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!

A Sip and A Thought

Mexican Jay

I took a much needed break from birding. On the road.  Off the road.  It felt good to just do laundry, clean the dishes, get a haircut, and do.......absolutely......nothing.  The rule for the weekend?  Stay within a two block radius of the house and see what there was to see.  It turned out to be a fun game.

Bald Eagle-working with some of my photography from when I was in Wisconsin

I have been in a reflective mood lately.  Sometimes I just prefer to write while other times it's all about the pics.  So I write when I feel like it and put the post off until I'm in the photography mood.

Michael Summers' painting in the middle.  The photographs were taken from a photo shoot last year on a post titled Splash!

It has been a time of art and reflection for me.  I am burned out by it all and I realize it's important to take breaks.  So instead I began to watch my garden and my plants.  Work on and enjoy my discoveries this past year. A young artist by the name of Michael Summers contacted me and asked to use my photography for a painting on a Lorikeet photo shoot I did last year.  The theme for that photo shoot was capturing color and water droplets while the bird was taking a bath.  I was excited to see what he'd do with the photos and BAM!  He created a beautiful masterpiece!  Thank you Michael Summers for inspiring me.  Art is very healing and I needed a little magic to perk me up.

Still not complete but almost finished

There is a garden outside that needs tending.  All summer long it was enjoyed from my window.  Early morning, I would feed the birds and just watch as some plants burned to death while others thrived.  I have several cacti and fun plants to finish up my little area but it requires clean up.  Our fountain is finally finished after a lot of work and thought went into plant choices.  The rule?  Only native low growing plants.  Why?  Well obviously less watering, but also to attract more of our local birds and butterflies.  The rocks around the fountain base will allow for lizards to make that area home.  The rocks on top of the fountain will allow small birds to perch and sip from the flowing water.

American Kestrel

We have officially created a bird friendly atmosphere attracting some of the most incredible birds to our space.....Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Tanager, my nesting Cardinals,  a Nashville and Yellow Warbler, nesting Anna's hummingbirds and so many other birds.

MacGillivray's Warbler on our Argentine Mesquite

Before there was nothing.  Absolutely nothing.  I planted the trees and the shrubs and the cacti....and it took a couple years for it to all establish itself.....but it happened.  And now the homeowners are taking part in this community effort.  One of the homeowners, John, brought the rocks and plants to El Presidio(a big thank you!!).  I am now President so I can oversee it all come together.  And it is.  I am appreciative to the homeowners who have taken an active interest in creating one of the most beautiful living spaces in central Tucson. Next project is the parking lot and then painting....:)

Horse Lubber Grasshopper

My first posts on Las Aventuras are all about gardening and plants.  Officially, I have passed over the reigns of El Presidio landscaping to other homeowners and it feels good.  With all the travel I do now, it was time consuming....and it was time to step down after 5 years of work. I hope they find joy in the work as much as I did.

Wood Duck

Now it's over.  I can sip my coffee on Saturday morning and just....be. Soon I will make another trek elsewhere, but not today.  Today it's all about watching the birds from my window, drinking the coffee, watching movies in my pajamas and of course....doing laundry.

Snow Geese fly with Canadian Geese over my parent's house in Wisconsin

Dancers In The Dark

White-faced Ibis flying over at Sweetwater, Tucson

There is no denying the specific bird calls that happen while out in the field.  As a photographer, I try to get the best shots that I can with the species seen for the day.  A relatively new issue for me happened when I went to a location to find Elf Owls and Whip-Poor-Wills.  The shadows of night are mysterious and wondrous but provide little in the way of photography.  I would love to snap shots of these nocturnal birds, but I won't.  I'm afraid the flash on my camera will do harm. 

