Saved Paradise and created a birding spot

Yeah, uh, if you're not into reading political opinion this blog entry may not be for you.   I would recommend skipping to another entry. 


In a previous post I made reference to a classic Joni Mitchell song, "Big Yellow Taxi."   The song is such a classic and seems to define the way nature has been paved over this past century. It has got to be one of the top ten influential songs of the era.   This song has influenced me personally in seeing the big picture, and the importance of having personal accounting for our own effect on this planet, hopefully counteracting negative actions with positive steps for the benefit of our natural environment.     

It's been over forty years since the song came out and it seems we are still making the same mistakes as always, putting economic progress ahead of environmental conservation.  I decided to write an alternate personal version hoping it will empowers me to live more with nature.  I could only imagine how the world would change if we all (myself included) paved the way for nature to rebound and thrive as it has before we mettled with our bright ideas designed for self preservation.  The best place to start to make a difference is in our own yard, and let it grow from there.  Being an active nature enthusiast I have seen the positive effect of even seemingly insignificant improvements to the environment. 

Unfortunately I do not have the way with words and lyrics that Joni Mitchell had, and the time it took to write this attests to that obvious fact.  Thankfully Mrs. S helped iron out the more obvious errors, but I hope it is at least satisfactory to the reader and not too cheesy.  Moreover, I hope it honors the tremendous influence Joni Mitchell has had on our environmental awareness.   Thank you Joni  for appreciating our natural world and calling us out to preserve it for future generations!     



Saved Paradise

We saved paradise,

And created a birding spot

Using native plants and trees,

It’s now a migration hotspot!

Don’t you know, you’ve got to know

where others reap we’ve got to sow,

We can save paradise,

By creating a birding spot

Mrs. Humms and start of fall migration

 

Field W of Big pond facing TV Wash

Baby Rufous-winged Sparrow

This has been one wet monsoon, the best one in quite a while.   We still have a month left but the rains have been so steady I don't worry too much about watering our yard.  The field west of the big pond is really looking green, with hardly a bare patch.  The new growth has attracted new migrants, and as I gingerly walked through it I came upon a Gray Flycatcher, Lark Sparrows, Gambel's Quail, Phainopepla, Cactus Wren, and a family of Rufous-winged Sparrows with at least one cute baby.  Toward evening Lesser Nighthawks circled about the pond and over the cottonwoods frenziedly feasting on the abundant flying insects.  In turn a bunch of small flying insects feasted on my unprotected legs still salty from my ride home. 

I also spotted a mystery bird, which perched briefly low in a small mesquite, which appeared to be a small flycatcher in the family empidonax but without an eyering, short wings and a narrow long rounded tail.   The lack of an eyering would point toward Willow Flycatcher some other features didn't seem to match, especially the tiny size and thin tail.   A brief attempt to relocate today and document was unsuccessful, but I did spot a group of Chipping Sparrows sporting sharp new plumage.

Mrs Humm's nest just after hatching

Although Mrs. S isn't a birder per say, she seems a bit obsessed with our Broad-billed Hummingbird nest.   She really identifies with the mother caring for her young, and worries when the wind gusts before each monsoon, the nest swinging on its fragile vine as "Mrs Humms," sits inside protecting the eggs.   At least one baby hatched on Wednesday and I've been finding our binoculars on our couch as Mrs S keeps a vigilant watch, tracking her comings and goings.  

A couple days ago my friend Mark emailed me about a Crested Caracara seen on the outskirts of our neighborhood, which has peaked my interest since it would be new for my list, and a life bird.  I plan on hitting the trail tomorrow for a relaxed bird walk in the morning.  Elsewhere in Southern Arizona are reports of Painted Buntings, Red-eyed Vireo and a Scisssor-tailed Flycatcher, which are all birds yet to be seen in this rich patch of riparian desert.    Wish me luck tomorrow!

Thank you for your appreciation of our remarkably wet and lush desert. 

Elusive Pelicans and Labor Day Bears

This weekend I took a break from birding, not even stopping by our ponds.  On Monday while riding to the bus stop Heidi, one of our neighbors asked, "Did you see the pelicans this weekend?  They were on the big lake Saturday and Sunday."  I hid my grimace as I thanked her for the information and raced to the pond to get a quick look.  They were gone.

I thought through my apparent unlucky streak with the two species of pelican in our neighborhood. I remembered how I had specifically checked the ponds each weekday for pelicans on the way home from work this week, knowing there were reports in the area.  Am I losing my birding touch?  Did I ever have one?  At least I did see one Brown Pelican our of five opportunities in our area.  

I seem to have similar luck with Mountain Lions here.  Our neighbor two doors down had one in her front yard when she went to get the paper (and she didn't call!).  Other neighbors have seen them as well but I keep missing out.   I really hope this year is the year I see one in the wild, and in our neighborhood.  Seeing this magnificent hunter is one of the reasons I moved to Arizona!

Perhaps I'm being too hard on myself.  I am appreciative of the birds and animals I see each day.  Like the toad which hopped across our porch at my feet Sunday night.   Or the baby Western banded Gecko at our front door last night.  The Abert's Towhee which felt comfortable enough to feed close to the porch where I sat, enjoying the moment.  The nice and frequent rain showers we've had recently which could make for a great migration spectacle!   I gather most people haven't seen 240 plus bird species in their neighborhood, for which I consider myself most fortunate.  

Another very lucky moment for me occurred Labor Day Weekend some years ago........

It was barely light out and I had just started a point count for the Tucson Bird Count.  I point count is when you record birds heard and seen in five minutes while standing in one predetermined spot.  I believe my record is 24 species in a five minute period.   I was overlooking a resort with a open area used occasionally as a driving range.  A major wash ran behind me flowing into a nice area of mesquites, Arizona Walnuts, Mexican Elderberry, Western Soapberry, Arizona Ash, and Desert Willow.   Upstream was Eucalyptus, cottonwoods and mesquites, with an understory of Desert Broom and acacias, and a small duck pond adding variety to the habitat.

