Blur

The Wrenegades! (photo courtesy of Sara Pike...she's on the right:)

Recently I went out with Tucson Audubon for their Birdathon, a fundraiser for Audubon.  The challenge?  To find as many birds as we could in a 24 hour time period.  And all I can say is, "Oh. My."

Night birding at Reid Park.  No pimps or murderers.....just sleeping ducks and Great Horned Owls
(Pic courtesy of Sara Pike)

I joined up with the Wrenegades and their captain Jennie MacFarland at 1 AM. As we drove through the busy streets of Tucson during clubbing hours, the team found themselves surrounded by young people in their big trucks and fancy cars.  The race was on!  The only difference? We were searching for birds and they were looking for human females. This was exciting! It was a rare opportunity to night bird with others in the darkness around our city parks.  Normally I wouldn't do this kind of thing alone, but because we were the Wrenegades, nothing would stop us....except maybe a cop.  Luckily that didn't happen.

The Evening Grosbeaks stole the show.  Unfortunately we saw them at dawn

 I love Arizona.  I really do.  But I miss walking during the calm cool nights of Wisconsin summers in the parks.  In my own Tucson neighborhood, there are prostitutes and drug dealers.  So it was exciting to walk the dark city parks looking for birds with the group.  And so we began in Reid Park.  It would be the first of 22 stops that we would make around Southern Arizona.

Me, standing in my shorts freezing my rear off
(Pic courtesy of Matt Griffis)

We needed each other to stay awake during our epic trek.  After Reid, we left for the desert oasis known as Agua Caliente Park.  The crew stood under the starry sky listening for owls, nightjars and more!  Once we heard the Elf Owl, Great Horned Owls, and Western Screech-Owl, we left for Mt. Lemmon!  There we picked up the Whiskered Screech-Owls, Northern Pygmy Owl and Flammulated Owl.

Jennie and Matt crunch their way out of the snow back into the warm car on Mt. Lemmon!
(Pic courtesy of Sara Pike)

As we went from the warm desert basin up into the canyons and mountain tops, we began to slowly freeze.  The roads turned into crunchy ice. And the wind sliced through our jackets and pants.  Of course, I wore shorts.  Yeah......

Corey, the youngest of our group, helps us add birds with her quick eyes!
(Pic courtesy of Sara Pike)

Our night turned into day and I began to feel my body groan from the lack of sleep.  There were moments I completely blanked out in the van.  One birding spot blurred into the next.  My photography was terrible on these outings.  The focus was birding and not photography.  I knew deep down that if a life bird came my way, I wouldn't have much time to document or wait for the bird to pose.  It just so happened that we'd find a lot of the specialty birds either too early in the morning or too far away for the camera to capture a decent image.  So I just snapped photos for ID purposes. We had to move.  There was no time to dilly dally around!

What's out there? A Wilson's Warbler?  Townsend's Warbler, Grace's Warbler? NO!  A Red-faced Warbler!

 Of course, my lifer, the Hermit Warbler, would pop out just as we had to leave!  Hey, this was a competition.  No time to sip tea and wait for the bird to get into focus!

A blurred photo of the Hermit Warbler

After Mt. Lemmon, we headed to Sweetwater in Tucson.  Then we headed south to Paton's House and Patagonia Lake.  After that trek, we went up to the Amado water treatment plant and Madera Canyon.  But wait!  There was still light!  So we had to go to Florida Canyon!  There we would pick up our last birds for the birdathon!

Rocks and people who love birds!
(Pic courtesy of Matt Griffis)

A whirlwind indeed!  Were we crazy?  Perhaps, but it also was an epic journey into the heart of Southern Arizona.  Tim was the master planner who had the data charts and statistics on each of our stops.

Tim, casual with a smile......and he has a plan! And so does that turkey on his right.
(Pic courtesy of Matt Griffis)

His organization allowed us to cover more area while following a specific route and time period.  Each place was timed and everyone was great about staying on schedule. This was an example of target birding at its best!  Jennie did a great job keeping everything together.  She knew her birds as did the entire team! Sara and Matt drove everywhere.  They were the happy pilots. Thanks guys for driving.  I know how tired you both were. Corey joined in on the fun.  She is a young lady who is a current student at my school.  If it hadn't been for her wonderful invitation, I would have missed out on this event. So thank you Corey from the bottom of my heart!  I hope you continue with the trails and birds after you graduate.  Birding will take you to some of the most amazing places on this planet.  After you graduate from high school (and finish your 4th year Spanish class), Central and South America await you.

Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet at Patagonia State Park

And me?  Well I took the photo id's and did the record keeping for all of our bird stops.  I like recording the data because it keeps me focused and centered. And on this day....awake.

Viewing a Northern Goshawk in flight above the ridge at Madera Canyon!
(Pic courtesy of Matt Griffis)

Overall, it was an epic day.  We found 160 birds in 24 hours!  And like the title suggests, the day was one big exciting blur. And so was my photography! The best part was that we had an amazing time working together for a really important organization. What a great group of people!  When I got home, I crashed.  Apparently, according to Pat, I was snoring and threw my poor cat off the bed in a rage.  Sleep deprivation can do that to a person:) The cat survived.

Western Tanager

I'd like to thank Sara Pike and Matt Griffis for their photo contributions to the blog today. I'm so glad you both remembered to snap photos of our epic trek.  There is still time to help out Tucson Audubon. Click on the donate button on the right and help us out.  Here is Sara Pike's webpage from the Wrenegades site. Until next time friends.......

When Does It Count?

Counting birds is a very important thing.  It tells us about healthy populations, where a bird is seen, or if a bird is threatened or dropping in numbers.  It's also fun to do.  Every bird has a specific behavior and personality.  And it makes observation so much fun.

But there are times when you see a bird that is a hybrid, domestic waterfowl, or exotic invasive species....like  the Monk or Lovebird species found in and around the Phoenix areas. Only recently have the Rosy faced Lovebirds been added to the ABA list as birds that you can count(and add to your lifelist:)  Could it be that the populations have been expanding and growing since their discovery in 1987?  However, you can only count this bird in Phoenix,AZ.  Many people will be flying from all over the country to get this "tick" on their birdlists:)

On EBIRD or Audubon, you can't always count these birds.  They are wild.  They fly free.  So where do they belong? There are categories for birds like the Coopers or Sharp-shinned that can sometimes blur if the bird is far far away and you can't distinguish the various field markings.  My issue happened when I found Muscovy ducks in Tucson.  They are considered wild domestic waterfowl....and yet they fly free.  Muscovy are found in Mexico but when I brought up the topic with birders, I hadn't expected a firestorm of responses.  Several counties in Texas and Florida allow you to count them but they are clearly found all over the States.  Some birders said, "Count them!"  while others said, "Sorry....you can't count them."  I found it all fascinating.

Do we count?

Here are some things I've asked myself while observing birders out in the field. The questions are not only technical but philosophical.  If they don't count on a lifelist, where do they belong? And do they even matter?  I'll leave you with that parting thought.  More tomorrow....  

Contributions

Ruddy Duck

Greetings all, I have been on the road for the past several days celebrating the holidays with family and friends PLUS doing some epic birding.  Sunday, I'll be back again catching up with posts.  There just doesn't seem  to be enough time in a day to do it all.  So let's get started with today's topic.  I didn't want to bring the camera on this shoot. To be honest, I wasn't into taking any pics, but I always bring the camera in case that random bobcat shows up.  Murphy's Law would suggest that the minute I left the camera home, the bobcat would make an appearance at Sweetwater.  Today's post marks a first in two different areas.

I now have another weapon on my wildlife/birding treks.....the IPhone!  After this past years Montosa Canyon run in, Pat decided that it was time for me to get a cell phone.  I have resisted that technology for years.  But I'm finding that the Panoramic feature is SWEET!  So you'll be seeing many more of these.  Plus when someone calls me, my favorite bird call of all time(the Loon) will sound.  Just hopefully not in a movie theater!

But all of that is foolish stuff when compared to the feeling I had today as I joined an Audubon group at Sweetwater in Tucson.  It marks a first for me and I'm proud that I could help beginning birders out.  Some were old pros but I found that I loved helping people ID birds.  And my neighbor wanted to go birding with me.  She had asked me for this outing chance to see what I see everytime I go on my walks.  I love her dearly and said absolutely.

It would mark the first "cold" day for Tucson since last spring.  The temps were in the 40's and it was COLD!  My nipples could have cut glass. Okay maybe that was too much:)  A group of 7 met and we began our trek.  It was very rewarding and a lot of hard work spotting the birds.  But I scoped out the area the day before as the leader Debra had done so that I would be prepared for my friend.  I got her a checklist and I brought my notepad along with me(like Kathie taught me) and left the camera at my side.  It wasn't about my pics.  It was about finding as many birds as we could.  Debra had her scope and we viewed birds.....48 of them to be exact(at least on my count).

