What's in a number?

My last 10 new birds for the state of Arizona

Overall, it has been a slow year for me in Arizona for bird rarities.  And the rarities that I've seen so far this year have been eastern birds which means many of them are not lifers. Still, it's fun to challenge oneself and search for new state birds. These last ten "new" bird species moved me into the 460 bird species category of Arizona birding.  It took about a year to get here starting back in October of 2018. 

In years past, it wasn't unusual to add 15 or 20 birds a year.  I was doubtful that I would hit this milestone marker so soon but here they are, numbers 450 to 460.  This is the true challenge of state birding. 

The Ringed Kingfisher is an elusive first record and required a lot of skill and luck to find. 

We start out with a first time record of the Ringed Kingfisher in Arizona. Speculation had been swirling in a remote southern part of the state near the mining town of Safford that a large kingfisher had been seen visiting watering holes around a neighborhood.  A naturalist saw this bird but didn't report it right away until he mentioned it to another birder.  She snapped photos and shared it to social media.  What followed afterwards was mayhem. First time record birds are serious business.  All birders from ancient times and present came together to look for this elusive bird in a rather red neckish area of the state. It eluded many birders.  Apparently, some were threatened by the savage locals. We never saw any of that stuff. In fact, the Saffordlings were very kind to us. Maybe it was because we didn't trespass onto private property. Today this bird may still be around but no one is saying a peep.  The chase was exciting for me because I got to play detective with a friend.  And it worked. 

I speak with Scott as we search for the Iceland Gull

At 451, friend Melanie Herring spotted a rare gull for Arizona birders.  A few records for the Iceland Gull have been recorded for this state.  But not many.  So it was a lovely chase to a desert lake surrounded by an RV campground. This was another fun state chase near the Phoenix area. 

We search for rarities in Ajo, which also includes the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl

Then it was time for 452.  Birders attended an AZFO conference back in 2018.  An excellent lecture was given on Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl in Ajo.  These saguaro cactus loving owls are considered endangered here in Arizona and found in specific habitat.  We've speculated often about where we'd find these owls besides Organ Pipe National Monument.  I just didn't want to chase and disturb this owl.  There are literally hundreds of miles of excellent habitat for this bird but their locations are very remote and difficult to access without the right vehicle. But we did our hike.  I heard and saw the bird and left.  This sensitive species is hidden from ebird and only those with excellent knowledge of their habitat will be able to find them. This is one I didn't want to chase and will not chase again.  Their populations seem to be doing fine but a civil war broke out among birders about advertising the various owl's locations. These particular owls are not fond of human settlements and like to live away from the urban areas. 

In a remote area near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, we search for the Rosy-Finches

The next two state birds were observed on the same day.  It was a perfect day out and one of the most fun treks to the North Rim.  This would be the day we'd get to observe Black Rosy-Finches up close along with a Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch!  Not only are these beautiful birds, but they are often difficult to observe up close. Every year a birder sees one or two Black Rosy-Finches, but they don't stick around long enough for other birders to observe.  A Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch was the icing on a cake with only a handful of records!  

Weather makes birding a lot of fun

By the end of the year, a Black-legged Kittiwake flew into the Phoenix area.  I didn't have great photos of this species from other places so I went to search for this bird.  So did many other birders.  It stuck around for a few days and made for a nice experience. 

People search high and low for the White-throated Thrush, yet another first AZ record

The White-throated Thrush was probably the MOST exciting bird for the 2019 birding season. I actually took a day off to see this first time Arizona record. 

We discover a rare Red-eyed Vireo on a beautiful spring day

Then it would get slow.  Between January and May, there were no new birds for my Arizona list.  Again on theory, I went with my friend Celeste to Boyce Thompson Arboretum to check out the spring migration for warblers, etc. We lucked out and had a great observation of a Red-eyed Vireo.  I've seen this bird often in other places but never in Arizona.  There are several records of this bird every year passing through the state.  It's just about being in the right place at the right time. And we were. 

During hawk migration, we keep an eye on the skies. 

At 458, I had had it with this stupid nemesis bird, the Short-tailed Hawk.  I have hiked and driven to all the spots where these birds had been reported.  Each year a few nest on our mountain tops in Southern Arizona. However, they take some skill in finding.  Most people accidentally find them.  Luckily for us, we got to see one on top of Mt. Lemmon. And now my last AZ breeding nemesis bird and lifer is the Dusky Grouse. 

