Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Shower....

What!  You weren't using it!

Saturday (1/25) I had tentative plans to head out on a bird survey of our area as part of the Tucson Bird Count.  This count period runs from January 15th to February 15th.   I woke up a little late, just after daybreak.  As I was ready to hop in the shower I heard Kino whimpering, and carried him out to the back yard.  While out there I contemplated the day's schedule.   Mrs. S was in bed with a bad case of the flu so I would be on double duty.   Kino's special needs would take a couple hours, five if we went up the mountain.  The survey would just have to wait.  So would the shower.   

There was the dishes, feeding our companions, scooping cat boxes, washing clothes, washing sheets, cleaning bathroom, washing sheets again (after Sassy had a barf fest), feeding birds, watering plants, and the many rushed outings with Kino.  There were benefits as well, like the two male Cardinals who visited our ocotillo, the pointed crest looking quite majestic.  

Two male Phainopepla's joined them, their rich ruby eyes and silky black coat making for a unique combination.  Their crest earns them the nickname of Black Cardinal in some circles, and they can always be found around mistletoe berries.  Although not a "feeder," bird, the Phainopepla will come to your water feature or bath.







As I watered the plants in the back House Sparrows chased each other,  Lesser Goldfinches gave soft whistled tutes, and a Common Ravens served as flying escorts to the Harris's Hawks invading their territory.  Mourning Doves were giving stiff-winged flights in preparation for nesting season.   The warmth in the air was two month's ahead of schedule, but I didn't mind.  At 12:30 I finally did make it to the shower, four hours after my initial intent. 

The afternoon had a few errands as well, but I took some time to visit the Tucson Audubon store where I purchased the book on the life of Gale Monson. Although I never met Gale during his life my mentor Bob Bates would tell me how Gale started the Santa Catalina Christmas Bird Count circle, then talked him into taking it over.  I also love the book, "The Birds of Arizona," for which Gale is one of three authors.  This book gives me a glimpse of the rich history of birds and birding in Arizona.  

My next stop was Desert Survivor's Nursery.  If you want to delve into planting native and/or planting for wildlife, this is the place to explore.  Even their website is a wealth of information, and their plant list includes all the information you need to create wildlife habitat, including notes on bird and butterfly friendly plant varieties.  I also used their list to create my plant list for our yard!  Desert Survivor's Plant List
  

Broad-billed Hummingbird feeding on globe mallow

I was talking with Jim Verrier, the director of Desert Survivor's, and absolute expert on every native plant in the region.  We both hoped for rain and pondered how a sudden cold snap would affect plants, some of which are already blooming.  It was hard to imagine a deep freeze on such a mild day, but he explained how the cold and rain go hand in hand.   We talked about exploring some trails, which would be an outstanding learning opportunity for me.  I would love to be knowledgeable in the plant world, and truly see their relationships with birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.   In fact, just in our conversation I became privy to knowledge on a particular tree that bears like to scratch to reach the sweet resin.   

I left with a couple Apache Plume plants which could help provide sparrow cover/habitat one they spread out.  A Palmer's Globe Mallow will attract hummingbirds to our yard habitat.  I managed to catch a Broad-billed Hummingbird doing today on another variety of this desert plant (perhaps Indian Globe Mallow).  I couldn't resist picking up a couple Mexican poppies on the way out, as accent plants in our front yard.   Here is my yard list for this seemingly first day of spring 

2 Northern Cardinal
2 Phainopepla
1 Verdin
3 Harris's Hawks
2 Common Raven
1 Yellow-rumped Warbler
4 Lesser Goldfinch
5 House Finch
2 White-crowned Sparrow
2 Abert's Towhees
3 Broad-billed Hummingbird
2 Anna's Hummingbirds
15 House Sparrows
1 Gila Woodpecker
1 Rock Pigeon

Thank you for appreciating your neighborhood wildlife.  And if you appreciate them more than a good shower, more power to you.  

Mountain Rides and Birding Sides

  In your mind there is a plan, it's a perfect world, and you accomplish all you set out to do.  In this case, scout the loop road for a field trip you're leading next Saturday the weekend before, hopefully setting your eyes on the elusive Northern Parula which has been seen sporadically.  In your mind you get up early, see the bird, and discover a few other specialties for your trip.  

