Just Can't "Leave," Well Enough Alone

Green-tailed Towhees like this one love to kick up leaf litter.

Instead of snow falling this Christmas we are experiencing the soft descent of earth-toned leaves from all of our beautiful cottonwoods.  I love this time of year since it gives me an opportunity gather leaves from our common areas, using them to "birdscape," our back yard with leaf cover.  Leaf cover has many benefits, including.
1.   Keeping your plants roots warm on frosty winter nights.
2.   Keeping moisture in the soil longer after winter rains by shielding it from the desert sun.  
3.  Creating mulch as it breaks down.

White-crowned Sparrow-also a leaf kicker.

4.  Giving a home to insects, attracting the birds which feed on them.  Towhees, thrashers, and sparrows love to kick up the leaf litter with their feet (or bill) looking for food.  
5.  Giving a "woodsy," feel to your yard, like a walk through Sycamore Canyon.  
6.  Keeps your micro-climate cooler by not absorbing the sun's heat as much as stones or exposed soil. 
7. Provides cover for birds while they feed, its texture making it easier for birds to disappear against the landscape.
8.  The leaves can act as a cup, capturing rainfall for wildlife.  

As I was gathering leaves I knew I was being watched from above, but by who, or rather whom?  It was a couple Great Horned Owls roosting in the cottonwoods, practically invisible, especially when their eyes are closed. As darkness closed in they bellowed deep, tuba-like hoots back and forth, oblivious to my presence.   

Log pile after one car load removed

Over a few days I managed to collect 15 bags of leaves for our backyard heaven.  I left some leaf litter around the roots of the cottonwoods, and some in other places to help the owls hear the rustle of mice in the night.   I knew the landscapers would probably clear them soon but even a few days can make a difference.   

While at the cattail pond I eyed a woodpile from a "trimming," of Gooding's Willow along the bank.  I couldn't resist bringing the logs home to create a woodpile habitat, knowing its life by the pond was limited.  It had already been home to a small snake, who left its shed skin as a keepsake.  I was particularly interested in two round knotted pieces with small cavities as potential for improvised bird houses.

When I got home there was a message from Mrs. S to meet at our favorite eatery, Beyond Bread.  I hadn't had time to remove the bags of leaves from the back seat, and the rich, intoxicating earthy aroma carried me back to my childhood, when we would rake leaves for hours, creating huge piles to jump into from the top of the"big rock," in our front yard in New England.  The leaves became a huge pillow, breaking our freefall softly as they enveloped us with the bouquet of decomposition, a return to the soil.  My grandmother would sometimes visit, working alongside us with an unstoppable work ethic, escaping the blisters we gained from inexperience.  Her seventy-year old body was hard as nails, yet her heart glowed with warmth, especially  toward her children and grandchildren.   I'm glad now for my upbringing so close to nature.  I remember turning logs over to find salamanders and all kinds of insects, of seeing deer pass through the yard, or finding a Pileated Woodpecker in the nearby swampy habitat.  It was an area of ridges and fields, streams and lakes, where my canoe brought me closer to nature, and sometimes to risk and adventure.  I suppose I can raise a cupful of leaves to my face and breath in the rich memories of yesteryear, of youth, of nature and all the gifts it has bestowed upon my soul.  Come join me in appreciating the richness of our natural world and its wonderful earthly inhabitants.

Grandma O'Reilly and us sitting on the "big rock."

Catalina CBC Adventure

It was one O'clock AM as I parked by the recreation center pond.  As my eyes adjusted to the darkness a meteor streaked across, slicing through the handle of the Big Dipper.  A Great Horned Owl called, then another.  It was a good start.  I played a tape of a Western Screech Owl.   Western Screech Owls are like meteors when they approach in that you ask yourself, "Did I just see that or was it my imagination?"  But the branch twitches, and you know he's there, camouflaged by the darkness and his gray, tree bark-like plumage.  Then it sings its melodic bubbly repertoire of whistled notes, a slow trill in response to your imitation.   You freeze, holding onto this unique experience, unforgettable no matter how many times it is replayed in your life.   You realize you have received a gift this peaceful moonlit night.  

   My first few stops did not have any responses.   I started playing the song at a reliable location along Speedway, and had an immediate response just as the eighth meteor passed overhead.  Seven more screech owls would be counted that night along with another 30 or so meteors.  The most special screech owl was behind the cattail pond since I hadn't heard one there in years, despite the appropriate habitat.  The first the calls were non-typical, and foreign, but soon the small hunter changed to the familiar trilling so musical to my ears.  

When I met up with Jake at 7:00 only one other Great Horned Owl had called in the night, but we would find four additional owls roosting on our wanderings that day.   We scanned the big pond for ducks, counting good numbers but lower than usual diversity.  We had missed the influx of rarities a few days earlier which included 3 merganser species.   As we drove off a raptor stood out on the magical Eucalyptus in our neighborhood.   Closer inspection unveiled a Peregrine Falcon, arguably the fastest animal on earth.  It a good sign to find this tough bird early, for it can be a very rare sight.  Before leaving the neighborhood we parked at the gate and walked to a hidden pond, where a female Bufflehead was a nice surprise.  
Each birding stop had some nice sightings.  La Mariposa resort was going green with a Green Heron and Green-winged Teal on its tiny pond.  Western Bluebirds sat on the wires over the wash. and a Prairie Falcon sat on a tall power pole over Speedway Blvd. A House Wren, uncommon in the lowlands, was another good find.  
A walk at the cattail pond produced our best bird of the day, a juvenile Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.  One of the keys to distinguishing the rare Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers from its cousin, the Red-naped is that the latter only retains juvenile plumage until late September, whereby the former slowly attains adult plumage over the winter.  2 Northern Pintail ducks were on the pond as well, a bird often missed on this Christmas Bird Count.  The somewhat dense cover on the back side of the pond held an Orange-crowned Warbler,  and the normally musical Hermit thrush only gave a one-noted "chuck," which was enough to alert us to its presence.

