The Great Auk and other "Extinct" Birds

NOTE.  I'll be taking a blogcation for the next several days.  Until then, I have some great posts scheduled.  Talk to you all soon.
After a late night read and lots of afterthought later, this post was created. If you are like me, you may have a hard time reading this. But after my websearch, I have a little more historical knowledge on extinct birds from the recent past.  If you've followed my blog for awhile, you all know that I am closely keeping an eye on cloning and threatened or extinct creatures.  Man is quite a stain on this planet.  We are the one animal that has caused mass extinction for many creatures great and small over our thousands of years lifespan. Today some believe we face the 6th extinction ....our own. Before I begin, I have done a lot of research on several topics about extinction.  It ranges from species labeled Extinct to Returning From Extinction.  I think these are incredibly fascinating reads.  But that's just me:) Today I address another idea around the theme of extinction.  What if a bird were labeled extinct, yet still lived?  The 1800's were especially difficult on the bird species.  Mass hunting and fashion around the world put many birds at risk.  A century later, DDT would take more birds like the California Condor or the Bald Eagle to near extinction.

Pictures taken from Wiki

One evening while investigating a potential area to find the Rufous Hummingbird, I found a link to extinct birds.  As a child, I was always saddened by what humanity was doing to this world.  And I clicked the link.  I didn't expect to be caught up for hours researching endless pages about these extinct birds.  My questions would lead to more questions and then my thoughts would spiral out of control.  Eventually I had to go to bed and sleep.  I had work the next day:(  It was one of the hardest things to do.  My heart is in the field.

But what kept me up all night was the mystery of the Eskimo Curlew.   Is it extinct or not?  Could the Great Auk be cloned back into existence?  Those two topics pushed me to read more....and more.....and more.  First, the Eskimo Curlew.  Listed as critically endangered, most think this bird is extinct.  Yet random reports keep coming up that these birds still live here and there. Some even know where some of these birds still breed. But it's kept "secret".  From what I gathered, a reliable ornithologist from Wisconsin heard this bird in Nova Scotia.  I imagined knowing all that you could know about birds....going into an area to bird....and then listening to something you've never heard before.....and then seeing this strange miracle in person.  Imagine how you would feel.

The thrill of being out in the field is like that for me everytime I go.  I don't take any bird for granted.  The above map shows us where the Eskimo Curlew once numbered in the millions.  They were hunted by people, but the extinction of a grasshopper over the destroyed prairie lands ended the mass migrations.  And soon the millions of Eskimo Curlew would disappear to one last confirmed sighting on Galveston Island, Texas in 1962.  Reports would spring up from different areas saying that this bird was spotted.  However no photos or video exist.  Could this bird still be alive? And if so where?  The mythical Unicorn or Dragon of our times.  For the spiritual, the Holy Grail.  And for the birder, a possibility.  But moving on....

My research then moved to the curious looking bird known as the Great Auk.....related to the penguin.   However it looks more like a Dodo bird which is also extinct.  This bird is most definitely extinct. The last bird was killed on July 3rd, 1844.  These large birds were hunted for their feathers and eggs. And similiar to my own adventure to Bird Island off the coast of Mexico to find the Blue Footed Boobie, these great birds would be found on isolated islands around Scotland and Norway.

The last colony of Great Auks lived on Geirfuglasker (the "Great Auk Rock") off Iceland. This islet was a volcanic rock surrounded by cliffs which made it inaccessible to humans, but in 1830 the islet submerged after a volcanic eruption, and the birds moved to the nearby island of Eldey, which was accessible from a single side. When the colony was initially discovered in 1835, nearly fifty birds were present. Museums, desiring the skins of the auk for preservation and display, quickly began collecting birds from the colony. The last pair, found incubating an egg, was killed there on 3 July 1844, with Jón Brandsson and Sigurður Ísleifsson strangling the adults and Ketill Ketilsson smashing the egg with his boot. Source  Could cloning bring this bird back from extinction?  78 skins, eggs, and several eyes and organs have been stored.  How terrible does all this sound?  For myself, it makes me look at humanity and what we are doing today.  I imagine myself boating past the Great Auk Rock wondering what these birds sound like......and I look at birding differently. I also imagine the eery silence that once contained "many voices". Let's just say that  I don't take things for granted anymore.

