Cienaga Creek Preserve

Today I make my way across the desert to a "permit only" preserve known as Cienaga Creek.  However, I’m not sure many of the people had oneJ  I drove 30 minutes east of Tucson and found myself in the middle of nowhere.  PS.  Sorry about the font size today.  Blogger switched over to the new interface several weeks ago when this post was written and I was forced to copy and paste for the blog from Microsoft word which I was not happy about. It wasn't until Jeanne from In Search Of recommended me to use Google Chrome.  I am now able to write normally again.  I am in the far away remote city of Portal this weekend searching for bear, coati and whatever amazing bird comes my way. I'll be back again soon with more exciting news to report.  The thrill of journeys and adventures.....so let's get started with Cienega(See-en-ah-gah).

I was alone.  The trains came at me from all directions.  The road was lonely and I felt like I was in a completely strange new world.  Another birding hotspot where you can (and probably will) get your feet wet.  The trains though were a bit unsettling and unique at the same time. The operators have some beautiful views from their tracks!

I crossed a bridge and the cool wind almost blew my hat into the running creek below!  And I looked at how far down the creek was…..and saw a biology class in session.  Sweet!  Now how do I get my butt down there?  A random person came along and told me to follow the dirt path near the bridge.

Green lush vegetation surrounded me including lots of beautiful wildflowers!

I had a feeling that I wouldn’t spot many birds on this very windy day, but I did love all the varied vegetation habitat going on.  You start at desert landscape and work your way down into the Arizona Cottonwood Canopy…..a whole world in itself!

But I had to keep my eyes open for trains as I crossed the tracks.

I finally made it down into the creek and a woman with her dog called out in her thick accented voice, “I see you made it down to the creek!”  Indeed I had…..and there were other birders and wildlife enthusiasts as well .

So I wasn’t alone after all!!!  And there was a comfort knowing that there were others there because the barren desert road was well.....deserted.  Where did they all park?

Due to the day being fairly windy, it was difficult to spot a bird in the canopy of the trees.  However, I did spy swallow nests under the bridgesJ

Cienagas Creek was amazing.  Next time I go, I’ll wear water shoes on the hike to enjoy the cool running water.

From Tucson on eastbound I-10, exit 281 (Sonoita/Patagonia), turn left to cross I-10 to Marsh Station Road. From westbound I-10, exit 281, loop exit to Marsh Station Road. Travel northeast on Marsh Station Road approximately 3 miles and watch for the Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead sign on the right. After parking, walk through the gate and go left (northeast) on the trail. At "Y" go right and follow trial down to creek.

I did see a Phoebe under a tree near the creek.

And a Black Throated Sparrow.

The Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead parking lot provides access to the Cienega Creek Natural Preserve and Davidson Canyon. This is a 10-car lot. The trailhead is located just off Marsh Station Road. Note: A permit is required to access the preserve. Open dawn to dusk. Details: 520-877-6000 (Pima County). Call (520) 877-6158 for permit information. These permits are free.

Three Bridges or the second parking lot is 0.3 miles farther up on Marsh Station Road, on the left side and just before railroad tracks. Parking is allowed on front portion of lot. Do not go under tressel (railroad property). Road to third lot is right across Marsh Station Road from second lot and holds approximately 5 cars. Note: these two lots are recommended for viewing and photographing trains only. NRPR cautions against crossing railroad tracks to enter preserve.

For a bird checklist click here.

There was a lot to see, but it was getting hot.  So, it was a sign that I needed to head back to the car. Bring bug spray!

On my way back to the car, I found this scruffy little guy with a prickly pear fruit in his mouth.  More tomorrow from this Cienagas series….

Don’t worryJ  He made it across the road safely. More adventures tomorrow with Kathie!

Conspicuous

My best shot for the year of the Phoebe

You never know.  You never know.  I am finding that once I have that obligatory "snapped an excellent to alright shot" out of the way of a bird, I can relax a bit.  And then there are eyes.  They become sharper at spotting most of what would otherwise remain hidden from the public eye. Things that were hidden are now easier to find.  My birding skills are getting better and here is what I discovered on this particular day.......