A walk in the field west of the pond yielded five Lincoln's Sparrows and our only Green-tailed Towhee for the count.  As we walked through the mesquite bosque an Ash-throated Flycatcher called, and an American Pipit flew overhead.   As we walked the wash back past the big pond highlights included Black-tailed and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, 2 Brewer's Sparrows, and a couple Rufous-winged Sparrows.   A Pyrrhuloxia found along the walking path by the road would also be the only one for our area.   

A walk along Woodland Road added our third falcon species, an American Kestrel.  Chipping Sparrows and a few Lark Sparrows foraged in the grass, and a small group of seven meadowlarks (probably Western) were visible a hundred yards off the road.  Among the Brewer's and Red-winged Blackbirds were two Brown-headed Cowbirds, the only two found in our count circle.  Nine White-winged doves were an uncommon sight in a mesquite, and a brilliant male Red-naped Sapsucker helped round out our woodpecker totals.  

My friend Paul and his friend covered the eastern part of our route, and had tremendous success as well, having seen a Magnolia Warbler, a first ever for the entire count circle (which has been in existence for about 85 years).  They also found a Black and White Warbler, two Gray Flycatchers, the striking and scrappy Loggerhead Shrike, a Sharp-shinned Hawk, and a White-breasted Nuthatch, which is uncommon in the lowland habitats.   

The day ended with 85 species seen or heard by our two teams along this small yet ecologically diverse dense riparian area along the Tanque Verde Wash.  Twenty of these would not be seen by any other group in the circle!    Sunday would be a day of rest, having only had two hours of sleep the night before.   But the adventure was well worth the sacrifice, and I'm already looking forward for next year's Christmas Bird Count adventure.   Thank you for appreciating our diverse native wildlife.   

My Christmas Wish List along the Tanque Verde

Our family had a tradition of distributing a Christmas wish list on Thanksgiving, to be divvied up among the family.  I had 3 brothers and 3 sisters, so each person would have two siblings to buy presents for Christmas.   Since Thanksgiving has just passed I decided to create my own Christmas wish list.  These presents cannot be bought, but are birds I would like to discover within the boundaries of our neighborhood, additions to our neighborhood bird list.   This list currently has over 240 species but there is plenty of opportunity for others to be added for the first time.  Anything is possible along the rich habitats along the Tanque Verde.   In fact, the hardest task is condensing the possibles down from 60 to a mere 20, which are hoped to be seen in the next 5 months (then I can make my B'day list for the summer).   My choices will be based partly on probability based on species information in "Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona (FBSEA notated) and local knowledge.  Some will be given extra consideration due to an overwhelming desire to see the species in our neighborhood.    So, without further ado, here are my twenty top pics for birds hoped to be seen for the first time in our neighborhood.   


1.  Common Loon-  This rare winter visitant usually shows up on larger lakes (FBSEA).  Our big pond is just big enough for this amazing bird with the unforgettable song.   It has been on my wish list for a long time now.  

2.  American Bittern-  This winter rarity is attracted to cattail ponds, and I hope this is the year it visits our cattails.   I love it's song, which sounds like a slowly dripping faucet into a bucket of water.  We have already had Least Bittern as a visitor at the cattails on a few occasions.

3.   Northern Goshawk-Northern birds can be seen in the lowlands in winter (FBSEA).  Has been seen in the last two years just a few miles away around Agua Caliente Park.  Oh how awesome it would be to see this magnificent accipiter, especially and adult.  

4.  Golden Eagle- can be seen in lowlands and agricultural areas in winter (FBSEA).  Has been seen during CBC around Agua Caliente on a few occasions.   One Ebird report on 10/12/11 on the woodland road.   

5.  Mountain Plover-  Although not seen in Tucson yet has been seen in fallow agricultural fields (FBSEA)..   Most likely too be seen along the fields bordering the woodland road.  

6.  Bonaparte's Gull-  Rare transient and casual winter visitant to ponds and lakes (FBSEA).  One has been seen regularly  in the past month at Lakeside park.

7.  Burrowing Owl-  locally can be year round in Tucson but not in northeast Tucson region.   Mrs. S found one at our local bank just a quarter mile from our neighborhood Martin Luther King weekend a few years ago.  

8.  Short-eared Owl-  has been seen at Sweetwater Wetlands and our fields and open space would be appropriate habitat.  It would be a great find and harriers, which use same habitat, are seen occasionally.  

9.  Magnificent Hummingbird-  rare visitant to lowland feeders in winter.    They can prefer feeders hung high so I may try this tactic this winter.  

10.  Acorn Woodpecker-  After my possible sighting last week this species would be a great addition.   One was also seen a a Udall Park a couple years ago, just a mile from our neighborhood.  

11.  Hairy Woodpecker-though probably a long shot the Hairy Woodpecker ranges lower in winter.  I never thought Arizona Woodpecker would be on our list but one showed up in 2009.  

12.  Horned Lark-  "Common resident in grasslands and fallow agricultural fields, often abundant transient and winger resident..."(FBSEA quote).   This bird has been seen in areas south, west, and east.  The fields on the woodland road has probably had them but I have not found yet. 

