As Rare as a Unicorn

The incredible beauty of Portal, AZ.  A must visit place for all people to see, especially for birders

On the day the Eared Quetzal showed up in Southern Arizona, it would also be the day I was in a no WiFi zone in Box Canyon with Celeste. There we casually observed a beautiful group of White-throated Swifts feeding babies.  Meanwhile the birding world was literally and figuratively on fire elsewhere. Our Catalina mountain near Tucson is STILL on fire.  The other fire was the one that spread just as fast, only by word of mouth.

White-throated Swift

In the background, we had Scott's Orioles and Five-striped Sparrows singing. A Lucifer Hummingbird buzzed us with a loud speeding motorcycle VROOOM!  Sure, they are all exceptional birds but so were the swifts.  Since when do we ever get chances to see this species in action?  There, in the high rocks on the cliff in that little crack, the little ones called out to the group with their hungry call, "Feed us!"  And the group of swifts would all go and feed the babies. 

As we left our beautiful trek from Box Canyon and the grasslands, we hit a wifi spot and saw that a very rare Eared Quetzal was seen in the Chiricahua Mountains.  I have waited so long to see that bird.  It would be a lifer and one from my bucket list.  But by the time we got back from our birding, we were both too tired to make the nearly 3 hour drive to a remote part of the state.  It would have been dark by the time we got there.  

We planned to go if the bird had been seen again.  We were set for a Thursday trek to Portal.  After the day it was reported, the bird was nowhere to be found for several days.  "I should have gone!  I should have gone!"  The group who saw the bird had really nice views. Usually this bird is a heard only species in the dense forest.  Sometimes, it's seen but briefly!  But on that first night reported, the bird was so cooperative for that evening crew of birders that they even got pictures!  I was angry with myself.  I remember a friend's words to me about rare birds. "You can rest when you're dead." I was so angry with myself for NOT TRYING!  Even if I had dipped, I would have felt better because I had made the attempt.  Now it was too late. I'd probably have to wait another 10-20 years or go to Mexico. The latter was the original plan.

Western Wood-Pewee building a nest

The next day we were supposed to go but there weren't any sightings.  We made the tough decision to stay.  I suggested we hike the Carrie Nation Trail to find bear and our own Eared Quetzal!  It was the right decision but a grueling hike!  The bird song was so beautiful. Hermit Thrushes sang and their electronic melodies echoed throughout the canyon. 

Arizona Sister

The bird show was incredible as were the lizards and butterflies.  A hiker was so excited about the bears that he even filmed them and showed me his videos.  What a beautiful thing to see! 

Yarrow's Spiny Lizard

We were exhausted after that day.  Still no reports of an Eared Quetzal.  My iceless cooler arrived as I got home from our Carrie Nation Trail hike.  I was so excited.  You just plug it into the outlet in your vehicle and drive while it keeps all your meals and drinks cool!  No need to get covid or stop at restaurants.  People reminded me to make sure I unplugged it after I was driving so that I didn't kill my car battery.  

This cooler came at the right time because I was going to get to see my friend Gordon for a Saturday morning run up to Globe where we would bird. We hadn't been able to bird for several months and I was looking forward to seeing him. That night, I set all my equipment out, including my new iceless cooler!  I prepped my meals for the day and then all hell broke lose. 

This pic is not mine, from KOLD news

That evening our Santa Catalina mountain exploded with fire. I had some friends leave their home to take a fun weekend trip up to a cooler location.  When they left, there was no fire.  As the wind picked up, the flames spread quickly and raced down the mountain towards their home.  Their neighborhood was set to GO which means that they had to evacuate.  Our friend Lori got their dogs and watched the fire as it approached their home. The town of Catalina was almost up in flames.  This lasted until 3 in the morning as everyone worried about this fire.  Our friends drove back the next day and thankfully, the fire fighters were able to keep it away from their property!  But the fire still threatens surrounding communities.  Now it's on the other side by my friend Celeste's home!

