Brief Mountain visit August 25th

With each turn I navigated up the two lane mountain road the storm clouds appeared a darker shade of gray.  It was mid afternoon and cars were heading down in droves like buffalo before charging horses.   Was it just precaution or had the assault of rain already started in the higher reaches of these steep slopes.   By the time I reached the turnoff around mile 6 a drizzle had started.   I didn't hear thunder so set off down the road to the trailhead.  

 

A touch of Rufous 7/30/13

I'd just returned from a short IBA survey.   The birds had been quiet, possibly due to the dryness these past few days.   I set about watering the plants, changing the hummingbird feeders, and other tasks while the coffee I had early that morning still provided some kick.  

As I walked into the yard a familiar neighborhood sound reached my ears.  It was familiar in the neighborhood but had never been heard from our property.  I was coming from the adjoining neighbor's yard, just over the wall.   That ping pong ball rhythm was unmistakable.   After 15 years there was finally a Rufous-winged Sparrow in our immediate area.   I remember dreaming about this day, even being envious when another great birder told how this sparrow had been attracted to the acacia at his house.   I encouraged acacia growth in our yard hoping this bird would find it pleasant enough to call home.  That day has finally arrived.   It was like a late birthday present.  


Rufous-winged Sparrow (photo 7-27-13 in wash)

I went about my tasks energized by the excitement of my new neighbor.   I even put in 6 new plantings, although 2 have since been "trimmed," by our rock squirrels.  Oh well.   Thank you for appreciating our new double-whiskered neighbor, the Rufous-winged Sparrow. 

Eastern Tanque Verde IBA Highlights

For the past two years my friend Kirk and I have been surveying an Important Bird Area transect in her area on the easternmost section of the Tanque Verde Wash.  It is a great opportunity for me to see the difference in diversity from this area which is a wetter and slightly higher section of the same wash which runs through our neighborhood.  It also has a pond which is in transition to cattail habitat, and I'm excited to see what new species this natural change can bring to this unique area. 




At dawn the skies were dark with a threatening storm which never actually arrived.  We started a couple hours late due to the weather, and would shorten the overall survey as well.  For a change we started our transect at the pond section of the route, which is usually our finishing point.   The change of venue was fortunate since one of our first birds was this beautiful male Hooded Oriole, a species seldom seen in our neighborhood.   A Cliff Swallow and Purple Martins were hunting over the pond, a Western Kingbird perched high in the trees along the shore, and Yellow Warblers were in the cottonwoods.  

As we entered the wash I saw a distant perched raptor, which, when scoped, turned into a locally rare Gray Hawk! 

Mt Lemmon Summer Summit Birding Aug 10 2013

My friend Kendall and I decided to take a drive up to the top of Mount Lemmon for some mountain birding.   Mount Lemmon starts at 2500 feet of elevation in the desert, but by the time you reach the summit at just over 9000 feet the habitat and weather has the feel of Canada.   The peaks in the region are called "sky islands," because in order to reach similar habitat you need to go over to the next peak, which means crossing desert for land animals such as bear.   This causes some animals to be semi-restricted in their range.   The sky islands add to the diversity of the southern Arizona desert, creating the possibility of seeing or hearing about 200 species of birds in a single day.  The purpose of this trip for me was to see species not usually seen in the lower elevations.



Olive-sided Flycatcher

Kendall is a great birding partner.   His  relaxed zen-like personality and knowledge of plants as well as birds creates a  great learning environment as well.  He is the unofficial captain of our birdathons, guiding us in decisions with his analytical thought process.   

July IBA experience

We finally received a respectable monsoon rain on July 26th, and I knew their would be a wildlife celebration the following day.. I set out for a bird survey the next morning in our neighborhood, which is an Important Bird Area. The birds were awesome. I watched a Peregrine Falcon eat his breakfast on the bare branch of the tall Eucalyptus which seems to attract all raptors.
The Western Screech Owl also poked his head from our man-made nest box.  A Tree Swallow was a surprising find over the lake, and the Purple Martins were in attendance as well . Three Tropical Kingbirds

Sycamore Reservoir- A Miniature Garden of Eden in the Catalina's

Note;  reading "Aunt Jones Farm," post (6-29-13) first may enhance the reading of this post.
http://tucsonsparrowseeker.blogspot.com/2013/06/aunt-joans-farm-flashback-to-youth-and.html

My friend Bob Bates used to tell me about Sycamore Canyon during the Christmas Bird counts.  One birdy soul would traverse the trail each year and find all kinds of gems not seen in other areas of the count circle, and in a fraction of the time spent by the rest of us.  After some years I finally took the Arizona Trail to this mountain oasis, and felt the tranquil, otherworldly beauty of its environment.   It is a place where one can still find solitude, make surprising discoveries, and find  serenity for the mind.   Moreover, the two mile hike each way is not too strenuous, and is about an hour and a half each way at birders's pace.  