13. Bridled Titmouse-  Seen at loop road a couple winters.  could show up in rich riparian areas in neighborhood, especially in winter.  

14.  Mountain Bluebird- can be numerous in areas just east of neighborhood.  I had it on my list but removed it since it was an old sight record and I would rather have it documented with pics.  

15.  Rufous-backed Robin-fall and winter visitant (FBSEA).  One was seen a 49'ers community one year.  Our riparian habitat would be conducive for this species.

16.  Black and White Warbler-  I keep hoping for this bird in our neighborhood yet it always seems to be seen east of us at Wentworth Road and, lately, a few miles down at the loop road.  Most likely places to look are at cattail pond, but could be anywhere. 

17.  Northern Parula-  based on two birds at the loop road and one last year at nearby Ft Lowell Park this could be the year for this beautiful warbler.  Probably best to check mesquites along wash, looking for warblers foraging higher up.  

18.  Fox Sparrow-  could show up anywhere in winter, either in dense thickets or at feeders.  I found one at the loop road during a Christmas bird count a couple years ago (red form).   

19.  Golden-crowned Sparrow-  even though this is a tough year on sparrows and habitat is lacking, I hope to see this bird in with White-crowned Sparrows this year.  It is a winter visitant in brushy habitats (FBSEA).

20.  Eastern Meadowlark-  this bird is so difficult to tell from its cousin, the Western Meadowlark, that I would have to have definitive pics or hear its distinctive "spring of the year," call.   It is uncommon in winter away from its breeding areas (south and east of Tucson), typically found in agricultural fields and grassy areas (the woodland road) ((FBSEA).

21. Chestnut-sided Warbler-  this is my wildcard pic-and makes my list a lucky 21 wishes.  This warbler has been seen at Sweetwater, and I would hope to expect it at the cattail pond, the most favored spot for any vagrant warbler, actually.  It is a casual transient and winter visitant to riparian woodland (FBSEA).   It has been seen at Sweetwater Wetlands and nearby Sabino Canyon.  

So here is my wish list.  There were so many others I wanted to add, and if I started over the list could be completely different.   In fact, just warblers could take up 20 spaces, and sandpipers another 20.   Our diverse habitats in the neighborhood (fields, riparian, ponds, lake, cattails, pecan groves, cottonwoods) creates possibilities for almost any visitor to find a niche.    Wish me luck on my Christmas wishes!  Thank you for appreciating our current, and future neighborhood wildlife!

Ps.   Hope to have some pics to fill in next to these birds once seen!

Welcoming our pocket-sized neighbor

Our yard is looking brighter.  The Mexican Elderberry trees and wolfberry are leaving out, the Autumn Sage and Chuparosa have sprung red flowers to the delight of our hummingbirds.   The rock squirrels are not as active, saving some of our plants from their appetites and passion for digging.  One of the pitfalls of planting for wildlife is that some of the plantings will be eaten by wildlife.  Although the squirrels can try my patience, especially on new plants, I am glad for their presence in our tiny ecosystem.  Mrs. S. has a soft spot for them too, putting out leftover fruit and veggies for them to eat.  

Have you ever stopped and considered the labels we put on plants and wildlife.  These labels can create consequences which do not promote a healthy planet.  

The "weeds" are sprayed.
The "pests" are terminated.
The poisonous are eradicated.
The "feared," are attacked at will.
The "varmints," are campaigned against and blamed for low game numbers.
The "insignificant," are stepped on. 
The "dumb," are misunderstood or under-appreciated. 
The "game," is taken for sport.
The "cute," are collected.
The "ugly," are dispatched without remorse.

Most if not all wildlife can be put in at least one of these categories, and all, even the "cute," have a negative impact on the quality of the animal's life, or the species survival.  The biggest current threat happens in our own backyard, compounded by sprawl into natural areas.  Tortoises are collected, snakes, lizards, rodents, and insects are eradicated, native plants are removed, and bobcats, coyotes, and javelina are "relocated."   Many homeowners decide to "choose," which animal stays or goes, playing god with "God's creatures."  I wonder how a god would react if his masterpiece, his creation, is systematically destroyed by selfish acts of just one species.   Taking a bite of the apple surely is a minuscule act in comparison to plowing under the garden, right?

Imagine if all these descriptions were replaced with the word "welcome,"or "encouraged."  Dare I say "fellow neighbor."   Imagine if our struggle were focused on living with wildlife rather than campaigning against it.   This solution is easier than the current state, and even more economical. And it's not as hard as you think.  It may mean slightly more work in the beginning since we are adapting to our changing surroundings rather than fighting against it.   But we humans pride ourselves on being able to adapt, so we should be up to the task.  All beings struggle to live on this earth-it is one of the traits we share with other species-it is our special bond with them. 

So it is with this outlook that I welcome our new neighbor, the pocket gopher (Botta's).   He poked his head out of the newly formed hole the day after Thanksgiving.   He's "cute," but look at those chompers!  The next day one of my native grass plantings disappeared completely, a nice hole right next to it.  
Yes, he is welcome as all our neighbors.   I'm glad he is in the yard, though it will mean some change to our ecosystem.  But that is what happens in a balanced system, it changes like the ocean's tide against the shoreline.  Perhaps a hawk or owl will appear to change the balance again in our back yard.   Who knows what the future holds.  But our new visitor is as welcome as the Orange-crowned Warbler and Green-tailed Towhee who visited the day before, on Thanksgiving.     

So won't you welcome our new neighbor, Botta.  Thank you for living with, and appreciating, our neighborhood wildlife! 