But you wake up a bit late, and after a shower Scout is waiting at the door, meowing plaintively for belly rubs.  You lay back down and he falls against your side. Deebs crawls up and lays on your chest, and Pickle nudges his way up as well for chin rubs.  Kino huffs and puffs in the hallway, his way of letting you know he knows you're awake, so come out to see him.  It's Saturday and he is looking forward to a ride up the mountain.  As you get ready you make the mistake of sitting on the couch and Sassy lays on your lap, her chin pressed down firmly on your leg, claws dug in slightly to hold you in place.  They know it's the weekend and compete for their extra quality time. 

There's still work to be done, watering plant, changing the cat boxes, but you know Kino won't last that long, so you scoop him up while Mrs. S prepares the car with extra pillows.  You stop for coffee and a danish, then head up to find a suitable spot to stop and sit alone with your friend, and without the distraction of other people.

 It is a warm day and many of the parking areas have vehicles save one just before Middle Bear Canyon.  You park and carry Kino out, noticing a short path to the dry riverbed, where some snow still shows in patches.   There is a nice place to sit, but possibly too steep for Kino, so he lays against your lap, his head pushed against your right arm, which serves as his pillow.  

  
As you listen to the gurgling of water somewhere near you see your first sunrise of the day, at 11:30, the bright ball just clearing the hillside before you.  It becomes clear why the snow here has lasted so long.  You sit quietly, relishing the serenity of the moment.  Twenty minutes pass, and your leg is asleep as time becomes unimportant, an intrusion to your current state of bliss.  Eventually you get up, carrying him back to the car, his head resting on your shoulder.  

After returning home you drive 45 minutes to the Audubon shop to pick up a box of loaner binoculars for your trip.   The trip is marked full with 25 participants, but still 10 more make it on the list.  Today especially you can understand why an afternoon trip listed as a "sleep in special, is so popular.  Luckily your friend Kendall, a wealth of knowledge on all things nature, accepts an invitation to co lead the trip.  

You leave the shop with window hummingbird feeder and laminated bird guide of the area, which may be useful next weekend.  Since you are in the area, a stop to Native Seeds Search is in order.  A couple bags of native grass seed will be good for the yard, although some may be eaten by your new resident, the pocket gopher.  

On the way home you stop by the woodland road, where bluebirds greet you on the roadside.  You have to capture the electric colors on these stunning winter visitors, hoping your guests will witness their beauty next week.      

It is too late to go to the loop road, but a twenty minute stop at the big pond is worthwhile, especially since it is the same time you would stop during the upcoming trip.  Three female Common Mergansers swim together, their long bodies distinguishing them from all other ducks on the pond.  








I walk the perimeter, where three Vermilion Flycatchers sally back and forth from branches and power lines.  Who could ever tire of seeing these red gems of the desert?









Sunday I almost made it to the loop road, but it became apparent Kino would need a bath.  After his bath we went back up the mountain road and parked by Gordon Hirabayashi, where we climbed up to catch the setting sun's rays against the grassy hillside.  



I never was able to scout the loop road, the plan for that weekend.  But "life happens when we're making other plans," and I know I will look fondly back on these memories not just now, but in the month's ahead, when fond memories are all that's left.   Thank you for your appreciation of the ones closest to you.     

Glory Days. Flashback- 1980's soccer championship (not wildlife related)

HS Soccer- Senior year

Recently I revisited my high school yearbook.  I sometimes get a lift by the things my friends wrote, truths that surfaced as we realized the shortness of time in this golden era of deep friendship.  It was a vehicle to write deep thoughts, unsaid compliments, and hope for the future.   I searched a little deeper into the pages this time, and saw classmates I hardly knew, and the contributions they made to different school organizations.  Looking at their accomplishments , I had an epiphany.   All that time we want to distinguish ourselves as different, yet seeing the achievements of my fellow classmates, I realized we were and are all the same.  We just fill different parts of the same puzzle.  Had I the chance to go back to this time period I would want to be more involved, be a part of the whole school, not just one segment.   I'd push my insecurities aside, relax, break out of my shell, and enjoy the camaraderie of my fellow classmates- their strengths, their flaws, and their struggles.  I'd throw off the extreme shyness that held me back at the time, and laugh at the folly of life.  