I had just started the clock when the coyotes began barking defensively.  "That's strange," I thought curiously.   "Why would they be barking at me when I'm half a football field away!"  Coyotes have barked at me before if I'm close to a den or if I surprise them, but something here didn't seem right.  They seemed very alarmed, yet no one else was around!  As I listened for birds I also scanned for views of the coyotes, which were still just out of sight.  A minute into the count I spotted the group in the open and focused my binoculars as they ran about, their desert gray coats blending into the scenery as they chased....

A black shape entered the field of view, with powerful front paws and a low center of gravity as it raced around them in a figure eight, before running behind the pond and out of view.   I could hardly believe my eyes, a Black Bear in the desert valley!    This was news.   It would make the papers, and probably the nighttime news as well.  Game and Fish would need to be involved for sure.   It was so exciting to see this mountain species traveling through our desert, a rare jewel of an experience to be treasured.  

I remember some years back hearing of another bear coming through Tucson in similar manner.   As I traced the map of sightings it ran straight through our neighborhood, though no one saw it here.   I surmised he was going from the Rincon mountain range to the Catalinas, taking the desert route so as to avoid conflict with other bear territories.  Our network of washes is the last viable route for this task, which was probably done on more of a regular basis before the area became saturated with people.  It probably increased the biodiversity of the "Sky Island," populations of Black Bears.  Our mountains are called "Sky Islands," since the lush cool upper elevation habitats are separated from one another by desert, preventing a continuous population range for many species.   These wandering individuals could be the key to the diversity of the entire population!

This smaller bear of a approximately a hundred pounds was probably on the same course as it's predecessor.   Up the Agua and TV, then up Sabino Creek or the Rillito to the Catalinas.  It was about ten miles, but it would need to use its stealth as an advantage traversing the territory of humans. 

Part of its stealth would depend on my actions.  I would not tilt the scales against him despite my excitement, so I could assure his safe journey.  I did web searches later and found his travels did not go undetected, but by that time his trip was almost complete, and he was successful in avoiding human capture.   I also learned later that others had seen him, almost at the same time as I, and had taken the same action as I, just cherishing the moment in silence.  

I am honored to have been given the gift of this memory, and hope this bear is still living happily in our Sky Island paradise!  Thank you for letting me share this unique enriching experience with you. 

The Benefits of Cattails

Recently I wrote a letter to a friend who's community had a beautiful cattail pond, only to find it was diminished to a fragment of its original splendor.  Cattail habitat in southern Arizona is extremely rare, and very conducive to many bird species due to the abundant life it supports in a relatively small area.  But cattails often get categorized with such terms as weeds, pests, varmints, and the like by people who are either misinformed or have a superior sense of royalty over their surroundings.  Many times we react without thinking based on preconceived notions, some perhaps left over even from our childhood.   

Far be it from me to speak of perceived superiority in others when tonight here I was, cutting down cattail stands in my neighborhood pond.   The Cooper's Hawks complained as I worked, and a Yellow Warbler called out in protest.  I knew my argument for the better good wouldn't

For the love of Rhinos

I try not to bring worldly issues to my blog, but this one seemed to really hit home so I will write about it partly to sort my thoughts, and perhaps some good will come of it.  Thank you in advance for listening. 

I was browsing the web news the last week when a headline jumped out at me about the fragility of the current Rhino populations.  The thought of the all Rhinos species becoming extinct during our lifetime became so real to me I became very depressed.  To think that this would be the first large mammal to go extinct since the Woolly Mammoths!   How can we explain that we killed off such a magnificent animal for such selfish motives!  I know this is not the first species we've lost to extinction but just think, "if we can't protect the rhinos, what species is safe?"  Below is the video which explains the situation.
http://news.yahoo.com/video/vietnam-horn-habit-threatens-world-025257898.html

Then on Saturday I went to the bookstore and was browsing the nature section when I my eyes found this  book, "The Last Rhino's," by Lawrence Anthony and Graham Spence.   Coincidence?    My initial urge was to purchase the book since I really seemed to be drawn to it.  And Lawrence Anthony was also author of "The Elephant Whisperer," a bestseller.  But it was a little expensive and I was convinced to check Bookman's for a copy first.  

Tonight I was feeling more depressed since I had just finished removing some cattails from our pond.  Although it prevented more serious action (chemical spraying over expansive area) I still felt like some sort of hypocrite actually removing habitat just to improve a neighbor's "view."   Perhaps I needed to read about successes in environmental protection for positive motivation.   I called 2 Bookman's locations without success, not surprising since the book just came out this year.  As I googled for other dealers I learned that Lawrence Anthony passed away this year just after writing his latest book on the Rhinos. 

Curiosity sent me searching further, and I found this heart wrenching yet positive link about his death, and the "mourners," who gathered in his honor.  You may want to grab a tissue first. 

http://delightmakers.com/news/wild-elephants-gather-inexplicably-mourn-death-of-elephant-whisperer/

I found a copy of his book on Amazon and it is on the way for reading on my bus commute.   I hope it will give me insight on how one man or woman can make a difference in for our animal neighbors in our yard, our neighborhood, and across the world.   I am thankful for your attention if you made it this far.  Last link below appears to be the organization founded by Lawrence Anthony if you would like more information.  

http://www.earthorganization.org/

Thank you for appreciating our natural neighbors here and across the globe!

 

A home for Rufous-wings? Aug 1 2012





Rufous-winged Sparrow March 2011

 

Rufous-winged Sparrow March 2012
          


On the ride from the bus stop to work I lamented on a lot that was just cleared of vegetation opposite my workplace.   It wasn't the best habitat in the world, but had attracted many good birds over the years. Recently it even had nesting Black-throated Sparrows, a rarity in mid Tucson..  I remember seeing Northern Harriers hunting its boundaries in winter, and Lesser Nighthawks hawking insects in daylight hours during the monsoon season.   This spring I had also heard my first Rufous-crowned Sparrow within its borders.   As I sadly pondered the fact that these birds were losing their home a distant and repetitive sound tapped at my thoughts.  I realized it was not my imagination but the real call of a Rufous-winged Sparrow, almost in answer to my pondering questions.   I turned back to appreciate its sweet "ping pong ball," call and silently invited him to our neighborhood if he needed a place to stay for a while. 

As I rode on I remembered the lyrics to a old favorite tune, "Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you got till its gone....

Question:  If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound. 