Mexican Jay

I was supposed to leave the house by 4 AM so that I could meet Gordon by 6 in Globe.  Well, that wasn't going to happen so I texted him and let him know that my plans to meet him had changed. I went to sleep and didn't wake up until 10 AM.  I sat in the pajamas bummed yet again that I missed birding with my friend, watching the fire grow out of control on the Catalina mountains, and reading a few of the birder's posts who had seen the Eared Quetzal that one special night.  I should have gone.  I should have gone. 

All my stuff still sat on the table.  The backpack.  The cooler.  The camera and water flask were charged and full.  Then a birding friend, Steve V, posted on FB that the quetzal was seen again.  I grabbed my face mask and without thinking, loaded my vehicle, the USS Betty White, with all my stuff.  And I drove.

My first view of the Eared Quetzal!

I put on relaxing music to calm my inner anxiety.  But I felt better because I was acting and not feeling sorry for myself or making terrible excuses for not going.  

This bird, like its close relative, the Elegant Trogon, blends perfectly into the shadows of trees. 

Then the bird flew our way!  NO WAY!  

There were a lot of birders with smiling faces that afternoon.  Fast track to now and there have been hundreds of birders who remain hopeful.  Even as I write this, there are people from all over the US keeping an eye out for this rare Arizona gem.  For me, it was a lifer and Arizona bird.  But for the ABA listers, which covers North America(not Mexico but Hawaii?!), it's a significant bird.  Due to covid and airline flights, many are naturally choosing to drive.  I have met birders from almost every state here in AZ, THE capital of covid.  There is no greater sport than the one played by ABA listers.  I am not that person but I understand their competitive natures.  To say that this quetzal didn't light a fire in my brain for the irrational chase would be a lie.  

Its relative, the Resplendent Quetzal, did the same thing to me years ago in Guatemala where I interviewed locals to find a secure place to see this bird.  On a time constrained trip, there are only small windows, moments really, to observe these birds. Living in a place gives you more time to enjoy these birds. As a traveler with an agenda, if you miss it, it's over.  In Guatemala, the quetzal is their national bird.  It's also the name of their currency.  And it also happens to be a rare bird.  My friend followed my crazy butt to the area near Coban EARLY on that foggy morning.  Together, with a wonderful family, we saw so many of these birds flying around eating avocados. We also had avocados with our breakfast after observing these amazing birds.  It was one of those perfect days.  They were never seen again while we were there on that day. It was a 30 minute window and then....it was done.

We share an exciting moment with this little girl as she grabs video of these amazing birds. She stays with Lynda and helps point all the birds hiding in the trees from her.  We are amazed by the quetzal show near Coban

Like the Kirtland's Warbler or Lesser Prairie-Chicken, it took some research to see that particular subspecies of Resplendent Quetzal in Guatemala. It is said that at some point, the Resplendent Quetzal may be split into separate species. It took a lot of work to see them in Guatemala.  They were much easier to see in Costa Rica.  Anyhow, back to the Eared Quetzal.  

This is the print I ordered for my wall.  

Here's what I can tell you. The Eared Quetzal is a very secretive bird, even in its most active range. So to get views of the bird ANYTIME like this is a Christmas miracle.  And to get a view of this bird in the US is one extra bonus.  As many of you know, I travel to Mexico often.  It is my sacred place of sanity and spirituality.  So any chance I get to go to Mexico is a special time.  The Eared Quetzal and Thick-billed Parrot have been on my research list for quite some time. Drug cartels over recent years have made travel to that particular area difficult.  US news makes you fear Mexico more than you should so I listen to the people who live there.  And I read several local papers.  Yeah.  It really wasn't safe.  Now with covid, the borders are locked.  So one can understand why an Eared Quetzal in Arizona is a big deal. The last sustained view of an Eared Quetzal in Arizona was back in 1999.  There have been other "sightings" or "heard onlys" since then, but nothing like a viewable bird for many people to see out in the open.  In fact, ebird has had very little photo documentation on this species....until now:)

I hope others are able to find him safely.  After more than a week now, this bird still makes me smile.  This is what bucket list birds do; they inspire and capture the magic of birding. It's about exploration. It's about sharing an experience. And it's also about observing an incredible bird that you never thought possible. The Eared Quetzal is like a unicorn.  We see the bird in our guides, but never hope that we'll ever see something so amazing. Surely this bird does not exist. I promised myself that if I ever saw this bird, I'd make a photo and hang it up in my house.  I've ordered the picture and I'm drywalling, texturizing and painting the area where it will go.  If this is the last bird I ever see, I will be a happy person.  Until next time.... 