Speaking of laughter one of my greatest accomplishments in high school was also a moment I could  also enjoy laughing at my antics, and how much luck can be a part of success.  I felt the need to let my classmates, especially my soccer buddies, know the whole story behind one of our successes which slipped narrowly from the grip of failure.   Although it is not wildlife related, perhaps you'll relate.   I pick up the story in the middle of my letter;  


Speaking of soccer, if anyone still has the video of our 1982 county championship finals with McMahon I would love a copy (our senior year of HS).  My copy was suspiciously lost along with a video of us ice climbing the Frankenstein ice cliffs.  From the feedback I've heard, my slow ascent up the cliff face would classify the video as a torture technique that,if ever used against prisoners of war, would violate the Geneva convention.  Showing to relatives is OK though.       

1/10/13-1/11 back east.  I still have characters remaining and drank coffee tonight so let's revisit the McMahon county championship and the question, "Why did you go back to the ball and reposition it when the clock was counting down."  As I've told Dave Cole and Guy Welton seemingly a hundred times(translation-4 times), "If I hadn't repositioned the ball we would have lost the game."  
Lets revisit. It's a good crowd, say 1500 to 2000 people watching this FCIAC championship night game.   McMahon is up by one and Mike Perman, our announcer for the game, is wondering what the headlines will read the next day, after our loss.  We have a free kick from just over the half line.  Everyone goes up to the opposing goal to score and I am left by default to take the kick. Countdown from about 10 seconds is being chanted by the crowd but, to tell you the truth all I heard was a dull roar.  As I set the ball I notice the guy covering "Guy," was giving too much room- if I banana'd the kick I could curl it around him toward the goal, and Guy's amazingly accurate foot.  
Here's the problem.  As I backed up from the ball some force moved it off its perch and into a divot, creating the distinct possibility I could "knub," the ball, dashing our hopes to tie the game.  I can only imagine the crowd's reaction when I rushed up to fix the ball, but then again, I was so focused it was only background static (only when I saw the video did I see the hear the intensity before and after the moment).   I had the crowd tuned out, but our coach, Al Diniz, had a voice like a hurricane that could pierce through their clamor. As I backed up I heard the urgency in his tone.   I took three steps and made contact.  The ball did almost exactly what I wanted, curling around the defender, where Guy made the kick look like a walk in the park, launching the ball into the back of the net.   There were 2 seconds on the clock at the time of the goal.   The spontaneous roar from the stands could have competed with Grand Canyon thunder.   We battled to break the tie for two overtime periods, then were declared co-champions for the FCIAC championship.  And the rest, I guess, is history.

College soccer

I am thankful for that brilliant moment in the sun, a lasting positive memory of success, mostly due to Guy's foot.  I realized that I have only told part of this story before, to Guy and Dave, and perhaps others may remember that day and wonder, "Why did you....     Hope you found it interesting.   Brian    

Kick save and a bute!  College vs Johns Hopkins

Meet my Neighbors pictorial.

Today I had some outside work and decided to take some pics of the avian neighbors benefiting from our yard habitat and feeders.  Here is a short pictorial of the birds who visited this warm spring-like day, all of which were taken today.  



Two Abert's Towhees were kicking back the leaves in their search for seeds.  

A few White-crowned Sparrows joined them under the Wooly Butterfly Bush, and one adult perched in the bare branches of our Arizona Ash.  









A Green-tailed Towhee peered over from our neighbor's tree then joined the others, kicking at the new leaf cover in the yard.  

Of course House Sparrows were about.  If we could get past their "invasive," status we could appreciate their rich cinnamon head and contrasting dark throat and chest.  









A House finch takes a drink from the neighbor's shell-shaped water dish.  











Mourning Doves are already thinking of nesting.  Their stiff-winged display flights can make them appear as raptors at times.  











A couple Yellow-rumped Warbler checks out the fresh suet cakes. Getting these guys sit still in the open was a challenge.  Of course one posed perfectly when I was holding Kino after his bath, when my hands were full.  

