Clouds of Cranes

Local bird guide, Ken Blankenship shows visitors from out of town the beauty of the Draw

November is a relatively quiet month in Southeastern Arizona for birders. Wintering birds arrive while most of our summer breeding birds have left for the year. Many local bird guides plan their vacations during this time of year because everything slows down a bit. But that doesn't mean Arizona birding gets any less exciting!

Nature enthusiasts try to get that perfect shot of the cranes from one of the platforms

It's also the perfect time to search for wintering favorites like the Sprague's Pipit, Ruddy Ground Dove, Bell's Sparrow, Eurasian Wigeon or Mountain Plover. This past weekend, we headed out to the Whitewater Draw, near McNeal, for my yearly Sandhill Crane count.  We were not disappointed!

A young Sandhill Crane sticks close to the trail

Most birders think that the Sandhill Crane show is at its best in December and January, but mid-November is really quite excellent as well. With the arctic blast moving down into many US states this past week, I figured that cranes would be on the move.  Sandhill Cranes begin to migrate after their waterways are frozen by the cold northern weather. 

Incoming Sandhill Cranes

 Over the years, the Sandhill Crane population has increased dramatically at the Whitewater Draw  Wildlife area making it a premier Southeastern Arizona birding destination. I have discovered through personal experience that November is probably the best month to see these birds up close as they move back further in December and January due to the hunting season (which begins from November 22nd until December 18th this year.)  

Sandhill Cranes blanket the skies as they settle in for the afternoon

There are a couple platforms that will allow you access to see the birds closer.  If you do go, keep your eyes open for a rare wintering Ruddy Ground Dove. Other Whitewater Draw birds of interest include Great Horned and Barn Owls. I even suspect there could be a secretive Short-eared Owl hiding in those grasses. 

Keep your eyes open for a rare Ruddy Ground Dove.  Several can and do winter here from time to time

There are two great times to observe the spectacular Sandhill Cranes lifting off, early morning at sunrise and around 11 AM when the birds return to the wetlands for the day.  

If you're an early morning riser, which I am not, then the sunrise liftoff is perfect for you.  Wear some warm clothes because it can often be cold!  If you like to sleep in and have breakfast, then be there by 10:30 or eleven. 

Great Horned Owls hoot

Great Horned Owls are pairing up right now.  

So listen for their hoots and you might be serenaded by these amazing birds. 

I'd also like to mention my route that I take when I do my annual birding count at the Whitewater Draw.  I live in Tucson so it takes about 1 hour and 44 minutes to get there. It's easy to be tempted by the other amazing birding hotspots on the way there, but stay focused birder! Cranes first. 

Drive to the Draw.  Bird until 1 PM.  Then stop in Bisbee(nearby) for lunch or a late breakfast. And on your way back, stop by the San Pedro House along the San Pedro Riparian area outside of Sierra Vista for a nice afternoon walk. It makes for a great way to end your birding adventures. 

OH! One other thing!  If you see a flock of Snow Geese at the Whitewater Draw, don't assume they are all Snow Geese!  Can you find the Ross's Geese in the pic below?

Often the skies were full of cranes! I had estimated at least 6000 birds, but there were definitely more as we were leaving.  By the end of December and into January, Sandhill Crane numbers are at their highest!

To see our checklists from the day, I've attached them here with the links.  
Stop one.  The Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area
Stop two. The San Pedro House and Riparian Area

Sunset at the San Pedro Riparian Area

On a side note, I'm excited to be writing for Tucson Audubon and sharing my love for Southeastern Arizona birds with you all. Each month, I'll feature something exciting from the state of Arizona but I'll focus much of my energy around activities in Southeastern Arizona.  Next month, we'll be joining Jake Mohlman's CBC for the Atascosa Highlands.  So if you're looking to get involved in the birding world, check out Tucson Audubon's list of CBC(Christmas Bird Count) locations.  It's a great way to meet people and discover incredible birds. 