A Little Spring Cleaning

Friend Khanh and Robert come to visit family.  Together we explore the beautiful Sabino Canyon

This time of year brings everyone together in the desert.  We are always in transit.  Well, I was always in transit never quite allowing myself to become stationary for too long.  These past several months have allowed me to enjoy wildlife watching with old and new friends alike. Observing their reactions through their eyes for the first time is exciting. 

Pyrrhuloxia

After everything that had happened last year with family and friends and my own health issues, I have found myself more comfortable being comfortable in my own shoes.  After shedding the last vestiges of negativity at my work, I have found joy again in my job.  I had to step away from it all to see clearly why a simple change was necessary for my sanity. Negative people try and pull you into their own misery and negative space. We don't get to choose who our co-workers are, but we can modify certain practices in our routine to avoid that negative contamination of the mind.

I finally made that change this year. Like buying a new car, my new room makes me happy each day I enter it. It's a magical space that's far away from the drama of others. After 20 years at the same job, it was time for a change in setting. Examine the pic above.  Travel and language are the centers of decor.  Birds decorate the walls.  Fresh flowers bring in the natural element.  Cats give it a whimsy.  The upside down umbrella is a message to all that EVERYONE is welcome in my room(leave the negativity at the door).  And the table is for playing cards after their work is done.  Bird cards are given at the table.  Lunch can also be eaten there.  Not featured is the tea and coffee pot to the side. Lighting is key, dim the lights to cut the bright harsh glare. Soft jazz or classical music plays in the background. A new teacher said it was like an apartment in my room.  It has a fridge and microwave. And a couch. Yes. It's a safe zone for kids to speak their minds.  I have found my center again in teaching.  This time around, I am very protective of who I allow into that bubble. I remember my days in my kindergarten classroom fondly. It was also an amazing classroom full of nooks and crannies. I've never forgotten how comfortable I felt as a student in that classroom. As another spring season arrives, I am thankful to be alive and appreciative for all that renews me. 

Nature is powerful.  Standing by a cold mountain stream in the canyon renews my faith in people. In a world full of toxicity, it is so vital to spend time with friends in these places and get through these terrible times. Like the classroom, nature can heal the mind and body. I love my fellow winter birding friends.  We spend a great day outdoors together.  Then share a meal later. That's what it's all about.  House chores can wait. 

Gambel's Quail

All the signs point towards spring.  A male Rufous-winged Sparrow sings in a tree.  Khanh follows the bird for a beautiful close up. 

Khanh photographs a singing male Rufous-winged Sparrow.  Listen to the bird's song in the video below.

Maybe it's weird.  But it's fun watching people observe our Arizona birds. 

I always have to remind them to look at their surroundings.  It's not every day you get to see the clouds meander in and out of the Catalina mountains. 

The beauty of the Santa Catalina mountain and our gorgeous Sonoran desert.  The large cactus is called a Saguaro.  The one in the middle is over a hundred years old. 

Or watch a beautiful White-throated Swift dive in and out of a canyon catching bugs.  

White-throated Swift

Or search for a Grasshopper Sparrow on an overcast day. 

I see these Snow Geese at a local park and wonder how long they'll stay.  I begin to see spring arrivals.  The temperatures warm up.  Gardens begin to awaken from their slumber.  

Snow Geese

 Birds like the Northern Cardinal begin to call in my neighborhood. 

From left to right.  Pine Siskin, Northern Cardinal, White-crowned Sparrow

 The muffled cries of "NO HOPE!" are heard inside nearby trees emanating from the secretive Inca Doves.