Answer:  A tree is never alone in the forest, and we would be all alone without trees.               

Author.  myself Aug 1 2012     

Monsoon Sunday, survey and storm. July 29 2012

Sunday I surveyed another area east of my neighborhood with my friend Kirk.   This area butts up close to the Rincons along the TV wash, and has some amazing habitat from the additional rainfall in the foothills.  Almost immediately we heard a Summer Tanager calling, and as we approached the running wash we spotted two White-tailed Deer standing in the water upstream, with fresh velvet-covered antlers adorning their heads as they enjoyed an early morning drink.  

Tiny desert toads were so numerous we had to walk slowly to allow them time to scamper from our path, and pools of water were teeming with tadpoles.   A bobcat traversed a tributary to our left and found safe haven in the thick vegetation.  This is the magic of the monsoon, Arizona's fifth and most precious season.  The desert is now just beginning its second and most substantial growing season, cherished by new baby birds, and early migrants.  Some nestlings, especially raptors, have even left to explore new territories, something called "post monsoon dispersal."    

The startling call had a loon-like quality to it as it pushed through the cottonwoods to our ears.  We recognized this piercing call as belonging to a Gray Hawk, and we rushed for a view of this elusive hunter.  "There, in some open branches!?  I set up the scope, turned on the camera, and managed one back shot before it took flight.  It was a juvenile molting into adult plumage, as seen by the tail section in this photo.  

We heard infrequent calls but couldn't relocate it for a bit.   Then Kirk pointed,"There!" as we watched it fly across the wash, getting great views of its white rump, a distinctive field mark.  We thought that was the end of our sightings, yet the hawk would give us one more show, allowing me to capture a few more images as it peered through the branches of a dead tree. 

Even as we watched, I couldn't help being distracted by a male Blue Grosbeak in the brush before us.   Then a Great Horned Owl flew through the mesquites, disappearing again against the similar looking mesquite trunks.  I thought I heard the loud trill of a Tropical Kingbird, but never got a second chance to hear the call.  A Harris's Hawk stood tall against an exposed branch.   I heard a "ZZZZZZ," call from the vegetation, recognizing it as a bunting.   I watched as a drab brown female Lazuli Bunting flew from the cover to a open branch.   Then a brilliant male followed, staying just long enough for a couple haphazard shots. 

Before leaving the wash we managed to plant some Sycamore seeds I'd been holding, and I was referenced as, "Johnny Appleseed." for the second time in a week.  I'd actually hope for a better name, maybe "Sycamore Sam," or the like, since these seeds were natural and from the same wash. No name would be nice too, just so long as I can see the wash flowing as it has in years past. 

Later that afternoon we received the most thunderous storm of the season.  One of the thunderous bolts shook the walls as it boomed angrily at the world, and apparently awakened our resident Couch's Spadefoot, who immediately began calling out.   This toad's mating call sounds more like a complaint against being woken rather than a musical serenade.  I watched, though, and soon another toad hopped toward the sound, and disappeared behind the curtains of the mulberry leaves.  

Meanwhile the Broad-billed Hummingbird tucked herself into her nest during the downpour, tail held high, keeping her eggs safe from harm.   

 

Thank you for appreciating nature and the environment on which it thrives.

IBA survey said.....Peregrine Falcon! July 20 2912

Today I got out to survey one part of the wash, which was accepted as an Important Bird Area this year.   Due to my sunburn experience on Monday (post still in draft stage) I had planned on walking with the sun at my back, since it was already half hour past sunrise, very late for summer birding.  Luckily I drove west toward my essential coffee source first, which runs past the west end of my transect.   There in the magical Eucalyptus mentioned in previous posts was a magnificent Peregrine Falcon!   Plans changed

Backyard wildlife July 19 2012

Yesterday it was partly cloudy so I did a little work on my water retention project-translation- building a stone wall to prevent rainwater from flowing out of our yard.  It is difficult since it is also freestanding and I have limited availability on large rocks.  But this method creates incredible habitat for lizards and the insects they feed upon, which brings more birds and mammals, etc.   I know we humans like to pick our neighbors and yard residents but I find it easier to just roll with the changes rather than continually trying to control the environment.   Removing one element could change others.   Removing scorpions reduces the chances of seeing a Western Screech Owl in the yard.   Spraying for insects affects the lizard population as well as birds, who like to scratch the ground for grubs.  

As I worked I heard the call of a Phainopepla, a bird commonly known as the black cardinal because of its crest.  Though not uncommon it is a rare treat to see one in our yard.  They love to hang out in the mistletoe in mesquites, eating the berries.  We only have one mesquite but luckily our neighbor also has one which flows into our yard, which is where I found this juvenile bird well hidden within the branches.

 Some lizards also came out to investigate my work and give their input.

For the last few days now we've had a female Broad-billed Hummingbird get very close to us every time we're on the porch.   It seemed so cute that she took such an interest in studying us so closely.   Today we discovered why her interest was so intense, as she began nest building on our catclaw vine, which grows under our porch's protective roof!   She's a fast worker and by the afternoon it was almost complete!  I was able to snap this picture as she tested the softness of her creation so far!

Thank you for appreciating the incredible wildlife which surrounds us!

Mount Lemmon bicycling/birding July 16 2012

If you read my last post you know I had planned to bike up Mount Lemmon on my Birthday (30 miles each way from 2500' to 8200').  So let me start by answering some preliminary questions you may have. 

Did you wake up early enough?                                                  No.
Did you make the attempt anyway?                                            Yes.
Did you take pictures?                                                                  No.
Did you bring the camera?                                                           Yes.
Did you bring the memory card?                                                 No.
What did you bring to document?                                               Video camera.
Did you get good video?                                                              No (automatic focus doesn't work well)
Are you going to torture us with video on the blog anyway.   Yes..no..yes...wait..no..ok no.
Did you make it all the way up to Ski Valley?                            Read on.

I began my ride just after 6:30 AM, later than I usually catch the bus for work.  It was already getting hot, the sun being out for the past hour.  I probably should have rushed straight to the mountain but the birds were singing this time of morning, and this ride was also about observing and appreciating the nature along the way.   Of the 22 species heard and seen on the five mile ride to the base the beautiful male Purple Martin on the telephone wires above me stands out the most. 

