Welcoming Tropical kings



Black Phoebe (taken 3/6/11)

Kino and I took a morning stroll today to the lake.  I heard a one note call which was not instantly recognizable until after I spotted the bird.   The Black Phoebe has not been seen in our neighborhood in months and is not a regular summer visitor so his appearance was a nice surprise. 

As I got closer to the "big," lake I thought I heard a short metallic trill but the calls of a multitude of Great-tailed Grackles drowned out the call.   I coaxed Kino closer, hoping to hear it again, and hoping my assumption as to its owner was correct.   It had been years, it seemed, since I'd seen it here at this lake.  It gave another short trilly burst just as some grackles cackled.   Kino sensed I was birding

Aunt Joan's Farm-flashback to youth and appreciation of snakes

Some of the most memorable experiences of my youth were when we went to visit our Aunt Joan's farm in upstate New York.   There was something magical about her farm, whose 200 year old house sat on 188 acres of mostly untouched land.  This simple place was like a retreat of sorts, bonding its visitors together through fond memories, with my aunt leading the festivities and keeping some order, ringing a large cowbell to collect everyone for dinner each evening.   

There wasn't phone service and the TV would not receive stations so was hardly used.   The primitive antique gas stove was amazingly adequate for all our needs.  The creaking wood floors on the two story house echoed through the hallways every time someone got up in the middle of the night.   There was the rumor of a ghost inhabiting the

Keeping the storm at Bay-90's flashback

It was early spring in Rochester, New York, along the shores of Lake Ontario.  I was sitting in a grandstand with one other person, who was an expert in his field of study. The field for which these stands overlooked did not have sporting players vying for championships, per se, but there was plenty of action, and perhaps a competition at times among the participants passing through the "arena."

We watched the entertaining spectacle before us, two fans enjoying the thrill of seeing raptors in flight, on their migratory path along this shoreline bordering the huge obstruction to their path, Lake Ontario.  We were at Braddock Bay, renowned center for raptor research, and a premier hawk watching site for nature enthusiasts worldwide.   My eagle eyed companion

One hell of a summer (6/28/13)

After work I rode my bike for about 8 miles to our favorite eatery through 109 degree afternoon temperatures.   The biking can take your mind off the heat whereby standing at the bus stop is like crawling into an oven and shutting the door.   While I waited at an outside table for Mrs S the hot breeze actually had a cooling effect as it blew, hair dryer like,  against my clammy shirt.  Hopefully this humidity will transform itself into more monsoon rains soon.  These extreme temperatures are taking a toll on out desert plants even with just one day of missed watering.

On the drive down the neighborhood road a neighbor waved me over and told me a Great Blue Heron was seen with a fishing lure and line around its bill wound so tight the bill could only partially open.  The rehabilitation center came to rescue him but even with a long net they were unsuccessful.   We hope they are able to catch him before he/she gets too malnourished for recovery.   Great Blue Herons are very accurate with their long pointed bills when cornered and go for the eyes, so rescuers have to be careful.  In fact, sometimes these birds stand over ground squirrel burrows, spearing their next meal as they exit the hole.  This is not typical behavior you would expect from a water bird.   

I took Kino out on our nightly walk on the soft grassy area by the pond.  It was too late for Purple Martins, and I still haven't seen which tree or trees they use to roost.   The bats were more plentiful tonight, and were joined by a Lesser Nighthawk and a calling Northern Rough-winged Swallow.   I was surprised that the swallow was out hunting insects so late, but have noticed others just before dusk recently.   I wonder if the large numbers of Purple Martins ruling the airways are keeping them away until later in the evening.    I do notice Killdeer seem to disappear when the martins are plentiful, and have seen them chased.  

Early last evening I did see about 65 Purple Martins while out with Kino.  A pair put on a show while over our heads, clutching each other as they tumbled in a downward spiral toward the ground.  After about a twenty foot drop they recovered.   I wonder if this is some sort of food passing technique or just playing around.   I have seen others perform this acrobatic display whenever we're out but this seemed to be a show played out for our benefit so close to the ground.   

I took some beetle pictures tonight but will upload later to this post.  Feel free to identify if you know what species they are. 