Inca Dove

 In Tucson, their numbers are few.  So when I get a glance of this species, I let my eyes linger a little longer. Everyone else around the state laughs at Tucson birders for getting excited over an Incan Dove.  But I think if they didn't have them at their feeders, they'd understand why we enjoy these birds so much.  They were once common here.  I remember having them at my feeders in the 90's.  They were even my favorite doves back when there were many!

Windows of time are all we really have anymore.  I watch the Sandhill Cranes for the last time during the winter season and think, "Wow.  Another winter has come and gone. Where has the time gone?"  

John photographs a couple thousand Sandhill Cranes

 I take a couple out to Sweetwater Wetlands who have seen Yellow-headed Blackbirds in small groups.  But they had never seen thousands of Yellow-headed Blackbirds flock together over our heads at sunset.  There's magic in this.  

Yellow-headed Blackbird

A yearly burn at the wetlands exposes a Black-crowned Night Heron having a "light" dinner.  Frog legs are on the menu. 

Black-crowned Night Heron

And on my way to work, I see a Turkey Vulture on a pole in my neighborhood.  This is a true sign that spring has arrived. Vultures, hawks and falcons are on the move north.  Turkey Vultures are not common in my neighborhood so I get excited seeing one up close. It's a bird both ugly and beautiful at the same time and a welcome visitor to the yard!

Turkey Vulture

Over the next several weeks, we go into full spring mode in Southeastern Arizona exploring hummingbirds, raising money for charity, investigating the Sedona area, and reporting on our annual Arizona birds and blooms.  As the year warms up, we'll be getting into some hotter locations including a trek to Mexico and Panama.  Until next time.....

The Cost of a Lifebird

Black-headed Grosbeak in Madera Canyon

Today's post was inspired from a thought on my way home from a major birding trek.  Just how much money am I shelling out for this birding addiction of mine?  Then I began to think about how much it costs to find a new bird each time I see one.   This post hits me at a time of burn out.  I have so much going on right now that I am fighting the impulse to bird. Really since January, I've been going, going, going.  It's almost like a target practice.  Locate the place and bird until your eyes can't see anything.

Hooded Oriole at Kubo B & B in Madera Canyon

And then the worst thing happened.  I was so lost in my ID work on sea birds while I was in California that I forgot about a major get together with a friend who had spent a lot of money on us to attend this wine and cheese social.  But because I was so lost in my work, I only realized what had happened after the event!  A personal cost.  That was terrible.  I never forget anything, but I did apparently suffer some brain loss. So I have to make that up to my dear friend.

The Red-wing Blackbird at Sweetwater Wetlands

The safety factor. While spying on a really cool lifebird, a group of homeless people along the Colorado River were fighting. Luckily I was with another person but it made me angry.  No one messes with the lifebird.  Had they approached me, I would have clocked them a good one.  There is an internal drive that I can't explain.  I want to know more.  I want to see more.  I want to know, film, and experience life through the birds.  We purchased a 35 dollar a night hotel room for two days in Yuma. 70 dollars.  Never in my life would I have thought about staying in this city, but add the Colorado River with birds and we're there in a heart beat. In fact, the birds made Yuma look much better:) And the farmer's fields are HOT right now with migration!  Then food, gas, and DRIVING to the destinations!  One weekend cost 250 dollars.  And that was cheap.  I gained about 10 new lifebirds.  Breakdown.  25 dollars a bird.  Don't forget the park passes! Or the entrance fees into parks that don't acknowledge park passes:)

Hammond's Flycatcher on the Mt. Baldy Trail, Madera Canyon

At first, it seems easy.  Birding is free!!!  You can bird anywhere you want.  But isn't that the trap?  You begin to see one bird and then you want to see another.....and another.....and before you know it, you're as some say, "In deep".  While this may be true for this year, it won't be for next.  My primary goal is centered around lifebirds from around the world.  It just so happens that Arizona has quite a chunk of North American birds here with quite a few exotics from Mexico, Central and South America. As one birder doing a Big Year told me about 2 weeks ago, "You live in a great state.  Lucky you."  Everyone doing a Big Year has to, at some point, come to Arizona.  It has been fun meeting the Big Year people while on my treks.