6/30/13 Fire as seen from our house-digiscoped.

I started in the late afternoon and left Mrs. S a note not to worry until after 8:00, then changed it to 9:00, remembering how time slips into unimportance on these journeys of discovery.   As the car climbed up into the foothills a Zone-tailed Hawk soared at eye level just off the cliff at the edge of the roadway.   As I turned off the highway toward the trail head I was met with a road block due to a recent fire there.   So this is where the fire was, spotted from our house at the beginning of the monsoons!    It did mean another quarter mile of walking and I was now thankful I moved up my return time on the note.  




Hooded Oriole female

 One of my first sightings on the trail was a beautiful female Hooded Oriole, its slightly curved beak, long tail, and bright yellow chest used to determine the species.  I became aware that I was the only one on the trail due to the recent fire, which added to the beauty surrounding me.  As I passed the area of the burn life was already rebounding, and new shoots burst from the burned grasses spurred by the monsoon rains.  Bushes had the yin yang effect of looking half burnt yet the other half vibrant with fresh growth.   It seemed this fire was a healthy burn, creating life from its ashes, and I was a lucky witness. 

Rufous-crowned Sparrow 8-3-13

I wandered further up the saddle and Rufous-crowned Sparrows cried out warnings as I passed their trail side nesting sites, repeating "Pill, pill, pill, pill, pill, pill!  I remembered how special it was to find this bird out of habitat in our neighborhood for several years, which is very unusual inside the city limits.    As I reached the top of the saddle the magnificent view was enhanced by a Prairie Falcon soaring by on angled wings.   On the precarious way down toward the reservoir a Loggerhead Shrike, known for impaling its prey onto thorns, flipped its tail up and down for balance on its perch as it searched for insects, rodents, or small birds.  A solitary Western Scrub Jay called out, and I contemplated the fact that this is the last reliable spot I know to find this species.   

I entered the "reservoir." which ironically is dry except for a stream which runs through it.  But the trees, vines and understory plants make it a jungle in places.  Even with this lush habitat the birds were amazingly quiet.    As I entered the habitat my first encounter was a long slender snake which zipped over the underbrush, then became still while still in view.   I would later identify it as a Sonoran Whipsnake.

Az Black Rattlesnake 8-3-13

I mosied over to the dam, and on returning to the same spot found another snake species stretched out on the vegetation.   The Arizona Black Rattlesnake calmly went on his way.   I would later return to relocate it and would practically step into its camouflaged hiding place, its coiled frame tucked into a neat eight inch circle.   Even at just a foot-length it posed no threatening gesture, keeping silent before moving on.






As I explored this Eden filled with snakes and the fruits (wild Canyon Grape) I would stumble upon another Sonoran Whipsnake which seemed to reach five and a half feet, yet only an inch wide.    It would slide as a figure skater on ice toward the cover of the underbrush nearby.  As I walked past an recently fallen dead sycamore trunk I heard the faintest of rustles behind me.  As I turned the long slender snake was on top of the log two arm lengths away, sliding slowly...unabashedly...forward.   It was well aware of my presence and had decided to not only come in close, but to expose itself on top of the log, vulnerable should I prove to be a foe.

I was perplexed.  All my life snakes have always chosen to run away from humans if possible.     Here was a snake who seemed to want to make contact, or at least did not see humans as a threat.   I watched as it silently and stealthily circled about the log in search of insects, or possibly the lizard that shot out noisily from the other end.  I was impressed with its hunting prowess, and felt sorry for the animals on its diet.  They didn't stand a chance against this silent hunter or huntress.

I knew even during the moment that I was receiving a gift, an inside look at our natural world few humans get to experience.  The communication seemed to be there, yet without words, only trust.  It's like passing a tree on a windless day, and suddenly the leaves rustle from a self created breeze, and you swear you hear the tree whisper its greeting.   My spirit was reconnected with the natural world, and I felt rejuvenated. 

