Winter Birding in Maricopa County

Sometimes, while waiting for the next challenge, we occupy our time with important surveys.

Over the weekend, I grabbed a golf cart and joined friends Gordon and Joe for the Greater Phoenix waterbird count.  Gordon lead our team for this annual Arizona Game and Fish event.  

Gordon and Joe count waterbirds on the golf course

We drove golf carts and counted all the wintering waterbirds at all the watering holes......and that was A LOT! I could not believe how many golf courses are found in the Phoenix area!  

Hooded Merganser

Phoenix is an amazing place to bird in the winter.  There are thousands of ducks that find safety within the urban limits of this huge city. 

I'm not a big fan of birding here in the summer though.  It's really hot with a lot of roads and sidewalks absorbing the 110+ temps.  At night those same roads and sidewalks keep the night temps very warm by releasing the heat.  So casually walking around Phoenix in the winter is a real treat.   

Our count took the full day and along the way, we saw some great birds.  It was overcast, windy and COLD!  

I like to help out when I can.  Gordon's trek was fun and had us outdoors exploring new locations.  

It also gives us something to do while we wait for our next great trek to the North.  

Green-tailed Towhee

 So if you are coming to Arizona for the winter, you will find lots of wintering ducks hanging out in our urban parks.  During the summer in Wisconsin, I was shocked by how frightened the birds were of us.  They tend to hide better and keep their distance far far away from people. I think it has a lot to do with hunting in the Northern States.  Ducks aren't dummies.  Luckily for them, they've found safety within our urban water areas.  And they definitely aren't shy of the people here. 

The day after our count, we went to another watering hole and found a rare Cackling Goose(Richardson's subspecies) hanging out with some Canada Geese.  Look carefully at the photo.  While they all look the same, one of the geese is smaller and has a short bill. 

Cackling Goose to the lower left of this picture

I love those kinds of ID challenges in the field. 

drake Green-winged Teal

Most ducks aren't shy in our area, but the Green-winged Teal can be tricky at times.  This drake, however, decided to swim up to me.  It doesn't happen often:)

Northern Shoveler

It's also interesting to note the differences between the drake(male) and hen(female) of the duck and merganser species.  Here is a male Common Merganser below. 

male Common Merganser

And here is the female(below). Very different looking!

A thank you to Gordon for setting up our count, leading our team and driving and to Joe for helping out. Our adventures will continue next week.......

Birding Ethics

The singing Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

How far would you go to get "that" shot?  Apparently for some, they'll do anything including endangering a bird's life to get that branch-free, close-up picture of their subject.  When birding in large groups (or around others), you can pick out the various degrees of birder or photographer.

The Gilded Flicker at sunset

As most of us already know, birds, in general, are tricky to capture on camera.  So finding them posing perfectly out in the open can be a wonderful opportunity. Take for example this Gilded Flicker.  At Saguaro National Park, it tends to be skittish.  When I do find the birds here, they cling closely to the Ocotillo like in the pic above.  Sometimes, they can be very accommodating like the one we found in Scottsdale below. The bird just flew in and sat on the wall staring back at us. 

Naturally we chase birds.  Sometimes playback is used a couple times.  Sometimes we pish and hope for the best. On this evening, I pished and had a curious Black-throated Sparrow come and visit me. 

Black-throated Sparrow

So here's where my story begins.  Another birder was searching for the very tricky Long-eared Owl in Arizona. To cut the time and make use of our bird schedule, we had to join this walk. I was with a lister(a person who tries to add as many species of birds as they can onto a list.  In this case, his Arizona list.) I knew of several Long-eared Owls that were being seen in a location that required a bird walk. The only drawback?  Crowds of birders! 

