Thank You For The Memories

I have been writing on the road from various locations around the US.  Currently I'm in Maine getting eaten alive by the black flies.  

A sacred moment.  We watch the Eastern Screech-Owl appear from the box.  Gordon finds his lifer. 

Several months ago, I had planned a trek with Gordon Karre and Austin birding guru and mutual friend Laurie Foss to find some Austin endemics. 

Black-crested Titmouse

Any chance to take the U.S.S. Betty White on the road trek with friends to find birds is a no brainer. 

We began planning this trek at the end of December with much of it getting worked out over the course of several months.  I remember one day speaking to Gordon about Texas and then on the same day, organizing my trek out to Machias Seal Island with Kathie in Maine.  It was a bit funny trying to keep it all straight. 

We had several birds on our list of "must sees" and thankfully in this post and in the next, I'll be able to show you all of our target birds:) The first one is above and it was probably the easiest of the birds to find. Back in 2002, the Black-crested Titmouse was split from the Tufted Titmouse and recognized as its own species.  The two species can hybridize so it was imperative that we found this species outside of the Austin area where they do hybridize. 

Texas Paintbrush

Our birding was made so much better by having friend Laurie with us.  We stayed with Laurie and Bucky and it was so much fun.  Our first night in Austin was rain and thunderstorms!  

Each day we planned a target bird.  In the Austin area, there are two really important endemics, the Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo.  Both species are vulnerable as they breed in very specific habitats in and around the Austin area. 

Because of successful conservation efforts, the Black-capped Vireo was moved from the Endangered status to Vulnerable. On a beautiful rainy day, we walked into this lovely gazebo. 

I looked into the verdant landscape. 

And then I turned around to find this sign and as promised by the birding gods, the Black-capped Vireos made themselves known. 

Perhaps Laurie had done a rain dance.  Either way, it was exciting to see this beautifully distinct vireo perch out in the open.  We were patient and were super happy when this bird popped onto a branch. 

It was also nice to learn about Texas birding.  There were plenty of birds and Laurie shared lots of information about habitat and migrating birds. 

She took us to some great places including a gas station known as Bucky's. Bucky is a beaver. But not to be confused with Bucky the dog named after the beaver.  Got it?:)

Grasshopper Sparrow

We continued birding in great weather all week long. While I'm not a big fan of Texan knick knacks or BBQ, I did enjoy the birds and incredible wildflower show.

the USS Betty White in all her glory. She's a beauty

Oh!  And "people watching" was fun!

Evenings were lovely.  Gordon and I went outside at night searching for Eastern Screech-Owls and Chuck-will's-widows. We saw and heard both. 

Laurie taught us about Cave Swallows.  My biggest question to Laurie was about how Cave Swallows could breed outside of caves.  Then I saw their habitat requirements and it made sense.  They like underpasses with streams where the vegetation locks both openings up creating a "cave like" environment.  Cool!

Cave Swallow

I looked forward to Gordon observing his first Upland Sandpipers. He had tried several times finding these birds in other places. And it would be in Central Texas that he'd mark down his first UPSA tick. 

They really are amazing birds. 

In the same field, Pectoral Sandpipers hung out.

On our last day, we went for the Golden-cheeked Warblers.  These birds were difficult!  Most people told us, "Oh, you'll have no problem finding those birds!  Easy!"  Um.....

We even followed rocks with their pictures on them.  They were tricky to observe out in the open as they liked to perch out in the open on the very top of the trees out of view behind a million branches. This bird requires very strict vegetation types to breed.  Across the city of Austin, tracts of Ashe Juniper forest have been preserved or are being restored for this very sensitive warbler species. They strip bark from this tree to create their nests. 

And what's a visit without seeing the Texan favorite, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher?

It would be on this trek that I would develop a bunion.  Or maybe a fractured big toe?  Either way, it's feeling much better.  But OMG!  The pain!  It happened on that rocky trail for the Golden-cheeked Warbler.  I slipped on a rock in tight shoes and remember thinking, Ouch.  That didn't feel good. Several days later, I could barely walk. 

My favorite thing about the Austin area was Laurie's place. She lives in beautiful country surrounded by magnificent wildlife.  She also has the most wonderful pooch. 

I enjoyed the Central Texan endemics, but it was driving my Betty and hanging out with Laurie and Gordon that I liked best. So thank you Laurie for taking us around and showing us your piece of paradise. 

On a sad note this week, we say good-bye to our dear friend Kathy Cooper.  Over the years, I have been lucky to call Kathy and her daughter Mary Ann friends.  Thankfully, I was able to say good-bye to Kathy before leaving for my summer treks. It's one of the saddest things I've had to do this year.  This year we all celebrated New Years together and she was looking great. 

