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,

Snowbirds and Spring fling

Snow Goose

As the temperatures are rising here our duck numbers are dwindling at the lakes.   The American Wigeon's are down from close to 200 at their peak to less than 30 tonight.   American Coots are holding steady at over 20 but the Northern Shovelers have already left, our neighborhood it seems.  The Snow Goose which spent the winter here has also been missing the past few days. 

Redheads

Although numbers are low we still have a good variety of waterbirds for this time of year.  This week 2 Redheads, a single Ruddy Duck, one Pied-billed Grebe, a Cinnamon Teal, 2 Neotropic Cormorants, a Black-necked Stilt, and a Gadwall made appearances at the ponds.  A Northern Pintail also made an appearance a couple weeks ago.

Northern Pintail

A Great Horned Owl that started nesting around early February has at least 2 young flopping around in their comfy home in the crotch of a Eucalyptus tree.  They don't seem to mind the cars passing by but I always turn off my brights at night as I reach that stretch of pavement.  

Western Screech Owl

Last year we replaced the screech owl nest box in our neighborhood.  After the change out it seemed like it wasn't being used and I was concerned the exposure to wind could be a factor.   Late November of last year I finally found a gray head sticking out of the nest hole.   These past few weeks this guy has been more visible and I finally got some halfway decent pics.  

Screech owls will take readily to owl boxes, but in Arizona it is wise to drill extra holes for ventilation during our hot months.  

His face reminds me of an icon on the web, "Grumpy Cat."   Could this be "Grumpy Owl?"

I started keeping a 2013 yard and neighborhood list for 2013.   Our neighborhood list is currently at 116 species and the yard list is at 40 species (seen or heard from the property).  Some of the yard specialties include a singing Bell's Vireo, Lincoln's Sparrow, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Orange-crowned Warbler, Wood Duck, Snow Goose, Great Egret, and Peregrine Falcon.   One of the newest visitors is the Pyrrhuloxia pictured below.  We also have 4 Broad-billed Hummingbirds, 2 Anna's, and a Black-chinned using our feeders (and the occasional Gila Woodpecker or Verdin).   Thank you for appreciating our neighborhood and yard wildlife. 

Pyrrhuloxia



Broad-billed Hummingbird male

Horned Grebes and other wonderful things

It is an exciting time here in the desert.   It is a time when anything can happen, and the most observant among us gets to find the diamonds among gems.   Our neighborhood has gotten a little press lately praising its value to birds and other wildlife.   It is always pleasant to have other birders in the area since their eyes can see what mine miss, and, if they report their sighting, I can hope to add new birds to our neighborhood bird list, which currently tops 240 species. 

Such was the case about a month ago.   Mark S, who has been a great friend and mentor, dropped me an email about a bird reported on Ebird.  Paul Suchanek had reported a Horned Grebe at our lake.  I had remembered his name from an earlier report of a California Gull, which I had missed, and an

Eastern Bluebird further up the Tanque Verde.  I set out early the next morning in hopes of finding this new bird to our neighborhood list.   Luckily this fine bird was a 2 day wonder, allowing me to fully appreciate the moment.   As I watched Paul came to the lake, and we discussed how similar the plumage was to Eared Grebe at this time of year.   I was thankful

Of Hummingbirds and nighthawks

As I took Kino on his walk to the pond I pondered spring birds to there was only the thinnest slice of moon to illuminate our surroundings.  We had been watching birds in the yard and I had hoped for my first Lesser Nighthawk for the season.   The White-lined Sphinx moths had already arrived, carousing our Autumn Sage blooms at night, and camping by our front porch light.   I can still remember when I first saw one of these moths, their behavior being very similar to hummingbirds as they hovered over the blooms, showing off their colors.  

Speaking of hummingbirds, Mrs. Humms, our Broad-billed Hummingbird

Saved Paradise remake

In an earlier post I submitted new lyrics for the song "Big Yellow Taxi."  Since then I've worked on fine tuning it, and still have much more work to do.   But since this has been stagnant for a while I will post the revised yet still flawed version.   Hope it is entertaining, insightful, inspiring, or any other positive description other than "I read it one night when I couldn't sleep and it did the trick!" 

Perhaps if I "put a bird on it," it will be more enjoyable (yard bird of course). Here you go!