Female Northern Shoveler

PS.  Arizona is amazing.  If you've never been here, you've got to come and bird.  You're going to love it!  Anyhow, everyone came to the Audubon lead Arivaca-Cienaga Boardwalk on a Saturday morning to see the Long-eared Owl.  As I had anticipated, there were nearly 30 people from all over the country on this trek.  All hoping to find the owl(s).  An internal groan happened on both our parts as large groups are not our thing. But sometimes you have to do them.  However, I will say that the group was a great bunch. Sometimes they can be very talkative!  If you're talking, you're not listening or watching for the birds:)

Snowbirds enjoy the varied landscapes of Arizona

I came once before to find these owls. This time, I wanted to see if I had looked in the right area.  And I had! So that little information made me happy and confirmed my investigative powers are increasing! BUT these owls are super tricky to find because they camouflage so well into the hackberry trees/bushes along the trail.  Because we were on a tight schedule, we couldn't stay for the entire walk and had to leave early.  This is something I should have told our guide before we got on the trails.  

This is the owl that everyone got to see during our walk.  Lots of branches!  But they aren't always inside the branches. 

The word "owl" makes people go crazy.  You don't even have to be a birder to love them.  Anyhow, our guide was excellent and a very nice person.  I didn't know him nor the visiting out-of-state birders.  But we understood our guide when he told us that he didn't want to disturb the owls roosting.  We all agreed to the rules and got our quick glances and quickly moved on.  It's what I would have asked my group if I had been leading a tour.  It's what I always do when I have several visitors coming into town to find owls. 

Sometimes they perch at your campsite in the evening!

Once we saw the owl, we did some more birding with the group. However, we had to take off soon afterwards because there were several other birds we had to find for the day. Otherwise we wouldn't have been able to see everything before sundown.  While our guide was chatting with the group, we took off to stay on schedule.  I didn't want to interrupt the talk.  I had intended to email him that night and thank him for the wonderful job, etc.  

Peña Blanca Lake for the Rufous-capped Warbler

So we left to search for the Rufous-capped Warbler. Yet I felt an uneasiness in my stomach.  Not a good sign.  Then the unthinkable happened. I got word that rumors were spreading throughout the birding community that we had gone back to disturb the owls and get better photos.  My new lens has been getting a lot of attention which I hate.  They thought we were going to try for better photos.  And so did the guide!  If they knew me, they would have known better.  I am one of the most responsible birders out there. That night I sent emails out. More work for my carelessness! 

The next day I went out with my friend Cynthia to go birding. The ill rumors had still lingered and made me upset. Thankfully the guide wrote me back and we were able to clear up the misunderstandings.  So what did I learn? When in a group, I need tell the guide what our plan is before starting the trek.  From the guide's part, he apologized for assuming the worst. But honestly, I would have done the same thing. And thanks to my reputation, he discovered quickly that I was one of the "good" birders.  Your reputation is everything in the birding world.  The honor code is an unwritten book of rules that are known by all birders. Break a rule and you will quickly feel their wrath! Birders can be as ruthless as a Great Blue Heron filling up on a newly hatched nest of Red-winged Blackbirds!

And sometimes, when you least expect it, the bird will pose for you just like the Gilded Flicker did.  That's what's fun about birding.  Just be patient and it will happen. 

Like most things in life, it all comes down to communication.  Lesson learned.  I'm so used to being an independent birder that I forget how the whole group mentality works:)  And how about you?  Any similar stories or mishaps while on the birding trail with others? Until next time.....

Never Alone

Northern Shoveler with a Red-eared Slider at Sweetwater, Tucson

The birding world doesn't have to be a lonely one.  Over the past two weekends, I've met some fantastic people while also saying good-bye to another.  And rediscovered a face from the trails from my bird past whom then hooked up with my birding bud up in Phoenix.  Talk about a small world!
  

The Hepatic Tanager at Kubo Lodge in Madera Canyon with the gang

The birds guide us.  They make us explore new areas alone or with others.  As my friend and birding buddy Kathie said good-bye, I was introduced to another group of birders.  On this weekend, I was more fascinated with the various birders than I was with the birds.

