for now, it's house chores and travel prep.
For my surveys, click on the "here". For the Gray Hawks at Las Cienegas, click here. For the Trogon Survey at Ramsey Canyon, click here. For my weekly patch count at Reid Park, click here. Until next time....
A Pronghorn is crowned by THE bird of Southern Arizona, the Vermilion Flycatcher
Before I begin, I'd like to wish everyone across the globe and living here in the US a Happy Holidays. Have you ever purchased a holiday card and not want to give it up? Well that's what happened to me with this pic above. While down in Bisbee, I discovered Prescott based artist, Carolyn Schmitz's amazing talents. She captures Southern Arizona perfectly in this image of the Pronghorn and Vermilion Flycatcher! Now onto this week's crazy adventure......
Bright and early on a cold crisp San Diego morning, we watch the Nazca Booby as the sun rises
During the holiday season, I reject all things "holiday" because every day should be a celebration of life and kindness. However, I do love the family and friend time we get to share because of the time off. Friend and crazy ABA birder, Magill suggested we go for the mega rare Nazca Booby in San Diego(still currently being seen). I was exhausted from work (just finishing up the day before) and well, while this bird would be a lifer, it was a 5 hour drive to get to the bird. Thankfully Magill is head strong about these mega rarities and the twitch was on! 21 hours of non sleep would begin.......and life birds were to be found.
Photo credit: Max Leibowitz. He went out with several birders on the same day we were there and took this great pic! Nazca Booby
I always think, What would I do if I didn't chase these mega rare birds? Sleep? Drink coffee? Be a normal human being? 🙂 This is the difference between birding and bird watching. When you're a birder who birds, you choose the bird and go without question. It didn't take long for us to find the Nazca Booby. With the scope we saw the bird well on the buoy. However, the details were blurred with the shimmer of the sun above the ocean water. Now, when doing these mega rare bird chases, it's all about the speed birding in a limited time period because there are people waiting at home for you. They are patient for only so long with our addictions. There are, after all, human rituals like birthdays and holiday parties that we are required to attend. It's spousal abuse I tell you!
What do you get that special weird birder for the holidays? A one way plane ticket to a Birder's Bed and Breakfast in some new birdy place. If you're (un)fortunately married to a neurotic birder, make sure you strategically find a place for your bird lover and YOU. While you may like nature, you'll sometimes need a break from people who talk non-stop about birds and bird migration patterns. I'd equate the birding crowd conversation to men who love talking about statistics and football players or people who get into scrap booking while drinking white wine(from the box). Yuck! So I understand that non-birders after awhile tune out:) It's only a matter of time before you burst forth with, "Those damn birds!"
Ok. Let's get back on point here:) Mega rarity chases require the proper use of time during this highly restrictive holiday season. Would I have liked to take the boat out to see the Booby better? Yes. But if you have a time restraint, you have to get the birds. So our next bird was the underwhelming mega rare Red-throated Pipit in the same general area as the Booby.
Red-throated Pipit
I'll be honest. Pipits aren't my favorite birds. While it took us 20 minutes to locate and ID the Booby, it took me an HOUR to properly ID this bird. Magill found it and tried explaining the field marks to me. I was stumped. I didn't see it. I'm really good with bird ID, but not with this bird. So she patiently waited for me to get my act together and get comfortable with the ID of this tricky pipit. An hour later, after a lot of observation near a dead skunk, I can now say that I know what a Red-throated Pipit looks like in winter plumage. It's boring:) But here are the markers for the serious out there. Pink legs, streaky back, low to the ground and a tad smaller than the nearby American Pipits. Of the three pipits I've seen, my "favorite" continues to be the Sprague's.
A real Vermilion Flycatcher
We drove back home through the agricultural wasteland known as Yuma. There were points where I almost dozed off but Magill masterfully brought up politics to keep me awake. Then we stopped in Dateland for a date shake. I should have gotten the smaller size. It tasted good for the first few sips and then there were chunks of dates. And that was gross. Someone recommended that I do a strawberry date shake next time. I'm not sure there will be a next time:) After our crazy and fun speed birding, I did my slow and methodical birding the next day. I went alone and closed my eyes. Then I followed the bird song.
Neotropic Cormorants
While the wild and crazy holiday traffic (and shopping) was going on, I enjoyed the quiet of the parks and trails.
Bird guide, Richard Fray mentioned that there were Lawrence's Goldfinches near my home. So got in my car for a quick drive. These goldfinches are tricky and not always reliable. On top of that, they are tricky to observe as they are often skittish and like to hide in thick vegetation.
I've seen these birds often enough but never quite like this. Again, I was alone and followed their song. Patiently, this time, I waited for them to come down and feed in the open. I didn't move. I didn't flinch. For an hour, I became part of the landscape until they were comfortable with me. Then I slowly moved towards their area and had this magical moment of perfection.
Lawrence's Goldfinch
Happy Holidays everyone! I'll be back in Maine next week with friend and birder Kathie Brown. I'd also like to thank Max Leibowitz for sharing his photo on this blog. Our scope pictures weren't pretty but thanks to Max, you can see the details of this beautiful bird from the Galapagos Island area. Until next time.....
Black-capped Gnatcatcher on the Proctor Road Trail
Nature is very powerful. It mends all wounds. It brings balance and centers me.
Lower Madera Canyon
The darker the mood; the more focused I become. Without birds, I would go crazy. The human world is chaos. Instead of running down a trail, I will stand quietly still and listen. I can move at my own speed and just absorb the bird song or snapping twig.