A half century ago the song “Big Yellow Taxi,” rocked the environmental movement.  It’s lyrics showed us the impact our actions have on our natural world.  Half a century later we are still struggling to live responsibly and create awareness about the fragility of the world ecosystem.  We have all put up a few parking lots in our life by our actions, or sometimes even by our inaction, which has allowed the environment to be “paved,” over for our human endeavors.   But we can atone for this fact by creating positive change in our own yards.  Encouraging wildlife on our property can help compensate for the wildlife we displaced when our home was built.   Who knows, if everyone focused on changing their own yard for the benefit of wildlife it could naturally cause a deeper awareness and change in the world.  In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “It may seem insignificant, but it is most important that you do it.”  With that thought, here are some new lyrics to an old, unforgettable tune.

Saved Paradise

We saved paradise,

And created a birding spot

Using native plants and trees,

It’s now a migration hotspot!

Don’t you know, you need to know

Where others reap we’ve got to sow,

We can save paradise,

By creating a birding spot

Plant your desert trees

With understory grasses and plants,

Perhaps a water feature,

and places for lizards, toads, and ants,

Don’t it always seem to go

That we don’t know what we’ve got ‘til it’s gone

But we can save paradise

By creating a birding spot!

Stack wood in the corner

a cover of leaves on the ground

a stone wall’s crevices

keeps towhees and wrens comin’  round

As you know and studies show

The food chain for birds starts pretty low

We can provide habitat

Creating our birding spot!

Hey homeowners

Please don’t spray your yard

It contaminates our water

And on nature it’s oh so hard, Pleeeease,

If you have a weed, then grab a hoe,

The insects outside just leave them alone,

They support wildlife

When creating a birding spot!

When we live with nature

Everything has a role

There are no pests or varmints

When species diversity is the goal!

Then we’ll know in our very soul

How each life on this earth is so valuable

We can save paradise

By creating a birding spot!

Hey Kittie Kittie

We need to keep you inside

Cause when we leave you out,

The birds and lizards tend to hide!

Oh, even though we love you so,

The impact you have just can’t be ignored

Help us save paradise

By creating a birding spot!

Use a gray-water system,

To water your trees and plants,

Water harvesting techniques

creates a naturescape totally enhanced

Then we’ll know, our efforts will show

When the washes run with perennial flow,

We saved paradise,

and created a birding spot!

Create your own mini refuge,

Become a wildlife fan,

Let your neighbors see

Living with nature is no scam,


Then we’ll know, we all will know,

That we’re saving this earth for after we’ve gone,

Saved nature’s paradise,

And created a birding spot!

So you’d like to get started  

On creating a birding spot!

Tucson Audubon can help

Check out their cool workshops

Then we’ll know, we all will know,

We’ll sing it out like a warbler’s song,

We saved paradise,

By created a birding spot!

Under the spell of Lower Tanque Verde Falls

Sunday I hiked an area where our neighborhood wash meets the mountains.  My hike started high, then traversed through various switchbacks down the steep rocky slope of a canyon.  It may have been easier if I hadn't mistaken an animal trail for the main trail, which took a more direct and challenging route to the stream below.   On the trail birds were scarce save for a calling Ash-throated Flycatcher and Cactus Wrens.   As I finally descended to the running stream below it seemed I had stumbled into a natural paradise.  Steep cliffs on either side of the stream seemed to tower over the rich ecosystem in a protective stance.   As I braced myself against a large boulder a Canyon Treefrog leaped, and as he landed on the rock below, his camouflaged body seemed to melt into the stone's grainy pattern.  Two other tree frogs were barely discernible as the clutched to a small shady crevice on the huge boulder I was using for support.  

The musical chorus began as I entered this tiny world of enchantment.   Canyon Wrens belted out their sweet melodic song, which echoed back and forth against the opposing cliff faces.  A Bell's Vireo squeaked out his message for a mate, and a Lincoln's Sparrow "chucked," from the dense understory of grasses and plants.   Scolding Cactus Wrens seemed to be all around, and White-thoated Swifts chattered as they circled the canyon, their crescent-shaped wings slicing through the strong breeze as they banked against the steep canyon walls.   Some Turkey Vultures decided to use the funneled air currents to lift themselves up effortlessly as they explored this scenic passage from above.   A Common Raven flew to an eyrie 2/3rds up one sheer wall, probably staking out a nest.  

The huge obstacle course of boulders seemed to block my passage to other interesting areas upstream, yet I was content in my little section of heaven.   The Canyon Wrens were holding their territory, the lowest nest area I've seen for this species around Tucson, and at almost the same elevation.   A House Wren was also on the scene, entering Saguaro holes, probably in search for spiders.   As my eyes watched the slopes they picked up an oddity, a Great Horned Owl roosting on the ground up the steep rocky slope, his stern eye scolding me for my discovery. 