Note that the hyphen is no longer needed for the Common Ground Dove OR Ruddy Ground Dove.  A change that was made by the ABA this summer.  Also of note.  If you put a dog bowl out with water, will a Common Ground Dove be guaranteed? 😃

 November brings us much needed relief from the hot temps.  As many of us prepare to celebrate the upcoming holiday season, make sure you take the time to get outdoors and enjoy the birds.  Most people will be rushing to the malls and other high human density areas.  With everyone shopping and busy with holiday prep, the nature trails are often quiet and perfect for exploration. 

We explore and record our sightings carefully

Until next time everyone!  Happy birding!

No Day But Today

Vermilion Flycatcher during one of my weekly surveys at Reid Park in Tucson, AZ

"The heart may freeze or it can burn
  The pain will ease if I can learn

  There is no future
  There is no past
  I live each moment as my last 

  There's only us
  There's only this
  Forget regret-or life is yours to miss

  No other road
  No other way
  No day but today!"-Rent

Another routine check at El Río Preserve in Marana, reveals a mile long string of Yellow-headed Blackbirds passing by the moon at sunset

On the trails this week, I did a little bit of tactical, studied and artistic birding.  It was a crazy week full of super early mornings, even by a birder's standards.

a Scaled Quail at Cochise Lake

We came back from Colorado and stopped at the beautiful Cochise Lake in Willcox, AZ.  This was my artistic birding. We had to prioritize our stops. So we skimmed through New Mexico in order to watch the beautiful sunset over Cochise Lake.

a Javelina feeds from the grasses of the golf course at Willcox

It was so peaceful and beautiful.  As the sun went down, several hundred Sandhill Cranes flew above our heads.

Sandhill Cranes at sunset

That is the true art of birding. It was a magical way to end our day.

Greater White-fronted Geese at Willcox

Days would follow and it would be time for studied birding.  Studied birding is my way of doing regular visits to local hotspots and recording important information. This year I have chosen Reid Park and several other hotspots to do my weekly counts to better understand bird patterns.

juvenile male Rose-breasted Grosbeak

On this day, I went to the Santa Rita Lodge and sat with out-of-town birders helping them ID unusual birds.  Sometimes, I just throw myself into the mix.  They don't know who I am and I don't know who they are.  But it's the most natural way of meeting good people.  I spent my morning helping these birders ID female hummingbirds(which can be tricky).

Rufous-winged Sparrow

I also studied several lower elevation birds that weren't supposed to be at the feeders.  Across the map, we are noticing birds moving up in elevation due to global change.  Take for example the Rufous-winged Sparrow ^(a Southern Arizona favorite) and the Lark Sparrow below.  Both of these birds should be found at the lower elevations of the Santa Rita Mountain range.  But here they were.

Lark Sparrow

Then there's tactical birding.  Tactical birding can be interesting.  Or it can be terrible.  A Wood Thrush was reported in a very remote and unlikely place in our state.  I needed this bird for the state AND I also needed better views of this bird.  I've only heard these birds calling from the dark areas of the woods in Maine and in Wisconsin. 

I didn't want to drive nearly 2 hours to this place called Dateland.  But any chance to get better views of a bird that I had only heard in my life was worth the trek.  We gambled and were rewarded with stunning views of this normally secretive thrush.

Wood Thrush

People have asked me how I balance it all out.  It's tricky but I make the time.  Just like people make time to exercise, etc., I make sure I put in the time for my birds. So many birders have said, "You can rest when your dead." And they're right. There's work.  There's home.  There's family and friends.  And there's birding:) 

Until next time.....

Horicon National Wildlife Area

During my trek back home to Wisconsin, I met up with friend and naturalist Nancy Gill.  I think I first met Nancy through a former teacher of mine on Facebook.  So once again, Facebook is legit as a social network.  When and where would I have met Nancy otherwise?!  

Nancy discovers what may be a "fake goose".  Turns out, it was a sneaky juvenile Trumpeter Swan!  Excellent find!

Last year during our trek to Wisconsin, Nancy was so kind to share with me the wonders of her backyard!  And from that point forward, we have had a blast birding her farm and now Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area. I even landed my lifer Eastern Screech-owl at their farm this past winter!  How cool is that?!