The sun's endless heated stare bore down on me for the first five miles to Molino Basin.  I was almost finished with my first liter of water and the trip wasn't half over by far.  The road turned

Birthday Bicycle Challenge

Well, tomorrow's my Bday and I plan on biking up Mount Lemmon from the house to celebrate.  It's like a bucket list thing to see if I can bike 30 miles from 2500' to Sky Valley at 8200'.   Can I do it?  Maybe.  I did accomplish this feat about 3 years ago preparing for a biking birdathon, but was in much better shape then, and started at the base of the mountain.   I think it will be a success if I wake up in time and attempt the climb.   And yes, the bins are coming too, as my rules do not preclude stopping for good birds.  It's all because of my philosophy (it's not about getting from point A to B, but what you experience along the way).  I will be bringing my Audubon guide for reference and my new pack (both Bday presents from Mrs S and our daughters).
So if it doesn't rain, or I don't oversleep, etc, I hope to have a nice tale to tell tomorrow.   I'm sure

Pre Birthday Bell's

Today when walking Kino I heard two Bell's Vireo's, one of which was in a resident's yard.  "Lucky Duck!" I thought envying the resident on their nice yard bird.   I did feel lucky the night before watching 3 fledgling Cooper's Hawks in this same area.  After returning our friend Tonya and I went to the cattail pond, which was pretty active.   The first bird was a flushed juvenile Cooper's Hawk in the small mesquite in front of us.  We delighted in our sighting.  Two more steps and another juvenile flushed from the same tree, then another.  Two Cooper's Hawk nests within a small area produced 3 healthy juveniles each.  Wow!   Here are their individual pics!

 

In the short time we were there we had 24 species, including;

Yellow Warlber, Lucy's Warbler, Bell's Vireo, Great Egret, Northern Mockingbird, Coopers Hawk, Harris's Hawk, Turkey Vulture, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, Purple Martin, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Ash-thoated Flycatcher, Cassin's Kingbird, Bullock's Oriole, Lesser Goldfinch, Mallard, House Sparrow,Cactus Wren, and Verdin. 

Later we sat on the porch watching a rain shower and checking yard birds.   Verdins hopped about the mesquites, and a Great-tailed Grackle gave out high-pitched calls which could have come from dinosaur era.    One of our neighbor's trees drapes over our yard and provides great cover for birds.   When I saw something hopping around in the foliage I figured Verdin or House Sparrow since they had been using it all day.   As it hopped to the outer edge I zoomed in on the familiar face of a silent Bell's Vireo, a first for this year!  These birds are typically heard before seen 99 percent of the time so it must have wanted to surprise us.   I was thankful for such a variety of neighbors visiting our small patch of heaven.  

Thank you for appreciating our natural wildlife! 

Species appreciation -Sage Sparrow

Birding is sometimes like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get... or for that matter, when.   I focus on my neighborhood wildlife I would rather see lifebirds here than travel elsewhere to find them.  It is so much more of an enriching experience, especially if I am the first tgo discover it.  
In some cases, though, it is beneficial to study a bird elsewhere so you know it well enough to recognize it in the neighborhood when it finally does arrive.   Or perhaps it's just that I lose patience and take the easy way out.  One example of lost patience was the Elegant Trogan, for which, after some years of hoping for a sighting in our neighborhood, I broke down and went to Madera Canyon, where I received excellent views. 

It was the same story for the Sage Sparrow.  I had been so hopeful of a sighting in our neighborhood

Cat Fancy-flashback

Warning:  this entry delves into the political at first.  If you just want to read the entertaining story skip to paragraph five. 


One day when I was out in nature a man approached and we had a conversation about various nature related topics.  He invited me to bird on his property, and mentioned that he has cats that he keeps outside, and every once in a while a Great Horned Owl will take some, but she has other babies.  "It's the way of nature,"  was his shrugging comment.   I had to wonder if he actually believed the words he was saying. 

It's always uncomfortable to hear this philosophy since, for one thing, it isn't true.   Cats are incredible hunters and, left outdoors, are devastating on their environment, which includes birds, mammals, reptiles and insects.  In other words, the ecosystem.   It is not the natural way and throws everything off balance.   It is a terrible situation for the cats as well, who fall victim to coyotes, hawks, owls, and automobiles.   I remember the anguish on a person's face just after they accidentally ran over a cat.   I knew it was one of our neighbor's cats which was allowed to "cruise," the neighborhood.   Even this fact can't remove the guilt you feel toward the victim.  

Being a bird enthusiast you may think I have a vendetta against cats.  You would be incorrect.  In fact, we have our share of cats and love them dearly for their unique personalities, their genuine affection, and incredible capacity for love.    We keep them indoors and all are spayed or neutered.   I highlighted that line since it is the most important part of this entry.   Cats are not the problem.  The actions of humans with regards to cats has created an imbalance which can be corrected with awareness, and, honestly, regulation.   This last action may seem costly until you think of how much it costs to run the humane society and other organizations.   Just think of how many cats are still put down after not being adopted.  It is a sad secret that many cats confiscated from "hoarders," are actually put down when not adopted.  Was there situation really improved?.   Other kittens given away are also at risk from others with harmful intent.  We all know there's a better answer, and California has had success in their endeavors.  Let's work toward a better solution for nature and cats!

I can preach all day but I'd rather tell a story of our cats, and how our bond started with our loving companions.


                                                                Paragraph Five


I was playing "fishing pole," with our cats the other night, and lay down on my stomach as they pounced on my back trying to get their prize.   I suddenly had a sort of deja vue which took me back to our first encounter a few years ago, also in the spring but months earlier.   It's funny how random events can sometimes shape the course of your life....

GBBC and other news

This past week we've added a couple birds to the 2012 yard list.   Today a Ladder-backed Woodpecker was calling from a neighbor's front yard, then came in full view.  Sorry, no pics.   When I was walking Kino last weekend I heard the familiar call of an American Robin, from a Eucalyptus about 30 yards from our house (and clearly would be seen and heard from the house). 