I'd like to end on more hopeful note.  Another bird listed as definitely extinct is the Ivory Billed Woodpecker and yet......it too is still "seen" now and again. Is this just another UFO story?  Is this bird really extinct? Some birders claim to have recently seen it.  And yet it is listed as extinct. While most of this is negative, I still hold hope that they are out there....away from people.  Afterall, it's what excites us all......the possibility of spotting something rare like a Jaguar or Mountain Gorilla.  The Jaguar was said to be extinct in Southern Arizona and it has quietly returned.  Some believe they were there all along.  Keep hope that we all can learn and teach others about our past mistakes.  One final random thought....and it's random. Here it is:)  I think the reason why I connect to Lord of the Rings so much was because the story addresses mortality.....the departure of magic and elves.  Perhaps that's why the movie "Avatar" was such a hit.....it strikes a chord with people.  It makes us aware that life is precious in any form. Can humanity reverse the damage done from our past mistakes? If it's one thing that's certain, it's that we need to be better caretakers of this planet or we will definitely face the 6th extinction.  And then either cockroaches, pigeons or rats will take over.....

Hiking Without A Camera

Today's post is unusual in that it is the first one NOT to use any pictures of any kind.  Boy, am I in trouble!!:)  So this means one thing......my writing has to stand out on its own.  Scary.  But the purpose of this exercise was to leave the camera at home and go on my treks without recording any of it. (It's a terrible idea for me not to post pictures on a blog! I kept moving this post off because I didn't want to release a post without pictures. I caved in and here is a recent photo shoot from the same area. My "new" thoughts are in parenthesis. )

For some of you, this is easy.  As for me?  It was one of the hardest things to do.  Could I just go on a hike without my camera?  Since I've been a kid, I've always had my camera with me at all times.  Would it be a valid experience if I didn't get the shots?  And Murphy's Law.  No camera=Lots of wildlife. (I now have found several shots to satisfy the reader:)

So I went for the hike and the minute I pulled into the parking lot, a Cooper's Hawk flies into sight. Yes, it was happening.  Lots of wildlife.  A coyote looking for food, three birds hanging out around the Coopers Hawk, Western Kingbird, etc. etc. etc.(Well, it's never the same, but I did get a Cooper's Hawk for you all....and a little bit more:)

But the weight of my camera wasn't there to prevent me from enjoying Mother Nature.  It was hot and a bit muggy, but the sun was setting.  I had a crazy day at work, stopped at Culvers for some fried cheese curds and got on the interstate.....passing by Sweetwater.  It was a spontaneous decision and one that proved to be wise.  (While it was nice, I can't let you down.  You need pictures!)

A cool breeze went through the willows and cottonwoods.  Little fuzzies from all the plants blooming floated around in the air.  Alone and relaxed, I took a walk around the trails.  There wasn't really anyone around, no rare bird sighting....nada.  It was kind of eerie actually because I'm used to my guy "friend" on the trail with me.  Well he doesn't know he's my bud, but I've decided that he'll be my friend.  You see....no matter what, I always head to Sweetwater on the weekend.  And my favorite quiet birder guy will be walking around with his binoculars and bird book.  He's also "the guy" because he drives an older bug.  Instant cool factor!  I don't know his name, but we speak once and awhile.(We were the only two there this night I shot these pics) 

Pied Billed Grebe-a first for this blog(you'll love the story related to this bird....stay tuned!)

The last time he asked me, "Did you see anything interesting?"  and I said "Yep."  But he saw more things than ANY of us did on the trails.  He is the ultimate observer.  I'll be looking over the basins lost in the sounds of the Red Wing Blackbird and he'll be secretly in the bushes observing unicorns and fairies!  How does he see this stuff??!!  Anyhow, I worship this guy and he doesn't know it.  (This time I saw PLENTY of interesting things....mostly not birds)

But today, he wasn't here.  I didn't have my camera.  It was wonderful and sad.  I kinda missed not having him around.....he's always there.  Just not today.  My question is, "Do you have these types of "connections" with people in your life?  So like this post suggests today, it's all about the absence of the familiar.  The Nothing.   But I did come home happier and relaxed.  (I'm still showing you pictures:)

Pictures will be back tomorrow.  I will never do a post without pics.  Why?  I'm too much of a visual person. Hope you enjoyed the shots today:) And more tomorrow.....