At Catalina State Park from left to right....Kathie, Donna, Dawn and me

 We had a great time birding, sharing in delicious meals and learning about/from each other.  The weekend happened so quickly.  And I wish we had more time to hang out!  But the birds guide us yonder!

Hooded Merganser at Dos Lagos Park in Glendale, AZ

I remember a time when I began wandering the desert alone looking for pics of....anything. I liked birds and photography.  And it was fun being unknown for awhile. However, the more I began to bird and submit data; the more I became involved with the birder community.  Then I kept running into others who also went chasing rare birds.  They had names.  Some were friendly while others were very standoffish. I was informally introduced to the world of birders. It is full of wondrous complexity.  Stuff I am writing about in my notes for a future book. 

On the tram in Sabino Canyon with my bud Kathie

In the world of birding, there is enough drama and excitement to make a TV soap opera look rather boring.  There is deep friendship, passion, love, betrayal, love triangles, deceit and wildlife mayhem. They should make a TV show based on the birder world.  Wouldn't that be fun?  And there is drinking.....lots and lots of wonderful drinking.   And not just beer.  Although that's okay too.  Birders are a unique crowd.  They travel and are aware of other delicious beverages beyond wine. I've become a social drinker birder again:) I think college was the last time I really enjoyed that activity:)

Sharing Pisco Sours(from Peru and Chile) and wine with the gang.  From left to right, me, Jeff, Kathie, Dawn, Cynthia, Donna, Roger, and Linda(she made the most delicious Piscos! Gracias!)

What am I trying to write here?  Well it's always a new experience when birders come together. And like any family, there is a bond which has been created by our love for all things birds and wild......and of course, there is always fun gossip from around the world:) 

Le Conte's Thrasher at the Thrasher Spot near Buckeye, AZ

I have a lot in the works right now.  There are several trips planned out to California and Mexico for photography and some more birding.  It can be a bit overwhelming while maintaining the full time job and home life. I have a passport to renew and some surprises ahead for the blog.  Sometimes I shut down and just close the curtains, burn a candle, listen to some great music and write:)

The rare Eurasian Wigeon at Dos Lagos Park in Glendale

I began alone but have found myself pulled into the Ebird crowd, photography crowd, guide/host for other birders, writer and teacher.  The social media has expanded not only my own world but it works as a collaborative machine for us all!  We share information and when this happens, we come together and it makes us stronger.....whole.  And I realize that I am not alone on this great quest.

Canadian Geese

Writing is about being honest. Telling my story while on this path.  When I was younger and living on my own, I asked my Dad ways in which I could meet new people.  He told me that he became a member of his church so that he could meet other people of the same faith in the community.  And my parents really have met a lot of wonderful people over the years who are still very close friends to our family.   But church is not my thing. I think I'd have to believe in god. So I tried to take my father's sincere advice and apply it to my own life.

A feral colony of Nanday Parakeets that were rather tricky to find. A good ear is needed here.

It took me over two decades of travel around the world to make sense of my gypsy life.  I always wanted to be a part of something and found myself alone for most of it. I'd date, party and marvel at all the amazing things happening around me.  I quickly realized that nothing lasts forever and that change is definitely a constant in this universe.  Along the way, I've made great friendships but my friends are very much like I am....gypsies....nomads....sand people(Star Wars reference:) There is an intense curiosity that burns inside of me. 

Sagebrush Sparrow at the Thrasher Spot near Buckeye

Today, I have found the answer to my question that I asked my father years ago.  "How do I make friends?"  "Who is my community?"  "Where do I belong?"  The answers were already there.  I just had to let time sort it all out. Instead of god, I found birds.  Around the birds, I found people.  People who also love birds as much as I do!  They also love travel, exploration, trying new things and most of all meeting other kindred spirits....or not:)  There are still some of those antisocial birders who are more bird than human:) And that's not necessarily a bad thing:)

A Sora out in the open!!!