Red Milkweed Beetle

Nancy is all about responsible conservation on her farmland.  She was excited for a planned Monarch project next year on her farm.  Monarch numbers, as most of us know, continue to decrease in many areas.  She's hoping that by creating a larger Monarch friendly area, it will help contribute to a population increase around the farm.  And we did see quite a few Monarchs on their property while I was visiting.  The secret is milkweed, a plant necessary for their reproduction needs. The problem?  During my youth, fields of milkweed were wiped out for housing projects, factories and farmland.  Today, there is an effort to increase the monarchs to their once abundant numbers decades ago.  As a kid, I remember them everywhere!  But the fields that had the milkweed are all gone.  And so are most of the Monarch butterflies. I'm hoping we can reverse that trend. 

We then continued to talk about the Bald Eagle population in Wisconsin.  This winter I reported that I had seen them everywhere.  And while it is true that the Bald Eagle population has increased, it is now facing yet another decline due to feeding from carcasses that are left behind by hunters. The carcasses still contain the lead pellets which then poisons anything that feeds off the carcass.  In fact, Mother Nature asked this Eastern Wood-Pewee to point out what the Federal Government is doing about hunting at Horicon on their side.  However, the state is a different story. As reported before, California Condors face the same exact threats in AZ, CA and UT.  CA has banned lead bullets.  Arizona has a voluntary copper bullet rule. (lead spreads while copper does not but copper bullets are more expensive than lead)  I thought most hunters would ignore that suggestion but I was shocked to discover that most hunters are responsible and have adopted copper over lead here in AZ.  I actually sat in on a hunting lecture to get a little education and was quite happy about what they were saying.  So hopefully the state of Wisconsin will adopt similar measures (if they are not planning on doing so already).  

Eastern Wood-Pewee answers a question I had about lead bullets.  This is on the federally owned portion of Horicon

Horicon is one of Wisconsin's premiere birding hotspots.  One of my favorite birds is the Black Tern and I was thrilled to see them hunting over the waters in great numbers. 

Nancy showed me some areas around Horicon that Wisconsin birders normally explore.  Last time we were there, I tried figuring out a route on this massive wetland area and connected some of the dots.  In AZ, we have HUGE tracts of land that we lump into one birding list like the Santa Cruz Flats and the Cienegas Grasslands.  These stretches go on for miles and miles.  So where do birders normally stop for counts on these large tracts of land?  Nancy helped me figure out a route on our trek this time around.  It looks like there are two solid ways to spend your day! 

One of the areas that is pretty spectacular is called the Main Dike road. In this location, the birds like to stay hidden. However, the ones that are hiding are good ones and worth the search efforts:)

What can I tell you all about Wisconsin birding?  I know that when I'm here, I feel at peace.  I know that when I meet Wisconsin birders, I feel a connection.  Birding here is not the same edgy kind of birding found in Arizona.  I don't feel like my car is going to get broken into or that I'll die from heat exhaustion.  The birds are typical standard fare for the US.  Rarities?  Yes, there are some rarities but they are usually seen in Arizona.  So the edgy nature of finding some rare first-to-the US Mexican or ocean bird isn't there.  And it makes the birding super chill and fun.  

And I totally get why people get excited about going to Arizona.  We have some of the best birds in the world!  BUT, after my Grandma's passing, all I wanted to do was get lost in the reeds, listen to the waves and watch the gulls. Wisconsin is the way, I think, birding should be. And after every outing, it should be served with homemade blueberry pie and a side of vanilla ice cream.  On our day out, Nancy made delicious brownies for our trek.  THAT's Wisconsin.   

Oh by the way! Wisconsin doesn't have drinking fountains.  We have bubblers.  

We have McDonald's restaurants that proudly show off our natural wonders.  Sure, we may not be as edgy as the Grand Canyon but we have some of the best scenery in this country!  I've met a lot of people who take Wisconsin for granted. They've told me it's "boring" and "the same old; same old".  I thought the same thing once but not anymore. Nancy has known for years what I needed to figure out on my own.......that my hometown and state are truly special places. She has the most spectacular photography that captures the color and feel of Manitowoc County during any season. Winter.  Spring.  Summer. Fall. All beautiful. All special in their own way.

