So They Say

Blue Dasher Dragonfly

It is said by many birders that the first two years are truly exciting.

Juvenile Northern Cardinal in my backyard

After two years on this new life journey, I can honestly say that I'm still in love with the adventures as I was when I first began this quest.

Giant Spotted Whiptail

For while I may see the same birds; I never see the same things.....ever.

Bobcat

They watch us and we may never see them.  They hide from us.....scared, timid, afraid of what we may try. They slip by unnoticed.  Mother Nature's secret order.

Green Heron

Each creature, great and small, exhibits something unique.  They hold me captive.  Time becomes meaningless.

Desert Spiny Lizard

And no matter how common the creature, it's always a joy to see them again.

Mallard

Even though our adventures take us to new and unexplored areas, I'm always glad to come home and reconnect with both friends tame or wild. And sometimes both:)

Nature excites the imagination. For example, did you know that elves created an altar in the tree below? It's our little secret.

It isn't always easy.  This bat looked at us with its dying eyes.  There was nothing we could do to save it.  Why was it on the ground? What I do know is that if you find a bat on the ground, it isn't good.  Never pick one up. Rabies is just one of the many things out there. But there is emotion behind each and every picture I take.  Everything lives and everything dies. And when I recall this moment, it was difficult.

There is nothing like walking into a field of wildflowers under the great blue Arizona sky while fresh air  inundates the lungs. No smog.  No pollution.

And she keeps her secrets.  If I listen carefully, I may hear her whispers carried by the wind.

Arizona Tree Frog

If I tread slowly, may I find the little surprises disguised among the pine needles or grasses.

Horned Lizard

After two years, it hasn't gotten old at all.  It has given me purpose again.  There are still so many questions I have about this world.  And there is so much to see and experience.  Each day is a new adventure.  Where shall we wander next?

Rush Hour

Maybe I'm not the only one.  Before any major trip, I have a hard time sleeping.  Will I find my target birds?  What if it rains? How do I balance my time between family, friends and birds??!!!  It's never any easy thing to negotiate.

Cochise Lake in Willcox

I'll put hours into planning and research. It's truly detective work.  Birding during the trips is quite relaxing and enjoyable, but my problem is keeping track of time when I'm outdoors.  I love being outside so much.  Before birds, I thought time moved quickly.  Now by adding birds into my life, everything moves faster!!!

Scaled Quail

As I write this, it's the end of monsoon.  I cannot go outdoors without heatstroke or being attacked by mosquitoes.  I NEED to be outdoors.  My life from 9 to 5 is difficult.  If I don't get outside, everything becomes chaotic and I become anxious.  After work, I go home, eat, read and go to bed early because there is nothing else I can do. My job is stressful and I have found nature counters the stress and makes it bearable.  I look forward to the freezing cold temps in my vest and beanie. Soon.  Very soon.

Northern Cardinal

To occupy my mind until temps cool down, I plan areas to bird both inside and outside of the state.  They of course are within budget but have an agenda.  Birding with others is fun, but you can't always count on them.  Each birder has their own agenda. Ultimately, it's a personal journey that many times has to be done alone.

Roses at a friend's house

There are many things that can influence a birding party. Some compete.  Some chase and twitch.   For some, money dictates the outing.  For others, it's about their comfort zone and safety.  And for others, it's about the social aspect surrounding the birds.  All of these things factor into my own life. I love the restaurants and experiences that go along with it all.

Variegated Fritillary 

Going out into the field is like an addiction.  We were in New Mexico at Caballo Lake State Park and looked up to find White American Pelicans gracefully in flight.  Above the grassy desert along a stream, we found these incredible birds in flight......and time stopped.  WOW!  It was hot and sunny and these birds gently spun around like a school of fish in water. And we did arrive late to Colorado Springs because of this stop, but it was worth it.  I remembered, "It's not about the destination, it's about the journey."  If you think New Mexico is for the birds, you are correct.  Take an exit off of their interstate system and you'll discover the incredible beauty of this state.

American White Pelicans!

When I step back from it all....from the competitive nature of people....or that personal need to get that perfect and sometimes unattainable ID photo of a lifebird......when I step back from it all......I can relax like I did when I first began birding not so long ago.

New Mexico landscape-reminds me of the Lone Ranger