Las Aventuras: Home

Spotted Owls

With the first part of migration over, it was time to do some mountain and riparian trekking for other incoming migrants.

Lark Bunting

Some of the hikes were steep and quite a killer on the feet:)  But I wasn't going to find many birds sitting down.  The first of my two yearly treks into Miller Canyon happened.  On my second trek in June, most of the special hummingbirds like the White-eared and Blue-throated Hummingbirds should be back.

Scott's Oriole

I visited several hotspots around the Huachuca mountains and I walked along the San Pedro River. It was a beautiful day out finding familiar faces and birds along the trails:)

Gray Hawk

Along the waterways, we spied 3 Gray Hawks flying over the verdant canopy of the San Pedro River.

Pyrrhuloxias

On our return back, the color red caught my eye and I was seduced by the beautiful Pyrrhuloxias at the Casa De San Pedro feeders. 

Lots of Pyrrhuloxias

Before we hiked the trail along the river, there hadn't been any activity.  But when we returned, there were hundreds of birds all feeding!  What a show!

More Pyrrhuloxias with female Red-winged Blackbirds and a Gila Woodpecker

After several months of thought and the direction my birding is going this year, I have chosen the 2016 theme, "Home."  My focus is all about the detail surrounding birds and their lives.

A beautiful male Magnificent Hummingbird along the trail we were hiking.

As we search for new life, we'll explore both the known and the unknown.  While my photo essays will take me into California, Wisconsin and now Texas, I'll continue my work in Arizona.  Hummingbirds are migrating back in great numbers now and I look forward to the work ahead of me this year.

Here are the reports for Miller Canyon, the San Pedro River and Ash Canyon.  Until next time....

Sassy Pants

In the words of my Grandma's husband Bob, "Sassy pants!" Oh the joys of birding!  After our warbler work on Mt. Lemmon, we put together a report for our fellow birders on the listserv.  It's a place where birders can go to find out which rare or difficult birds are being seen around the state of Arizona.  During the work, we found a Spotted Owl up on Mt. Lemmon.  It's not the first time I've seen them there, but I don't report detailed info on any official site and keep the location "undisclosed". I ask my birder friends to do this if I'm with them while we're out in the field. Our specific reports are hidden from the public view. Here is a response we received from one of the birders responding to the listserv report. I shall name her "Sassy Pants". 

"If you have birds where your location is "undisclosed", why bother reporting it to the listserv?  Frankly, I think it's rude and bragging that you report birds that other people can't chase.  So the next time we have a rare bird in our gated community I'll make sure to report it to the listserv as a "private residence".   Both of us were shocked by Sassy Pants.  This owl is threatened and as a policy, we do not give exact GPS coordinates on federally protected species! 

There's a reason why we keep an owl's location a secret.  There is a LOT of background info here that I have obtained from over the years of owl surveys, etc.  So to be short here, many people cross the lines with these birds.  Take for example, this Northern Saw-whet Owl below.  I was invited to join this banding crew in my hometown while back in Wisconsin.  But I was not allowed into the area where the owls were collected for banding.  Reason?  A past "volunteer" was secretly poaching the area and selling these birds in the illegal pet trade!  Eventually, this individual was caught and taken into custody.

"What is going on???"

This Barn Owl, below, in Tucson several years ago had an idiot photographer cut down the branches to "clear the vegetation" away for a photo. The owl never returned back to that spot.  This year, people had posted Barn Owl photos up in the Phoenix area and birders found gun casings along with two of the fledglings dead. Another photography group in Phoenix bated young Burrowing owls onto a piece of a cholla skeleton with mealy worms. ILLEGAL!!  And there are more stories like this all over the country.

So to "Sassy Pants", there are reasons we do not give exact gps coordinates for owls and why our reports are hidden. You should be happy that we mention in the report that these owls can be found in the general area. PLUS, if you're a birder, you're going to know that they are in the area.  You don't even need us to tell you where one can find an owl.  That's lazy Sassy!