Although you may not appreciate our extreme summer temperatures, thank you for appreciating our neighborhood wildlife neighbors, who find some way to survive here without any AC!

Super Moons, Monsoons, and puppy swoons in the month of June

Monsoons are always unpredictable and always different.   I always picture the storm clouds building up for weeks before getting our first monsoon shower.  I was worried this year since the sky was blue and the air dry.   On June 14th I finally saw our first storm clouds cast a shadow over the mountains and anticipated another two weeks of buildup before our first storm, hopefully.   To my pleasant surprise our first monsoon rain arrived the following day!  After the downpour ceased a Couch's Spadefoot toad gave a few calls before going back into hiding. 

Yesterday (6/9) I took some pictures and video of Kino on our walk.   A passerby remarked "He's a cute puppy."  Kino's still got it after t 14 and a half years, still the cutest guy.  

  I suppose I can forgive him for keeping me up since 3:00 last night.  Our walks have taken new meaning this year since we both want to make the most of our remaining time together.  He loves to walk back and forth around the park-like lawn area, then laying down to rest, and enjoying the evening breeze against his face as he watches the sunset.  A Snowy Egret was a nice surprise as it landed close to where we lay, as we let time slip away. 

Last night our friend Tonya invited us to see the moon rise.   It was not just a full moon, but a Super Moon (when the full moon is closest to earth).   As we watched from our neighborhood field a young Great Horned Owl screeched, and bats occasionally fluttered past us.   It was nice to marvel at the moon's size and texture as it seemed to sit on the distant Rincon Mountain peaks.   Hope these pics help to show our true appreciation of this magnificent event.   Thanks again for appreciating out natural world/universe.  

Baxter State Park flashback-If there's a fork in the trail, take it,,,unless of course there's a moose in the way

It was Autumn when I made the 10 hour drive to Baxter State Park for my time of solitude and refreshment of the soul.  Technically Baxter was closed so I had to camp outside the park.   This time I chose to camp alone rather than stay at a hunter's camp nearby.   I was a little wary because the moose were in the rut, and tracks ran all through camp.  This was especially evident after a snowfall of three inches of snow fell one night.   I had heard that when moose are in the rut, they'll charge at anything that even appears to be a threat to their love life. 

I signed in each day next to about 10 other names of people who would be sharing the 200,000 acre park that day.   I doubted we would run into each other in such an expanse.     I was ready for a wildlife adventure, or so I thought.   I must admit though, that after 3 days had passed I had not had any unusual wildlife sightings.   I was hoping I could at least see a moose.  

The next morning I set out for Sandy Stream Pond.   It was one of the more reliable moose locations.   I walked the trail slowly and deliberately

Flashback-Discovering Baxter State Park- Maine

In my mid to late twenties I rediscovered my passion for nature, yet found it difficult to get out into the wilderness with my friends from childhood.   I brought up camping but it seemed we could never agree on a date to head out into nature.   Finally in frustration I headed out on my own to camp in the remote forest of Baxter State Park in northern Maine.   This park would become one of my premier destinations while living in the northeast, and each trip was filled with adventure and discovery.  

For this first adventure I was a bit nervous, camping so remotely and without much experience.  I had never camped alone and all those stories in outdoor magazines made me unsure, and a bit scared.  When I arrived at my campsite I realized I was the only camper in this campground, and could not use other campers as a form of protection.   I would have to face my apprehension, alone in the middle of these remote, mysterious, woods.   

By the time I had unpacked it was dark, so I cooked dinner, hoping to distract my fears.   It was then, as I sat facing the warm fire, that I heard it for the first time, as it rustled the leaves behind me.   I froze, not wanting to turn around.  My mind went through the animals it could be, bear, moose, deer, coyote, fox, etc.   It sounded big

Appreciation of Western Screech Owls

                                The Mysterious Western Screech Owl

Western Screech Owls, with their gray bark-like plumage and angular head, look like tiny wise tree spirits poking out from cavities in saguaro's and trees.  Although not uncommon in our valley they are not typically seen because of their camouflage, and because they can be hidden inside the cavity they've chosen to roost.  