Searching for my nemesis, the Dusky Grouse in the White Mountains, we discover by accident an Eastern Kingbird

The last two birds were not very exciting for me at all. Bird number 459 was the Eastern Kingbird and 460 was the Yellow-throated Vireo. We spotted a migrating Eastern Kingbird flying across the highway near Eager.  It wasn't chaseable as they never are due to their migration pattern.  It's a bird that does not stick around the area. However, the Yellow-throated Vireo near Sedona has stuck around for several years now.  It's a rare bird for the state, but I never went to chase it because I wasn't into searching for that bird. However during a trek up to Flagstaff, we stopped to look for the bird.  It was found in the beautiful Oak Creek Canyon.  

Yellow-throated Vireo territory is quite beautiful in Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, AZ

If anything state birding can be a lot of fun.  Birds can take you to some very random locations.  Driving is a must and it requires patience and gas money. I will admit that with a job and friends, the state birding takes a third place unless the bird is a lifer. The Yellow-throated Vireo is a good example of this all.  It took me two or three years to look for it.  It's a pretty rare bird for the state but I've seen them often enough.  The Red-eyed Vireo or Eastern Kingbird are other species that I normally wouldn't chase. 

Looking for longspurs

Now if we're talking warblers or ocean birds, then I get excited.  I still wait for a surprise Magnificent Frigatebird to descend from the heavens during a hurricane event.

Perfect conditions for a rare Magnificent Frigatebird during monsoon season, when hurricanes move north into our area

Stay tuned for more!

The Rains of Migration

A gorgeous view to the entrance of the Chiricahuan Mountains

Birders often gamble while traveling to new places when searching for new species. Sometimes the weather cooperates.  And sometimes it doesn't.

Jeff tries to get that perfect shot of a Blue-throated Mountain-gem

This past weekend I had the fortune of showing Floridian birding friend Jeff the wonders of the magical Chiricahua mountains. He was in search of several really cool Arizona rarities AND a couple resident birds. 

Wilson's Warbler

(Un)fortunately on our planned outing, it rained all day long with the temps in the lower 50's.  These were the coolest temps we've had in a long time!  I was not appropriately dressed and froze my butt off!  BUT, I love the cold.  It makes me happy.  And so did the rain.  However, Jeff wasn't having it. This was his ONE shot for several lifers. 

Jeff searches high and low for the White-eared Hummingbird, a species that like to hang out near riparian streams and oak trees

I know how he felt, but truly it was a magical day out even with the rain. I told him not to lose faith.  We'd find birds even in the rain.  They might not be in best photography light, but they'll be around the mountain. Jeff drove with the windows down so I could hear the bird conversations happening around our vehicle. 

A rare Berryline Hummingbird comes to the feeders

Our first stop was for the Berryline Hummingbird at the Southwestern Research Station. It didn't show first thing in the morning.  And it began to rain.  So I suggested we hunt for the Mexican Chickadees first.  Later on in the morning, we returned to a hungry Berryline Hummer feeding at one of the stations. Hummingbirds get super active during rain events so I knew the bird would be around the feeders. 

The Berryline Hummingbird is a rarity for Arizona but does often show up several times a year during the summer.  However, they don't always stick around like this female did. While at the Southwestern Research Station, I noticed this vehicle and laughed. It made me think about all the birders who don't have an SUV or bigger car to drive on our rugged Arizona roads.  There are some birders who really chance it out there and gamble their lives with their older vehicles. I'll sometimes arrive at a location and wonder how in the world they safely made it with the car they were driving.  I was once that birder not so long ago:)

While on the road, we had amazing views of a Band-tailed Pigeon. These pigeons are secretive and often skittish in Arizona.  This bird analyzed its situation before quickly flying off. 

My favorite sighting of the day was this Band-tailed Pigeon

High on the Chiricahuan mountains, we drove through the clouds.  These massive gray blobs of moisture began to descend all around us.  The conditions began to turn for the worse. 

At one point, I felt like I was in Oregon or Washington state.  Everything was so green and lush. And while we were driving up to Rustler Park, I began hearing Mexican Chickadees.  And lots of them!

Mexican Chickadee

My only photo is the one I took(above) years ago in the same general vicinity.  These chickadees are super difficult to snap photos of!  We tried several times attempting to capture that one awesome shot.  Jeff saw plenty of these chickadees but they didn't want to pose for a pic.  I couldn't believe the numbers this year.  This species has done very well!

Blue-throated Mountain-gem

And of course, another resident, the Blue-throated Mountain-gem was in great numbers.  Jeff was excited to see this gorgeous hummer as well. 

The mountains were full of our regular resident birds as well.  At one point as one of the clouds descended upon our position, it pushed down a huge number of migrating birds into the trees.  We were literally surrounded by dozens of Western Tanagers!

A Purple Gallinule is an expected rarity for Tucson in the newly flowing Santa Cruz River.  Clearly this restoration project is doing its job. 