We have coffee during one of our many treks to Rancho Aribabi

I never took any of it for granted, but sometimes I wish I never had to say good-bye.  We are going to miss her.  She has made the world a better place.  And she has made me a better person by her friendship.  I will always be grateful to Kathy for her teachings. 

Kathy at our New Year's party this year

You are loved and you will not be forgotten. 

Meanwhile

Our Great Horned Owlets before leaving the next this year

We arrived back to Arizona and there was very little rest for me.  I had several projects and some guiding to do! Not only that, we had a fund raising event.  So I had to carefully weave my work schedule and birding forays together into one masterpiece of a lesson plan.

On the work front, I was busy watching over our Great Horned Owls.  They, once again, successfully hatched in our new nest box.  There are 3 beautiful new owlets in the world now.  It takes quite a bit of community outreach to educate the general public and school population about these birds.  Hopefully through my talks and data, more people are aware about how owls fledge. And hopefully the Freshmen learn that they do not eat hot and spicy Cheetos. Ugh! It's the same conversation EVERY year.  Everyone thinks they're injured when they find them on the ground.  In most cases, this is not true.  Great Horned Owls need to develop leg strength first and THEN their wings develop. They flop out of their nest and stay close to a bush or tree for cover. The parents are usually close by watching and protecting them. It's funny watching them begin their first flight:)  Here's a recent video of the birds after they fledged. 

On the guiding front, I met a new friend and birder from Florida by the name of Homer.  It was his first time to Arizona which means he got to do the Southeastern Arizona sampler with some of the fun extras that are rare to the US. 

We had a blast looking for all kinds of great birds around Southeastern Arizona. This guy was serious and he was "no holds barred"! He's a great birder and was ready for the challenge. Every morning he was ready to go!  It's the adrenaline of being in a new space.  I smile because his energy was contagious and it was fun finding life birds. 

Bendire's Thrasher

There's nothing quite like birding in Arizona.  I love this state and I love my birds. I just bird local areas now unless something good comes into the state, but even then, I think I'm slowing down on the chases. Like most of you reading this blog, we watch birds from our local patches.  I have become more interested in behaviors. But when a friend comes to visit for a good chase, I'm ready for the challenge. Homer is a fantastic photographer and I hope he comes back again to visit. 

Gambel's Quail

We spent some time in Box Canyon searching for some incredible birds.  But I also couldn't get over these amazing views!

The beautiful Box Canyon

Meanwhile the dramas of public education played out during my daytime job.  We are losing teachers and no one cares.  Promises are broken and the majority of parents have come to see education as a glamorized babysitting clinic.  It's a bit scary.  I do my part and try and build community in my classroom.  On this day, we celebrate our year's accomplishments. 

Cascarones Day, a celebration before finals

We took a bus of students over to the Biosphere where I took my readings of nesting Barn Swallows on the grounds.  Everything looks fine in that area. Thanks to Lori for organizing the event! 

During this time, me and Mr. Gordon took a side trip over to Texas and New Mexico.  Those posts are coming. 

Bell's Vireo

My friend Celeste came to visit and she had never been to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. And I was itching for a road trip with Betty.  

It was a gorgeous day FULL of birds.  The exciting find for us there was a Red-eyed Vireo!  It was a new state bird for me.  I should have been more excited, but I have to admit, it was really about the company and once again, great weather, birds and views. 

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

I wasn't done.  Yes, I am mentally and physically exhausted.  I have been going non-stop since March.  One of my last things I got to do before diving into my work full time was join our Wrenegades team once again to fund raise for Tucson Audubon. We did it once again and this year our Birdathon raised over 35,000 dollars! 

the Wrenegades strike again!

I have discovered that I now have a bunion.  Bunions are real and they hurt like crazy.  So I need to wear wider shoes.  Plantar fasciitis is also real.  Good gods!  I both love and hate getting older!

Bushtit

It has been a fun ride to the end of this school year.  

Grace's Warbler

This summer is going to have a small change of plans from my normal birding treks.  My Dad had a triple bypass surgery recently and I wanted to be home with my family to help out.  But before I do go home, I'll be stopping in Maine with Kathie and Gus for some fun birding. 

climbing Tumamoc Hill and counting birds

 This year has been difficult for so many people.  I'd like you all to keep Kathy Cooper in your thoughts.  If you've followed this blog over the years, you'll know she has been the wind beneath our wings at the Aribabi Ranch.  This weekend she fights for her life at the hospital. I went to visit last night and I wish I were here to help her daughter out but I've got to head back to be with my Dad.  To top it off, Kathie's hubby, Gus, had a stroke this last week.  So please keep these peeps in your thoughts. They're all wonderful people.