Arizona Woodpecker at Box Canyon

On a recent outing in Madera Canyon, I searched for the Whiskered Screech Owl.  While waiting for this bird to appear from the nest, I heard the unmistakable sound of the Elf Owl.  Two other night birders were with me.  My eyesight isn't so good but my ears are spot on to the sound and it helped me locate the bird from within several feet of its location.  For the next step, my new birder friends helped me locate,with my terrible eyes, the tiniest owl in the world!  It looked like a knot on the Sycamore tree along the creek.  I had my camera.  I had the flash ready to go and my human OCD nature really wanted to snap that shot.  But I couldn't.  I wouldn't.  I watched the bird with my new friends and we were extremely happy.  Then the little nub flew off the branch into oblivion.

Cedar Waxwings in Box Canyon

Sometimes birders will talk.  I am guilty of this as well, but I try to limit the chat so that I can use my ears to hone in on the bird.  On this night while sitting in the breezy grassy field, the unmistakable sound of the Mexican Whip-poor-will echoed through the canyon.  Another excellent bird.  I studied the calls before doing my nocturnal birding.  Common Poorwills, Nighthawks, etc etc.....

Sandhill Cranes near Willcox

And yet sadly, I can only write about the experiences instead of sharing pics with you.  So I chose the theme of silhouettes for this post to visually show you what I see at these times of twilight.  On a recent outing, Kathie and I stayed out near Sweetwater past sunset.  It was there that the Great Horned Owl "hoo hoo'd" on top of a tree.  The tip swayed with the bird as the wind moved it from side to side. The owl appeared too heavy to stay aloft the Aleppo Pine's tip.....and yet there it remained.  The other owl silently flew near us.  A Lesser Nighthawk also shot out in front of my car.  I have really enjoyed these night time birding adventures.  When I'm with other people, I feel comfortable.  When I'm alone, I get a little creeped out. 

Snow Geese in Bosque Del Apache, New Mexico

My biggest challenge is to find a way to get better pics of these birds without compromising their well-being.  I don't use flash in bat caves and I won't use flash at night.  So then how will I get pics of these elusive night birds??  Any advice?:)

Our adventures are going to be taking us to some really extreme places.  My other half, Pat, is a little skeptical.  It's definitely not the forests of the north nor the lush Sonoran desert but it's new territory for Las Aventuras.  Stay tuned for more fun.....

Lesser Nighthawk

Bosque Del Apache

Going to a new place to bird beyond your own borders can be extremely exciting. I researched and researched all the possible birds I could see to maximize viewing.  We even planned our stay at the Dancing Cranes Bed and Breakfast.  Fantastic location with fantastic hosts.  I'll have their info below. On this trip, I was hoping to add 30 new species! But I've been known to be a dreamer:)

But being that time was tight, I only found seven.  Bald Eagle, American Crow, Pine Siskins, Bushtits, Northern Loggerhead, Snow Geese and Ross' Geese. The problems with birding on a tight schedule are plenty.  I had the evening to survey the area and the morning to work on my photography.  That's it.  So I didn't have enough time to do both!  Some shots turned out wonderfully while my Bald Eagle shots are poor....and yet we saw them.

Bosque is a large area to cover and I think a person needs at least 3 days minimum to do a somewhat complete count around the grounds.  Being that it was a tight schedule, we headed towards the Northern Ponds which allowed for us to observe the Snow Geese and Sandhill Cranes....our target birds. The Southern Pond was quiet but had many worthwhile birds in hiding.

And it was sure Birds of Prey heavy!  Raptorville everywhere you looked!  Ravens, Crows, Harriers, Hawks, Eagles and Falcons!

No matter how many times I see them, American Coots make me laugh.  They are so lazy when it comes to flight.  In the pic below, they try running on ice. Not such a great idea.

I love how they huddle all together and it made for great picture taking.

One thing I was able to do better was observe Dark Eyed Juncos.  They were everywhere in New Mexico and Colorado.  I now have their calls down.  So if you're driving through New Mexico and wondering what's worthwhile to see, think about putting Bosque Del Apache on your list of "must sees!"