Anna's and Broad-billed Hummingbirds came to our feeders, but were also enamored by the new tiny purple flowers on our wolfberry bush. 

And two Verdin's danced about the Ocotillo, then hopped over to the cholla.

Did you enjoy our neighborhood bash!  Thank you for your appreciation of birds and anything wild.   Who are you're neighbors?

Pining Away after Christmas-a Recycling Tale

There's one Christmas tradition we celebrate here which could be called, well, untraditional.   Beginning around New Years there is a two week window to recycle your Christmas tree at a nearby recycling center.  During this time some trees are mulched, and though this mulch is open to the public, almost no one takes advantage of this gift.  Some say it is too acidic, or perhaps it is too much work.  Perhaps it's embarrassing to be seen taking advantage of this "handout."

To us it is an opportunity not to be wasted, and, in a way it honors the tree which gave itself up for our holiday festivities.  We forego the Christmas tree tradition now but we did have them in the past, when our daughters were growing up.  One year we were at Target (when they sold trees) and noticed all the pine needles on the floor.  We asked if we could sweep them up and take them, and they accepted, with puzzled looks.  We were able to get 7 large bags of needles, which I put into a freshly dug 3x5x3 hole which we turned over occasionally, our nostrils twitching with the fresh smell of mulchy decay.  The next year summer watermelon came up in this garden somehow, without planting.  When it ripened we decided to try one, and IT WAS THE BEST WATERMELON-EVER!.   We were sold on pine needles for mulch.  

This year we were late since last weekend we were moving our daughter into her new house.  In two trips we filled twenty five bags of "FREE MULCH."  That's probably over a hundred dollars worth of mulch.  We also trimmed the soft furry branches off 4 trees, while tying another tree to our roof, re-recycling it.   Mrs S and her friend Tonya were a tremendous help, and it was nice to have company on the trips.   Tonya remarked, "If you told me I would be doing this five years ago I would have said you were crazy!"   Today was the last day to recycle your tree, but we hope more mulch will be available this week since the twenty five bags are already used and we need much more.  Here are some benefits of our endeavors the past two years.

Mulch protects soil from damaging sun's rays.  
Looks great in front yard or back with it's light colors.
Smells terrific, and after a rain your yard smells like pine for months.
Used chips/mulch to build up soil behind newly built stone walls (rainharvesting technique).
Mrs. S and Tonya cut Christmas tree trunks into stackable slices (cookies), used by their students.
The needle-filled branches are great to put around the roots of plants to prevent freezing (excellent insulation), then the needles drop and create mulch around the plant.  
Or you can just bury the branches with your other mulchy items, letting it create air pockets for a richer soil.  

This month's Tucson Audubon newsletter, the "Vermilion Flycatcher," mentions Christmas tree recycling and locations to pick up free mulch, see page 23.  http://www.tucsonaudubon.org/images/stories/vflycatcher/VF_JFM14.pdf

I hope you try this post Christmas gift of recycling.  I guarantee it will make you feel great inside after the very first trip.   I will post pics shortly of these chips in our yard.  Thank you for your appreciation of wildlife and fauna.  

  

Have a What!

1/9/14 -Friday. It is the start of the weekend and I began by carrying Kino the block or so over to the lawn area by the lake.  As I lowered him he fell into a sphinx-like resting position.  I put my heavy shirt over him to keep him warm.  He used to be a cold weather dog, and we'd have to drag him inside on cold nights.  I guess times change. 

I sloped next to him facing away from the road, toward the pond.  My eyes were heavy, and I drifted into semi-consciousness, my arm resting protectively over his back.  After all, mountain lions are not out of the question here and Kino is defenseless.    At the edge of my consciousness I heard voices coming from an SUV behind us on the road.  The words "cute," made me think they had seen Kino.  No sense in turning around.  "Look at the babies!" was the next phrase.  I slowly turned over to with minimal curiosity.   The sight jolted me up into sitting position.   Four javelina, two of them young babies, had just passed right by us on the lawn, and were entering the dense mesquite bosque.  