The Chuparosa Challenge

Black Chinned Hummer

Oh my gosh, some months are what I'd like to call a "huevo buster"!  Blogging, final exams, summer plans all mixed together. I do enjoy writing and photography, but I love being in the field just as much as the other two.  As I'm finalizing this months work, I'm prepping up my material for June.   I'll be taking you to the Phoenix Comicon and the "Islands of Lake Michigan".  It's more of a historical trip back in time with family and friends.  But I'm also working on another series, inspired by Warren at Pittswood Birds.

Broad Billed Hummer

He suggested in a comment back in April that I find all 16 or 18 hummers around the Tucson area.  But I'm also going to extend it to Wisconsin as well since we'll be visiting there.  I've begun the search already and have spotted 4 of the required hummers.  I even purchased a guide to help me discover where I'd find them all.  It appears the Allen's Hummer may be my biggest challenge.  But maybe not.  My detective skills have gotten sharper.  Again thanks to Warren's encouragement, I was able to track Great Horned Owls and their nests this year.

As I find them, I will post the pictures.  The blog titles will be labeled, "The Chuparosa Challenge-"Insert Hummer Name".  I'm being a little creative here with their name.  I like the word hummingbird, but one of the Spanish names is "La Chuparosa" or "Rose sucker".  It sounds better in Spanish:)

Many of you are fascinated by hummingbirds and don't have them flying around your areas so I thought I'd share these tiny and delicate little birds with you.  Hummers are VERY territorial, smart, and aggressive birds.  I like to think of them as the Chihuahuas of birds:)  But prettier.....

So what have I seen this year?  So far, if you type in hummingbird into my blog search, you'll see captures of a Costa's and Anna's Hummingbird(which are year round at El Presidio).  They nest here and have families in and around our property.  Other hummers I've spotted?

Today, you see two more hummers that I'm adding to the list.  There is the Black-Chinned Hummer.  The blue one with the orange bill is called the Broad Billed Hummingbird.   Both are common around the Tucson area.  The Black-Chinned I have found all around town.  The Broad Billed is in the canyon and lake areas like Madera Canyon or Patagonia Lake.  

Hummingbirds can be difficult to identify.  While I was in Panama, I had a blast filming them in the rain forest.  The hard part, however, comes from distinguishing the blues and greens from each other.  The males and females are very different and many of them can appear similiar.  A birder told me that many times, it comes down to the throat coloring.  Tricky tricky.

The summer brings many of these beautiful birds up to visit.  In a previous post, I had stated that there were 18 hummers here in Southern Arizona, but another birder told me that only 16 were found here.  Briefly I'd like to mention this cool meeting while we were checking up on the resident owl family.  She was trying to find the owlets and I helped her out.  We got to talking some more and hummingbirds came up. She had found them all except for the reclusive Allens.

To conclude, I have yet to find the Plain-capped Starthroat, Green Violet-Ear, Lucifer, Violet-Crowned(this one comes to my garden in June and July), Berylline, Buff-bellied, White-eared, Blue-throated, Magnificent(this one should be easy), Ruby Throated, Calliope, Broad-tailed, Rufous, and Allen's hummingbird.  There have been reports of the Rufous in Florida canyon....a place I have yet to explore.

Stay tuned for more from this series......

Fire Spirits

 This is from my "fire" series. I had done this photo shoot during the Pima County Fair. 

Today I'm showing you the more interesting side to humanity. Fire and movement with the body. It's more abstract but I'm working on capturing the "spirit".

 Humans can at times inspire photography. Not often:) I still like my birds, unicorns, and hidden gems. But I am also fascinated by the art of movement. In fact, one of my favorite shows is anything that has to do with Cirque De Soleil.

 I think these images capture the desert well. When I look at these two shots above and below, I imagine the ancient Native Americans moving with fire to ceremonial dances. And during this night event, I am reminded of their presence. Until tomorrow....

The Solar Eclipse

 Using my baseball cap to block the sun from eyes, I used my camera screen to make these shots and focus from my tripod.  This special post tonight was taken at the Sweetwater Wetlands.  It was just me at the park.  Note in the pics, the very magical dragonfly.  I had been hoping that they would show up.  Beautiful evening.

