Thank You For The Memories

I have been writing on the road from various locations around the US.  Currently I'm in Maine getting eaten alive by the black flies.  

A sacred moment.  We watch the Eastern Screech-Owl appear from the box.  Gordon finds his lifer. 

Several months ago, I had planned a trek with Gordon Karre and Austin birding guru and mutual friend Laurie Foss to find some Austin endemics. 

Black-crested Titmouse

Any chance to take the U.S.S. Betty White on the road trek with friends to find birds is a no brainer. 

We began planning this trek at the end of December with much of it getting worked out over the course of several months.  I remember one day speaking to Gordon about Texas and then on the same day, organizing my trek out to Machias Seal Island with Kathie in Maine.  It was a bit funny trying to keep it all straight. 

We had several birds on our list of "must sees" and thankfully in this post and in the next, I'll be able to show you all of our target birds:) The first one is above and it was probably the easiest of the birds to find. Back in 2002, the Black-crested Titmouse was split from the Tufted Titmouse and recognized as its own species.  The two species can hybridize so it was imperative that we found this species outside of the Austin area where they do hybridize. 

Texas Paintbrush

Our birding was made so much better by having friend Laurie with us.  We stayed with Laurie and Bucky and it was so much fun.  Our first night in Austin was rain and thunderstorms!  

Each day we planned a target bird.  In the Austin area, there are two really important endemics, the Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo.  Both species are vulnerable as they breed in very specific habitats in and around the Austin area. 

Because of successful conservation efforts, the Black-capped Vireo was moved from the Endangered status to Vulnerable. On a beautiful rainy day, we walked into this lovely gazebo. 

I looked into the verdant landscape. 

And then I turned around to find this sign and as promised by the birding gods, the Black-capped Vireos made themselves known. 

Perhaps Laurie had done a rain dance.  Either way, it was exciting to see this beautifully distinct vireo perch out in the open.  We were patient and were super happy when this bird popped onto a branch. 

It was also nice to learn about Texas birding.  There were plenty of birds and Laurie shared lots of information about habitat and migrating birds. 

She took us to some great places including a gas station known as Bucky's. Bucky is a beaver. But not to be confused with Bucky the dog named after the beaver.  Got it?:)

Grasshopper Sparrow

We continued birding in great weather all week long. While I'm not a big fan of Texan knick knacks or BBQ, I did enjoy the birds and incredible wildflower show.

the USS Betty White in all her glory. She's a beauty

Oh!  And "people watching" was fun!

Evenings were lovely.  Gordon and I went outside at night searching for Eastern Screech-Owls and Chuck-will's-widows. We saw and heard both. 

Laurie taught us about Cave Swallows.  My biggest question to Laurie was about how Cave Swallows could breed outside of caves.  Then I saw their habitat requirements and it made sense.  They like underpasses with streams where the vegetation locks both openings up creating a "cave like" environment.  Cool!

Cave Swallow

I looked forward to Gordon observing his first Upland Sandpipers. He had tried several times finding these birds in other places. And it would be in Central Texas that he'd mark down his first UPSA tick. 

They really are amazing birds. 

In the same field, Pectoral Sandpipers hung out.

On our last day, we went for the Golden-cheeked Warblers.  These birds were difficult!  Most people told us, "Oh, you'll have no problem finding those birds!  Easy!"  Um.....

We even followed rocks with their pictures on them.  They were tricky to observe out in the open as they liked to perch out in the open on the very top of the trees out of view behind a million branches. This bird requires very strict vegetation types to breed.  Across the city of Austin, tracts of Ashe Juniper forest have been preserved or are being restored for this very sensitive warbler species. They strip bark from this tree to create their nests. 

And what's a visit without seeing the Texan favorite, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher?

It would be on this trek that I would develop a bunion.  Or maybe a fractured big toe?  Either way, it's feeling much better.  But OMG!  The pain!  It happened on that rocky trail for the Golden-cheeked Warbler.  I slipped on a rock in tight shoes and remember thinking, Ouch.  That didn't feel good. Several days later, I could barely walk. 

My favorite thing about the Austin area was Laurie's place. She lives in beautiful country surrounded by magnificent wildlife.  She also has the most wonderful pooch. 

I enjoyed the Central Texan endemics, but it was driving my Betty and hanging out with Laurie and Gordon that I liked best. So thank you Laurie for taking us around and showing us your piece of paradise. 

On a sad note this week, we say good-bye to our dear friend Kathy Cooper.  Over the years, I have been lucky to call Kathy and her daughter Mary Ann friends.  Thankfully, I was able to say good-bye to Kathy before leaving for my summer treks. It's one of the saddest things I've had to do this year.  This year we all celebrated New Years together and she was looking great. 

We have coffee during one of our many treks to Rancho Aribabi

I never took any of it for granted, but sometimes I wish I never had to say good-bye.  We are going to miss her.  She has made the world a better place.  And she has made me a better person by her friendship.  I will always be grateful to Kathy for her teachings. 

Kathy at our New Year's party this year

You are loved and you will not be forgotten. 