Night Heron

I have wanted badly to spot a Night Heron and today I got that shot.  It took me minutes of scanning reeds before I found this little gem hiding.   What a beautiful bird!

Hispid Cotton Rat

And then there are the ears.  I hear something scrabbling in the reeds and think, "Warbler, Flycatcher, Sparrow?"  Nope. Just a rat.

Great Blue Heron rookery

And the rustle above your head, "Owl, Hawk?"  No!  A heron rookery!!!! And there they were....4 nests! FOUR!  It looked as if the parents were dropping fish into the nest and the young ones were feeding.

Most people walk by.  But not me:).

Your eyes will strain and your hands will get heavy from holding the binoculars or camera...

But if you're patient, you'll see this below!!!!  Look very very closely.  I'm not going to tell you what to look for.....be a birder.  Look closely.  Patiently.  And maybe you'll see it:)

 What?  You can't see it?  Look closer.  Hint.  My favorite kind of bird.  And another amazing capture without tips etc.  All I can say....exciting.  More tomorrow....

The Great Horned Owl nesting

Waiting For The Night To Fall

I had "one of those days".  In my own kingdom, I am happy, but I do not enjoy fixing everyone's problems anymore.  The days of gossip and rumours are over. TV really doesn't even interest me! But unfortuneatly at work, there are students, parents, and teachers who bombard me with the turbulent drama of the working world.  I just don't have that energy.  It may seemed detached, cold, or indifferent.......but I have come to the conclusion in my life that things will happen as they happen and that I cannot control them. And sometimes the drama from their trouble makes me feel anxious inside....and from my perspective and others....it's not healthy.

After work, I took my camera and returned to a place that centers me and keeps me in check emotionally. And it was what I needed.  Do you ever walk quietly through a space and just listen?  I mean....really listen. I began my walk near 2 solitary American Coots and just watched them walk through the water with the sun on their backs.

Of course, the intense sounds from the thousands of blackbirds both Redwing and Yellow Headed were at times deafening!  These birds I've always glanced over on my way into the park, but today I just watched.

Slowly I made my way over to the areas inhabited by the Red Wing Blackbirds.  Loud and very Present.

There was one more still pond that had the one solitary Sandpiper.

It flew in a circle before landing.....creating silent ripples across the still water.

Yellow Headed Blackbirds covered the skies as they flew in their sunset patterns over and around my head to quickly descend and vanish into the reeds.

And there were birders. 3 to be exact.  One was a Southerner who hunted ducks and just discovered the Sweetwater Wetlands.  He was "the other" kind of birder....the one that shot ducks.  I think I understand, but I find it difficult to find beauty in killing a duck for the sport of it....and then watching them in a protected area thinking about how fun it would be to hunt them down.  I guess I use my camera to shoot pictures, but at least it doesn't kill.  He was a talkative birder who liked to say, "Amazing" a lot.  

A silent elderly couple whispered to me....wait for it:)....."There is a Phoebe over there." What is it with people and Phoebes? Is this the only place where they live?  They are a tiny(and fun to watch) little black and white bird.  It flies in small or wide circular patterns.  I tried to capture that with these pictures.

Watching this bird fly is interesting and maybe this is what draws the visitor's attention......but seriously, every birding expedition has people screaming up and down about this bird. I see them everywhere I go.  And I laugh to myself:)

Well, it is a good looking bird:)

Walking through the trees in the cool breeze, I glance Mt. Lemmon in the distance at full sunset.  The telephone poles remind me that I have to go home.  But I don't.  I listen to all the birds settle down into the reeds and the darkness take over.....and it is strangely calming.

And then the night falls and I feel better.......relaxed.