What had seemed as a lackluster monsoon season in southeastern Arizona this year has turned into an exciting bang to the end of the season.  We have been getting storm after storm now when it should all be winding down.  With these storms, comes lots of vagrants!

It was a special treat to be able to bird with Jeff during that magical rain event.  Setting aside the photography, as I do often now, the act of birding is a thrill. Much of my photography is just for documentation and this blog now. In the true sense of birding, you just have to experience a new bird with your eyes and ears. And we did. I think for every 10 new birds I discover; I may get 7 lifer shots of which 5 are only great.  We spoke about that in the car. On that day, Jeff added 4 lifers to that lifelist and we dipped on one of our targets, the White-eared Hummingbird.  But I wasn't hopeful for that one as they had just left the nesting site. When it began to rain in that particular spot, we didn't see any birds at all except a Hammond's Flycatcher. And that's all part of the game. 

And speaking of games and difficult birds!  Next week we celebrate fall up in Flagstaff as we search for my nemesis, the Dusky Grouse!  Until next time....

A Weekend With Cheroot

Greetings everyone!  Before we begin this week's adventures, I wanted to let everyone know about a new feature to the Las Aventuras Blog.  We have a Las Aventuras store! We've had a lot of requests from over the years, and it has taken us awhile to figure this all out. On the left bar, you'll find a link that will take you to our products that range from fun pillows, cards, clocks, key chains, mugs, and acrylic prints. This has been a work of love from over the years and we are finally ready to share our work with you all. I have sold my work to magazines, individuals, books and businesses. Currently I am working with an owner of a birder bed and breakfast here in Southeastern Arizona where we will supply those final touches to the walls, beds and towels. I have been thrilled to see what people have done with my work and I figured we'd do the same with our own home.  We will be releasing new work every day from owls to hummingbirds and more! If you don't find something in the store and have seen it in the blog, let me know by sending me an email.  Now for this week's adventure! 

White-faced Ibis at Willcox

On my days leading up to our annual White Mountain trek, I did some quiet birding alone.  My work and this heat has drained me.  Every year I forget how much it all takes a toll on me.  I often think there is no end in sight.  Then a trek up to the White Mountains reminds me that the cooler weather will arrive soon. 

Mountain Chickadee

This year I had the pleasure of meeting a new friend by the name of Cheroot. My friend Celeste adopted this older furry little guy and brought him with us on our trek to Springerville.   

Clark's Nutcracker

I didn't know how that would go, but it was actually a lot of fun.  Whenever I introduce myself to new dogs, I let them smell my hand first so that they can get to know me.  This was especially important for Cheroot since he is nearly blind. 

On our lengthy trek up to the mountains, Cheroot trembled.  He was anxious about the travel and perhaps anxious about the idea of being abandoned. We believe Cheroot had a difficult life before Celeste and Cheroot found each other.  As an animal person, I tried my best to have him relax in my lap.  Yes, this little stinker made it to the front seat with me where he fell asleep on my lap.  Celeste and I both would take turns in the passenger seat.  It was easy to fall in love with this dog.  He definitely loves his new friend.  

There were moments I saw that little puppy emerge.  There were times I could feel his doubts from his past owner's neglect. There were moments when he played with us just to see what our reactions were going to be. And then there were moments when I observed the older pooch emerge. But it's quite clear that unconditional love makes Cheroot keep going. People who live with animals understand this emotion quite well. Unconditional love and trust. 

The views and the weather were wonderful.  Cheroot did our several mile hikes every day like a trooper. We'd have the morning to play and then the rain would arrive like clockwork at noon. 

There were times when Cheroot would become passionate about protecting his friends from other dogs.  

Celeste would do her best to curb his passionate growls and barks at the other dogs, especially the ones that weren't on a leash!

Once everything was in the clear, we'd continue walking the trails and looking for birds and anything else that would come our way.  

While we were there, we heard wolves in the distance and viewed lots of amazing birds. 

Western Tanager

Migration was upon us and so that meant we needed to keep our eyes open for rare eastern vagrants, which we did.  And we added a nice Eastern Kingbird to the state list. These birds are usually one day wonders and we just happened to be in the right place at the right time. 

Summer Tanager

The walks were amazing.  Cheroot took a moment to sip from the fresh mountain water. 

We kept our eyes open on our way down through the Salt River Canyon for Golden Eagles. 

Golden Eagles love to fly high around cliffs

On the Butler Trail, Celeste spies her first American Three-toed Woodpecker. 

female Three-toed Woodpecker

This bird can be tricky for birders in the state of Arizona. It's just a tricky woodpecker in general as they are dark and like to feed from the higher portions of the tree tops behind lots of tree branches. 