Arizona Birding

Five-striped Sparrow

Since I have been home from Wisconsin, I have forced myself to get out of the house to help friends and new visitors to Arizona find birds in this relentless heat. You might think they are crazy for visiting Arizona during this time of year until you see what birds have been showing up!  So here is the latest from the Arizona highway birding patrol.......

Mesquite Beetles

A couple weeks ago, birding friend Ernie came to visit from New York to find the ABA countable Five-striped Sparrow in the remote California Gulch. However, it was more than a tick for him. He just wanted to see the bird! While I was in Wisconsin, I was mentally planning for his arrival in Southern Arizona. He was doing the same on his side. The Gulch is a rough area and can be quite dangerous during monsoon. But in a miraculous turn of events, we had the most beautiful weather ever! 

The California Gulch on a cloudy day

The Gulch is hot and very remote.  Ernie rented an SUV and the ride was smooth.  He really wanted to see this sparrow and quite honestly, the summer is the best time to find it there.  We had overcast skies and a gentle rain that day.  It was an amazing morning full of wonderful birds and other critters.  But even better?  Ernie had great views of the sparrow. 

Five-striped Sparrow

I'm always afraid that I won't deliver on my part.  I try my best to help others find the birds and most of the time, the birds cooperate.  I had such a wonderful morning out with Ernie and Fran.  And we couldn't have asked for better weather on this day.  

Widow Skimmer-thank you Gordon for the ID!

We listened to the night sky and heard owls and nightjars.  And something strange that growled at us from beyond the edge of darkness!  Still not sure what it was, but I know there is a Mama Cougar in the area and the call was reminiscent of a larger mammal.  The night is dark and full of terrors!  Well if I could have ID'd the growl, it would have been less terrifying:)

The rough and beautiful Proctor Road at sunset

After Ernie left, a series of events happened.  One right after the other:)  They were quick and easy spots.  On a very hot and muggy day, I met up with Jon and Michael to find a rare Purple Gallinule at Sweetwater Wetlands.  After 20+ minutes, we located the bird.  I began to see stars from the heat and it was time to get back into the car.  But WOW! I mean....it's a purple bird.  It was a lifer for Michael and a state bird for Jon.  It was great to see their smiling faces on the trails. 

Purple Gallinule

Then it came time to go find the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher that made Sierra Vista home for a couple weeks.  So we went down to visit family but stopped along the way to view this very beautiful bird.  Easy summer birding! The heat once again pulled us back into our vehicle after a really great time observing the bird. 

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

After several expeditions between rare bird chases, I went with Gordon and Jeff to the Huachucas for some honest and real birding.  This time the bird gods would grant us a rare and beautiful Berryline Hummingbird.  Finally!  I've never been around when one shows up.  So this bird taught me to let it happen as it happens:)

Berryline Hummingbird

 While we were up in the Huachucas, the birding community received word that rare Black Skimmers and a Hudsonian Godwit were found in a hot and muggy agricultural area in Buckeye. 

The old Gillespie River Dam bridge

The Hudsonian Godwit would be a lifer and it was a no brainer.  I dipped on the Black Skimmers but had a great time observing the Hudsonian Godwit!  Again this was an easy observation.  Get out of your car.  Look through a scope(thanks Caleb and Tommy!).  And watch the bird.  Then it was back in the car.

Hudsonian Godwit surrounded by Black-necked Stilts, Killdeer and other peeps

After the viewing, I didn't want to drive back to Tucson wasting gas on just one bird.  So I met up with good friend Magill for some fun research to various areas around the Gila Bend area. We mostly birded from the car and had a lot of great laughs.  And along the way we found a bird or two checking out historical ebird hotspots.

Migration has begun and I feel it in the air.  Shorebirds and hummingbirds are beginning their journey south.  As you can see, Arizona is a hot bed for birds(in every way possible).  It has been a thrill to help out on surveys, help friends find birds, etc.  We have one last summer trip planned up into the North to find some great birds.  I need two more expected birds to complete my Arizona list.  They would be two more lifers and bring me closer to my year goal of finding 100 new birds. 

Beatty's Ranch House

Birds guide me.  By finding birds and hanging out with friends, the summer seems to be flying by quickly.  Life is good.  And so are the Arizona birds!  Until next time....

Within Limits

Least Tern at Sweetwater, marks the 300th bird

Pima County, Arizona is an amazing place to bird.  It's one of the birdiest areas of the US! Thanks to our mountain, canyon, grassland and desert habitat, it's home to so many wonderful critters. 

Yesterday was an important day for me as I hit the 300 species mark in Pima County. A rare Least Tern flew into Sweetwater Wetlands helping me achieve this unintended goal. The highest species count for Pima County is 445 birds.  Here is a look back at some of the gems discovered around Tucson and surrounding areas. 

                                         Black-capped Gnatcatcher on Proctor Road
Pima County has a special group of birds that most birders need on their lists. Eventually they have to make their way to Southern Arizona:) It's amazing how many people just care about getting these birds on their US list.  And then there is that ABA list!  If they aren't on the ABA list, it's not important.  I don't get that thinking.  I understand it, but I'm not the kind of person that likes having someone tell me whether or not a bird "counts".  All birds matter! Either way, these two birds are countable and very much desired! I had seen both of these birds in other countries first.  Later, I added them onto my US list.  