Raptor Swim March 6 2013

I stopped by the lake on my bike ride home from work and found it teaming with ducks as it has been most evenings this winter.   A handfull of Ruddy Ducks, a couple Pied Billed Grebes, coots, and larger numbers of Northern Shovelers and American Widgeon, the widgeons numbering over a hundred.  As I watched I heard the call of a female Wood Duck, which has been seen sporadically since early winter.   Even with her distinct

2009 A Good Year

This post has been in the draft section for quite a while-hope you find it inspirational.


Although birds can be unpredictable there can also patterns to their migration, based on food supplies, climate, sudden storms or hurricanes, and cyclical factors.   In any given year some bird species change their habits, showing up further south than usual (or east, west, north), or in different habitats and elevations.   If one species is seen early in the year in different habitat, you may find birders making predictions of an "irruption year" for the species, or for a group of species.   In years of higher than expected precipitation, Cassin's Sparrows may expand their range to other areas previously not used.   If the lemming population crashes, Snowy Owls may be seen as far south as Colorado and Texas, as in 2011.   A hurricane traveling north from the Gulf of Mexico it may bring pelicans, terns, or a jaeger to Arizona.

Part of the joy of birding is that birds are more unpredictable than other animals, especially ones without wings.   For example, I imagine an Arctic Fox being seen in the lower 48 would cause quite a stir, but many Arctic bird species are seen regularly in southern states in migration or as a winter residents.  Sometimes a stray turns up unexpectedly, like the first ever Snow Bunting in Arizona.  One of my strangest sightings in our neighborhood was a Sabine's Gull, which typically summers in the Arctic and migrates over the ocean to its winter "grounds," in the ocean off the coast of South America!

Birders are always trying to predict bird behavior based on new variables in the bird equation,, but sometimes, like the weather, indicators of change don't always produce the result expected.  Sometimes change comes when no indicators are present, and we have to guess at explanations after the fact.   A classic example of this was the Aspen fire in 2003 which burned about 85,000 acres in the Santa Catalina Mountains over a month long period.  There were mutterings of an invasion of mountain species to the lowlands that winter once the cold weather hit, yet the impact was minimal.  I was especially hopeful, being so close to the burning mountain that ashes from the fire actually made it to our yard.   As the year ended only a couple new birds were added to the neighborhood list.  Five years later our neighborhood did experienced the mass irruption I had so eagerly anticipated, though no specific cause for this event come to mind.

It was December, 2008.   By all accounts it was a boring year without any significant events to influence bird migration.  But strange sightings just just sort of happened, slowly at first, then, as one event influenced another, the excitement accelerated like a symphonic number, with many instruments contributing to the success of the masterpiece.  Many of these sightings are attributed to the influx of birders into areas which do not typically receive as much attention as, say, Madera Canyon.  It is akin to a rare jewel being found in an unexpected place, leading to discoveries of other precious gems.     

December 5th, 2008

I was walking in the wash by the cattail pond with my good friends Harry and Joanne, when a sparrow hopped up on a low bush, then disappeared into the foliage.  "That looked like a Rufous-crowned Sparrow," I replied.   A sparrow of slightly higher elevations, I hadn't heard of any reports of this bird inside Tucson, and it didn't offer another look until after the new year.   

December 10th, 2008
I was returning home from an errand and took the scenic route along the woodland road.  I noticed a group of birders intently looking into a field.   I knew something was up and stopped to inquire.   A Common Grackle had been seen, which is not at all common in Arizona.   I got some looks at the bird discovered by Keith Kamper, and incredible birder and friend.  

December 15th, 2008
Keith rediscovered the Common Grackle for the Christmas Bird Count when we covered the area. 
My friend Kendall also helped cover our designated area, staying 'til late afternoon.  He dropped me off at the end of the woodland road to walk home for the final hours of the count.  I felt relaxed and at one with my surroundings, casually walking and recording birds along the way.   I came to a field on the left, which looked "park-like" with short-cropped brown grass and large mesquites just spaced far enough apart that the branches barely touched its neighbor.   A largish flycatcher flew from one of the branches, catching my attention.   The orangish lower mandible and slight crest made me think twice.  The vest with yellowish tinge coming up the center had me scrambling for my guide and video camera.  "It can't be,"  I thought as I turned on the video camera.   Greater Pewee is a summer bird of the high mountains!  As I cursed the video camera's automatic focus I also reveled in the discovery.   I would discover afterward that Greater Pewee's are a "casual transient and winter resident in riparian woodland and isolated groves of trees and parks in the lowlands."(Tucson Audubon Society's Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona, sixth edition, page 250, compiled by David Stejskal and Gary H Rosenberg, Editor-Clark Blake).  This location seemed to meet all the criteria for this species casually seen in the lowlands.  "Casually," translates to "Does not occur annually; cannot be expected to be seen," as written on page 219 of the source referenced above. 