Saguaro cavities seem to be a favorite for roosts or nests, but I have also found them in an Arizona Walnut cavity and on mesquite branches.   I have had city residents tell me of night sightings on top of their porch lights as well, which makes sense because of the moths that are attracted to these areas.   Screech Owls take to nest boxes as well, especially if their placed 10-15 feet high, and with extra holes drilled to cool them in this hot environment.   Facing the opening toward the north probably works best but we have one facing south, which is currently being used by a pair, which are probably nesting.   It may take a year to get them interested, but it can be used in all seasons for a roost site or for nesting in spring.

Of course, before putting up a nest box you want to make sure your environment is conducive to the owls, and safe for them.

Creating ripples in our life pond

Eleven years ago our daughter went vegetarian after gaining an awareness of food and the processes which bring it to our table.   At the time we supported her verbally, but I was not ready to take the plunge, having grown up on meat and potatoes.   It seemed an impossibility in my life and I just didn't have the willpower.   She never preached to us, just continued her lifestyle resolutely and quietly.   But she had made a ripple in life's pond.  I knew the positive effects of this one action dwarfed any and all activities I had made in my lifetime in support of nature and our environment.  

Three months ago (March 10th), I was taking lunch and read an article in the newspaper about the summary the wolf hunts in 2012.   It was not biased but the figures were staggering in just 3 lower 48 states.   I kept looking for the article to compare wolves "taken," in 2012 as compared to the total population in these states.  No percentage calculation was offered, I took the numbers and ascertained that 10% of the wolves in these states were slaughtered needlessly in just one year!   I felt physically sick.  An awareness came over me that could not be ignored.  I knew the cattle industry's constant opposition to this species and others, which encouraged the non-regulated hunt in at least one state..   It's hard to believe that in the few centuries we have inhabited this continent, constantly proclaiming our intelligengence and superiority over all wildlife, yet we can't find a way to protect cattle and sheep without harming the predators living in the same habitat.  Or is it we lack of desire to find a solution which is mutually beneficial.   

I realized that every time I eat a steak or burger I am contributing to this mass murder of an obviously intelligent race.   I am part of the problem.  After this realization the impossible suddenly seemed possible.   I gave up all red meat in support of wolves.   The next month I gave up poultry after hearing that the meat and poultry industry are pushing legislation which would make it harder to regulate unsafe and inhumane practices.  How can I support that kind of behavior? 

The ripple had finally reached me.  Yet I could not have taken this step if this path had not been pointed out to me.   The knowledge I had obtained over the years from her influence was enough to enable the next step forward.  After a couple weeks I told Mrs S and she shared her own journey of reduced meat and poultry consumption.   She made a commitment as well to go completely vegetarian, as did her friend and coworker.  The ripple was growing.

Not knowing of our commitments, our other daughter also stopped eating meat for her own reasons.   So now we have 5 people who are totally veggie, and 2 supportive husband/fiance's which are cutting back as well.   It gives confidence that making the change in one's self can have more effect than ever imaginable.   

I hope one day, perhaps after my metal has been tested for a longer period, I can actually see these intelligent, majestic beings in the wild, living free.   It would be a lifelong dream fulfilled.  

Wouldn't it be great to see wolves thrive as before the human invasion of this continent, perhaps with an enlightened understanding and respect on our part, from one intelligent species to another.   Such treatment as equals was given to them before by wise beings who shared this continent with wildlife, before our arrival.   While reading "The Art of Power" by Thich Nhat Hanh I came across a quote which read, "We must reexamine our idea of human superiority over other species and life forms."(pg 146).   Words well spoken.   Once we place the lives of animals and other life forms on an equal level as we do fellow humans we will have reached enlightenment as a race.  Thank your for your appreciation and respect for our fellow wildlife inhabitants on this planet. 

Want to know more.  See the link below;

http://www.vegetariantimes.com/article/the-environmental-impact-of-a-meat-based-diet/

Running with wolves-flashback

It was a few years after college and my interest in birding and other animals was budding again.   I remember when I was younger being told this wildlife thing was just a phase by my parents.  I guess some phases can last a lifetime.   So when I heard that Jack Hannah (Mutual of Omaha) was giving a lecture on wolves, I had to find a way to attend.  It was a great talk, and I was mesmerized by the 2 wolves in attendance.   After the lecture, Jack told the audience that the wolf center needed volunteers to run with the wolves.  "Are you kidding!"  I practically exclaimed out loud.   It was a dream come true.   I called up the Audubon Center in Sharon Connecticut to fulfill my dream. 