The canyon floor became overshadowed by it's high walls as the sun sank toward dusk.   What looked like a tarantula disappeared into the dense thicket.  It was time to leave before it was too dark to see the trail, especially since I didn't have a flashlight.   By the time I reached the saddle darkness had fallen, and three Great Horned Owls hooted back and forth, their calls echoing against the canyon walls.   The calls pulled my eyes from the path just the wrong time, but the rattle from the Arizona Black Rattlesnake redirected my focus.   I thanked him for the warning before I ventured too close, especially since I was alone in this beautiful landscape.   At the wash bottom a handful of Common Poorwills were softly calling their namesake, and an Elf Owl barked from the hillside.   I wondered how I could ever leave this place, this moment, this paradise.  Perhaps by sharing my experience others can appreciate the natural  gifts we have in this world, this life, this time, for as long as we choose to preserve it for our future generations.    Thank you for appreciating our wildlife neighbors. 

Bobcat Article

On my previous blog post I was so excited to have an extra special bobcat experience.   I was disheartened by an email sent to our community soon after warning of the presence of bobcats, and telling parents to watch their children.  This is despite the fact that there isn't any examples of human deaths by bobcats.   A request for a follow-up email with accurate information was denied but I did write an article, which will hopefully make it into our community newsletter.   Below is the article for your viewing.  

                    Our friendly neighbors, the Bobcat family

As a wildlife enthusiast I would like to share some knowledge regarding the correct procedure when a bobcat is discovered on your property.   Following these steps will ensure a positive experience if this event should ever occur. 

1.       Slowly back away from the window or glass door so as not to be seen.

2.      Walk quickly to the nearest camera available in the house.

3.      Return to the window or glass door and snap as many pictures as possible.

4.      Share photos of your unique experience with friends and relatives.

If you are outside when this beautiful animal appears be still and enjoy this rare treasure as an amateur astronomer appreciates a new comet.    Being that bobcats cover a 12 square mile territory and are secretive in nature this gem may not be seen again for years. 

“But what about the danger?” you may ask.  Would you want to be warned of danger when you start your car, when a domestic dog approaches, or, heaven forbid, another human.  All of these scenarios are far more dangerous statistically than a bobcat sighting.  In fact there has not been a single human death caused by a bobcat.  For that matter even coyotes have only one fatal incident ever, and that occurred in Canada.  Statistically speaking mosquitoes are the second most dangerous animal worldwide with 3 million human deaths to their credit each year.   But they are left in the dust by another more deadly animal, which only requires a look in the mirror to identify. 

Bobcats are an important part of our ecology, feeding on rabbits, pack rats, mice, small birds, snakes and lizards.  Their size ranges between 2 to 2.5 feet long, and they weigh in at 12 to 30 pounds.  They are year round residents in our area but because of their secretive nature are not usually seen.    Kittens are typically born between April and June and stay with their mother for seven to 12 months.  Now that’s a strong family bond! 

Pets can be protected from wildlife such as bobcats, coyotes, and rattlesnakes by simply not leaving them outside alone.  This point is reiterated consistently in the media but sometimes is not heeded.   Bobcats, though cute, should never be kept as a pet or treated like a pet, as with any wild animal.   Finding a bobcat in your yard is a special gift, an exciting event which shows the ecological richness of our area.   I hope you enjoy their presence as much as I do.

 I would like to conclude by telling a story which happened back on Saturday, July 27th. We had our first real monsoon soaking and the birds were celebrating.  I set out early for a bird survey of our area, and finished with awesome sightings of a Peregrine Falcon, Zone-tailed Hawk, Western Screech Owls, a Great Horned Owl, and Tropical Kingbirds, a bird whose northern range just touches southern Arizona.   On the way home I walked through a remote part of our woods and was startled by a reddish animal scurrying up a tree directly in front of me.   It was a young bobcat, who had tried to stay still until my approach came too close for comfort.   I heard another rustle and the mother, who had been under the same tree, scampered off in a diagonal path away from me in an attempt to draw my attention from her youngster.  I never felt threatened but wanted to assure them of my good intentions by walking a wide arc around the tree.  At one point the branches cleared and I saw the kitten clearly.  I took the opportunity to shoot some photographs at a distance with a technique called digiscoping.   This picture exemplifies the cute yet wild nature of our most welcome neighbor, the bobcat.   Thank you for supporting our unique wildlife community.