My sitting up had alerted two other adults just ten feet to my right.  One barrel-chested adult had squared off, assessing the situation.  I was assessing the situation as well.  Javelinas, while not typically a threat, but are very protective of their young, and dogs/people could be conceived as a threat.  And we had surprised them.  Kino would not be able to run away, let alone walk.  I then realized that two other adults were crossing to my right.  I had nine javelina on three sides of me, some within 15 feet.  Kino, oblivious to the situation, was surprised as I scooped him up to my chest.  If they charged I didn't want to risk a quick having to pick him up in a hurry.  Perhaps they realized I was just a protective parent too, or perhaps the stories of charging javelinas are more exaggeration than fact.  But they passed without concern except a rush to get back into cover. 

 As I carried Kino back home I was comforted by the curious excitement of the passengers in the SUV.   It was refreshing to see others with an appreciation of nature, especially the javelina.  I was also surprised that these stocky hoofed animals could approach so close, so silently,  without my knowledge.  Of course, these circumstances in life are when we are most "awake," and I am most thankful for the experience.  When was the last time you were awakened by a wildlife experience?  I'd love to hear it.  

Yard Wish List for 2014

While it is true I focus mostly on my neighborhood list my yard birds are very special as well.  A bird coming to your yard is an affirmation of your habitat-creating success.  I hope the log pile I put in may bring in a Rock Wren or House Wren again to our yard.   Or something new, like a Bewick's Wren, heard not even 200 yards from our humble abode.  So I figure I'll put down on paper some of the birds I hope may visit our burgeoning wildlife habitat in 2014.   What's on your list of hopefuls?

1.  Bewick's Wren-  perhaps the stone walls and log pile will attract this beautiful wren. 
2.  White-throated Sparrow-  often attracted to ground seed along with our White-Crowned Sparrows. 
3.  Canyon Towhee-  A resident of higher elevations but with some coming down to riparian areas. 
4.  Spotted Towhee-  Less common in lowlands but regular.
5.  Calliope Hummingbird-  we've already had the rare Violet-crowned visit, so why not this one or the next entry.  Hanging feeders low may attract this interesting looking hummingbird.
6.  Magnificent Hummingbird-hanging feeders high may attract this bird of high elevations.
7.  Western Screech Owl-  has probably visited but hope to see him.  
8.  Hooded Oriole- putting out oranges, etc.  could attract this striking bird.  
9.   American Kestrel- putting up screech owl nest box could also attract this colorful falcon. 
10.  Hermit Thrush-  Good cover and seed may attract this earthy-colored beauty.
11.  Cedar Waxwing-  our berry-producing plantings could bring in these birds. 
12.  Common Yellowthroat- if my cattail project takes off in the yard.
13.  Macgillivray's Warbler-  low dense cover will attract this olive warbler with white eye crescents.
14.  Tennessee Warbler- key will be gurgling water feature to bring in warblers to drink.
15.  Yellow-breasted Chat.  Cattail experiment and good cover may attract this bird of wetter habitats.
16.  Scott's Oriole-  an oriole of higher elevations but more likely in migration to oranges, nectar.
17.  Dark-eyed Junco-  attracted to ground seed.
18.  Harris's Sparrow-another ground seed feeder, usually with White-crowned Sparrow. 
19.  Blue Grosbeak-  may be attracted to water feature and denser habitat.
20.  Common Black Hawk- perhaps soaring over in migration in the next couple months.  

Thank you for appreciating all the visitor's to your own special wildlife habitat!

Weekend Special

Saturday we took an excursion to Phoenix to help our daughter and her fiance move into her new house by Encanto Park.  I realized, perhaps a bit late, that I was one of only two guys in our moving party.  Translation-we were the two haulers to the Uhaul truck, getting our step aerobics, power lifting, furniture carrying, exercise for the month.  Since everything seems to be an adventure for me, I just had to miss-step off the truck ramp once, cutting up my knee. 
But the house was so cute, with a guest house as well, perfect for a metalsmithing/ enameling workshop.  By the way, my best Christmas present was this breathtaking ornament she gave me.  Isn't it just incredible!