Spectacular flowers during the summer will make you stop and stare.  The crisp autumn air may carry the scent of pumpkin or apple pie as the leaves turn their colors. Each season has its moment. Each season brings with it a different Wisconsin dish.  And if you think I'm making that up, you haven't met a proper Wisconsinite!  We LOVE to drink and eat properly!

The Horicon Marsh and Wildlife Area is just a taste of the magical world of Wisconsin.  My next trek to Wisconsin and Minnesota will be up in the northern region towards Lake Superior.  This part of Wisconsin is known for its vast area of forests. Okay.....so I have a secret to admit.......

It rained like crazy at my Grandma's place! 

I love pickles and carrots and lots of farm fresh veggies!  Shoot!  I just remembered my mom bought some kohlrabi's we never ate!!!!  Maaaaaaaan!!!!  One of the hardest things to do was find an iconic thing that would remind me of my Grandma.  So I went one night to the house to find those several items that I could use with my kitchen ware.  I found a sugar bowl, a creamer, two "insignificant" salt and pepper shakers that have been with my grandparents since I was a kid and her infamous Chex mix bowl.  Well.  As I was digging around her pantry for those endless and classic Grandma Krause snacks, I found 3 cans of black olives!!! My grandma always held a secret stash of black olives for my sister.  Grandma learned early on that if she left the black olives out in the open, Bec would eat them all:)  Clearly, my sister did not find this stash of black olives and so I took the pic above and sent it to her:)  I know....pretty "sassy" as my Grandma would say.  Family is everything and I'm so glad that we had the time to be together. And I'd like to thank Nancy Gill and Jody Kuchar for a nice break from the funeral stuff.  So thank you both!!  Our Horicon report is here. Until next time....

Meandering Along The Lakeshore

The iconic lighthouse in Manitowoc

I thought that I'd be in Arizona for the last part of my summer holiday. Then my Grandmother passed and the rest of my summer break was spent in Wisconsin with family. While most of us had plenty of time to grieve, it's my mother who has not had the time to sit down and process it all. She was in charge of the will and getting the funeral together.  As we discovered, even though Grandma set it all up beforehand, it was still quite a bit of work.  I learned a lot from my mom on this trip about funeral arrangements and understanding how to execute a will!

So while my mother was working with her siblings on the estate etc, my Dad began processing what her passing meant to him. "We're next," he said, referring to the last of their parent's dying. He has always had a morbid fascination with death.  Rarely does life ever play by our rules. Who says he's next?  But I can see his point as this was the first time that I actually felt "older". There's a quote that I've heard from over the years that follows my Dad's thoughts. "The only way children can come into their own is by the death of their parents."  And speaking of children, I was so glad to see all my nieces and nephews.  Their laughter and fun helped distract the adults from their own heavy thoughts.  

The night before, I couldn't sleep.  She wanted me and my brother to sing "Amazing Grace." I tossed and turned jotting down notes for what I needed to get done.  I knew that if I didn't do the song, I would have been upset with myself. She often mentioned during our visits that she wanted us both to sing for her one last time. The only reason I didn't want to do it was due to the tears. So I practiced in the car on the way to the funeral home over and over.  Each time I sang that damn song, I choked up.  But in the end, we did it and I hope she liked it:)

During the whole trip, her presence was felt. We'd ask a question like, "Who was Grandma's friend in Louisiana?  Wasn't it Denise something or other?" Then as if on cue, my Mom opened Grandma's desk drawer and found the note with Denise's name and address!  And this didn't happen just once.  It made us laugh because in life, she was always on top of things overseeing every single detail.  In death, she was still there making sure my Mom was on top of things:)

Red-eyed Vireo

Some people go to church.  I bird. That's where I find my peace of mind.  After the funeral, I stayed in Wisconsin instead of heading back to Arizona.  Why not?  My break ends in August and the weather in Wisconsin is lovely. Between helping the family, visiting family and spending more time with family, I've been able to do a little birding on the side.  