I had a great time counting birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count.  There were many highlights in the yard and neighborhood, and even on Kino's walks.   We tallied about 40 species on one walk alone!   And that's without Kino even trying....really.    We had Western Bluebirds, American Robins, and even a Red-naped Sapsucker.  A Green-tailed Towhee and White-crowned Sparrow cooperated nicely for photos in our back yard, and I managed a plausible shot of an Orange-crowned Warbler at "the TV loop."

The highlight came from a nearby mesquite bosque.  As I entered the mesquites almost immediately I picked out the form of a Long-eared Owl.  

Protective Coopers Hawk and Western Grebe 6/20/12

On the way home today I decided to stop by the cattail pond even though my bins were at home. Tiny reddish dragonflies zipped about the surface of the water like modern day fairies, and a Yellow Warbler fluttered in front of me like the tip of a cartoonists paintbrush ready to color it's beauty on the watery canvas.  The Eucalyptus was shedding it's papery bark, and many strips bore the neatly spaced rows of  Red-naped Sapsucker holes from the previous winter.  A collared lizard scrambled up the trunk of a cottonwood, it's smooth muddy green skin distinguishing it from the spiny lizards in the area.   This strange large lizard is an unusual sight compared to our other varied neighborhood lizard species.
As I walked back a Great Blue Heron's wide circular prints appeared like sand dollars against the thin top layer of loose dirt covering the hard caliche just below.   The heron watched from the opposite bank, it's wings drooped so low they seemed disconnected, in a vain attempted to cool down from the 105 degree ambient temperature.  I  rode home and took Kino to the big lake, hoping for another look at a Western Grebe which has been visiting since the first weekend in June.  This is only the 2nd occurrence of this bird in our neighborhood, the first being a one day wonder 12 years ago. 

Wow!  Unfortunately last Sunday was the last time I saw it, leaving my only some mediocre photograph and some video as a remembrance of this unique experience.

Dusk began to blanket the scene as we walked back toward home.   I felt, then saw the watchful eye of an overly protective Cooper's Hawk from the low branches of a nearby Eucalyptus.   This hawk has a nest close to the walking path, and has been buzzing passers by, especially males, it seems.   He even buzzed Kino a couple times, and I had to put myself cringingly in the path of wrath, hoping it would veer off before impact.   While we have not had a physical encounter yet, a few times I would turn around and see it just a few feet away from my head gliding at a quick clip, then turning for a second swipe.  It has really given me a great respect for the hunting prowess of this medium-sized accipiter.   It reminded me of a distant memory of a Northern Goshawk chasing me from its nesting area.   I broke my pack when I hit the dirt, but it continued to lead me out of the forest with persistence, diving down periodically in punishing manner.  After what seemed like 200 yards he let up.   Unfortunately the trail away took a turn back toward the nest, and the harassment came back at full and angry force, with vocal intimidation as well.  The memory of that charge is still quite vivid in my mind, and, though fearful, was one of the times I felt truly alive and awake.  Here is a quick Blair Witch type video of the Cooper's hawk attack.  If you blink you may miss it. 

As we walked slowly toward home darkness settled in, and a group of about twenty small bats were in a pocket ahead.   As we traveled through they fluttered about us like moths to a light, and I could even feel the heat from their bodies.  A large dragonfly was in their midst, and seemed to hover around us as well, perhaps even using us as screens against the bats sonar detection capabilities.

   

Neighborhood Sparrows

My bike commute is getting slightly more routine now.  I typically ride 7 miles to work and 13 home.  The last stretch after Woodland is a walking path bordering a nice field rich with sparrows, which leads to the big pond.   As I rode along this path I heard a chip, which could almost be mistaken for the squeak of a Round-tailed Ground Squirrel, who have just begun exiting their burrows.   But I suspected otherwise.   The call could also be the precurser to the song of the Rufous-winged Sparrow, which carries the rhythm of a ping pong ball bouncing on the table.   Another 2 calls confirmed my suspicions, then I saw him drop below a desert broom plant to feed.   These birds, considered a species of special concern, can usually be found in a days walk around the neighborhood, but have been strangely absent as of late, so I was elated to hear its friendly call again today. 


Rufous-winged Sparrow

The Backyard bird Count starts tomorrow and I am anxious even knowing I may not have much time in the field.  I feel this could be one of my last opportunities this year to discover a new sparrow species in the neighborhood and am feeling a touch anxious.   I don't know why but I have an attachment to this species, sometimes referred to as "little brown jobs,," or "LBJ's", due to the similarities between the various species.  But this challenge makes them all the more interesting, and finding the hidden clues which cinch the identification is part of the fun.  My sparrow wish list for the neighborhood include Golden-crowned Sparrow, Harris' Sparrow, Fox Sparrow (any race), any longspur species, and Clay-colored Sparrow. The Clay-colored Sparrow has been seen in our neighborhood by other observers far more talented than myself (Chris Benesh, Jake Mohlmann).  I have not confirmed one for sure as of yet.   Of course there are also the extreme long shots such as Baird's Sparrow, Botteri's Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Leconte's Sparrow, Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, and Snow Bunting.


Although the wish list may seem long I am very happy with the sparrow discoveries in our neighborhood these past 12 or so years, knowing many more difficult, sparrows have already been found already.   In fact, if more birders covered this area, I am confident the first three wish species would already have been seen by someone.   Some of the more difficult discoveries included Rufous-crowned Sparrow and Black-chinned Sparrow, very seldom visitors to the lowlands.   A Yellow-eyed Junco was a very rare find in the lowlands, with only a few records over the past thirty years.  I have also heard the distinctive summer song of Cassin's Sparrow's three times here, yet hear of no other reports around Tucson.  The Swamp Sparrow was a nice find at our cattail pond, and I was grateful for the company and expertise of Roger Tess at the time of sighting.  The best find so far has to be the Sage Sparrow, which could possibly be the only record inside the Tucson City limits. 

Below is my neighborhood sparrow list (family Emberizidae) in order as listed in the book, "Sparrows of the United States and Canada," by David Beadle and James Rising.  Hope you get out during Cornell Laboratories Backyard Bird Count!  