In January I rediscovered the Rufous-crowned Sparrow, which would stay sporadically for years!  Later that spring I was walking Kino by the big pond and saw a strange bird sitting on the lawn.   It was a Wilson's Phalarope, yet its behavior threw doubt at my conclusion, since this species is typically seen spinning around in circles in the water, not sitting on grassy lawns.  I was excited for this first discovery but concerned for its safety.  Later Mrs S and I went back to check on her, but it seemed she had left.   I saw a spec across the pond and walked over for a closer look.  It was our bird, sitting on the bank, and 2 nearby roadrunners ready to close in for an easy meal.  I sat down ten feet away against the bank with bare feet in the water, then edged closer, and closer still.   When I was only a couple feet away I cupped my hand under her and carried her away.  A couple weeks in the rehabilitation center and she was right as rain again, and when the cage opened, she flew up and out of sight, off to new adventures.

It was a summer afternoon, and I hadn't gone out birding in the morning.  I convinced Mrs S to accompany me to the cattail pond for just a short walk.  A funny warbler caught my eye in the cattails.  My first Prothonotary Warbler!  It was not only a first for the neighborhood, but a life bird as well.   On another visit to the pond with Mrs. S. I heard a familiar call, at least familiar if I was another 3000 feet higher in elevation!   "That sounded like a Mexican Jay!" I exclaimed.   I walked out of the cover of the trees to see the Mexican Jay on the shoreline, and shot a quick video before it disappeared, never to be refound!  According to the same issue of Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona, "Flocks rarely wander out of oaks into other habitats."  I certainly hadn't heard or read of this, yet 2 other sightings in lowlands were reported afterward in the same year.  

I gave the video to my friends Mark and Molly, who verified the Mexican Jay sighting.  They have been so helpful over the years in my quest for knowledge on nature.   They also made a trip to the cattail pond, discovering an Eastern Phoebe, another new bird for our neighborhood!    Both Mark and Molly seem to have an aura which draws rare birds to them, or perhaps they have an awareness not attained by others.   Either way, they seem to bring out the best birds in an area.  It's almost like birds come out to see them!  In fact, it seems whenever I mention a bird in our conversations, that species tends to show up not long afterward. 

Perhaps their visit brought some luck to myself as well.  A Willow Flycatcher in the Gooding's Willow at our cattail pond was a great find.  And an overgrown field on the woodland road was bringing out very interesting birds as well.   As I stood by the fence a small sparrow hopped up to a branch looking slightly like a junco but with a sparrow-like back and longish thin tail.  This Black-chinned Sparrow was certainly unexpected, another mountain species dropping down into the lowlands.   Another trip to the field produced another rare bird, a Dickcissel, which gave me great looks and a chance to record its presence!  

Shortly thereafter I was biking home after a late work meeting.   It was almost dark when I got to our neighborhood after the woodland road.  As I entered the field area a sparrow ran a short distance in front of me.  That behavior got me excited.  I could only think of one sparrow which is known for running along the ground.   Sure enough, a closer look confirmed its identity as a Sage Sparrow, possibly the first record inside the Tucson city limits (see earlier post for complete Sage Sparrow story).

Mark and Molly visited again, and we found the Rufous-crowned Sparrow and Sage Sparrow.  The Sage Sparrow would only stay for one weekend, but the memories were priceless.  And yes,Mark and I had discussed the possibilities of Sage Sparrow in our area in one of our previous conversations. 

It was late Autumn and the pecans along the woodland road were attracting a lot of ravens and woodpeckers.   As I walked along I heard a different call recognized from years earlier when I lived back east.   Could that be a crow?  American Crows are very rare in Pima County, but occasionally irrupt into areas in western Arizona.  I spotted it again just as if flew to the ground about 75 yards away.  I shot some video through the scope to document this exciting sighting and gave the tape to Mark and Molly for verification.  This intelligent bird, so common everywhere else, is a rare find in Arizona, especially Tucson.    

November 19th 2009
At the time I only read sparce details about a very rare bird discovered on the woodland road.  On the AZFO website it would show that this species only shows up in Arizona every 2-3 years and this was only the second record for Pima County.  Due to a recent population crash with this species it was expected to be even rarer in the foreseeable future.   It was only later that I learned of the full story of this discovery from my friend Mark, which shows just how connected extraordinary events can be sometimes.

