Waiting to Exhale

Anna's Hummingbird with Pyracantha in the background

When you've seen all there is to see, you begin to study better what you already know.

It's that deeper understanding of habitats and bird behaviors that can be quite satisfying.

Such was the case during a trek out to the Santa Cruz flats.  Instead of chasing new birds, we just observed the ones present.

American Kestrel

 The scope comes out and we begin to scan. 

Magill scans the sod farm for Mountain Plovers

Of course, we try and search for that special rare bird or two. But on the Flats, it's always the wintering Mountain Plovers that steal the show.

First decent photo documentation of a Mountain Plover

 Rare or not, I'm never disappointed because I love birds. And it's so relaxing and fun trying to find as many birds as we can while we're out in the field.

Juvenile Black Crowned Night Heron

I especially love birding with good friends.   Add to the experience cold rainy weather and you've got a great day outdoors.  For a desert dweller recovering from the sweltering hot summer temps, it's nearly perfection:)

Male Vermilion Flycatcher

Subtle visitors come back to visit us during the winter like the Sagebrush Sparrow.  You won't see them unless you take the time to stop and smell the sage.  They aren't shy birds, but they do blend in well with their surroundings. And if you don't know they are out there, you'd never know they existed:)

Sagebrush Sparrow

A Greater Pewee migrates down to the lower elevations and hangs out at a local watering hole.

Greater Pewee

And a hesitant Broad-tailed Hummingbird sticks around longer than normal.

A late Broad-tailed Hummingbird

The holidays are coming and my work is not done. For now, I have a house to clean and final exams to prepare. I am one bird shy of my 700 life bird goal and I wonder which bird species it will be. But for now, during the "in between", I relax and revisit my favorite spots in Southern Arizona when I can squeeze in the time. Until next time.....

Pyracantha

Not a twiner nor a climber, this vine can stand alone or use some guidance. It's easy to grow and survives extreme heat or cold.  My only recommendation is to keep it out of the strong afternoon sun.  These do have thorns on them and gloves are a must.  This evergreen vine adds winter interest in the garden while other plants are dormant.  It is drought tolerant and best planted in sunnier spots with some afternoon shade for best performance. 

The vine is common here in Tucson.  Sometimes it can look like a large bush if left unpruned.  It can get as high as 12 feet and just as wide....sometimes larger.  At El Presidio, these vines are located in the sunnier but afternoon shaded southern exposure. If you want something reliable, this vine is highly recommended and easy to grow. However, it is a slow grower here.  It likes a lot of sun and comes in many varieties.....some berries are red while others are orange or yellow.   Orange is popular here in Tucson, but I like the red berries and so there are two Cherri Berri Pyracantha on our property:)  Until next time.....