What a Purrfect picture of cuteness-Grrr!

Fox Tales (flashback)

Some twenty years ago Rodney was my first mentor regarding birding and the appreciation of nature.  He had a way of finding incredible birds while having fun, even goofing off.   He was known to burn the candle at both ends during migration, helping with owl banding at night, and with hawks during the day.   Although I'm more in favor of passive research now, at that time it was a true thrill helping him on rare occasions with his hawk banding research, braving the cold Vermont winter.    

We had great success this one particular weekend, banding a few Rough-legged hawks escaping the Arctic winter for less frigid weather in rural Vermont.   On the second day we were conversing about the use of mouse squeaks to draw in owls.   Rodney had tried it in a field one night and told how he was almost ready to give up when he glanced up to see a Great Horned Owl hovering over him.   We decided to try our luck in a nearby field just before dusk to draw in an owl, or even possibly a hawk.  

We sat against a tree trunk so each would have a different, partially overlapping view of the landscape.  First Rodney tried some mouse squeaks, then I held my hand to my mouth and chimed in.  We alternated, each concentrating on the quality of our calls while looking for any activity.   About fifteen minutes had passed in the dusky light when Rodney nudged me a signal with his elbow. 

Night Flights and Sparrow sights

Having a relaxing B'day hanging out with my bud.  He's laying against my legs as I sit on the floor.   He didn't make it to the pond tonight but we were able to walk to the mailbox and back.  When we got back Lilly and Daniel Boone were sitting at the door waiting with expectant looks to their big brother.   His big smile tonight shows his happy demeanor, always happy to be with his family.   Even this morning he had a look of peaceful contentment as I stroked his head and neck and said good bye.
I woke at 3:30 AM this morning and almost went back to sleep, but for the curiosity as to whether Purple Martins would be in flight over the house at this early hour.   I stood on the porch

July 15th Raindance (Monday)

I met Mrs. S at Bookman's where I found a nice book on birds of Alaska.   That would be a nice trip indeed if I ever make it there.   Mrs. S found a rain stick made of cholla, which apparently works.  She shook it in the store and when she brought it to the register it was pouring outside.   The rain didn't make it to our eastern neighborhood, though threatened throughout our late afternoon walk as it attempted to pull it's dark gray shade over the afternoon sun. 

Our excursion was rewarding, though, and Kino did some nice "laps," in the grassy area.  As I watched the Purple Martins over the pond

Sunday Sightings 7-14-13

The Brown-crested Flycatcher was calling again this morning from outside our bedroom window.   Another early bird at our feeders was an adult male Pyrrhuloxia, the bright yellow bill and accented with deep reds and grays making for quite a picture... except for the factor of the  window's glare from the early morning sun.     Scout had made a discovery of his own in the kitchen, batting the shades in a futile attempt to scare a spiny lizard on the ledge.  I believe it may be
the Twin-Spotted variety due to the wedge-shaped collar but I'm still a novice could be misnaming a Desert Spiny variety. 




Kino was really excited about his morning walk so we went for a quick one since it was already mid morning.   A sharp "pic!" from our neighbor's mesquite as I strained to see the infrequent Ladder-backed Woodpecker which had paid a visit to our cul de sac.    A Turkey Vulture was already enjoying the thermals in our neighborhood, cruising for unlucky victims of the heat.   It is almost time for post nesting dispersion of Zone-tailed Hawks, which look very similar in wing pattern, but have striped tails. 



Later that afternoon I was able to capture a probable Twin-spotted Lizard coming out from the crevices in our stone wall.   The stone walls in our back yard  really provide nice homes for our lizards and other animals, and has attracted Rock and House wrens in winter, searching for bugs in the crevices.   It also functions as a water harvesting technique, preventing precious water from running off the property, so it can sink down and saturate our soil for our desert plants. 

Kino and I finished the evening by walking a few laps on the lawn by the pond as we listened to the "oinking," of

Another Summer Day in the Desert

I woke this morning before light and went on our porch to listen to the Purple Martins.   I had noticed Thursday morning that they have started their mornings before light, as in other monsoon seasons.   I wonder if it is the humidity which sends them on such high flights hours before dawn each summer.  It was pleasant to hear their chirps high above as daylight approached.