In a message back, one might write this to you.....
"Dear Sassy, 
 If you want to "chase" a Spotted Owl, there are plenty of well known locations in Arizona to do so. It's incredibly "rude" of YOU to chastise someone for not reporting the specific location of a federally listed species, and you're the one "bragging" about keeping everyone out of your fancy private gate community.
There are thousands of members on the AZNM Listserv and probably fewer than 100 who actually post bird reports on it.  Think about what you wrote--you're very upset towards someone you don't even know, who bothered to go out of their way to give YOU information about birds.  If you are actively trying to discourage people like us, who actually do post bird reports, to stop doing so, you're doing a great job.  Keep up the good work and pretty soon you will have no one posting on the Listserv."  But that is a bit too sassy for me.  However, I will remember this person's name and if she needs help, I'll be busy. Such vulgar behavior.  

As you can see, the birding world can be a fickle one.  There are beautiful people.  Crazy people.  People who actually look like the birds. Funny people.  Mean people. And people who don't even look like birders.  We are a diverse group!  I am the gypsy birder. I go where my heart takes me. But once and awhile, I'm reminded that there are those who would try to suck the beauty and art of birding dry.  So my advice to these meanies!  Be nice! And understand that we are protecting the wildlife that we all love and treasure dearly. 

A Dabbling Duck

Mexican Spotted Owl

There a bird.  Here a bird.  Everywhere birds.  An electronic list is sent to me daily about the birds seen around the state of Arizona. I have begun getting lists from Mexico so that I can study the strange new names.  Some are still familiar.

Red-naped Sapsucker

Over the past week, I've done some really sporadic things around Southern Arizona.  I went to find a Spotted Owl in town. 

Then it was off to help out at the Wings Over Willcox festival.  I hung out at a booth with the Mexican ranch crew(the ones that track the Jaguars).  We had a lot of wonderful people stop by including a certain bear:)

Wings Over Willcox

On Sunday, we took a trip down to the border region grasslands where we had a nice time around Peña Blanca Lake, Kino Springs and the Cienegas Grasslands near Empire Ranch.

Rock Wren

I'm in a strange place right now with birding.  It has been a lot of fun watching new birders get excited about the birds here in Arizona. To be honest, it's been a lot of fun helping people find the birds.  At home, I read up on birds.  If there's a documentary on birds, I'll watch it. 

So there are some birds I like more than others. I think that it's this way for many people.  The only bird I really wanted to see on our day out was the White-tailed Kite.  The sun was setting while we watched this beautiful kite for a half hour.  I think it has to be one of the most elegant and graceful birds out there.  The pic below was my favorite.  There are three layers to this photo.  The setting sun.  The gold colors of the grasses. And the silhouette of the kite landing.  Perfection.

White-tailed Kite lands

We hiked for a bit around several areas finding all of our wrens for the day.  At Kino Springs, we stopped for the Black-bellied Whistling ducks.  I snapped a shot even though the lighting was all wrong.  The birds came up rare on my report and I needed to document them.  It was strange because I've seen 4 or 5 of them together this time of year, but not 26!  So I snapped a photo just to be on the safe side.  

Peña Blanca Lake

Anyhow, I've been a dabbling duck.  I go there. Stay here. It doesn't matter.

Verdin

I focus on getting better pictures of birds that have poor photo documentation. For example, I've seen the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher many times and yet I didn't have a very good picture of one.  I've come to enjoy watching the various gnatcatchers over the past couple years. To the untrained eye, they all look the same, but they are definitely different birds:)  And it's noticing the subtleties that make birding fun and worthwhile. 

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

So right now, I will continue to dabble in various projects until the bigger trips arrive. 

Canyon Wren, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, White-tailed Kite and Rock Wren

The Southern Arizona Canyon Guide

 With the onset of our monsoon summer months here in Southern Arizona, many nature lovers seek the cool comforts of our beautiful canyons.  There are so many to explore and I must admit that there are several isolated ones that I'd like to discover with others down the road.  