The wolves were beautiful, one timber wolf male and a female red Wolf, who was the alpha (Rasta and Wolfie I think).   The caretaker explained that this is not like walking a dog.   I would be harnessed to the wolf and obliged to go wherever the wolf goes.  But first I would have to be accepted by the "pack," as a subordinate to boot.   She explained that when I entered the area the wolves would check me out, then the alpha Red wolf would put her paws on my shoulders, at which point my role would be to avoid eye contact and submissively look downward.    I was nervous about being accepted, but actually a little too confident about the run.   I had been training and thought this would be a breeze compared to the other runners.  

I found out afterward that wolves are extremely perceptive, like sixth sense perceptive.   They can look at a person and immediately know their strengths and weaknesses.  They know how far you can run and how fast.  They could probably tell you what you had for breakfast.  Being young and cocky I underestimated the intelligence of these incredible, wonderful souls.   

The introduction went well.   The greeting as the caretaker had discussed as the wolves checked out this curious visitor.   I knew the female alpha would put her paws up on me soon, but expected her to put them on my chest, like a dog.  Instead she surprised me by putting them completely over my shoulder, staring directly into my downward looking face.   I could feel the weight and power of her stare, which commanded respect.  Her body seemed so much taller, as if she had me under a delusional spell.  The seconds seemed like a minute, but I was accepted into the pack for the run.   

The caretaker was tied to Wolfie, and explained that the alpha typically leads in the run.   But no one told this to the wolves today, and I think they had their own little agenda for this cocky newcomer.    First Rasta the timber wolf  walked straight up to my car's bumper and marked his territory, obviously.   Before I could object

Visit from an extra special terrestrial (June 1st)

It was Saturday late afternoon when I stepped out on the back porch to water the plants. My eyes saw it but couldn't believe at first.  It was a first time I had seen one in the wild in my life, and here it was in our yard!  I called Mrs. S to come over quickly.  "What is it?" she replied skeptically.  She'd heard this before with each new yard bird sighting.   "Just look!" was my answer, "You have to see it!"  Telling her would have ruined the surprise.   When she saw it she was excited as well.  "Is that a Desert Tortoise?   "I think so," I replied.  The truth was I couldn't rule out box turtle yet, especially since it was young.  

She inspected it closer as ran as fast as it's little legs could carry it.  "It's hurt," she noticed.   I reached down and picked it up before it got too far.  The corners of its shell had been chewed, and a back leg and tail showed a fresh wound.   Our excitement turned to concern for this scared little being.  

At first the future didn't look bright.  The wildlife rehabilitor for tortoises in our area was on vacation.   A couple calls later we talked to a very helpful person at Tucson Wildlife Center.   She said we could bring the tortoise over to their main center just 5 miles east of us.   We got there and  they confirmed it was a Desert Tortoise, probably one that just hatched last August.   It was probably dropped in our yard from the predator who chewed the shell, which explains his running.   Our timing on opening the door may have saved him from a dire fate.

Let me tell you a story about my best friend!

My friend Kino has been with us for about fourteen and a half years now, and it doesn't take a mathmatician to know that time is short.   In the past year his age has shown itself, and I've been struggling with the uncertainty of our future in this life.   Even with all the advanced warning I am unprepared for the decisions I may have to make, and equally unprepared for the emotional toll I would feel from the loss of my best friend.   I am hoping I can finish his biography now while can still watch his loving eyes and mischievous smile, and feel the softness of his fur each day.   I have a feeling I will not be writing much after he's left for greener pastures. 

I don't think Kino ever accepted his supposed position as a non-human.   It seems he demanded the same rights as the rest of our family from the very start, possibly demanding even more.   He was not satisfied with a "No," answer, and would even argue the point on more than one occassion.  If that didn't work, he could always shine his "magnum," look, which was usually enough to get him out of trouble, especially with the softhearted Mrs. S.  Looking back, I always thought of him as a friend and family member too. 