the car ferry of Manitowoc

I've been feeling tired lately of chasing birds.  And when it came time for birding, I made the decision to do the kind of birding I enjoy the most, grassland and lakeshore habitats.  There comes a point in a birder's life when the birding chases for hours in car come to an end.  I found a few rarities for the state but it wasn't because I chased the birds.  They just happened to be there. Other birders went to see my rarities and it felt nice that I could help out. I did a lot of habitat study this time for birds that theoretically could be found in Manitowoc County.  While I didn't find a rare Henslow's Sparrow, I was able to locate an Eastern Whip-poor-will 10 minutes away from my home!

Sandhill Cranes-an adult with the juvenile

I stopped at all my favorite local watering holes and collected the July data for Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, Horicon Marsh, Collin's Marsh, Point Beach State Forest, the Lakeside hotspots known as the Manitowoc Impoundment and North Point in Sheboygan, and Washington Island up in Door County.  These would be normal hotspots for a Northeastern Wisconsin birder.  Horicon Marsh and Washington Island would be the extreme ranges for a Two Rivers or Manitowoc birder. 

Marsh Wren

The forests are full of mosquitoes and biting flies. I had zero interest in getting bit up.  After Liberia in Costa Rica, I said, "No más".  My legs are finally healing up and I don't want anymore scars on my legs:)

Pectoral Sandpiper

Last year in June, some of you may recall that I was here with Gordon for the warblers and cranes.  We did well and had fun.  Being back in July was interesting for me because it was the first time I birded during this time of year in Wisconsin.  Most birders are currently focused on the lakeshore and inland farmlands due to the beginning fall migration of shorebirds.  It was exciting to find lots of different peeps show up daily in the Manitowoc harbor.  We had Ruddy Turnstones, Willets, an American Avocet, and many of the sandpipers!  Hudsonian Godwits were also beginning to make their way down!

Misty Sheboygan from North Point

As mentioned before, birding is my spiritual connection to the world.  It helps sort out the emotions.  The fresh air makes everything better.  And birding in Wisconsin is one of the most relaxing things a person can do.  Plus the people here are the nicest. Just stay away from politics! We had complete strangers begin talking about the latest person to get fired at the White House while on our treks.  Birding is sacred and that's the last thing I want to hear while on a road trip.  I'll catch up with the news at night.  

One of the MANY Caspian Terns along the Northeastern Wisconsin shoreline

If we had cloudy rainy weather for the day, I'd take a quick run to the shoreline for shorebirds.  I don't think I was ever disappointed on those days. The rain brought in lots of fun birds.  When the next day came, those birds would be gone.  I had a discussion with Doc Sontag about the shorebirds.  He was shocked this year that the birds weren't staying as long as they had in the past.  A Willet came for a day but didn't spend a week like in years past. 

Cedar Waxwing

 Wisconsin is a wonderful place to bird. But it will be good to be back home soon.  I look forward to my work starting up again and guiding a weekend trek out to the grasslands with Tucson Audubon soon. 

a juvenile Black-capped Chickadee dries off after bathing in the marsh at Woodland Dunes

For now, I'm wrapping up my work here. As for this blog, I'm behind!  I'll be writing on several Wisconsin birding hotspots which will include Horicon Marsh and Washington Island.  I also have to finish up my last two posts on Costa Rica. For now, I'll close with some hobbit thoughts. 

My town is very much like the Shire.  There is a deep history in storytelling and understanding our family lines.  It's fascinating.  When my Grandma passed, she left behind her high school yearbooks.  There I sat paging through all the young faces from the class of '49. They look very much like our kids today in school.  They all had dreams just like my own students do. I always wonder if they would have changed anything in their lives had they known then what is known now.  And I wonder to myself, what my own legacy will be? What will yours be?  Until next time.....

My Grandparents graduated in the same class.  Later they married.  I wonder what they were thinking about at this stage in their lives.