Birders come from all beliefs and backgrounds.  There are single birders, married birders, young birders, retired birders, logical birders,  funny birders, serious competing birders, arrogant birders, demanding birders, sassy birders......well you get the idea.  It's a VERY complex world based on the love of birds and outdoors. The birder club is open to anyone interested and is not exclusive:) But like any human group, there is that social ranking:)

Dark-eyed Junco

 I am losing myself into this bird world. It's an escape many times from the stress I can't control outside of my little world. It scares me sometimes how easily I can turn the key in the ignition of my car and disappear into a wooded park rather quickly.

Hairy Woodpecker on Mt. Lemmon in the village of Summerhaven

Or find comfort in a cemetery searching for what would be a lifer for many of the gang. I watched them become excited and take long lingering looks at the flycatcher as he danced in circles catching bugs around his perch. 

Greater Pewee at Evergreen Cemetery in Tucson, AZ

 Eventually I had to go it alone again and find more year birds(new birds for the 2014 year) but I know I'll be back birding with the group again.  So what's it all about? 

Cackling Goose at Dos Lagos Park, Glendale, AZ

This is what it's all about.......completing my Arizona Thrashers!  From Top to Bottom starting Left to Right.  Le Conte's Thrasher, Sage Thrasher(top); Curve-billed Thrasher(middle); Bendire's Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher(bottom)

No....wait.....this is what it's all about!!!!  The landscapes!!!!

I stand corrected....it's really about the people....and birds....and landscapes....and adventures! And there are more adventures in store.....stay tuned:)

Amazing people, amazing birds.....and so much fun!

Something About Mary

From Kachina Springs, Flagstaff, AZ

There are some wonderful benefits to the new Ebird IPHONE app known as Birdlog.  It's great! Let's say you want to go to an unknown place and bird. All you have to do is turn on your phone from your location and pretend to submit a report.  Highlighted red, blue or yellow tags will pop up showing you places where birders go seek new life and new civilizations.  And that's how we found Mary lake, Kachina Springs, and the Mormon Lake in Flagstaff.

I have lived in Arizona for a good portion of my life and had never known about these places. It was a fun car ride and along the way we made stops.....many of them! Our best views came from a family of Osprey fishing on Lower Mary Lake.  The weather was just perfect and made for some great birding!   

There were so many waterbirds that I had to really be careful.  I'm glad I did because I was able to get my Common Goldeneye.  The pic below shows many "ducks" to the common eye, but if you blow that pic up, you'd see it's a massive mix of Buffleheads, Mergansers, Ducks, Coots, and oh so much more.

So let's do it for fun!  Let's blow this pic up and take a look at some of these fantastic water birds! Here's a Common Goldeneye(below) that I found in Wisconsin. Once I have a good shot of the lifebird, I relax and observe the birds as they are.  At Kachina Springs, I was able to breathe in the fresh mountain air and count birds.

Buffleheads made for a great show.

Western Bluebirds surrounded the water areas.

Ruddy ducks....

Ring-necked ducks......

Canvasbacks....

Northern Shovelers....

Redheads.....

Common Mergansers....

Lesser Scaups....

and Green-teals ducks are all swimming together.  The trick is taking a closer look and never assuming that they're all one species.  Something Kathie taught me. Not Mary.

I do love ducks, but I love Osprey more.  It's hard to count ducks and other waterbirds when these gorgeous birds of prey are out in full hunting mode.

The views were enjoyable.  The walks were fantastic.  And the birds were just icing on the cake.  I think driving through the woods with my car window down was my favorite part.  It was like being back home in Wisconsin again.  Perfection for some is fishing.  Perfection for me is this.  All of it.  The birds, the plants, the new discoveries and of course......the experiences.  If you're up in the Flagstaff area, check out Kachina Springs, Mormon Lake and the Upper and Lower Mary Lake recreational areas.  All I have to say about it is, "Frank and beans!"  More to come....