1. Green-tailed Towhee
2. Spotted Towhee
3. Canyon Towhee
4. Abert's Towhee
5. Rufous-winged Sparrow
6. Cassin's Sparrow
7. Rufous-crowned Sparrow
8. Chipping Sparrow
9. Clay-colored Sparrow (Chris Benesh and Jake Mohlmann)
10. Brewer's Sparrow
11. Black-chinned Sparrow
12. Vesper Sparrow
13. Lark Sparrow
14. Black-throated Sparrow
15. Sage Sparrow
16. Lark Bunting
17. Savannah Sparrow
18. Grasshopper Sparrow
19. Song Sparrow
20. Lincoln's Sparrow
21. Swamp Sparrow
22. White-throated Sparrow
23. White-crowned Sparrow
24. Dark-eyed Junco (at least 3 races)
25. Yellow-eyed Junco

New yard bird

I was watching out our window when it appeared in the mesquite just over the wall.  It was moving slowly from branch to branch like a warbler.  As I focused the bins my initial reaction was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, but the black bar on the wing was missing, and it had a thicker bill.   A Hutton's Vireo! The first for our yard!  I watched as it plucked some sort of grub or caterpillar from a tree branch.  Typical vireo behavior.  Whenever I see any vireo it seems they are always finding food among those branches.  No other bird seems to be as lucky or skillful.  

The birds are beginning to look plump now, especially the White-crowned Sparrows.   Mourning Doves are calling out their mournful song.  Sometimes their flight looks accipiter-like as they stiffen their wings and glide.   It feels like spring even though there's always the possibility of another cold snap.  Our brittlebush is getting green leaves again and the chuparosa is also rebounding with new flowers, just recovering from the last frost. 

I planted another 7 plants today in the front yard, hoping our White-throated Wood Rat will let them be and that the nights stay above freezing.   Some buckwheat, a dalea, a sage, 2 varieties of globemallow, and a grass (Long-tongue Muhle).  I pondered my previous entry as I planted a globemallow, hoping these plants would attract wildlife.   A small orange butterfly appeared suddenly and darted about in front of me.  It almost seemed like it was reaching out to me, trying to communicate with this dumb human.   My watering can ran dry so I quickly filled up at the hose and returned.  As I looked down there was the butterfly sitting on the newly planted globemallow even though it had no blooms as of yet?   I felt reassured somehow by this simple act.  

I also had a close encounter with a small lizard who ventured within a couple feet of me as I filled up the water jug.  It also had no fear.  After a hard day's work in the yard I was just finishing up when some sparrows flushed from the brush pile.   I stopped to prevent a further outpouring due to my presence.   As I stood quietly, a Green-tailed Towhee appeared just three feet from me, totally at ease in my presence as he meandered about the low branches.  It was a nice afternoon with 18 species visiting or passing over our yard.   Here's the list!

1. Hutton's Vireo
2. Rock Pigeon
3. Lesser Goldfinch
4. Abert's Towhee
5. Phainopepla
6. Green-tailed Towhee
7. Lincoln's Sparrow (2)
8. White-crowned Sparrow
9. House Sparrow
10. House Finch
11. Yellow-rumped Warbler
12. Anna's Hummingbird
13. Broad-billed Hummingbird
14. Gila Woodpecker
15. Gambel's Quail
16. Mourning Dove
17. Mallard
18. Common Raven

Wildlife philosophies, etc "Let's get ready to Ramble!"

It's now February and my New Year's resolutions are whittled down to 2 remaining, one of which is accomplished with this post (to blog more often).  My plans for a Pima County big year attempt were wishful thinking, and I'm glad I put it aside.  It would get in the way of time with Kino, yard work, and our daughter's upcoming wedding next month.  Instead I am putting more focus on activities closer to home, such as getting the back yard ready for her shower at our house.   Since the wedding shower is next week  I have no time to lose!


I suppose it's time to review my goals for the back  and front yard, which are not traditional at any rate.   Some people want their yard nice and neat, with crushed rock and a few plants evenly spaced apart, with maybe a few trees, etc.   They get their blower on the weekend to blow the rocks off as if they were vacuuming their house.   Their exterminator ensures no bugs disturb their peace with poisons throughout the property, and weeds are dispatched in similar fashion.   In short, their yard is almost an extension of their living room. sanitary, safe, mostly devoid of life, and, in my opinion, extremely boring.  

I hope I live to see the time when yards will be judged not by neatness, but by the wildlife it attracts by the creativeness of the tenant.  When we build a house we displace a LOT of wildlife, from bugs to reptiles and amphibians, to birds and mammals.   I feel an obligation to repay that debt by making our living area a refuge for wildlife, a place where they can feel safe and at home, with plenty to eat and drink, and places to sleep and nest.  A place where no one is excluded based on size, looks, species profile or even poisonous characteristics.   I feel every species is important in some way, even if I haven't yet discovered its benefits.  Their are no varmints, pests, game, or nuisances, just neighbors who happen to be a different species. 

I use a personal philosophy of the 2 step method-take any species and go 1-2 steps up the food chain.  Perhaps you can't see the harm in spraying ants, but what of the horned toads who rely on them almost exclusively for food.  Would you want them to suffer as well.    Would you harm a screech owl to keep scorpions out of your back yard?   Or that pesky pack rat (I prefer White-throated Wood Rat).  "He'll eat the wires in your car!"  I hear all the time, although our residents have refrained from such activity.   What of the Red-tailed Hawks which feed on these guys-are they banished as well?   Today I watched one  pull down stalk after stalk of a hesperilla plant in our front yard as I silently pleaded to save some for later.   Well, when you plant for wildlife you can expect wildlife to take advantage of it.   So where do you draw the line?   I say "why do you feel the need to draw one?"

It's all a matter of perspective.   Sometimes I think humans act more on instinct than the animals we lord ourselves over, based on, you guessed it, our higher intelligence.   Sometimes certain viewpoints are so ingrained that we blindly follow like a mouse on a treadmill.  In fact, it could be argued that some of our current ideas are not truly our own, but passed down from some parent, or grandparent, or best friend, etc.   Perhaps if we stopped and really thought about it, we would see things from a new perspective, more truly our own.   