Each canyon is unique and has its' own personality.  My favorites are Ramsey, Huachuca, Garden and Miller Canyons of the Huachucas, and Cave Creek Canyon near Portal of the Chiricahuas.  Other canyons of birder interest are Florida and Montosa of the Santa Ritas with the main attraction being Madera.  And there are SO many more!  I haven't mentioned the Catalina Mountains but her star attraction is the internationally popular Sabino Canyon.  But if you're going to see nature quietly, the best canyons are the ones least known by the outside crowd. 

Tarantula Hawk looks for a delicious juicy grasshopper or tarantula!

So here's my rundown on some of the more popular canyons.  Again this is just a sampling of the various canyons.  There are so many more.  It's hard to believe and embarrassing to admit but I have never visited the gorgeous, mouth drooling, scenery stealing, Big Horn Sheep bucking magic of Aravaipa Canyon.  It's on my list.  Maybe for my birthday in October......

Red Mite

The Santa Rita Mountains

1. Madera Canyon-star attraction for birders, hikers and picnickers seeking cooler temps.  Easy access with wonderfully maintained paved roads.  There are Bed and Breakfasts in the Canyon.  We've stayed at one and had a great time. It is a popular place for observing lots of wonderful hummingbirds! 

   

   The very special Black-capped Gnatcatcher can be found in both Montosa and Florida Canyons and sometimes along the Proctor Trail of Madera Canyon.

2. Montosa Canyon-the secret gem of the Santa Ritas.  Lots of specialty birds can hang out in this area. It is a canyon for hunters, joggers and birders.  Access into the canyon isn't difficult but can be if there is a monsoon storm. Parts of the road are paved while others are gravel. I also recommend going with others as I have run into drug runners.  It is an area that can be remote.  

   

   Rufous-capped Warblers along the narrow canyon and stream bed of Florida Canyon

3. Florida Canyon-really a lovely canyon with a good chance of spotting the rare-to-the-US Rufous-capped Warbler.  The road can be rocky and difficult at times if there have been rains. There are trails but they are geared more towards birders and hikers.  Often, there is an active stream.  There is a small waterfall area that requires climbing.  It's good to have someone there to spot you in case you fall.  And it does happen. 

The Huachuca Mountains

This is easily my favorite mountain range because of its proximity to Tucson. It's also near the border and attracts all kinds of exotics! Great birds and other critters!  Here are just a few of my favorites.

Ferruginous Hawk near the entrance to Huachuca Canyon

1. Huachuca Canyon-one of my favorites!  There is great hiking here along with the birding.  You'll need to bring your US ID to get onto this military base but it's easy.  Be careful with your Canadian birder friends.  Personally I never had an issue, but I've heard reports of these snowbirds getting turned away.  Military threats indeed!  This canyon has been home to the infamous Sinaloa Wren and other rare Mexican Species.  The issues?  The road can be rough after a rain event.  Wildlife!  This canyon, like many others, is home to bears and other fun critters. But for some reason, we hear more reports about bear in this area than any other canyon during our summer months. 

   

   Arizona Woodpecker is another special bird that people hope to glance!

2. Ramsey Canyon-my personal favorite.  Sure there are great birds here but it's more than that.  Sometimes I just want to go for a nice lovely hike and walk among deer and coati.  There is a 6 dollar entrance fee but it's worth it.  This is also a great canyon for rarities like the Violet-crowned Hummingbird. And I personally think this canyon and Montosa have some of the most interesting bugs flying around!

   

   Violet-crowned Hummingbird

3. My surprise new favorite canyon this year has been Garden Canyon on the Ft. Huachuca base.  Dark and magical with streams crossing the road, this place reminded me of something I've read in a fairytale.  I even got a fairytale picture of a Spotted Owl! This shot reminds me of Winnie the Pooh.....and I don't know why.

   

   Garden Canyon and a beautiful Spotted Owl!

4.  Miller Canyon-Epic trails with lots of specialty birds like the Montezuma Quail, Northern Goshawk, and White-eared Hummingbird.  Here you can visit Beatty's Orchard and enjoy lots of incredible hummingbirds around his CAS(Controlled Access Site).  There are benches and lots of feeders to keep a nature lover occupied for some time.   Sit underneath the shade of the ramada and enjoy the show!  He does ask for a donation to keep his feeders full.
   

