A Return Visit

Last year, we went to the Biosphere 2 after the UA had taken it over.  Over a year has passed and I headed back to see what has changed about the takeover. Biosphere 2 is considered one of Tucson's major attractions.  At 20 dollars a ticket, it can be a pricey entrance fee.   So I'll tell you what I know from past experiences and bring you all up to speed.

Last year I reported that the facility was in need of repair.  The good news is that the place has cleaned up quite a bit.  Of course their work is still ongoing but you can see the improvements.  Inside the biosphere, one can see the saltwater damage that has occurred over the years along the side of the "ocean".  So that's a negative but a positive to balance it all out?  The facility feels alive again with research activity and projects set up around the property.   In fact, a major project on rainwater is in the works and it will be exciting to see what happens.  As for the tour.....

I was a bit....what's the word I'm looking for?  Disappointed is too strong.  Let down?  At one point, years ago, the tour went from the ocean room into the most exciting....the rain forest.  Instead, they hit you with the rain forest room first and it was honestly a big let down.  We walked into the room and spent around 10 or 15 minutes there and left.  What's even worse?  The entrance was a closed off patio area and you looked over the entire room instead of being inside of it like before.  We once could stand in the mist and be surrounded by all the plants.  Those days are over.  But here is something fascinating.  There was a tree frog that was placed into the Biosphere from the early 90's.  Even though the place has gone through several changes over the past 2 decades, this tree frog still has found a way to survive. One had been recently spotted while they were cleaning the algae off of the windows.

Most of the animals after the '93 experiment were relocated to zoos, but some found ways to breed in secret places and today this tree frog continues to be spotted by facility operators.

Essentially you move from the rain forest, to the ocean area where you get to spot the really cool Mangrove forest, and then move into the coastal desert room.   

The route has been altered.  Before, you started with the ocean and then moved into the rain forest room at the end of the tour.  The mist had felt good:)  It was hard to imagine that it was 111 degrees outside on this very hot day in the Sonoran desert.

There was an insect experiment above and yet another experiment on water usage from ancient cultures below by a Saudi Arabian study team.  They are facing an extreme water shortage in their own country.  The population continues to rise.  The water table continues to lower. They will not be able to sustain their people.  And in the upcoming decade, Saudi Arabia will face this huge crisis.  They also import most of their food from around the world.  I guess "gas" will get you only so far.  Research is now being done to correct the mistakes of the past and they are studying the ancient ways of utilizing water again in the desert. Another write related to this topic will be coming up. I started asking more questions to myself about these deserts and found out some fascinating information.  This was the most fascinating project for me.  I didn't know all this was going on....so I learned something new:)

So my final words for today?  I'm really happy that this place is up and running again.  I'm also happy that they are using it for research.  As for the tour?  Well, I'll let you read the reviews on TripAdvisor.  It seems like most people enjoyed the tour.  Some specifically mentioned that the tour is all about the guide.  I should mention that the campus is quite excellent for wildlife watching.  So keep your eyes open.  More tomorrow....

Riding Out The Storm

I really enjoy the hikes during some of our softer monsoon rains.  These pics today aren't spectacular but they are interesting.  The cooler temps allow the birds and animals to come out and play.  Well if play meant eating:)  Some of the things that I love to see on my walks are how the hummingbirds, in their natural state, fly and hover over water to capture bugs.  An update from yesterday.  A beautiful morning in Montosa Canyon with some fantastic wildlife shots.  No luck on finding the hummer but that's okay.  I had a scary run in with drug runners and that was unexpected but I'll write more about that later.  Everything is okay once I was with my birder friends who weren't far off.  These pics today are from Sweetwater after one of our gentle monsoon rains.

A hummingbird hawking

This act is called “gleaning,” “gnatting” and “hawking.” Hawking looks like aerial acrobatics made of erratic twists, stops and whirls as they chase invisible bugs.  The thing I like about Tucson is that you can see hummingbirds doing things naturally without feeders.  These were tricky shots to get but I had so much fun watching them.  This was the closest that I've been able to get to them while they are in this mode.  It's hover...zoom....hover.....zoom 4 miles.....hover....zoom back....zoom up....zoom down:) By the time, I get the manual on focus, it's too late:)

The views are wonderful.  The cloudy weather a relief from the blasting sunlight.  And it's a great reason to get out and breath some of that rain cooled air:)

"Ah-AWWwwww!".  Where oh where are you now Mr. Gambel?  You never know where they are standing watch.   In the trees, on a fence, or in this case, on top of a huge dirt hill looking down at me:)

Or the American Coot.  She didn't mind me getting too close while on her nest.  But the male did:)

And finally!!!  The Night Heron shot was nice because these guys tend to hide.  But since no one was on the trail, I was able to get an okay shot of this beautiful bird.