A Christmas Miracle on the Tanque Verde

I felt like I was in a slump, that I had lost what little birding Karma I once had.   It wasn't that I wasn't seeing good birds.   It was just that the looks were too brief to call definitively.   The day before leading a bird trip I scoped out a prime riparian area with my friend Paul.  A brilliant male Summer Tanager came into the open for a moment, a nice rarity to show birders the next  day.

  Another warbler caught my eye with a yellow chest but disappeared before I could place its identity.   All I knew was that it was not one of our normal occurring varieties.   A scan afterward had me thinking best prospects to be Tennesee Warbler or Northern Parula.  
The next day the Summer Tanager hid for the trip.  So did the rare Black and White Warbler which had been seen, yet not by myself.   The trip still went well due to the enthusiasm of the participants including a 95 year old with the refreshing curiosity of a youngster.  A Peregrine flew by twice to excite the crowd, a Prairie Falcon perched nicely for scope views, and Hermit Thrushes were found at two lowland locations.   I counted 48 species in a few hours seen and heard myself, but not all could be shared visually with the nature enthusiasts.  
The next week my friend Paul rediscovered the warbler, a female Northern Parula, and found a brilliant male as well.   I went searching for the rarities without success, but heard a chip coming from some dense foliage along the road.   As I found the warbler with my bins it turned to face me and I saw dark stripes on a buffy background.  "Worm-eating Warbler!?" I exclaimed, to myself since I was alone.  It disappeared too quickly though, so I was not able to confirm with a second look, or better yet, photos.   I cursed my mixed fortune.    Was it the moon?
Weeks passed without another look at these rare gems along the Tanque Verde.  Even the Black and White Warbler was hidden from my clouded eyes.   I had a week off from work so set to work on a few bird surveys with Paul's help.   An unusually persistent rain  postponed one survey spanning the Tanque Verde wash west of the "bridge.".  
The next day we missed on all rare warblers and the tanager while walking by the loop road, but did see a Prairie Falcon and over 30 White-throated Swifts just before the survey ended.   I hoped my luck was not spreading to Paul's birding Karma, which is usually exceptional.   Could it have something to do with my close companions, who may have used my heavy shirts as a warm comforter lately?

Lilly, Scout, Sassy, Hadley

Deebs, Pickle, Sassy

I surveyed a short western section of the Tanque Verde alone.  I watched a Woodpecker with an all dark back and white wing bars as it flew across the wash into a pecan grove and disappeared from my view. Gila Woodpeckers fussed about, disturbed by this hidden competitor..  My gut and the field marks pointed to Acorn Woodpecker, a first for our neighborhood, even without seeing the clown-like face.   But, then again, Williamson's Sapsucker males have a solid dark back with white on the wings (and white rump too).   Gila Woodpeckers are territorial with sapsuckers as well.   I surmised that I had seen an unknown woodpecker, that would have been a new sight record for our neighborhood regardless of which specialty it turned out to be.  The mystery still continues as even numerous returns to the area has not yielded another sighting.    Were our cute feline family having an influence on my birding?  Or is that question just an excuse to show off our kitties again!  Aren't they cute!

Some Western Bluebirds along the woodland road gave me cause to cheer. It was also a treat seeing an Orange-crowned Warbler and Green-tailed Towhee feasting in our backyard on Thanksgiving day.  The Friday after Thanksgiving was too windy for surveys so Paul and I rescheduled for Saturday for our last survey along the Tanque Verde.  

A Prairie Falcon in the first two hundred yards was a nice find, and some Rufous-winged Sparrows were calling.   As we passed the lake I realized we had just passed our best chance for a rarity on this survey.   The wind had not brought in any unusual ducks, and the Snowy Egret seen recently must have already left for the cattail pond.     But birds were still active, with Lincoln's Sparrows and a Bewick's Wren calling as we walked the banks of the wash.   
We had just passed the midpoint when Paul casually mentioned a raptor in the air.   He mentioned that it looked dark, and then called out words foreign to my ears on my neighborhood birding trips.   "Bald Eagle!"    
"What?" I thought as I ransacked my pack for the camera.  Paul was retrieving his from his fanny pack as well.   I had only heard of one Bald Eagle sighting in eastern Tucson, seen during a Christmas Bird Count in Redington Pass.  This bird had originally been flying low and slow, possibly indicating it had just taken flight from a roost.  We snapped away as the juvenile eagle circled us, climbing higher as it slowly headed east toward the Rincons.   One or two photos actually came out legibly;

 I thanked Paul for his incredible find in our neighborhood.   As we moved on an Ash-throated Flycatcher called, and as we came into a small clearing another Prairie Falcon perched, unafraid of these curious humans.  

The next day I finally found the Black and White Warbler at the loop, a first for this species since a trip to Ecuador years ago.   Who knows what else may show up in our neighborhood in the next weeks or month.   But I feel lucky because I received my Christmas miracle, soaring over the desert on long wings which pierced my soul with its majesty.   Thank you for sharing with me the bewilderment of our amazing neighborhood wildlife.

A Mountain of Gems on Thanksgiving

Happy late Thanksgiving!  Thursday morning I reminisced about the things for which I am thankful.  I supposed that I am luckier than most in this world.  I looked at Kino's sweet adoring face, his cute cinnamon eyebrows and bright smile always there to cheer me up on the worst of days.   It's been a tough year for him, yet he carries on, stubbornly.  Through the years I think sometimes I carried him but mostly he carried me.   It was now my turn.