Perhaps it was his intelligence.  Mrs. S could see it even as an 8 week old puppy at the Humane Society, along with his Alpha complex.   Despite my urging to think long and hard before making rash decisions, she went back for a second time, and was hooked.   She called and offered to pick me up from work.  As I entered the parking lot I saw her cradling her new love and knew there was no thought process involved in this decision, just pure emotion.   I had to admit I was hooked too. 

Those beuatiful brown eyes, which turn blue with emotion, were always hard to resist.   It allowed her to forgive him for all his puppyish mischief, such as when he bit the flower heads off every single one of the plants in her newly planted garden.   Or when he would sneak into our rooms and grab our most precious items (or socks), shaking his head as he flaunted them at us to get our attention.   If we did not react he would proceed to chew them up right in front of us.  He was active nearly 24/7 as a puppy.   The only time I could get him to rest was when I held his bone for him on the porch while he chewed.   It was only then that he would relax enough to fall into a deep, exhaustive slumber.  

In Appreciation of Purple Martins



Purple Martin on Saguaro

It's mid June, and at a time when birding can be slower the one exception is the population of Purple Martins visiting our lakes.  Last night it seemed hundreds of these swift and beautiful denizen's of our desert ascended to our largest lake for a drink and possibly catch a meal on the fly.   Kino and I watched as they dipped in rows down to the surface, creating a momentary splash, before lifting themselves up to the skies, their short thick triangular wings glistening against the afternoon desert sun.   A large group flew over our heads, chirping a greeting as I watched in awe at these curious and friendly neighbors. 

The Purple Martin almost seems out of place in our desert, with it's lack of water and absence of the large multi-holed houses which this species depends on for nesting in the eastern states.   In the desert they have found a niche, using cavities in our saguaro cactus for nesting.  Our martins are actually more natural than its eastern cousins, not having to depend on man to provide its nest site.   They arrive in early May and I catch the last few leaving in late September.  During the summer monsoons their piercing chirps can be heard as early as 3 AM as they peruse high in the dark early morning skies.   During this time they also gather in large flocks in the evenings, especially around water.   This does not bode well for any Killdeer around the lakes, as I have seen them chased out by these, otherwise friendly birds.    

I have a special relationship with Purple Martins which started years ago when Kino was younger and still full of energy.   We would walk for a mile in the early evening to another lake on the west side of the neighborhood, then sit on the shore to enjoy the sunset.   A group of about a hundred Purple Martins had a regular roost in one of the cottonwoods, and we would watch as they collected over the lake just before dusk.   Small groups of birds would make passes toward the top of the nearby cottonwood, sometimes stuttering over the leaves before exiting again, chirping loudly as they flew another wide circle around the lake.   This flight activity continued for about a half hour, and with every pass a few more birds would disappear into the foliage while the others continued their flight.  Finally all one hundred birds would be hidden completely in the deep leafy cover, silent and unseen by the most astute searching eyes.   I thought the human residents in the area were so lucky to have such a unique roosting site within sight of their houses.   Even having a Purple Martin roost site in the neighborhood was quite a rarity!

Some months later I was barbecuing in our backyard.   We have a beautiful mesquite which had grown substantially in the past year.   I went inside the house for a few minutes to get the steaks.  As I stepped outside again I heard the familiar chirping calls of Purple Martins, and realized they were coming to roost in our backyard mesquite!  I treasured the moment and will never forget my good fortune from my new found friends. 

I was to receive more gifts of fortune from these brilliant jewels of the air.   While walking one day my ears picked up a difference in their chirping tone.  The fast chatter seemed to indicate agitation.  I looked up to see what caused this change.  My eyes followed a mob of martins harassing a Peregrine Falcon.   I hadn't seen this frantic behavior with our neighborhood hawks.   The next weekend I was at the bank machine when I heard the same agitation.  Looking up, almost out of sight, were four martins harassing a Prairie Falcon, it's dark armpits distinguishing the identification even at such a great height.   "Boy, Purple Martins have a real dislike of falcons," I thought. 

Last summer I was helping my friend Kirk with a survey of an important bird area.  There were a good number of Purple Martins flying around as we started the count of bird species.   As we walked into a dense riparian area my ears nagged my mind out of its unaware state.   The martins were all up, and sounding very agitated.   "Oh my," I started,