It was great getting out in Tucson for some hiking.  No canyons today.  No mountain tops yet(those are coming up:).  Just a nice walk nearby our home:)  More tomorrow....

Barn Swallows

Barn Swallow

Some fun shots of Barn Swallows.  I finally found an area where they live and breed. And here they posed for me on the Biosphere 2 grounds!  Check out the little dorms along the way and you'll see them all over the place.

On a personal note, I am working on two stories....lightening strikes around Tucson and the Plain Capped Starthroat Hummingbird.  By the time most of you are reading this in the US, I'll be up and in a canyon waiting....and waiting:)  It's a tricky shoot so we'll try this again.  I've already done it once and I keep reading the birder notes for the trek.   I am hoping to complete these two stories for an August release, but I am dealing with massive heat issues and the ever present and dangerous flooding issues around the canyons areas.  A couple days ago, I sat filming a lightening storm off in the distance.....and I got nothing!  Frustrating:)  But when it happens, if it happens, I'll hopefully be able to present something interesting for people to enjoy:) I do have a job but I'm on vacation now so I'm trying to fit as much in as I can.  More tomorrow...

The Chuparosa Challenge-Exotic Numbers

 Off the infamous Pipeline Road in Gamboa, Panama, we went to the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center.  It was a hike into some of the most beautiful rain forest of Panama.  It was also last year that I would be converted into a birder.  The nice thing about a blog is that you can review your notes and journals from the past.  And I have to admit that since our trip there, a lot has changed for me.  I feel smarter about wildlife and especially about birds.  As I was working on the Chuparosa challenge, I came upon a website that reminded me about another aspect of hummingbirds.  We have 17 species in North America.  But did you know that we really have over 356 species in the Americas!!!?? 51 of which are endangered.  And most of them are found in Central and South America.

Long Billed Hermit

 Then I remembered that I had all of these photos from Panama.  I didn't know much about hummingbirds at the time.  And my older camera was difficult to use.  I started discovering limitations on photography.  A couple months later, I'd have a professional camera to capture my shots.  But looking back at these pictures, I'd had to say that they aren't bad at all.  However, I took more shots with that older camera than I would have with my current one just to get that "one shot".

 There are some amazing hummingbirds that truly stand out from the rest in this incredibly beautiful bird family.  So I thought I'd challenge myself and identify the ones I caught on camera.

Violet Bellied Hummingbird

 Some hummingbirds have massive bills like the Sword Billed Hummingbird.  I am not joking when I say their bills are almost longer than the length of their body.  And some have tails that are very elegant and loooong.  I've seen this particular one flying around....it looked like something out of a disney movie. It's called the Booted Racket Tail.  Most of these exotic species are found in Ecuador.  I have yet to go there so when I do, you all know what I'll be doing:)  We were in the Amazon of Peru where I had the chance to observe lots of monkeys and birds....and my infamous Jaguar sighting:)

 Some hummingbirds have a mohawk like the Frilled Coquette. About 10 seconds into the video, you'll have a better look.

Blue Chested Hummingbird

 The fact is that there are so many kinds of hummingbirds that it is probably one of the most challenging jobs out there for a person to have.  I've spoken about the id'ing of females in this group as well as distinguishing the minor differences between species......like the Ruby Throated and Broad Billed Hummingbirds.  It can all be very tricky. And I'm sure there are still species out there that haven't been identified yet in the last remaining untouched areas of the Amazona.

White Necked Jacobin
There are a lot of hummers I haven't mentioned.  But WOW!!!  Next time on my journeys, I'll be better prepared:) For more fun on tropical birds, check out my video below from Panama last year.   More tomorrow....

High Humidity

Blue Mud Dauber.  Look carefully and you'll see that this wasp has captured dinner:)  It ran quickly into its nest under the trunk of a tree.  Very cool find!