I carried him out to the car for an adventure up Mount Lemmon to see the remnants of the first snow, which had fallen last week.   Now that walking is such a struggle for him he loves these trips, even if he is inside the car most of the time.   He also loves the 70's and 80's rock which I play and sing to on the way up.  He is the only one who doesn't mind my singing in the car.  Mrs. S. concludes that it means his hearing is much worse than we thought.  Luckily you, the reader, were spared the video I took of us,  singing to "Wild Thing,"  on the radio as Kino smiled (then hid) in the back seat.   Thank Mrs. S for that save.  


They seemed to be playing rock songs relevant to the two of us the whole way up.  When James Taylor sang "You've got a Friend," it seemed to be a special dedication to our years together.  When we neared the top I parked and I carried Kino to a nice bed of pine needles to lay in, surrounded by snow.  Some dream of a sitting on thrones, but I would find it so uncomfortable.  Give me a seat cushion of sweet smelling pine needles in a conifer forest with the sounds of nuthatches, chickadees, and kinglets around me.  That's my heaven.  

On the way home Kino opted to lay down, his head leaning against my winter shirt.  He was exhausted from the day's excitement but very content.  I knew I would look back on this day as a special time for us, and time can be a luxury when in short supply.   These memories are wealth I seek, for they carry the most value over time.  They are the buried treasure hidden right before our eyes, if we can only open them to see it.    

Such loving eyes!

Here are some other gems collected on Thanksgiving Day for my jewelry box of treasured memories. 

I saw eyes of pure gold,

I beheld the brilliance of turquoise and saphire,

Rubies could be seen dazzling in the sunlight, 

and a table full of rich, delicious vegetarian dishes fit for kings and queens, 

Dishes shown sinclude stuffed pumpkin, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli casserole.  Not shown include croissants, world famous cheese ball and crackers, and delicious cranberry bread, and heavenly deviled eggs.

I feasted in the company of trusting family and friends of royal and colorful character.  We ate, and laughed, and shared our lives, triumphs and struggles in confidence with our trusted companions.  We left with satisfied stomachs and rekindled souls.  
I am thankful for the wealth I have been given in the form of family, friends and companion animals.  I am also thankful for the gift of sharing this beautiful world with so many other remarkably interesting and intelligent inhabitants, who peacefully share our space on this planet. Thank you for appreciating this life and all it inhabitants.

   

Sawbill Surprise and Mountain drive with "the guy."

Red-breasted Merganser females

Red-breasted Merganser females

Life has kept me busy these past few weeks so it was nice to get out for an hour or so this morning before Kino's vet appointment.  At the lake things seemed unexciting, so I turned toward the car for a jaunt to Woodland.  Two waterfowl flew just over my head and landed on the lake I had just turned from.   I did not recognize them in flight so fixated the scope on their lean figures.  The long, thin bill, light brown head with a shaggy crest, and lack of contrast between the light chin and fore-neck identified them as the rarest merganser to be found in our area, the Red-breasted Merganser.  This merganser is typically found wintering in the ocean, not desert lakes.   The serrated edges to its long thin bill help it to hold on to its prey which consists mostly of fish.  This rarity showed up when I least expected it, a common phenomenom. 



A buddy biscuit was enough incentive to get Kino up, which is surprising since usually by 11:00 he's sawing logs and immovable.  As I watched him in the car he seemed so happy to be out that I took some pics before we left the car.   It was then that I first thought we could take a drive afterwards up Mount Lemmon.

On the way up we made short stops, and, though Kino was interested in the smells of pine and Juniper, was also content to stay in the car.   It wasn't until we reached the very top that I was able to carry him around and show him some of the magnificent views.








On the way back he sat up and watched the scenery, including a few turkeys crossing the road.  We logged another sunset and enjoyed another day together in this beautiful place.   Thank you for appreciating our wild and not so wild companion animals.  

A Lewis's expedition Saturday Nov 19 2013

When I got up a Great Horned Owl was hooting outside the window.   Owls in mythology supposedly were symbols for impending death, but for myself they always foretell an awakening of the spirit within, as my senses suddenly become sharp with keen interest.  Today I also took it to be a sign of good birds to be seen this day, in which my friend Paul and myself had planned on canvassing our neighborhood for any new migrating specialties.   As mentioned earlier Paul is a sharp birder who seems find incredible birds on his wanderings in mostly under-birded habitats.

We met at woodland road and decided to bird that area first.   A Lewis's Woodpecker had been seen only five miles from here and I wanted to see if any were around the pecan groves along this stretch.  We drove until we came upon a large group of blackbirds, and decided to stop and look for any cowbirds in the flock, or other surprise.   I noticed a semi-large dark bird with fat wings pass by, and thought I caught a glimpse of gray on the nape before it disappeared.  Luckily it flew back and we saw the deep reddish coloration on the belly as well, distinguishing the first Lewis's Woodpecker for the season (and year) in the neighborhood, and apparently only the second one reported for the season in southeast Arizona.  

Red-shafted Flickers, Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, and a Red-naped Sapsucker were also seen on our walk along the road.  A woodpecker flew overhead which had much red on the upper chest and had us scratching our heads as to whether it could be the rare Red-breasted Sapsucker.  We did also find 2 Brown-headed Cowbirds and a Yellow-Headed Blackbird in with the flock of Brewer's Blackbirds, European Starlings, Great-tailed Grackles, and Red-winged Blackbirds.  
Paul also spotted a late or overwintering White-winged Dove.   In a couple hours we had seen 33 species in the rural habitat.  Our last addition was a beautiful Prairie Falcon on top of a Eucalyptus.  