 I always said I wanted some of her artwork, even a necklace, for which I would get the, "Are you out of your mind, again!" look I know so well.  Being the only guy in a house with three strong women teaches the lesson of humility often.  Of course I had Kino beside me, but his good looks kept him out of trouble for the most part.  
As we unpacked the trailer I of course got distracted by birds, counting 15 species for their yard list including cormorants, Rosy-faced Lovebirds (very appropriate for the romantic homebuyers), and an Inca Dove.   A Eurasian Collared Dove shared a perch with a probable Ringed Turtle Dove, and a Northern Mockingbird competed in song with a Curve-billed Thrasher.   

Eurasian Collared Dove and Ringed Turtle Dove

Poor Kino missed out on the fun so I took him on a trip up Mount Lemmon on Sunday.   I knew he was ready by his nervous energy in the morning, and he sat upright the whole way up the mountain, enjoying the scenery and, of course, 70's and 80's rock.   We shared my favorite, Carmela's Caprese from Beyond Bread, and he grudgingly posed for some pictures. 

 Kino really enjoyed the trip.    When we got home he slept soundly for a good while.  When he woke later he acted a little distressed, almost insecure, an unusual trait for this independent guy.  Usually when he whines it involves food, water, or when our daughters visit.  Perhaps his arthritis was bothering him.  I finally just picked him up and sat on the couch, cradling him on my lap.  This was apparently the remedy for he stretched out and leaned into me, his head resting against my arm (sorry, no selfies).  We sat for so long that when I got up my leg muscle cramped up immediately.   Tonight he is at my feet and relaxed, and the kitties are taking advantage of the coveted,  blanketed couch.   Lilly and Hadley took the high road, cuddling up on the climber like best buds. 

Lilly and Hadley-best buds

Oh yes, I forgot this is a nature blog, right.  Well, actually it may be more of a journal.   I should be birding more since I'm leading an afternoon field trip in a couple weeks for Tucson Audubon Society.  The trip is almost full so I''d better get get some scouting in, perhaps next weekend, after Kino's bath, and the vet.  Probably Sunday.  Or the next Saturday just before the trip.  Wish me luck!  Thank you for appreciating all the special things in this wild ride, life. 

Remembrances of Catalina Mountain CBC-Day One of "Count Week."

Written on 12/13/13 (Day 3 of Count Week)
Tomorrow I embark on a yearly adventure, the Christmas Bird Count-Catalina Mountain edition. This particular count has been in existence for about 80 years, with only 2 compilers during that time, the late Gale Monson, and Bob Bates.  Bob was my first mentor when I arrived in Tucson and has had a great influence on my birding and confidence.  His support and encouragement has helped motivate me to make a difference in this count circle, and I've been lucky enough to find a few birds to add as firsts to this circle.   I remember our first addition to the list, eight Common Goldeneye Bob spotted on the cattail pond on our first outing together.  

The goal of the Christmas Bird Count is to get a snapshot of bird populations worldwide, using the data to assess bird populations and identify trends in distribution over the years.  That is the big picture.   On a more personal note the goal of some citizen scientists such as myself is, "to see every bird species that has been seen in the area for the past month, and a few new ones as well."  This goal has the same odds of success as winning the Powerball Jackpot... without buying a ticket.  Luckily scouting efforts can be rewarded since birds seen 3 days before and 3 days after the count can be notated as "Count Week," birds if not found on count day.   Scouting for count week birds before the count has more value since it gets you pumped up for the CBC, and also makes rarities easier to spot on count day.  

Paul and I set out Wednesday on our search for count week treasures, focusing on birds he and I had seen in the past few weeks.  Before meeting up I took a short jaunt to the big lake, where the continuing Red-breasted Merganser female was waiting, a first ever for this eighty year old count.  To the right were 3 Hooded Mergansers who had just arrived that day, a bird not always seen on count day.  That night a male Common Merganser would complete the trifecta of merganser species, 3 in one day, and on the same lake!  

 I picked up Paul and we went in search of our next gem, a Magnolia Warbler he had discovered some miles east up the wash.   After a short walk his sharp eyes spotted it flitting about a cottonwood, and we snapped documentation photos.   This was our second first ever bird for the Catalina CBC, and a life bird for myself (1st time I've seen it in my life).  My excitement was immeasurable.  We also encountered a Gray Flycatcher and two Ash-throated Flycatchers, which are uncommon in winter.  