Antsy.  Sick of getting stuck inside my home.  I escaped to Miller Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains where it rained.  Bear had been busy knocking down hummingbird feeders.  I searched for bear and hummingbirds and didn't find any of them.  Well hummingbirds I did:)  But I did discover so much more.....

A Queen Butterfly on a dead branch

Miller Canyon was severely burned by last years fires and isn't as green as the other canyons of the Huachuca Mountains, BUT there is plenty of growth coming back.  Many of the Mesquite trees that were burned have new growth near their trunks.   But again, I was thrilled to find a lot of insect life. These little critters grabbed my attention on our walk.

In the gray and very humid atmosphere, we could see shots of color.   Remember that plants with long tubular flowers are attractive to hummingbirds....especially ones with orange and red color.:) Perhaps this is why Miller Canyon is renown for all the hummingbird sightings. 

The Firecracker Bush

To get here, we went up a well graded dirt road and stopped along the way looking for hiding birds or coati:)  Eventually the road ends at Beatty's Guest Ranch. We parked there at the trailhead.  But a great place to spot one of a kind hummers is at this ranch.  They don't mind if you want to look for hummingbirds BUT you need to call ahead and DO NOT trespass without their permission.  Go to their website first and read:)  We didn't go here on this day because there was a lot to see around the canyon area.  We parked near their property and took the trail to hike up the mountain.  

Black Chinned Hummingbird

There was a lot that was burned but look at the base of the trees to find the bright new green growth.

During rain storm events, I find it better to hike and relax than trying to endure 100+ temps.  Ridiculous!   I am hoping we continue with the rain because it always means I get to go out and explore.

Yarrow's Spiny Lizard

But of course the humidity and heat, bring out all the colorful bugs and lizards in Southern Arizona. 

Willow Flycatcher

We also stopped back by Ramsey Canyon on the way home to do some more hummingbird/bear search but no luck.  It was a gorgeous evening here.

And of course the views aren't bad either:)

As the sun set, we walked the trails alone surrounded by butterflies, deer and lots of birds.

Best time to go hiking is after a gentle rain event.  Always keep an eye open at the washes.  NEVER cross them during a rainstorm.  If there is a lot of lightening, do not hike.  But when things have calmed down, it's really a great time to get out and enjoy the rain cooled air. And the answer to my favorite bird home.  Option 13.  The Muy Mexicano or blue and white tile home.  Thanks everyone for chirping in your comments.  That was fun:) More tomorrow....

Tucson Housing Market

Here's something different and a first for this blog.  I thought this would be a fun little game to play:) You have to use your imagination.  Pics are supplied and just your opinion is needed:) A wizard captured you and turned you into a bird. You are forced to choose a home. Which one would it be? Remember that the option description goes with the pic above it.

Option 1.  It's sci fi and something I'd imagine in Sweden, Finland, or Holland.  I don't know why I think this but I just do:)

Option 2.  A homemade gourd.  Very hobbit like.

Option 3.  You moved to England:)  Maybe Harry Potter lives here.

Option 4.  This house doesn't hang and is wheelchair accessible:)

Option 5.  It screams, "Heeeeey!!"

Option 6.  The Starbucks of birdhomes.

Option 7.  You're an animal!!!  Well no you're not......because you're a BIRD!!! Get used to it:)

Option 8.  I think they smoke something here.

Option 9.  "OMG!  Becky, would you look at that bird's butt!  It's like....so big!"

Option 10.  I sense there is beer drinking, some smoking with a table of friends...and a card game going on:)

Option 11.  African love!

Option 12.  Hoarders anonymous.

Option 13.  Muy mexicano.

Option 14.   Say your prayers every night.

Option 15.  Very Tucsonan.

Option 16.  A gardener lives here.  Maybe a Gardener on Sherlock Street or A Garden Wench:)

Just one of many birdhouses at the Tucson Botanical Gardens

So what's your verdict?  I'll share mine at the end of the day.  Do you love bird houses? If you're in Tucson, check out the Tucson Botanical Gardens birdhouse display!  Very cool homes all over the place AND there's many more I haven't shown you.  But until that time, what's your pick?:) Oh and since you were forced to be a bird, what bird would you be?:)