After a break we went to the cattail pond.   At first it wasn't too birdy, but we did see Green-winged Teal, a belted Kingfisher, and 2 Red-naped Sapsuckers on a well-drilled Eucalyptus tree (sapsuckers drill horizontal rows of holes in trees, feeding on the sap and insects attracted to the sugary feast).   As we circled back along the back edge of the pond a Ruby-crowned Kinglet sang out, and was joined by another and a Plumbeous Vireo.  

As we entered a field area bordering the pond it seemed we broke through to another dimension, the "birding zone."  Lincoln's Sparrows flew from underfoot, Orange-crowned Warblers and one Black-throated Gray Warbler foraged in the mesquites, a House Wren scolded from the understory, and Green-tailed and Abert's Towhees called.   A Harris's Hawk looked down from a high snag.  I told Paul that some ten years back I would sometimes find Grasshopper Sparrows in this grassy cienega-like stretch of habitat.  

It flew up from the grass in front of us just like the Lincoln's Sparrows, but something was different about this bird.   It landed too far for our binoculars to register so I quickly focused the scope on this flat-headed Sparrow.  I was elated as I watched the buffy colored sparrow with the bold eye-ring.  It's back was intricately textured with sharp black and rich brown highlights, and light-tipped accents to the wing covers.  The yellowish spot before the eye also confirmed we were watching a Grasshopper Sparrow, a rarity around the city.  We managed

to get closer looks at the bird, and I finally managed a halfway decent photo of this beautiful unexpected surprise!  

Our last bird was another beauty, an Osprey surveying the lake for a fishy feast!   Thank you for your appreciation of our incredible wildlife marvels right in our own neighborhood!

Superatural Laws of birding/naturewatching

In my limited experience with birding and nature watching I've come to understand that there are certain seemingly supernatural yet unexplained coincidences with regard to many exciting finds.  I will try to list some of these I've discovered along the way.  Perhaps you can identify with some of these in your own wanderings.  

Observations from an amateur, yet lucky, nature enthusiast.  

A rare bird is more likely to show up after you've studied them intensely.   In other words,the more prepared you are to identify a bird the better your chance of seeing that particular specie.  Our neighborhood sparrow list is pretty diverse, partly due to my desire to figure out identification tips on this group of birds.  I highly recommend the book "Sparrows of the United States and Canada," By David Beadle and James Rising.  

Thinking about a species increases the chance you will see it in the near future.   Talking about it to a friend increases the chances even more.   One of the practices which helped me build my neighborhood list (over 240 species) is to go through the species accounts in the back of the latest edition of "Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona."   The accounts show that anything is possible when it comes to vagrants in unexpected areas.  For example, who would believe a Snow Bunting from the Arctic would show up in Arizona!  I remember talking to my friend Mark about the possibility of a Sage Sparrow in our neighborhood, which seemed unlikely since there were no records in Tucson.   A couple years later on my bike commute home I was stunned to  find a Sage Sparrow in our field by the woodland road!  Now that this species has recently split I'll have to revisit my video to verify it is the a Sagebrush Sage Sparrow or the even rarer Bell's Sparrow. (video on July 2012 post) 

Be curious-study everything including the seemingly ordinary.  Some of the best finds were almost passed over as ordinary birds.   But once they were in the bins my eyes would widen with discovery!  Like the probable mockingbird which was a Yellow-billed Cuckoo!

The best way to find a rare species is to be still.   This is my most difficult reality.  It goes against my thinking to stay still for ten minutes and just watch and listen.   Yet whenever I do the birds respond, revealing themselves in a spectacular display.   Of course it helps to be in good habitat, but it could happen anywhere!

A rare bird is always a surprise.   I am always astonished by each new bird I see since it just happens so unexpectedly.   Like the Sage Thrasher that popped up on a fence while walking the wash.     

A genuine appreciation for everything you see increases your chances to see something magical!  I make a point to stop and appreciate the Arizona Sycamore in our neighborhood, and, although I don't expect anything, I almost always come across something interesting afterward. 

Even an hour of birding can turn up a rarity.   I remember twice in 2009 going to the cattail pond for just a half hour with Mrs S.  On one short visit a Prothonotary Warbler made an appearance in the cattails.   On the other a Mexican Jay called out from the cove's shoreline.  

Being thankful for what you've seen already can create a positive energy which brings in more exciting finds.   Again, this is tied to appreciation of everything, especially everything natural.   But I must say that the gratitude must be genuine and selfless.  

Visiting other types of habitats will tend to bring birds from that ecosystem to your neighborhood.  I can't explain this effect except to say that, for one reason or another, when I visit another area, such as Mount Lemmon, it seems one or more of its birds "follows," me home to be seen within weeks of the excursion.   

The worst weather brings the best birds.    Any weather change should be noteworthy for birds, but the worst storms bring the best birds.   I find this particularly true in winter, when snow in the mountains can drive species down to the valley.  

Always foster the attitude, "Anything is possible!"  Because when it comes right down to it, anything is possible, any time.   A Red-footed Falcon can show up in the Northeastern US, and a Rufous-necked Wood Rail can show up in New Mexico!  Or a Sabine's Gull, which tends to migrate over oceans, can show up at our lakes!

Rare birds tend to show up with similar species.   For example, our habitat is conducive to Cassin's and Western Kingbirds in great numbers, so it makes sense to see Tropical Kingbird as well.   If an area is popular with buntings, watch for Painted Bunting!   

The Rare Bird Effect.   One rare bird found in an area can spring more unusual sightings just based on the increase of birders to the area.   My earlier post on "2009, a Good Year," explains this more completely.   More recently, my friend Paul discovered a Rufous-backed Robin at a local park, which led to a discovery of a Magnolia Warbler, which led to the discovery of a Red-shouldered Hawk!