UI Empid flycatcher

Another birder walked toward us down the wash in search of the warbler.  It was John Higgins, birding away from his western Tucson haunts for a day.  John is always finding great birds in his neck of the desert, and is an incredible field trip leader and organizer.   As the three of us walked back up the wash Paul spotted a small flycatcher in the empidonax genus.  This genus includes birds that look very similar, so much so that some cannot be identified in the field.  

UI Empid flycatcher

This bird did not give any definitive behavioral clues to its identity, but definitely was not dipping its tail as a Gray Flycatcher would.  It seemed very small, and did perch low, sometimes only a foot off the ground.  It did not fidget nervously and we agreed it did have a short primary projection.  This latter field mark would seem to indicate a Dusky Flycatcher, which had not been recorded on this count since 2004!  We followed the bird through the mesquites until it allowed a decent photo opportunity.  

Later, as Paul reviewed the photos he had an interesting observation- the dark tertials contrasted with the broad light-colored wing edges.  This trait could indicate a Least Flycatcher, which otherwise has very similar traits to a Dusky Flycatcher.  This rarer possibility had never been seen ever on the Catalina Mountain CBC!   Paul sent the pics to our friend Mark.  Hopefully we can solidify an ID on this interesting empid flycatcher!

We finished the morning at the cattail pond, searching for a rare Yellow-bellied Sapsucker I had seen the day before.  We found it, and its similar cousin, the Red-naped sapsucker attending to the even rows of drilled holes they had created in the Eucalyptus trees.  It was an exciting day with great finds, and a couple missed rarities to search for the following day.

Capturing moments

My New Year's Day was probably uninteresting to readers.   Sassy our cat used my leg as a pillow, and we all took a nap together.  I watched some birds in the yard, and went to a movie tonight.  The only so called work I accomplished was unloading some logs into our back yard for stacking.  At least I seemed to finally knock the remainder of the flu out of my system. Kino was as unenergetic as I, and wasn't up for a trip up Mount Lemmon today.  

When I got back home tonight Kino and I lay on the floor, and I ran my fingers through his fur in long slow strokes as he rested his head on my upper arm.  It occurred to me that when he's gone I will not be able to truly relive these bonding moments.   Whenever I take pictures of him I am always disappointed that the camera doesn't fully express the love in his gaze, or the intense emotional impact of the moment.   It can't record the powerful emotional exchange of energy, like when your kitty pressing her chin on your leg in trusting love while she naps with half closed eyes.   There is a positive

Kino and I (selfie)

loving energy force we have not been able to capture on film, except in very rare  circumstances.   If we could invent a way to recreate these treasures for future playback the world would respond with great need.   Our memories, sometimes sparked by photos, are our best means for this need currently, but are time sensitive and difficult to share with others.   I suppose my realization of this need is amplified by Kino and the reality of the shortness of time we have left together.    

Daniel Boone (Deebs) with his armrest

So that was random I guess.   To change topics I suppose I can write a list of New Year's resolutions.   I know many birders use the New Year for projecting number of species they hope to see in the year.   My focus is more in finding birds close to home, or just connecting with nature in general.   I learned early that chasing rare birds has never been as exciting as discovering them in my neighborhood.  It can be expensive as well and takes time away from Kino and our kitties.  So without further ado, here is my list.   

Spend quality time with Kino and our kitties, same as last year.  
Set up automatic drip for our plants.
Improve our yard to be more wildlife friendly-greater diversity.
Invest in a water fountain whose main focus is for the birds.
Write draft for a book on wildlife appreciation.  
Blog more- say 150 entries for the year.
Improve wildlife photography. 
Gain more insight to blogging techniques, especially technical aspects (any tips welcome)!
See 250 bird species in Pima County for the year.
Use Ebird more. 
Find my voice and express it without fear. 
Invest time in meditation/yoga type activity (inner peace exercise).
Mrs. S's list -not to be disclosed publicly.
Appreciate everything as a gift or an opportunity.

Thank you for your appreciation of life, and all who share it with us.