The Monterey Bay Aquarium

I watched the people mesmerized by the dark blues and greens of the ocean at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Dunlin

I was there to study shorebirds in their aviary display. It was a rare opportunity to see these birds up close.  And it was here that I was able to study their field marks to help me ID better out in the field. 

Sea Otters in the Kelp Forest near the aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium can be pricey at around 50 dollars.  But it's my birthday month, so I splurged:)

Snowy Plover

I got there early to avoid the crowds and I was mostly successful.  I planned several "must see" spots first which weren't the main attractions that most tourists visit. I actually had a bowl of clam chowder ALONE out on the deck below!  I watched wild shorebirds and sea otters from this very cool spot below.

But my study?  As you all know, I like to visit the living museum collections of our zoos and aquariums around the world.  I do an ebird hotspot list for the wild birds found in the area while also studying their aviary collections.  Many of these birds were once wild but thanks in part to places like the aquarium, these injured birds are given a second chance at life where they'll educate thousands of people (like myself).

Semipalmated Sandpiper

I oo'd and aw'd at the displays like everyone else.  But it was the sandpipers, phalaropes and other peeps that held my interest.

There is something very relaxing about being in a dark area with gentle music playing in the background.

The jellyfish displays were mesmerizing!

Red Phalarope

However, it was time to study my phalaropes.  They are often difficult to ID in the wild because of distance.  And because they are usually in their winter molt when they pass through Arizona.  I was able to see a size difference between the two birds.  But it was the bill that really grabbed my attention.  Note how strong the Red Phalarope's bill(above) is when compared to the Red-necked Phalarope's bill(below).  There is also orange at the base of the REPH's bill which I have never clearly seen from a scope.  What a great way to compare these two sometimes tricky birds!

Red-necked Phalarope

There were octopus..... 

......and more cool aquariums.......

.....and pretty Buffleheads......

drake Bufflehead

.....more awesome jellyfish......

....and lots of wild birds feeding around the waters outside of the aquarium:)

juvenile Pelagic Cormorant

I had a great morning out, but it was time to head back to Arizona where Kathie Brown was waiting for me. Here's a video from my adventure in Monterey.  I'm still smiling from all the fun.  But it was time to return back to the desert. There was work to be done.

Carry Me Wind

Sandhill Cranes

Oh wind, carry me to far away places. To the North, we go.  Together.

Guide me.  Let me ride the thermals until it's just you and me.

Let me be truly free.  Free from all of this. Guide me. Take me. Carry me away.  

I am exhausted. I do not want to be caged anymore. Open the door. Let me go.  Let it all be done. Flight feathers grown back. Let me be free now.  

Drake Cinnamon Teal

Carry me up into your airy river. 

Hen-Cinnamon Teal

Oh wind. You are both my friend and enemy. But today, I ask you to please guide me North safely. 

Verdin nesting

Kiss me with your bitter cold embrace.  Lift me.  Take me to great heights.  Higher than I've ever gone before. Oh wind, I'm counting on you.  
Written after an incredibly personal moment near Wilcox, AZ. 

Las Aventuras has several surprises in store over the next several weeks.  Will I reach 600 life birds?  Does any of it really matter?  The journey is all that matters now.  After all, the birds seen here today on this blog have all been seen before many times.  And yet, they are still as magical as they were when I first met them. 

The rare for Arizona Red Phalarope at Willcox Lake or what some call "Lake Cochise"

Today's post is about letting go. This blog began because I wanted to change things around our home.  Eventually I transitioned from landscaper to president of our HOA. I stayed on because I didn't want to disappoint the homeowners, but as of this past weekend, I finally stepped down.  It's only taken me 7 years and loads of stress for me to figure out one simple thing. I cannot control the things that happen between people.  I cannot fix anyone's problems. I can only do the best that I can with what I have. With my decision, I have set into motion some challenging times ahead for the residents who have relied on me over the years. I apologize that I cannot take care of you anymore.  Last year while chasing birds across the country, I felt free.  No chains to hold me down. This year, it's all different.  I can't explain it.  It's much more personal.  And I won't let this negative energy have an impact on my happiness. I will be heading home to be with my family in the next several weeks to reconnect and center my thoughts again. 

I stood under a thousand cranes flying only feet from my head.  And it was the most powerful singular moment of this year. I watched two Golden Eagles speed like bullets through the air after a flock of cranes.  The cranes switched directions and whirred right above me.  And in this action, my eyes were opened. Las Aventuras is going deeper into the world of birds over the course of this year.  This Gray Fox will find his way into many new and old locations.  You'll just have to wait and see;)  Until next time friends.