Do you have a natural or supernatural, law you would like to share.  Thank you for your appreciation of our local, uncommon and common,  wildlife.

Nightly Kino walks Oct 16 2013

Kino and I did our nightly routine again, and the Lesser Nighthawk graced us with its presence again.   The insects were not as numerous around the lights though, so we will have to appreciate its nightly flights while we can.  Last night the flight pattern was reminiscent of a ladle being dipped repeatedly into a bowl of soup as it scooped up insects crowded about the artificial light.  Tonight the pattern was more of a wide circular arc.   

On the previous two nights I also heard a strange owl's screech which made me think "Barn Owl," yet could not rule out a juvenile Great Horned Owl.   I scanned the skies intently both nights for a ghostly white figure.   

This morning I discovered a scorpion in our shower.  Much as I disagree with animal relocation I took the exception, and, after trapping it in one of Mrs. S's Chai cans, relocated it, to our back yard.  

Tonight on my bike commute home I birded the woodland road, then the field and pond just before dark.   To give an idea of the birds here this time of year here is the list.  

The woodland Road (15 min)

1 Verdin

4 House Finch

3 Gila Woodpecker

1 Red-tailed Hawk

5 Vermilion Flycatchers

60 Mourning Doves

1 Yellow-Rumped Warbler

5 Turkey Vultures

2 Lesser Goldfinch

1 Abert's Towhee

1 American Kestrel

1 Eurasian Collared Dove

Field and Lake  (25 min)

1 Phainopepla

7 Gambel's Quail

6 House Finch

2 Lesser Goldfinch

2 Red-tailed Hawks

1 Pyrrhuloxia or Northern Cardinal female

5 Brewer's Sparrow

2 Lincoln's Sparrow

2 Green-tailed Towhee

5 White-crowned Sparrow-Gambeli (Gambel's race)

2 White-crowned Sparrow-Orianthi  (Mountain race)

2 Mourning Doves

1 Gila Woodpecker

1 House Wren

2 Northern Shoveler 

68 Mallard Duck

1 Mexican Mallard Duck 

22 American Wigeon

1 Great Blue Heron

3 possible Green-winged Teal (teal-like with apparent tail stripe but not distinct)-too dark outside.

Thank you for appreciating our wintering neighborhood wildlife!

It's a long, long road

This weekend was spent mostly in the yard getting brush out to the curb for the biyearly bulk pickup in our neighborhood.   By the end of Saturday my shoulders were bruised from carrying logs and arms were sore from all the heavy sawing with the pruning saw.    One of the items brought out was a heavy, yet broken cement bird bath base.  This was soon returned when Mrs. S informed me it was an antique.  She is an expert on thrifting, arts and crafts, and I do remember carrying that a good half mile through the desert when first found.  It seems the heaviest items are always the most valued, at least when I'm there to carry it.   I remember once birding a wash with a friend and coming across a solid cement bench support with a design in it.   I told him I'd better carry it out since "It's cumbersome and heavy, so she'll love it.   She did and it now adorns our back yard.  At least in exchange she agreed not to accidentally put any of my personal belongings in the garbage or bulk pickup (such moose antlers, found only after hiking up a swampy trail for over 3 miles in Baxter State Park).

Mrs S. had to work this weekend but it was just as well since it is difficult to navigate the yard without inadvertently stepping on a planting.    I missed having Kino out there "supervising," from the porch like previous years, but at least he was in good spirits and alert.  On Sunday morning just as we headed to the lake an Osprey came into view, and I thought how lucky I was to be able to see this majestic animal from my driveway.   Despite Kino's apparent aversion to bird watching, he allows me to slow down and see more.   Once I even counted 41 species of birds during our 3/4 mile walk.

After an intense afternoon of work I carried Kino over to the lake again.   It was a windy evening and he loves windy days like I love watching wildlife.   When we got there he contently lay down, the breeze bristling his beautiful white mane.   I lay back next to him, immersed in the sereneness of the moment, watching the stars, and a satellite which slowly crossed over the sky.  I wondered if I would be able to appreciate these moments without Kino.   I gathered it just wouldn't be the same without him there to share the experience.   

Kino (Pic from another post)

I was happy to see the Lesser Nighthawk again despite the lateness of the season.  It's flight was different tonight, as it glided swiftly for long distances on the seemingly icy surface.  Even its flaps were hurried.   I wondered if it was a sign that his time here was short despite the thousands of bugs at the lights.  All it takes is one day of frost to put a damper on the food supply.  That could happen any day-time was short.  I silently wished him good luck on his impending journey.  

After a half hour or so Kino indicated he wanted to get up so I pushed against his hind quarters as he struggled.  He did walk about twenty yards with breaks in between, where he would lean against my leg for stability.   I get the feeling Kino is ready for his journey but I am still not ready for him to go just yet.   I'm the one pushing him to stay for another day, another week, another month.   He obliges because he knows how important it is to me, his friend, his brother.   

It was getting late and I knew the kitties would be waiting at the door for him to return, as they always do.   I knelt down and picked him up, then set off toward home.  He gave me a dog's hug, pushing his neck against mine, his chin resting on the back of my shoulders as he looked behind me into the darkness.  In a well of emotion I was suddenly reminded of an old yet enduring favorite tune by The Hollies,  "He ain't Heavy...."
The Hollies "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother."