Common Yellowthroat

I reached a point last week during a search for the Lesser Yellowlegs in Tucson. I said to myself, "Enough is enough!"  I stood for an hour staring at the recharge basins in Sweetwater after work. I eventually saw one of the two birds reported there but being the photographer that I am, I was not satisfied with the views.  Did I see the Lesser Yellowlegs?  Yes.  Did I see the Blue-throated Hummingbird the weekend before?  Yes.  But it was quick.  For many of the birders with me, they were satisfied with the observations and checked it off their list. It was only their first time seeing the bird!!!  And it's a glorious bird!  For me, it has to be more than that......to say you saw a bird for 5 seconds isn't really "seeing" a bird.  Luckily I have observed the Blue-throated Hummingbird many times before.  If you're curious, you can check here or here.

But then some birds brought me back to the basics.  The Red-wing Blackbird and the Common Yellowthroat called out during my search for the Lesser Yellowlegs.  They said, "Here I am!!!  Look at me!"  Well they didn't say that necessarily, but it was a wake up call.  While some say I'm in deep, there are several others in deeper.  There is definitely a chase going on.  I don't know if it was like this last year. But it's certainly hot this year.  On a daily basis, people are adding new birds to their lists.  With my school finals coming up, a trip to Guatemala, a nerd fest at Phoenix Comicon, weddings, etc etc........well my plate is full.  Now I'm still in the race, but toning it down a little.  Afterall, it's about enjoying the birds.  No more forgetting personal obligations! I think the worst part is that I've converted my other half into birding.  Pat purchased a great camera and is liking the competition part.  PLUS, those little birding couple trips we take have been a lot of fun as we throw ourselves into an experience full of people, culture and BIRDS! Pat's spark bird?  The Burrowing Owl.  More on that later.  Birding is serious business.  But so is my sanity and my checkbook.  If I'm not careful, we'll be living out of a tent:)  Now that actually might be fun.......:)

White-throated Swift

Grand Happenings

The Grand Canyon is a national symbol.  It's an international sensation full of loud tourists who all come to witness this incredible landscape from picnic tables and parking lots while eating their 10 dollar ice cream cones.  But we weren't there to look at the canyon or rocks.  We were there to find the two nesting pairs of the very rare Californian Condors.  We grabbed our camelbacks and began our 7 mile hike along the rim checking out all the nooks and crannies trying to avoid the crowds.  And most of the time, it worked.

Now most of the tourists were oblivious to the wildlife hiding in the trees etc.  They sped quickly in their motor cars past elk, birds and other incredible things. WHITE THROATED SWIFT!!!

White-throated Swift

And back to.......beautiful........canyons.......cooler weather.....people watching..........back to hike.

Along the way, we'd stop to take a break noting large numbers of Mountain Chickadees staring back at us.

Mountain Chickadee

I tried to resist the urge to take shots but that's impossible when you're at the Grand Canyon.

I'm not one for heights nor standing close to the edges.

But I had to do this so that I could scan the cliffs......
                                                  this curious ring captured King Tuzigoot's attention.

It was a memorial to a person who had died at the Grand Canyon.

While we were there, Western Scrub Jays ruled the airways.  I loved seeing a new type of jay besides our Mexican Jay variety but it made me miss them.  Does this happen to you?  Do you sometimes miss your backyard birds?

Western Scrub Jay

Tourists fed these jays. And they gladly ate.

After all was said and done, we had a nice list of birds.  I dipped yet again on the Condors but that just gives me a reason to return:) Our bird count is below....

Turkey Vulture  3

Cooper's Hawk  1

Red-tailed Hawk  1

White-throated Swift  10

Pinyon Jay  2

Western Scrub-Jay  12

Common Raven  15

Violet-green Swallow  1

Mountain Chickadee  16

White-breasted Nuthatch  3

Pygmy Nuthatch  3

Western Bluebird  1

Spotted Towhee  4

Dark-eyed Junco  10

Dark-eyed Junco (Gray-headed)  10

Brewer's Blackbird  1

House Finch  6

Red Crossbill  2

I'm linking up with Stewart's Wild Bird Wednesday