Yours truly is trying to shed some pounds after my treks to Maine and Wisconsin this summer.  The heat in Tucson has curbed my walking so I try to find ways to get my steps in.  For example, I walk more at work inside the buildings instead of outside. I'm also watching my exposure to the sun more now.  I don't want skin cancer!

Red-tailed Hawk

We trekked around Springerville, Greer and Pinetop finding all the specialties that occur in those areas EXCEPT my nemesis, the Dusky Grouse. 

Cliff Chipmunk 

A Common Raven snatches something weird from the ground at Sheep's Crossing.  Maybe it's better we don't think too much about what it is that the raven has in its bill. 

Common Raven

We weren't the only ones who had hiking in mind.  People from all over the west were in the White Mountains enjoying these wonderful temps. 

Cheroot loved it.  He was always with us.  It was interesting to note what pet owners have to endure as they travel with their pets.  For example, eating out was tricky.  We had to find a hotel that was pet friendly.  There were extra charges for having a pet, but it was possible.  During this trek Cheroot broke two rules!  He slept on the bed with his buddy!  Plus, he used his puppy powers to jump up on the bed!  

Black-throated Gray Warbler

And of course, he made it clear that he wasn't having the back seat anymore.  It'll be the front seat if he has his way from this point on:)

Cooper's Hawk

It was a fun weekend out and it flew by much too quickly. Until next time....

Happy Cheroot

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival 2019

Pronghorn

This year I once again had the pleasure of guiding for Tucson Audubon during their Southeast Arizona Birding Festival.  The grassland trek out to the Empire Ranch was a success.  

Every year, I do my usual run through the grasslands and teach people about sparrows.  Sparrows are the birds I know best and it's a great time of year for birders to see many different species in the grasslands. 

We spot a very accommodating raccoon at Sweetwater Wetlands during my Wednesday morning walks

The weeks leading up to the festival were spent with Ms. Hollie, my partner in crime.  She is amazing and helps out with all the driving and prep work that goes into our outings. We offer our usual grassland outing on Saturday and then on Sunday, we do something different.  Last year, we trekked Huachuca Canyon.  This year, we took people to one of my favorite birding hotspots, the San Pedro House in Sierra Vista.  I also did some guiding on Wednesday mornings with Tucson Audubon to get myself mentally prepared for the larger group walks. 

White-nosed Coati get into hummingbird feeders like Winnie the Pooh gets into honey:)

I've gotten better about not getting stressed out with larger groups of people on these walks.  I've learned to let everyone enjoy nature and if they have questions about what they are observing, I'm there to help point out what it is that they are viewing. 

Black Vulture perched during the brutal humid and hot temps of the early Arizona afternoon

The Cienegas Grasslands were a thrill this year.  We had wicked monsoon weather developing all around us.  Lightning was on the outskirts of our adventure flashing and booming in the distance. I was a tad worried about "whether" or not we'd be rained out on our morning outing.  Thankfully, everything worked out fine.  Just as we left, the rain came down in buckets.

This was a fun crew full of younger birders.  It was really fun to have that energy mixed into our birding.

Sparrows were incredible.  This year, birders had great views of  Grasshopper, Cassin's, Botteri's, Lark, Rufous-winged and Black-throated Sparrows. I'm sure I'm missing a few others but it didn't just stop there!

Grasshopper Sparrow

We were able to find other incredible birds like a nesting Yellow-billed Cuckoo!

While I've seen these birds many many times, I always have to remember that there are many others who have not and it's my job to try and get them onto the birds. This brings me happiness and gives me a challenge. 

Yellow-billed Cuckoo carrying food

Our Sunday crew was a unique blend of birders.  We had new birders and photographers.  We also had several people who stayed back to watch feeders.  It was quite the diverse group of people and was actually a lot more challenging keeping everyone together. But I think they had a fun time. 

Our crew at the San Pedro House

As I type this post, I am scratching and itching from all the chigger bites.  This time of year is terrible for these bugs.  It's a catch 22 really.  If I wear long pants, I am miserable from the heat.  If I wear shorts, I get bit up by lots of bugs. It's a no win scenario.  Normally I would never go to these places in the summer.  But there are good birds hiding in these spaces for people who have never these feathered gems. 

Yellow-breasted Chat

I have been in love with Arizona's grasslands for many years.  It's where I find my greatest peace. It's also the group of birds I know best.  Our festival was a success and Tucson Audubon raised a lot of money to help protect Southeastern Arizona's bird habitat for future generations.  

And I'm sorry, but not sorry, for all the Pronghorn shots today.  This mammal has got to be one of my favorites.  There are several herds that are often seen along the road while we are counting birds.  Next week we meet a new friend by the name of Cheroot.  Until next time friends......