Scout and Daniel Boon (Deebs)

After my shower Scout wanted some special attention so I lay in bed giving him belly rubs.  He's the only cat I know who rolls over to get his belly scratched.  As I lay a Brown-crested Flycatcher called from just outside the window, where we have myiarchus flycatcher nest box erected (built for Ash Throated or Brown-Crested species).   This is the second morning in a row he has been there.   I hoped this would be the year

A Friend for Life

He's leaving us...      

     I could tell as I watched him today in the deepest sleep, his legs moving about as he dreamed of his past...or future life.  I stroked him gently and called his name but he wouldn't wake.  It was like he's already entering into his new life, splitting time between both worlds.  These deep sleep sessions with vivid dreams are becoming more frequent each day.  He's already prepared for what's coming next, and just needs a signal to move on.  

I know what's keeping him here.  It's me.  He knows I'm not prepared to lose him yet, that the thought of life without my best friend

Summer surprise 7-9-13

I was exhausted from biking upwind for thirteen miles on the way home that day, so I rewarded myself with a short rest by the lake.  Although the temperature only reached 96 it seemed higher with the humidity, and the birds seemed to be waiting for the evening hours to be active.   I wasn't expecting much activity, so decided to appreciate the few birds presently about. 

Two Red-tailed Hawks casually coasted on the breeze which had been my enemy that day, mastering it, or perhaps becoming part of it.   They seemed so nonchalant as they lazily rode the wind currents as if they were floating on an invisible ocean, dipping as if in a trough then rising up to the crest, again and again, yet always moving forward.   This buteo has mastered flight, and can even "kite," on an updraft, a feat unique among North American raptors. 

Although there wasn't much activity on the lake save for a Purple Martin or two, I scanned the shoreline with my bins just in case for herons or migrating sandpipers.  I was almost ready to turn for home when it first appeared, flying toward my position from the far side of the lake.   It was reminiscent of a vision entering into the subconscious mind of a quester, unclear at first, then becoming sharper

Counting on birds and having a garden party

Friday night I forgot to take out money for bus fare home on Friday, so I was forced to ride the bike.  Naturally it rained that afternoon, but luckily I missed the heavier dousing.   Sometimes after the first heavy rain of the monsoon the wildlife seems to come alive in celebration, and you can feel the excitement in the air while walking the trails.  Birds are singing, raptors are hunting, mammals are cruising about in the open, and reptiles are foraging.

Even though this rain wasn't enough to wake the toads from their underground homes, it was the most significant rain so far.  I decided to head out for my quarterly bird survey of our neighborhood, which needs to be completed in the month of July.  I will sometimes wait for the end of the month when there is more migrants but hoped  this time to catch some late nesters instead.  Perhaps I would even run across the slightly out of season Blue-winged Teal seen Friday morning on the way to the bus stop. 

Bronzed Cowbird (4-17-11) 

As is usual I planned on getting out just before dawn, hopefully being able to include Lesser Nighthawks in my days tally.  Not unexpectedly I was not the early bird who gets the nightjar, just leaving the house after 5:30 AM.  The big pond was active, and I counted about 18 bird species in a five minute point count, which isn't shabby for a summer count.   Tropical Kingbirds trilled their metallic trill, and a Cassin's Kingbird chimed in as well, ordering me to "Come Here!"    Later I heard a drawn out squeak and spotted the puffed stance of a Bronzed Cowbird, its shape noticeable at quite a distance.   

Appreciating Lizard Neighbors

Last weekend and July 4th I took some time to appreciate our lizard neighbors which inhabit our back and front yards.   We help provide a great home for our lizards by creating cover with wood piles, sticks, and logs, and understory plants.  We provide food with our mulch piles and compost, and with leaf cover, which also keeps the ground cooler.   We remove threats 

A tale of three Kings (Sunday 6/30/13)

Bell's Vireo

My walk with Kino went well, but even starting at 7:30 was almost too late to be out, especially with his heavy coat.  In our 45 minute excursion we saw or heard a few good birds, including a Great Blue Heron, Vermilion Flycatcher, and Yellow Warbler.  When I got home I watered our backyard plants in preparation for the burning 113 degree temperatures predicted for later that day.   A drab bird came into our Arizona Ash, and I almost passed it off as a Verdin. 

  As it came within five feet I recognized it as

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