Spiders were my pathway to my fresher perspective on wildlife.   I was terrified of them.  I remember my mother telling me stories of people going to the hospital from spider bites.  She remarked how my best friend had been bitten and it got infected, and he had to go to the doctor.  Wow!  Then again she also warned that one of the garter snakes I was catching could be a poisonous adder, a snake which doesn't even live in the United States.   To her credit I did mistakenly catch a copperhead later thinking it was a milk snake, only to be corrected by my cousin, a true snake expert, who could smell a snake within ten feet. 

So, back to spiders- I was terrified of them.  But somehow my inner voice came out and I realized that my fear was irrational, and that spiders shouldn't suffer because of my irrationality.  I was still afraid, but fought the fear with common sense.  When I moved to Arizona we even had a couple black widow spiders on our porch, which we left undisturbed.  We found that they are very habitual, returning to the same place almost every night, not disturbing a soul.  While I still haven't gotten to the point of handling them, my fear for this fellow creature has dissipated. 

Snakes were another lesson.  I had been taught to catch snakes in a contest-like fashion.  Grab their tails, flip them into the open, then either grab the tail and flip into a bag, or press your foot gently behind the head and pick him up by the neck.  One day ten years later I was walking a trail and carrying a six foot rat snake I had caught in like fashion, minus the bag.  I cradled the whole body but had the neck secure to prevent biting.   A stranger came up and asked to handle the snake.   I obliged, and watched in amazement as he let the snake slide over his arms without worry, as he alternated arms in a circular motion.   When he returned it I did the same, and realized more of a camaraderie with the friendly species.   On another excursion I happened on a garter snake, a species for which I had acquired many bites.  It was staying still so I slowly bent on one knee, brought my hand down, moved my finger under its chin, and gently stroked it's smooth scales.  Perhaps this new perspective also helped me once when I unknowingly stepped directly over a coiled Western Diamonback, who didn't react.  Was it my energy?  Was he giving me the benefit of the doubt? Or perhaps it is a case where the species does not live up to its dastardly reputation. 

So, back to the yard.   My yard philosophy is to create a habitat much like the areas I walk.  When I hike in natural, relatively undisturbed areas I am relaxed and at peace, and it seems every worry is carried off by the slight breeze.  My spirits are lifted, and I can see how simple life can be always.  There's something magical about nature when it is left untouched.  I want my home area to remind me of the woods I walk, to bring that magic to my home, and encourage its wildlife. 

Have I accomplished this?  Not even close.  But I'm working on it.  I built free-standing stone walls for insects and the animals who feed on them.  This helped bring in a Rock Wren within 2 years, a species I especially had in mind when building the wall.  We also have a healthy lizard population, and an occasional snake.  The walls also help with rainwater harvesting by keeping the water from flowing down toward the street. This year when the cottonwoods lost their leaves in our common area, I was able to grab about a dozen garbage bagfuls before the landscape crew arrived, and spread them out in the back yard, to encourage towhees and sparrows to our yard.  It also looks so natural, and reminds me of leafy trails in the northeast, or extreme riparian areas in Arizona.   I plant native grasses, plants, and trees, especially berry or high seed producers.  Desert Survivor's nursery has been an invaluable resource for finding native bird and butterfly-friendly plants and trees(http://www.desertsurvivors.org/Nursery.html).   Aside from the incredible plant selection I usually see and hear fifteen or so bird species while I'm there.  We do have hummingbird plants as well, and our wolfberry's tiny purple flowers are getting a lot of visits from Ana's and Broad-billed hummingbirds this month.   I hope to have a hummingbird feeder up tomorrow as well, and hopefully more to come.   I do spread ground seed in winter for sparrows and towhees, and have suet cakes for warblers, thrashers, and wrens.  I also collect seeds on my neighborhood wanderings for the yard, especially acacia's and Western Soapberry.  I  have a couple brush piles for cover, which really even the odds against accipiter predation.  I use tree limbs, sometime hollowed out, for additional cover for small animals.   The biggest challenge currently is our healthy Rock Squirrel population, which love to eat my most prized plants and are very adapted at changing the environment with their numerous holes.  I was also saddened when I had to cut down most of a large mesquite this year due to my inexperienced planting, but I left some open limbs to accommodate a Red-tailed Hawk.  Although I have not seen one yet I did hear a Great Horned Owl just outside my window a week ago, probably from the new perch.   

Building backyard habitat in cooperation with nature has created timeless memories; our first Bell's Vireo getting ready to roost in your Arizona Ash, a Violet-crowned Hummingbird on the feeder, a bobcat passing through, and countless days when I'm glued to the window wondering what is going to show up next.  I am so excited to see how the yard will look once the newly planted trees mature, or when the understory gets established.  Every year is different but always full of surprises.  I encourage anyone to take this journey for the benefit of your native wildlife, and for yourself.  Thank you for your appreciation of the gift of nature. 

The Wells Fargo Owl Habitat

I remember it was on Saturday during Martin Luther King weekend two years ago. My wife came through the door, her excitement showing like a bright aura all around her. "I just saw the cutest little owl!" she beamed, The word "cute," can never be overused in our household, and is the quintessential compliment you can give to anything or anyone."

"Where was it?" I inquired with interest.

"At the Wells Fargo drive thru!"

"Why don't we go back and see it? It's probably a Western Screech Owl." It seemed like the likely choice. Elf Owls are only summer residents and burrowing owls, though present in other parts of Tucson, seemed never to make it to the northeast part of town. In fact, they had never even been recorded in the history of the Catalina Mountain Christmas Bird Count, which covers most of northeast Tucson.

As we drove into the drive thru lane I saw it, on the ground, and realized this was no screech owl.