                                           Rufous-capped Warbler at Florida Canyon 

Articles have been written on both of the Black-capped Gnatcatchers and Rufous-capped Warblers.  Thanks to global warming, these birds are beginning to expand their range. 

                                               Sage Thrasher
It's always a treat to find birds migrating through our various areas like the Sage Thrasher(above).  A central to lower US state bird, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, erased my terrible day woes last year as it flew right past me at Sweetwater Wetlands!  It perched on a branch for a few moments reminding me that work is just work.  Life is more important.  While work is important, it doesn't define who I am.  I am more. 

                                       Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
I think I can speak for most birders this year on these birds below.  Trumpeter Swans flew into the Sweetwater Wetlands shocking the local birding establishments!  People wet their pants and dropped whatever they were doing and ran to Sweetwater! I'm serious. I'm going to write something here that speaks volumes about us. We could be in the most serious conversations.  Maybe we are signing divorce papers, attending a funeral, etc. But mention a rare bird and watch your birder friends secretly slip out the door:) These incredible swans stuck around for the day allowing many birders to join together on this unofficial holiday. They were one day wonders! And I would say that these two swans have been the best birds so far in Pima County this year. 

                                        Trumpeter Swans at Sweetwater

Another excellent bird for us this year has been the Heerman's Gull.  There have been several sightings over the past several months!  This is a pretty cool gull and a bird I hadn't thought I'd add to my Pima list anytime soon!  They are found along the coasts of Southern California and Mexico.  It's a pretty sexy gull and an easy ID for people who aren't great with gull ID. 

Heerman's Gull

One of my favorite birds is the Common Loon. Never in a million years when I first started birding did I think Tucson could have visiting Loons.  As a young child growing up around Wisconsin and Minnesota, I remember their magical calls.  An all-time favorite movie, On Golden Pond, always comes to mind when I see one of these majestic birds. 

Common Loon

So here's a weird one.  The Black Scoter.  On a cloudy and rainy day, a massive storm front delivered a Black Scoter to the Old Pueblo!  There, for several months in a random deep pond, a female scoter hung out.  An ocean bird in the desert!

                                            Black Scoter

Other shockers included this Juvenile Tricolored Heron on a golf course. 

                                                                                        juvenile Tricolored Heron

Or this random Whimbrel in the middle of the desert.  And just for fun, it hung out with a Long-billed Curlew to mess with birders:)

                                                Whimbrel

Other birds, like this Barn Owl, are sometimes hard to come by! What a treat to have seen one here within the Tucson limits!  Again I don't advertise their locations as there are a few photographers who who will cross unethical lines. Since when is a picture more important than the welfare of our birds?  One of the tenants of a good birder is to never intentionally disturb a bird out in the field.  If I see them eating or nesting, I keep my distance.  I have met several birders/photographers in the field who bait their birds(i.e. hawks, etc) for a better photo.  Or they cut a branch down to get that "annoying" thing out of the way.....for a better photo. This is unethical. And that is why this particular Barn Owl left the tree.  Thanks to some crazy owl fanatic who decided to cut down a couple branches, this Barn Owl didn't return to that spot. 

                                         Barn Owl at Sweetwater

Mt. Lemmon is a prime location for finding nesting Red-faced and Olive Warblers during our summer months! 

Red-faced Warbler

Once birders believed that Elegant Trogons(below) could not be found in Pima County.  Then last year, the infamous Florida Canyon sported a pair.  And they were in Pima County.  This year they are still there!

During my beginning days as a birder, I went to see the visiting Brown Pelican during our monsoon at a nearby park. I was hot and sweaty, but I sure enjoyed viewing this pelican. During monsoon, it's common to have a Brown Pelican or two blown into the deserts.  Many times they are rescued and taken back to San Diego, CA.  A small few have remained and can be found up around the Phoenix area. Pelicans in the desert. 

                                           Brown Pelican

Finally, several years ago, a Groove-billed Ani came to the Sweetwater Wetlands and got me excited.  I love Spanish and the tropics!  Nothing says tropical like an Ani!  I fell in love with this bird so much, I went back several times to observe it.   This is one of my top ten favorite birds...for now:)  The Audubon guide who discovered this bird flipped out! And this bird put Tucson on the US map for a week!

                                                Groove-billed Ani

As you can see, birding within your own area can be fun and exciting.  It's a challenge like everything else, but all these birds add up over time. Have you tried birding within your own county?  If so, what were some of the cool birds you've discovered?

                                    Black-bellied Whistling Duck

I have several key trips planned this year that will hopefully propel me towards the 800 life bird mark.  In June, I celebrate my 4th year as a birder.  This life journey continues to change me forever.  We'll be heading out of Arizona to several states this summer while also traveling to Southern Mexico. 

 On a whim, I followed a theory and discovered a 2nd tern on my own in the city of Tucson!  That was a bonus!  Here it is flying about at Lakeside Park.  Pretty cool!