Kathy on the Aribabi Ranch doing a land survey

The human condition, birding, mentors, work, relationships and everything else can be a real challenge.  The only thing I can do is be there with good energy for the people who have done so much for me in my life.  I can only hope to pass on their knowledge from what they've taught me.  It's not that we won't find birds together; we will.  But this year, it's about being present. Next week we take a trek to Texas to search for several endemics!  

We discover a secret pond in the foothills and I collect data with Lori and Tami

Life truly is an amazing adventure!  Until next time.....

To Ms. Bonnie

This week marks the end of our adventure in Wales. Lately, Facebook seems to be getting a lot of negative press, but without FB, I would have never met Bonnie. And then Steve.

Common redshank

Facebook is a social network and that's exactly how I use it.  It has been a wonderful tool to connect with people all over the world. Ms. Bonnie found me on Facebook years ago during an AZ trip to visit her sister. She contacted me and the rest was history. 

Bonnie and Micheal close their eyes!

While there, we had fun visiting historic sites that were absolutely incredible.  The pic above is a Dr. Who reference.  Never close your eyes when an angel is near!  Never.

Along the way, we saw birders all bundled up searching for something good. 

Steve showed me lots of cool critters besides the birds.

I discovered that the goats I saw in the "Sound of Music" with Julie Andrews do exist.  Apparently, these feral goats were brought to Britain by the Romans. 

Bonnie took us to a beautiful place known as Snowdonia.  It was so so picturesque!

In some of the reserves, we had a good chance for spotting the 3 woodpecker species of Wales.  We only saw 2, but I'm not complaining.  That was absolutely fun!

Steve took me out for some classic ice cream which was delicious. 

He also had a knack for finding dead things like the Dunnock above and the Blackbird below. Now the Blackbird was dead but I'm not sure the Dunnock was in the same state.  We placed the Dunnock in Bonnie's pretty potted plant.  When we returned home, the bird was gone! Steve thinks the Jackdaws had dinner.  I think the bird came back alive and flew away:) Most likely explanation for the missing Dunnock?  Bonnie's neighbor, who looks out for her, saw the bird and took it from her potted plant. That's how wonderful her neighborhood was.

Across Wales, I saw beautiful art mixed into the incredible landscapes.

People in the States always talk about how bad British food can be.  I experienced NONE of that there, except maybe the Black Blood Pudding.

Because we were along the ocean, we explored the beach front for all sorts of crabs and marine life.

Bonnie took us to picturesque pubs.

The pubs were really something special.

We stood under a tree that was thousands of years old.

Although it seems like yesterday, this all happened in March.  British birding has wet my appetite for more.  As for the passport mishap.  That was a completely terrible incident.  NEVER in my life has that ever happened.  Let me set up the scenario.  Steve arrives over to Bonnie's place because he's taking us to the airport.  He realizes he has his wife's keys and she needs to get to work.  Oh oh!  We turn back to give Bonnie the keys to bring back to his wife so she can get to work.  I laugh until Steve asks us if we have our passports.  I look back at Micheal who was in charge of them and I see panic in his eyes.  Side note: I LOVED not having to be responsible for the passports until we didn't have them.  Panic panic panic!  I try to keep my cool and tell Steve, "This isn't me." But it is now. We had to make a decision and it was to get to the airport.  That was the longest ride I have ever experienced. Poor Bonnie!  Once she got back from the key mishap, she ran to check our room to see if the passports had slipped behind the desk or bed. They weren't there. And they weren't in our suitcases or carry-ons. How did we lose them?  Every scenario passes through my head. As we get to the airport, Steve stops the car and suggests we check the floor.  Apparently, we did not have our passports for an ENTIRE week because they were under the seat of his car. When we first arrived, Micheal crashed from the jetlag and took the passports off around his neck in the car.  There was a huge sigh of relief, but Steve witnessed on that day that I'm now in charge of the passports again.  Booo!  I think Micheal planned this on purpose:)

European green woodpecker, photo taken by Dr. Steve

Overall, beyond the passport incident, Wales was incredible. What an amazing trek that was!  I miss Bonnie and am so grateful to her for introducing us to her world. And we got to make a new friend! Thank you thank you thank you!

 

 This completes the Welsh birding experience, for now. We'll touch base in Arizona next week. Then it's off to Texas, New Mexico, Maine and Wisconsin.  Until next time!