Mark and Molly were birding with friends in far eastern Tucson including Keith Kamper.   From what I know, it seems everyone in their group were world class birders.   On the way back Mark suggested a stop at the woodland road to check for the recent American Crow I had seen.    As they search Molly suggested, "we should check these blackbird flocks for Rusty Blackbird while we're here." The woodland road has a lot of blackbirds in winter and the task of searching every bird in every flock could be daunting, with a slim chance of success."  But then again, Mark and Molly tend to produce miraculous sightings on their excursions, gleaning gems from flocks of seeming ordinary stones (birds). 

"You won't believe it,"  Mark replied.   "I have a Rusty Blackbird!"   It was in the first flock they searched.   Suddenly the woodland road was full of birders to catch a glimpse of this wonder.   Despite our neighborhood's birdiness, it doesn't get the attention of other areas since it is not a major migration route.  The next series of events can best be described as the "rare bird effect," which states that when a rare bird is seen in an area, the resulting attention to the area by other birders can result in the discovery of other rare birds. 

November 21st 2012
The post seemed so casual but the facts jumped off the page.  Robert Payne reported that he had seen an Arizona Woodpecker while birding along our woodland stretch.  Whaaatttt!  This permanent resident of the oaks in the mountains reaches its northernmost range is in southern Arizona, and seemingly never strays from it's upper elevation haunts!  Even in the mountains it is a tough bird to record for the Christmas Bird Count.  I wanted desperately to see this bird knowing this may be the only time I would have the opportunity.  It took days, but I would finally see this bird for myself later while enjoying other exciting discoveries.  Later the next spring I would rediscover ti for myself on a different section of the road, but I will always be indebted to Robert for his unique observation that day. 

November 22nd 2012.  Above the Fray.
Richard Fray was one of the expert birders visiting the woodland road during that time.   But an interesting Warbler caught his attention and he documented it with some great photographs, sharing his discovery with the bird community.  When word got out that a Bay-breasted Warbler was discovered in this gem of an area, all hell broke loose, bird-wise.  This was only the 2nd record of this species in Arizona since 1996 and only 15 total Arizona records (AZFO website).   Last year I had the chance to thank Richard for his discovery while we were on a birdathon.  His discovery was incredibly special in itself, and would be a first ever for the our CBC circle that year (as a count week bird only) and would also lead to a special discovery of my own.

November 24th 2012. 
Luckily I had the week off when I read the post on the Bay-breasted Warbler and raced over.  Two other birders already had it in their sights and I was able to get incredible views of this new neighborhood bird.   As we watched a flock of Dark-eyed Juncos flew into the trees in front of us.  Dark-eyed Juncos are also uncommon but regular in the lowlands, but this was an exceptional year.  As I perused the flock one bird turned and I caught sight of it's yellow eye.   "I have a Yellow-eyed Junco!" I exclaimed.   My sighting was confirmed quickly, but it may have seemed hard to compare it with the Bay-breasted Warbler still present.  

The Yellow-eyed Junco was a first for my neighborhood and I knew it was rare in the lowlands, but wasn't sure just how rare.  Andrew Core came by shortly after and discovered the bird for himself as well, but gave me credit even though I had not called it in.  H also posed the question of rarity to the birding community.  The impressive response can best be quoted in the link below;

http://www.azfo.org/gallery/2009/html5/Yellow-eyed_Junco_Woodland_Core_20091122.html

As mentioned earlier I rediscovered the Bay-breasted Warbler for the Christmas Bird Count in our area during the count week, but it would be the last time I would see it.  I also rediscovered the Arizona Woodpecker one spring day on the western end of the road.  I still find it amazing how many new birds were added to the neighborhood list that year, thanks to wayward wanderers, downward travelers, strange coincidences, and the expertise of fellow nature enthusiasts.  I am so thankful for the appreciation given to this unique area during that time and for the rare gems which were discovered.  Thank you appreciating our amazing neighborhood jewels, some of which we see every day!

2008-9 New Species

Greater Pewee
Rufous-crowned Sparrow
Wilson's Phalarope
Mexican Jay
Eastern Phoebe 
Dickcissel 
Willow Flycatcher
Sage Sparrow
Prothonotary Warbler 
Black-chinned Sparrow
American Crow
Rusty Blackbird - ironically all my attempts to find this bird were unsuccessful. 
Bay-breasted Warbler 
Yellow-eyed Junco
Arizona Woodpecker