   

It was Late one Winter Night-flashback

It was 1990, towards the beginning of my wildlife awakenings.   Looking back I wonder if I knew more then than now, at least regarding nature.   It was a time when coyotes were still scarce in many parts of the northeast, and sometimes not welcome.  I would make special trips to the Pound Ridge Reservation, scanning the fields for a glimpse of these amazing hunters, looking very wolf-like in their heavy winter coats.   I was also shaking off layers of teachings from my youth which did not fit with my new understanding of wildlife.   I was mostly alone in my quest for natural teachings, yet it also made each lesson more memorable and distinct.   Hope your enjoy this poem in the style of "Twas the Night before Christmas," in a time when childhood myths were being broken down in my mind, revealing a course of thought based on experience, not hearsay or fairy tale.

                                     A COYOTE COMES ON A WINTER NIGHT

It was late one winter night,
and all through the  woods,
only a few Deer were stirring
from the field where I stood.

As I walked into the Darkness
they vanished like Ghosts.
But it wasn't the deer
I wanted to see most.

It's the mysterious Owl,
as silent as the wind.
I would imitate mouse squeaks
to lure that hunter in. 

I crouched in tall grass, 
my calls were so nice, 
though there's another predator
who's attracted to mice.

He came like a flash

Appreciating natural firework displays

It was a Monday night  (9-23) and I was hanging out with Kino on the lawn by the lake.  Most of the time I carry him over now due to his mobility constraints, but he seems to like the ride, and one block is not far for his 60 pounds.  He does walk in the grass a little once we're there, but mostly wants to lie down and enjoy the scenery.   Tonight I had arrived home late so it was already dark when we left.  He lay down sideways and lay his head on my lap, and we enjoyed the cool night breeze of early Autumn in the desert. 

The low night lights of the recreation center were already attracting moths.  As I watched a Lesser Nighthawk came into view, and I was thankful for seeing this bird after many had already left for the winter.   After a time I lay back and stared at the stars.  Every once in a while it seemed a fine short streak of gray would pass so quickly it made me wonder if I had seen anything at all.  After a few instances I was sure these streaks were in fact meteors, however brief their stay.   I had sat up again when the sky seemed to light up as a meteor streaked on a long burning course to the Catalina Mountains.   It was the longest lasting meteor I had ever seen, and the lowest against the horizon.   It's flame split and sputtered like a firework toward the end of its path, and I felt sure a piece could have made it to the ground somewhere in the city.  

It was Saturday the 28th just around dusk.   I am conversing with my neighbor when a bright light shoots across the sky.  It was amazing since it was still light out, yet this meteor was still bright enough to be seen clearly.  Afterward I carried Kino to the lake.  The tennis court lights are on, and I see our the underwings of our lone nighthawk illuminated as it circles about like a figure skater on an invisible surface of ice.  It was the first I'd seen him since our other meteor experience.   It felt like a case of deja vu, in reverse.   I watched, thankful for the chance to see and appreciated the natural gifts provided every day for those willing to stop, watch, and listen.  Thank you for your appreciation of our wildlife. 

Leavings of Summer and early Fall arrivals

Last Tuesday seemed to mark the first day of Autumn.  Although it was only the 10th of September, it was the first time I did not hear Purple Martins calling at the lake.  The normally boisterous Tropical Kingbirds were noticeably absent as well and haven't been heard since.  A lone Lesser nighthawk hunted in the dim early evening light, and a Rufous-winged Sparrow gave weak, barely discernible peeps, seemingly too tired to give its entire bouncing ball

Rufous-winged Sparrow (from previous wanderings)

repertoire.  A single Mallard duck swam on the seeming immense, yet empty lake.   The summer varieties were leaving, yet migrants were still few due to the lack of rainfall in our "desert within the desert".   Hopefully the rains from the week before would help spur plant growth and bird activity.   It was the first time the wash had run this summer, and the rainy season was about to end.   Even our desert toads were mostly silent this monsoon season. 

There was a silver lining on this waning moon of a season.  My friend Paul Suchanek had spotted a juvenile Mississippi Kite just a mile from our neighborhood, and it had been heading in our direction.  His Ebird documentation photo was outstanding as well as his write-up.  Oh, to see such a sight in our neighborhood!  I was quite envious of his find.   And to think I had birded that area just a few days before and could have missed this gem!    At least its nice to have an expert birder focusing on this rich ecosystem, discovering species I've missed in my amateur forays. 

Vesper Sparrow (from previous wanderings)

On Saturday I had some consolation to my doldrums.   As I watered our backyard plants a Warbling Vireo hopped through our mesquites, then investigated our Arizona Ash,  paying little heed to my close presence as I curiously watched its behavior.   I'd seen them in other areas nearby but this was a first for the year in the yard and neighborhood!  Later on a short walk in the wash a Vesper Sparrow was a first for the season. and Brewer's Sparrows were becoming slightly more numerous.  Green-tailed Towhees were also easy to find.    

On my early Monday morning commute I saw a large raptor with crooked wings fly over our transit bus.  "Osprey!" I found myself calling out to the non-birding commuters.  A couple  of passengers were actually interested and tried to find it before it soared out of sight.  Tonight on my bike ride home I stopped by the lake to scan for any activity.    Three swallows passed in a tight knit group, and I pegged two to be Barn Swallows.  The third, even though obviously flying with the others, was too dark and heavy.   I followed them with the bins and confirmed the male Purple Martin, silently flying with his new friends despite their biological differences.   Both parties seemed content with the arrangement regardless of what caused this interspecies bond of friendship.   I was concerned with a couple missing flight feathers on the martin and wished him happy travels on his upcoming journey.   Thank you for appreciating our other-specie-al friends, our community wildlife!