Birding Around The Patagonia Area

Western Screech Owl

Another owl and another amazing hike.  This time in the Patagonia area!  Surprisingly I had never been.  It was a bright day.  I did more hiking than taking pics, but it was a fun day with a lot to see!

Patagonia Lake

Patagonia lake costs 10 bucks per vehicle with 4 people. It's a really nice park full of camping, swimming, trails, and boating.  In fact, you'll find a little bit of everyone here. This park does cater to the birding crowd and has several of the best trails to help discover our feathered and furry friends.  Meanwhile the RV enthusiasts, swimmers, and campers will all stick together in their own areas.  Patagonia is one of the most diverse areas for birds and humans using the park for various recreational services.

However before I went to the actual lake, I stopped at a birder's haven....the Sonoita-Patagonia Preserve.  Bring 5 bucks cash with you as they don't take debit cards.  No machines.  Today I met several birders on this trail that I WON'T use for role models.  Oh goodness.  Where do I start?  Not typical of any birder I've met so far, these "birders" were loud and obnoxious.  One of them claimed to be a Professor of birding somewhere in the south of the US, but I don't even know how that was possible!!!??  There was a group of Javelina in the reeds and one of the women, with her thick Southern drawl, screamed, "LOOK!!  THERE ARE THOSE JAVELINAS!"  Unfortuneatly they did not attack but instead fled the scene:) If I had been the Javelina, I would have done the same thing.

This Western Screech Owl is very cool. And well hidden in the trees.  I thought I would spot more, but my neck gave out.  I tried to hang with the Southern birders for awhile but they were nuts.  Loud.  Obnoxious.  Shouting.  I hope the poor owl didn't die of a heart attack from the way they were climbing all over the base of the tree!  At one point, "the Professor" showed me his pics and wanted to see mine for comparison.  You know that contest...."Whose is better? Bigger?" etc.....ohhhhh some people.  While they were scrambling to set up their equipment to get a better shot, I took the opportunity to fade into the background and escape.  And was I glad I did....

A much quieter path lay before me.  And I kept my eyes open for movement....anywhere and everywhere.  It can be very exhausting.  I think I hiked about 6 hours today!! The path was shaded and a birder's paradise.

There was plenty of movement in the branches and I honestly was a bit lazy with my camera.  I forgot to take them because it was such a beautiful day and a wonderful hike on some fantastically maintained trails.  Birders and nature lovers will enjoy the walks.

As I walked past a birder, he whispers, "Deer to your left."  And there they were.  Silently I watched them watching me out of the corner of their eyes.

I smile to myself.  Even the simplest of things like spotting a deer makes me happy.   I sat for a few moments and watched as she grazed incognito.

At the end of the Railroad Trail, I reached the creek where I sat for a few moments to take it all in......

Mourning Cloak Butterfly

Fluttering about me was this Mourning Cloak Butterfly that captivated me with its beautiful shades of brown. 

Some of the oldest Fremont Cottonwood trees are found here.  It's also home to several endangered fish, bird, and insects.  Bring binoculars and a good pair of hiking shoes.

The American Robin

During this day, birders searched high and low for the Rufous Backed Robin.  I couldn't find them, but I did see plenty of American Robins.

And how about some Western Bluebirds?  Here are the best shots I could get of these lovely birds. 

And the  birders were goo goo gaga over the Phoebe bird.  Seriously, everytime I encounter a birder in the woods they are so excited!  I see Phoebes everywhere I go.  So I took several shots to prove it.  It's a cool little bird but I don't understand why they're so cool.  Maybe they don't have these little guys back home?  In fact, when I hear Phoebe....this is who I think about.....

Not my own pic...obviously.  But the one below is.  Again many of my birder friends may not find that funny.  This is Phoebe from the TV series Friends.  It just shows you the kind of birder I am:) The odd duck.  But here's the Phoebe that they're talking about:)

If you are interested in more info on the Patagonia Sonoita Creek Preserve, click here.

Hope you enjoyed my little trek.  More tomorrow.....