The Rose Garden at Reid Park
Noise pollution is my worst enemy. The rose garden in my nearby neighborhood park is lovely. You might think this garden was absolutely quiet, but I assure you that it was quite loud! Everyone including TÃa Rosa were out celebrating the holiday weekend. The air was scented with carne asada and rose blooms.
The Black-crowned Night Heron at Reid Park
During this past weekend, I went to bird various areas. It kept my mind occupied as I surveyed three different spots. One was a fun chase with Magill up in Phoenix. The second was at Reid Park. And the third was at Madera Canyon.
Band-tailed Pigeon at the Santa Rita Lodge in Madera Canyon
I forgot that everything was going to be crowded. However, it wasn't all bad news with the screaming and littering people. If you think like a bird, you'll know where to find them:) So I listened and followed my ears instead of my eyes. Before I knew it, I stood alone surrounded by birds.
Nesting European Starlings at Reid Park
The smell of the roses. The sounds of water running in the canyon. Blooming trees. Spring=Perfection
Neotropic Cormorant
When the world becomes too much, I run away to the trails and get lost. Yes, I am addicted to the outdoors. How can I stand for hours in one spot and not realize how quickly the time passes??!!! I love the Arizona landscape.
Black-necked Stilt with a rare American Golden-Plover somewhere in Phoenix around a farming pond
My ebird reports are usually quite revealing. When I hit the "calculate time" button on my phone, I am always shocked by how much time has passed! It's easy to get lost in the moment. Even worse when you're hanging out with friends!
Black-necked Stilt close up
This weekend allowed me to "air" out my heavy thoughts and feelings. Today I was much more balanced as I stood in front of my classroom. I smiled at my teenage students listening to their crazy weekend stories keeping my own to myself. I am reminded that it's about the times we share together. It's about making the most of each and every day. And most of all, it's about appreciating the time we have together.
A first time photo of a Ross's Goose at Las Aventuras. While I've seen this bird many times, I haven't been within photo range. Note smaller bill sans the "smile" of the similar looking Snow Goose
Days free are spent on the road before the sun rises. It's really one of the truly peaceful times before dawn breaks. No waiting, chasing, or wondering if that rare bird will show up. It's just getting there while listening to the radio with my hot cup of coffee. As the sun begins to rise, a man with his crazy obsession for birds begins yet another quest. How will this day shape up?
A ray of light shines hope on our search for the Brown Thrasher
Once I arrive, I scan the dark path ahead. It's enveloped by fog. Rabbits and mice scamper across the trails. No humans anywhere to be seen except near the entrance where old men have decided to meet for coffee. Warm mist rises from the waters. It's here I stand in the chilly air watching geese bathe. My first target bird(the Ross's Goose) is revealed. I snap my pics behind a bush as I watch this beautiful bird preen its feathers. Early morning is a precious and finite time period with birds. One can't spend too much time on one bird without risking the dreaded dip on other target birds! Birds will "park" themselves in one spot overnight before taking off the next day. I had to move quickly and find the elusive Brown Thrasher. Like most thrashers, they are much more visible and vocal during the earlier hours of day.
Gila Woodpecker
I stand with another birder as we wait.....and wait.....and wait for this bird. It's almost a requirement for this particular bird. Finally, the bird makes a brief appearance several times and then disappears for good. While not the best views I've had of a Brown Thrasher, I decide to move on. I am able to add it onto my Arizona list.
The San Pedro River flows!
Another trail. Another bird. This time, I went looking for a feral Ring-necked Pheasant. Birders suspect that someone released this bird within the city of Gilbert. For several weeks, this bird has done well in this human created riparian area. This is definitely not a common bird around Arizona except maybe along the agricultural fields of the Yuma/California border.
Anna's Hummingbird
Blackbirds have put on some amazing shows this past week. They always flock in great numbers. Sometimes a Cooper's Hawk chases them. Other times it's the Northern Harrier.
Mixed flock of Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds
Hundreds of years ago, people wrote about millions of birds clouding the skies for days! never allowing the sun a chance to shine on the people below. Can you imagine?
Yellow-headed Blackbirds at sunset
In Tucson, Yellow-headed Blackbirds will flock in the thousands. And there's nothing quite like getting caught up in the middle of their microburst.
Meanwhile, the photographer has to put his camera down for the moment or he fears the risk of losing that brief sighting of a rare bird. It can be a bit frustrating at times, but he knows that not every bird will pose nicely.
House Sparrow
Understanding the meaning behind "competitive" birding has been quite the learning experience. It's a huge commitment of time. Artist and photographer have to sometimes take a back seat. Home improvements are put on hold (some of the cleaning may not always get done). Money goes towards gas and travel instead of clothes and other fancy things. Evenings are spent planning. Mornings are early to rise.
Northern Flicker
But when December 31st arrives, this birder will wake up on January 1st a normal man again. Or so he says....:)
Neotropic Cormorant
So I chase the silly birds, the real birds(the ABA kinds) and everything else in between. If it has wings, it's game. And between breaks, I stop and take it all in. What an incredible journey!
Domestic variety of Muscovy Duck
So as the month of December continues and the birding gets extremely competitive, I remember several things to keep my sanity. It's all about the friendships, birds and experiences gained.
Huachuca Canyon
At one point this weekend, we couldn't bird anymore. The rain began to fall and I stood there smiling. Perfection. As the darkness takes over, I prepare to rise again. Each day with a new challenge. Each day a reminder that life is truly wonderful.
I've been into doing video clips while on my trips. Here's the latest creative endeavor from my phone. Music from the Mockingjay. The song is called, "The Hanging Tree." Until next time.....
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