Of course, winter is cold in New Mexico.  So bring layers to keep yourself warm in the morning and shed a couple by afternoon.

During the time of this shoot, it was freezing cold.  You can see the ice on the waterways in the above pics.  I sometimes forget that most places outside of Tucson are cold.  Glad I remembered my pants:)

And if you're looking for a great place to stay, give Jim and Jana a try!  Their yard is full of bird feeders and lots of cool birds.  The White Winged Dove, Sandhill Cranes, Dark Eyed Juncos, White Crowned Sparrows, a Belted Kingfisher, and Great Egret were all just some highlights!

For more information, visit this post as it's a place off the grid and there really isn't any official website for the Bed and Breakfast. It's legit folks and the hosts love what they do so if you are a wildlife aficionado or just a lover of the great outdoors, they'd like to meet you. And you'll love to meet them. You'll be glad you did.  The adventure continues next week......

The Snow of Our Deserts

Welcome to the 2013 New Year!  I will be publishing once a week from my work in the garden, travel, and around the world this year.  Today's post focuses on my target bird, the Snow Geese of Bosque Del Apache, New Mexico.

Now unfortuneatly, I didn't know much about New Mexico other than the highway known as 25.  It is a long and boring drive from Tucson up to Colorado.   It does get a little more interesting landscape-wise towards the northern part of the state....except for the radio stations. Pardon the expression when I say, "It was god awful!"  Bring music with you unless you like this stuff. Part of the challenge was to find the beauty of New Mexico.  So like I always do, I planned and planned our way up to Colorado carefully and stopped along the way in southern New Mexico.  What we found was EVERYTHING but boring!

So instead of driving through the state making a snap judgement, we spent several nights there. It was an incredible discovery full of amazing wildlife.  I will be going back again.  I have several blogger friends in New Mexico and I still can't imagine landscaping or gardening there as it was very very cold!  But I got a better sense of what plants do well in the environment and felt like it wouldn't be difficult creating a garden space in this part of the country.  While before, I just saw a couple trees and really didn't know much more than that.....I was especially impressed with a prickly pear cactus that could withstand freezing temps!  So David, I can relate to your work better:)  It really does get cold in this high desert area.

But I followed my motto.  "Step out your door and look!"  We went to film the Snow Geese of New Mexico and film them we did!  Thousands and thousands of them.  Like snow in the sky or snow on the fields, these geese did not disappoint at all.  It was a lifebird for me and I take the lifebirds seriously the first time around. I try to get as much observation time in as I can.  I observe their sounds, movements, etc.

And I try to do the best photography that I can.  Now there are lifebirds that just fly by and pose for two seconds.....that is very challenging.  Or they're out of range from my camera like the many Bald Eagles on this trip!!  Thankfully the Snow Geese were so much more cooperative. We raced in the darkness to watch sunrise at Bosque Del Apache.  This is the time when thousands and thousands of Snow Geese will rise from their huddled slumber and fly to open water to begin their day.  They move from the fields to the water.  In fact, while driving in, we saw what looked like snow all along the fields.  It was the geese and it proved their name lived up to their description.

As a birder, I knew that there was another kind of goose similar to the Snow Goose.  It's known as the Ross's Goose.  They can also breed together and make hybrids! The difference?  Look at the head shot above at the Snow Goose.  Notice the smile on the bill?  That is typical of a Snow Goose. The Ross's Goose has a shorter bill sans the "smile".  Some birders call it a sweeter and cuter look. I call it tricky birding because in those thousands of Snow Geese, there are several hiding.  Being that this would also be a lifebird for me, I searched long and hard for them.  While I didn't count them in the thousands, I did capture them on my camera in the hundreds.

If you're a birder and your partner is not, this is a great outing to share together as it is a spectacular show.  Also present in the thousands are the the Sandhill Cranes.  See you next week with another report.  Until then, here's a video I took with my IPHONE on the trip.