Curve-billed Thrasher song

Today as I rode home along Woodland Road I was turned about by a melodic song. I turned around thinking at first of an Eastern Meadowlarks,"Spring of the year," melody, then realized it was the sweet repertoire of the Curve-billed Thrasher. This particular bird was belting out his sweet whistled harmony with great vocal force it felt like he was giving a concert for all neighborhood wildlife before they turned in for the night.
So many times I've been approached by neighbors or budding enthusiasts about a bird singing the sweetest of songs somewhere in their yard. They never think of this unassuming bird until I bring up the name to them. It is then they realize they have had a Curve-billed Thrasher in their yard, but are more familiar with their,"Wheat-wheat," call. I also have a close connection with this bird from an event over 10 years ago, when Kino was still in his first year.
I was walking puppy Kino by the big pond when I noticed a group of Great-tailed Grackles harassing another bird in mid-air over the middle of the lake. The bird was forced into the water, where it flapped furiously toward the shore in a desperate attempt to reach land before its feathers became heavy with water. I watched with great concern while running with Kino toward the other side of the lake, where the shoreline pushed further into the lake. As I reached the far shore it was obvious the bird was losing its battle for its precious life. In fact, it was still in the middle, and now only flapped occasionally, obviously exhausted.
Now this lake isn't meant for swimming, especially in late November, but I stripped down and told Kino he would have to have his, "off the leash lesson a little early." Luckily it unseasonably warm that day and the water was not too cold as I waded toward the bird. Kino looked at me with disbelief and horror as he yelped, pleading for me to stop this insanity. Twenty yards later I was almost to the thrasher when the strangest thing happened-he actually flapped over to my shoulder and climbed on. Was it desperation or an uncommon trust between humanity and nature? Later, when I called the wildlife rehabilitation hot line they seemed equally astonished, and even inquired as to whether the bird could have been a pet, which was out of the question.
Despite swimming with caution, the thrasher kept being washed off my shoulder, so I held him cupped gently in one hand, held high over the water, using the other three limbs to get back to shore. Kino was very relieved and curious, but seemed to know the urgency of the situation. I wrapped the helpless bird in a shirt, and walked briskly to the house, where we kept him overnight in safety, while he dried out (as per the recommendation of the helpline). The next day we released him.
The next year we had our first known nesters in our yard, 2 Curve-billed Thrashers in a cholla in our front yard. I love to listen to their long, sweet, whistled, joyful melody, a song which can compete side by side with the Common Loon's famous nightly melody.
Putting out no-melt suet or peanuts can attract Curve-billed Thrashers to your yard, although they are generalists and can eat most bird foods. I like to use nut-flavored suet personally. They like to use their deeply curved bills to flick leaf litter as they search for insects, a fun sight to watch. Planting cholla will also attract this sweet bird, as well as Cactus Wrens for nesting. In fact, they may even alternate in the same nest! Since both species are year-round inhabitants you could see over 3 clutches each year.
Thank you for appreciating our amazing neighborhood wildlife.

Friday the 13th bicycle drama

Hello again, although this post is not exactly nature related I do make a bird reference toward the end. I guess I could also make a correlation between the way vehicles view bicycles and the way humans view animals much smaller than themselves, such as ants and insects. I am as much at fault for this perception as anyone, but perhaps this incident will help foster a better understanding for myself at least when it comes to the importance of all wildlife.
When the Laws of Physics Don't Apply
It was a particularly ominous Friday the 13, one that refused to be laughed off as mere superstition. One of our team members had just gotten out of ICU after a week and another friend and coworker had just received unpleasant medical news as well. The office atmosphere was gloomy at best, and although clear skies were outside, it seemed everyone was in a dense fog which no humor could dissapate. I was relieved to be out as I pedaled toward home. It had been a rough couple months in general, and I was actually surprised this day had not hit me directly as well, unless you count the disadvantageous timing of stop lights.
I was only a few miles away and pedaling downhill toward major stoplight at Sabino Canyon and Tanque Verde. I glanced left and the reality of the sight I saw brought my world to a grinding halt. It was a Toyota Tundra, making a left turn across 3 lanes into the shopping lot driveway just in front of my bike. Even if he saw me and tried to stop now it would be too late, and speeding up or braking couldn't prevent the inevitable fact that our paths would soon meet . It was like a classic math problem, "If a Toyota Tundra is traveling at 25 mpht toward a driveway, and a bike is traveling at 18 mph perpendicularly toward the same driveway, which part of the bumper will the bicyclist hit, assuming the truck doesn't change speed and the bicyclist brakes at ??? feet per second." Either way I was about to become a hood ornament.
So I let go of thought and let instinct take over. In fact, it took hours for me to recollect the events as they unfolded, and I still don't know some answers. The rundown looks something like this;
My first task was to avoid the bumper at all costs. He wasn't slowing down and didn't even see me or my bike until afterward (sun was in his eyes). I applied the back and front brakes at once. Miraculously the front bumper passed by first but I was still scheduled for a head-on into the side of the vehicle. My only chance to buy time was to lock the front tire. If the front tire made contact, I would lose all control of my fate. My front wheel locked just before the great beast, and the back wheel began its vertical ascent, sending me toward the passenger door. I raised myself vertically to buy more time for it to pass, but it seemed he was actually slowing now that he was out of traffic lanes.
Life slowed to a crawl as I realized contact was inevitable. As I launched over the handle bars I turned my left shoulder in to receive the first blow, It hit, then slid down, and I could feel it scrape down the front part of the large back tire. My head would land just in front. I figured it may be too late but pushed out with my elbow so my head could be further right, hoping the elbow would be the only part sacrificed. I had already resigned myself to my fate.
I lay face down in the middle of the driveway, arms out, for a minute or two, assessing my injuries and hoping no other vehicles would turn in. In one part of my mind it had seemed my arm had been run over but there was no physical evidence. As I finally stood four streams began from one of my knees, but I don't even remember how they got cut or banged up. My shoulders and wrist were sore, but mostly I just some minor cuts and bruising.
Somebody called 911 and a fire truck came. The driver of the Tundra brought napkins for my knees and offered a ride, but it seemed strange to accept a ride from someone who nearly ran you down minutes earlier. I did use his phone to call Joni for a ride when she returned from work, and half expected her to pass by while we were there. She and her friend Tonya got to the house through another route. They were just remarking how lucky they were not to have taken Tanque Verde home since the radio had reported an accident at Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon. "We beat the bullet on that one," Tonya remarked as Joni glanced at the phone, noticing a message. "I wonder why Brian's not home yet?" You could say I beat the bullet too.
So it's good to know, even if you've studied in the best schools, that even physics laws can be broken, that and in fact they're only rules. Whether you're a hummingbird crossing the gulf, or a bicyclist avoiding the Tundra, you can make it across, and the truck may just stun ya! Especially if you're out riding on Friday the 13th!