Ruddy Ducks, Grebes, Hawks....you name it!  Even Snowy and Great Egrets were discovered in the distant skies.  Thanks to 6 other sets of eyes, we were able to spot lots of wonderful birds.  But I was contributing and helping people ID the birds that I know so well.  Sweetwater is my patch here in Tucson when I need to bird quickly.  And I knew my birds.  But this time we had a scope and I could finally ID Least Sandpipers and a Belted Kingfisher using Debra's scope!  Thank you!!! We had a fun lunch afterwards and it was wonderful getting to know a new birder buddy.

Look carefully for the Belted Kingfisher

But I also made a realization.  I missed Kathie.  For two weeks we hadn't been able to bird together and it wasn't the same.  I know that it probably sounds weird but it hit me right in the face that I missed my birding buddy. I am thankful that both our spouses allow us to hang out and bird together.

Red Tail Hawk

Debra was awesome and amazing and I hope we get to bird together as well.  But I am finding that many of us have similarities.  We all have spouses that prefer to stay home while we explore the outdoors.  It's also very rare and wonderful to have a birding buddy to share the adventures and thrills.  I didn't take it for granted before but when we couldn't bird these past couple weeks, I found that I missed birding with her.  Debra spoke of her male friend she used to bird with and how much she missed birding with him.  And that's when I made the connection.  Bizarre but true.  Birding is an addiction and deep inside we want to be around people who LOVE birding for more than just an hour.  I've written before that Pat can stand about an hour before we have to go to breakfast:)  I don't want to bird for an hour.  I want to bird for much longer and I want the person next to me to get excited!! And I thought about this more and here's my run-on sentence conclusion......it's NO different than the football crowd sitting and screaming at a TV together eating guacamole and drinking beer.  Well it is different.  We're exercising; they're not.  The simple fact is that we all should have hobby buddies to make the experience even more incredible.  Pat and I have lots of other things that we do together.....but birding is not one of them.  And that's okay.

Harris Hawk

Every bird is a complete thrill and it's so exciting to play detective with another person who gets in the game as much as any birder does.

Eared Grebe

Recently, several birder people have set goals.  For example, they'll say that they hope to spot 50 species.  No time limit has been set yet on these outings because that would make it quite the workout:)

Recently, I've been asked to join in on the Christmas Bird Count and I'm absolutely thrilled to join in on the quest.  I believe Kathie and I both will be joining up together to do the count somewhere. She keeps me focused.  I tend not to look both ways when crossing the road.....especially when we're on the hunt for a bird!   This Audubon excursion, selling my photography, and having several pieces published in an upcoming book validate that what I'm doing isn't a joke but something that is leading elsewhere.  And I will keep trying my best to learn as much as I can until I can't anymore. And learning never ends.

Grebe love....Pied Bill Grebe and Eared Grebe together

In a short 3 years, I will no longer be owned by debt and student loans.  That day, and let me tell this to you all, will be a coming of age celebration.  For many years I have been financially trapped by this "education" investment.  When it happens, I will be planning a "BIG YEAR".  I want to know more.  I want to see more. Be more.  But my home base is teaching me a lot.  Arizona is truly a premiere birding spot.  This is a hotspot in our country for so many species.  International travel has opened my eyes to how others view Arizona.  I just didn't see what they were seeing......until I actually opened my eyes.

On this trip, we found so many incredible things.  Sparrows still challenge me. And the difference between a Clark's and Western Grebe are subtle, but I won't stop until I learn them all by heart.

Over the next several days, you are going to witness some incredible finds from trips not only with Kathie but with my solo visits as well.  There will be lifebirds added and photographed.

And while I write this post, I am also wanting to share with my garden friends that I have not stopped gardening.  But I have been working on a courtyard segment as well but it's just not complete yet and I can't wait to share with you the plants and water feature that are going into our property.  There's a lot happening on the plant side as well.   Yes.  I am a busy person but I wouldn't change it for anything in the world because this is where I'm at in my life and I don't know where it's all heading.....but I do like it:)  A special thank you to Debra for an awesome day.  I hope we get to bird together again. More tomorrow.....