Solar Eclipse 2012 in Tucson AZ

Bat Crazy!

I have so much to share with you all.  There is never a dull moment and it's difficult to figure out which post to present.  But I am going to share with you this one right away.  We had a blast tonight as the Rillito River Project put on it's 5th annual Bat Night project.  I'm standing with the Bat Lady and hundreds of other bat enthusiasts from Southern Arizona. We're here smackdab in Tucson near the Foothills.  You gotta love nature.

Underneath our bridges, the Mexican Free Tail bats hang out in the crevices.  You can hear them squeak as you walk under the bridge.

 Of course some people love bats for other reasons.  Here is Batman on the bridge waiting for the spectacle to begin.

I'm proud that I could figure out their flight patterns before the photo shoot began.  Part of it was  experience and the other part was on gut instinct.  The bats did not disappoint. 

At sunset, like clockwork, 45,000 bats shot out into the dark to eat all of our mosquitos. 

 I don't know which is better....the sunset or the bats! ?  Together they make quite the statement.

 These bats will be here until September.  Then they head back to Mexico and winter until April of the following year.  Every night at sundown, you can watch this spectacular show of bats flying in the thousands off into the sunset.

 People came in the droves as well.  They sit on blankets and in chairs as the bats exit from under the bridge.

Bridges, like this one, house thousands of bats all over Tucson.  Most of the time they go unnoticed by many hikers or bikers on the Rillito River Walk.  If you're in Tucson this summer and want a great sunset beyond our Gates Pass, stop and check out the bats at sunset by our bridges.  It's a fun experience that you won't forget.

And the Bat Lady bids farewell:) More tomorrow... 

Early Morning Revelations

On a hike in the remote Redington Pass, a couple friends, their kids and dog went on a trek to discover....whatever. Water was involved and it was a win win for everyone....including the dog:) 

So while walking along the canyon walls, we noticed yet one more Great Horned Owl flying around the canyon.  It stopped on this rock to look down upon us.

And then there were the isolated pools of water full of the endemic Gila Chubs only found in and around our Tucson area. 

We also set up an interview with Kermit the Frog's cousin, Rene La Rana.  His mother and father came from Mexico and became citizens here in this canyon.  He gave us permission to film his family of the fast Tree Canyon Frogs.

We hummed and sang as we walked along the rocky river bed....stopping here and there to throw a stick in the water for the dog to go after.  The kids would pick things up and say, "LOOK WHAT I FOUND!"  Adults snapped pictures of those things:)

But I should have seen the signs like the one below.  I believe these were filmed in Gladiator during the death scene, but we didn't care.....because life was good....a bit hot in the early morning.....but good.

A yellow warbler could be heard in this Eden.  And so we all chased after this yellow jewel in the lush Cottonwood Canopy.  But things would quickly change once we ventured near the tree.......

Quite by accident, one of the gang almost stepped on the rattlesnake.  It perfectly blended into the surroundings.  I nearly crapped myself and felt the heebie jeebies crawl up and down my spine....but I thought this guy was pretty cool.  So much for the yellow warbler......next time!

Everyone began to think about their mortality at this point and started to ask one another, "How many more of these have we passed by and not even known about?"  We all knew the answer and hastily hiked back to the car on top of the canyon.  The dog was attached to a leash and the kids had shock collars on to keep them from poking, prodding, or handling "the snake".  You see the boy wished to prod it because that's what little boys do.  But being that this snake is poisonous and the anti venom costs around 2 thousand dollars, everyone decided to step back and slowly walk away.

It was amazing how much life can be found in several of our remote areas.  During our hot summer months, remember that many many lizards...includings snakes.....will be out sunning or in the shade.  Keep your eyes out for them at all times.  They will leave you alone most of the time.  However, if frightened, they will coil and rattle....then strike.  So watch where you put your hands while climbing up onto rocks etc. Our desert is an amazing place.  Most Tucsonans don't realize what's around them, but we did......and it was awesome.  Redington Pass is a remote place at the end of Tanque Verde Road.  Off road vehicles, hunters, hikers(nude or clothed), and water lovers head to this secret little gem which is hidden from most Tucsonans.  It can be dangerous and never go during monsoon season because the creek can turn suddenly into a raging river.  Many go to see the waterfalls and swim in the river.

More tomorrow....