   

   A Montezuma Quail watches me from a trail off of the gravel road of Miller Canyon

5. Ash Canyon is another great spot for birders to hang out for a break from the trails.  There are lots of hummingbirds including the very special Lucifer Hummingbirds that hang out at her location.  They are rare to Southern Arizona but they are regulars at Mary Jo's place.  A 5 dollar donation is requested to help maintain the feeders around her bed and breakfast. 

Juvenile male Broad-billed Hummingbird

The Chiricahua Mountains

Admittedly, I have barely touched these mountains.  The trip from Tucson is a bit further than other mountain ranges so I have to carefully schedule my visits here.  This is one incredible place full of species that cannot be found anywhere else in the US.  It is home to the Mexican Chickadee and other specialty birds.  Normally if I visit the Chiricahuas, I will stay for a couple nights because the one way trek is almost 3 hours long.  

Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher

Cave Creek Canyon is the only canyon I have visited.  It's pretty amazing as it feels like there is more wildlife than humans in this rather remote part of the world.  If you are driving from Phoenix or Tucson, you will need to pass through New Mexico and then reenter Arizona on the other side of the Chiricahuas to enter Portal. There is another road that crosses over the mountain range but it requires a sturdy car:)  Again, it's another favorite hotspot for me.

Bridled Titmouse

Everyone has their favorite birding hotspot.  Southern Arizona is rich with diversity and has lots to offer.  That's why it's such a wonderful playground for so many outdoor aficionados from around the world.  We're more than just a desert.  Happy Birding! Until next time.....

A little hummingbird fun at Madera Canyon.  For more bird fun, check out Wild Bird Wednesday!

Miller Canyon

After a rough and hot summer, my tires needed changing.  And so they were changed so that we could begin our hike up to Miller Canyon.

The road was rocky and bumpy from the monsoon rains.  I was held back for several weeks as I didn't want to risk blowing a tire out on the road without cell phone or OnStar help.  I do know how to change tires but the unevenly graded road would make it difficult if that event happened.

And so our epic hike would begin up the Miller Canyon in search of the mighty Spotted Owls.  It was eery quiet but incredibly beautiful.  The Beatty's have a wonderful property and I appreciate the fact that they allow birders to explore the hummingbirds, owls and all the other fun wildlife.  5 dollars is needed per person to help with the hummingbird juice. 

Painted Lady Butterfly

The hike was rugged.  The bugs were bad during this time.  The stream was running.  And the wildflowers were in full force.  Absolutely magical.

Checkered White Butterfly

We ascended the creek bed in search of the owls.  It was incredibly awesome as we stumbled over rocks.  By the time we found the solitary owl in the dark and quiet woods, we were exhausted from the heat.

Checkerspot Butterfly-Miller Canyon

Thank goodness for Pat.  The owl was so still that it was difficult to find....until the calm swiveled head  turned towards me. "Chris! Chris!" whispered Pat loudly.  And then I fell on the boulder below and watched the bird for many moments.  What a beautiful owl!  And he was very close to us.

Along the way, we saw some incredible butterflies, hummingbirds, and strange sounding birds:)

House Finch

It was green green green.  Miller, like the other canyons of the Huachucas, is incredibly different from the rest.  In fact, some canyons host certain kinds of birds and animals that can't be found anywhere else in Southern Arizona.  That's how unique each ecosystem is for each of the canyons!

Helmeted Guinea Fowl

We watched rain fall down upon the grasslands surrounding the military city of Sierra Vista.  From above, the city actually looks beautiful:)

Funeral Dusky Wing Butterfly

Our journey to the top was wonderful.  The hike was great and so were the finds.  I had many "lifers" here which made it a great day overall:)  More journeys into Southern Arizona coming.  And they are incredible!  It has been an extremely exciting time of finds. This owl sums up the joy and excitement I get from the journey both in travel, wildlife trekking, and gardening.  That's when I decided to change my headlining picture for Las Aventuras. Stay tuned for so much more:)

Spotted Owl, Miller Canyon