A rare sight...the Sora!  But it is heard easily:)

Sweetwater Wetlands

"Ask not what your poop can do for you-ask what you can do for your poop."  Isn't that the quote?  I had been hearing about this place now for quite some time from several people.  Out of curiousity and duty to this blog, I had to check this crap out....literally:)  The Sweetwater Wetlands are one of the most innovative and creative solutions to our water problems here in Tucson.......and it has created a magnificent artificial marshland in return.  It not only draws hikers but nature enthusiasts as well....especially the birding crowd!  Today we take a walk on the wild side as we discover what Tucson is doing with our poop(pc word "human waste") and what you are doing unintentionally for our Tucson community.

Off of the Prince road exit, I found this place easy to find.  It's amazing how many years that I've lived here in town and have never been to this place.  It's also amazing to note that this beautiful area is situated in a crappy part of town:)  I'm sorry...I can't help myself:)

Parking was super easy as there is a special visitor's parking lot.  It's an easy hike and it's wonderful seeing all kinds of people walking the trails.  If I had to label this hike, it would be LOW and easy.  People in wheelchairs looking to get away from the urban downtown, you'll really love this.  And birders, where have you been?  This is perhaps one of Tucson's best kept secrets.  If you haven't been here, you need to get your crap together and boogy your butts on down.(Note: Many birders will not find what I just wrote funny.  It's okay.  I'm used to it. The butterfly crowd is much more forgiving:)  It's free and open at dawn until sunset. It's also open all year round except for the days they need to do controlled burns for mosquitos.  For more information, go to the Sweetwater Wetlands homepage.

What's all that green stuff in the water?  Probably your poop and some good ol' bacteria breaking s$%# down. 

The wetlands are home to all kinds of critters.  There were lots of ducks, turtles, frogs, dragonflies, and fish the day I went to visit.  There was even rumor that a mountain lion had been spotted there! That's wonderful news for Tucson.  This park is a great way to get "out of the city" and still be in it.  It was so interesting to see how land uses can change within a couple feet of each another.  In one spot, there is the Arizona emissions testing area and only a block away, you're in a wetland.  It boggled my mind.  How many times have I had emissions testing done and never known that there were wetlands so near this industrial park?!  I had always thought it just an ugly neighborhood along the interstate. 

The entire area is beautiful and didn't have a strong odor in the air like I thought it would. You know the smell....like the one that comes from the bathroom after your spouse forgets to shut the door?:) This artificial wetlands helps filter water. Treated water filters through sediments beneath the recharged basins and replenishes the local aquifer. This reclaimed wastewater is recovered by extraction wells during periods of high water demand and distributed for reuse in Tucson's golf courses, parks, schools and other large turf irrigations areas.

So why aren't more communities thinking along this line?  It's not only an important part of our city's water plan, it also acts as a park, outdoors classroom, and wildlife habitat!!! That's one of the reasons why I love you Tucson.  We've kept our city nature friendly.

There are over 200 species of birds in this park. Tucson Audubon Society periodically conducts free birding trips for the public. This park is situated on 18 acres of land.

I think ducks are great, but this pic above was my favorite picture from my photo shoots!  I actually caught bullfrogs doing something....I'm not sure what:) On a personal note, I always love nature.  I never go to a place with expectations because it will disappoint.  But I am NEVER disappointed by what turns up.  I had not expected to catch bullfrogs in the act of whatever today and that was awesome. For example, I remember my first disappointment as a traveler.  There was a Quetzal trail in Costa Rica.  Because it said "Quetzal", I thought I'd see one in person.  To date, I have NEVER seen the Resplendent Quetzal and that taught me the lesson of patience.  Go and discover.  Whatever you see will be great!  Just keep your eyes and ears open and you'll see something.  And I did!!  I heard croaking and water splashing.  With my super powerful teacher hearing, I followed the noise trail.  And that's the disgusting part of the Quetzal!  I've heard this trogon many times but they live mostly in cloud forests and many times they're too high in the tree tops to spot! Perhaps someday I will chance upon this beautiful bird in my travels. Back to the murky waters....

Of course, you'll want to check your birding lists to see what birds will be stopping by for the season.  Although some birds have been reported to stay year round!

If you haven't been or are curious, I highly recommend this place because it's another one of Tucson's little gems.  I only know about it because I have several wildlife friends who go to this park quite often.  More tomorrow friends....