A Novel Approach

Costa's Hummingbird

With a global pandemic upon us all, the Covid-19 virus has really turned everything upside down. Spring break has been extended until the end of the month for students. I don't think I've wrapped my head around all of it yet. 

A beautiful walk.  No people.  Just nature. 

Last week I prepped my work to go out of the classroom with my students in case we have to go online. Of course no one told us to do this, but common sense told me to prepare for the inevitable. 

Inca Dove

In Tucson, it's more of a blessing than a curse. Warm weather. Great outdoor scene. Migration happening.  What's not to love? One. I get to be home every day during migration? What??!! Two. It's the nicest time of year here so do I work on house projects or bird?  Three. Cancelled events that bring in way too many people to Tucson?! YES! Thank you corona! And sports have been cancelled?  That's like the cherry on top of the sundae! What will people do with their free time?  Hopefully get out and reflect.  Take a nice hike or bike and go somewhere wonderful in nature. 

A rare Townsend's Solitaire

And my garden!  I can work on my garden!  

Rufous-winged Sparrow

Sadly, yet smartly, my friends from Wisconsin cancelled their trek to Arizona.  It sucks.  I was looking forward to their visit, but I completely understand.  I would have done the same thing. Being on a plane or cruise is just plain dumb right now.  Even after telling my students about the dangers, they still went to Italy, Hawaii and elsewhere.  Now they are having a nightmare of a time getting back.  No one listens to the teacher.  I give them an "F" for not listening to my lectures. The congestion in the airport alone would make me go mad.  And the exposure rate is MUCH greater. Yikes.   

a nesting Cactus Wren

I am bothered that there isn't any toilet paper available in the stores.  And if you have someone who always uses up the last toilet paper roll in the house and doesn't tell you, like my other half, then it makes it even worse!  We had to go to 4 stores to find ONE package of toilet paper!

Pipevine Swallowtail

I guess being a bird has its advantages.  They don't need toilet paper.  This virus has put a hold on everyone's lives.  Birders have had trips cancelled. But in a way, I'm thankful for this time out.  It really forces us to appreciate the beauty around us.  I actually got drunk from the sunshine over the past couple days. If this is what it's like to be retired, I'm all for it. 

Gila Woodpecker in nest

We had rains last week and the ground is nice and soft to put in new plants for the year.  

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Warblers, hawks, vireos and other birds are making their move north. Never in my career have I been given 2 weeks to linger around the natural corridors of Arizona at free will.  It's kind of a gift. I can sleep in late if I want. 

Stay safe. Be smart. And enjoy the solitude if you can.  Spring is here and the birds are moving north.  It'll certainly take your mind off of things.  

It doesn't matter where you are.  Nature is there. Until next time. 

The Pipevine Butterfly

As you've seen this past month, the butterfly show has kicked into full gear and I won't be done for awhile with the finds.

Another rare treat to our desert is the Pipevine Butterfly.  It's large blackish blue with dazzling dots.

Last year I hadn't seen many of them but this year, they've been everywhere!  In fact, this butterfly stopped by El Presidio one day and had the residents oooing and ahhing.  I was shocked.  Why?

This particular butterfly is threatened or endangered in some areas, but I don't think it is here as it has a large range to flutter about.

This butterfly loves all kinds of plants like the infamous butterfly bush, vincas, lantanas, verbena, and milkweed.  But there are certainly many more plants that it will visit.   It's tricky here in Arizona because in spring, we love our wildflower gardens but we can also pick millions of other themes for our places.....like the Butterfly Garden!!!  My Butterfly Garden hasn't begun yet because the fountain hasn't gone into the space....but when it does, these colorful and magnificent plants will go into that spot. 

September is the month of the butterfly here.  An explosion really.  And if you set your garden up right , your guests will feel like they're walking in one of those cheesy Disney movies. Plus you'll be the talk of the neighborhood. Today's photo shoot was taken at the Ash Canyon B & B.  And the garden is by Mary Jo.  

Stay tuned for more....

Spring Awakening

Texas Mountain Laurel and a Black Carpenter Bee

Spring started early for us here in the Old Pueblo.  Here is another photo shoot taken on February 23 in the desert focusing on our beautiful spring show. How do you know it's officially spring?  The Texas Mountain Laurel sets forth the early signs with purple fragrant blooms. This Carpenter Bee(so named because it can burrow in wood) enjoys the nectar.  The purple flowers smell like Grape Kool Aide!!  I miss my Lilacs from home, but this plant replaced that need with it's similiarly looking purple blooms and fragrance.

We also know spring has arrived when summer hummers join in with our nesting Anna's and Costa's Hummers.  I really looked stupid waiting for this above shot.  But I got the darn thing:)

Bugs also indicate that summer is just around the corner.  I found this Pipevine Swallowtail hiding.  It appeared to have just come out of hibernation as the wings looked freshly unfolded.  The color is off because it was in the shade.  These rare beauties shimmer blue in the hot summer sun.  Count yourself lucky if you find one:)

And ohhh.....let's not forget our cacti friends.  The first signs of the cacti blooms happened this year to show up on the Pincushion Cactus.  Small delicate flowers on this personal favorite of mine:)  I'll have more cacti flowers for you coming up....

And then there are the wildflowers.  First the African Daisies, then the California Poppies, followed by the Globe Mallow, then the Desert Lupine....and so on and so forth.  The yellows and oranges appear first followed by the pinks of Parry's Penstemon, the whites of the desert Primrose and the dark blues of the California Bluebells.

The yellows of sunset as a bee gets a fill to bring back to the hive.....

And for my birding friends....well, check out this Sparrow calling from the Saguaro Cactus.  It's nesting time for a lot of desert birds.....several of which use the Saguaro cactus as their home and nest:)

So long you days of winter.  Your darkness lifts and the days become longer, warmer, and signal a change. Welcome!