Christmas in the desert

The sun is peaking out from an overcast sky, and the White-crowned Sparrows have just returned to the front yard.  Mourning Doves and House Sparrows are crowding into the platform feeder, and a male Cardinal is sitting on an Agave leaf.
     I bought an artificial branch for $ 3.00 to hang Christmas ornaments on. 
Happy Christmas to all.

Christmas count

Two Pacific storms brought rain to Tucson valley and snow to the higher elevations. Rain cleaned the air. Snow on the Catalinas was so pretty.  Early morning sun on the foothills was photogenic, and by 10 am the sun had pushed out the clouds giving us a beautiful blue-sky day.
     I joined birders in one section of the 15-mile circle that is the Tucson Valley Christmas Bird count.  We patrolled our 1 1/2 miles of Rillito River, 3 city parks, and several neighborhoods.  Best birds were 4 Harris's Hawks, Vermilion Flycatchers, Say's Phoebes, a Hutton's Vireo, and 3 species of Hummingbirds.  Specialties like Verdins, Abert's Towhees, and Curve-billed Thrashers were also found.  My group counted 33 species. 
     At the evening compilation event I learned the record of 152 species was set some years ago.  Tucson's 2012 count may tie this record. 

Photos:  Snow in the Catalinas, as seen from the Ranch.  An internet photo of a Say's Phoebe. 

into December 2012

Mid-morning walk added 3 new birds to my Ranch list:  Hermit Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, and Bridled Titmouse.  All birds found in the canyons with running water creeks, but a surprise here.  The small fishing pond is the only water nearby.
     Yesterday I received permission to have Sunday off to do Christmas Bird Count in Tucson.  The new compiler went thru a list of all previous participants and sent out emails to everyone asking for birders to join CBC on Sunday.  I did not need to go looking for the compiler's name, as I did last year. 
     Requested photos of the "feeding station" outside my window.  Several platform feeders are scattered around the guest areas, and will be filled by the Grounds crew if the guest requests seeds.  Of course I need to provide my own seeds, and the birds are most willing to come eat.  Mostly White-crowned Sparrows, House Finches, some House Sparrows, and the desert specialties.  A pair of Cardinals comes occasionally.  4 Quail is the size limit for the platform feeder.

Sabino Canyon

     This location challenges my sense of orientation.  Sabino Canyon used to be quite a drive to the east, now I had to go WEST to get to Sabino.  Alas their creek is dry as well. Below the dam there were a few puddles in depressions in the rocks.  Early morning birds were good.
     Hermit Thrushes, Verdins, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a Black-throated Gray Warbler (!!), Painted Redstarts, a Red-naped Sapsucker, and the big highlight,  Rufous-backed Robin (!!).

     I have been practicing with the Nikon camera.  Ducks at Fort Lowell Park were most cooperative. The Roadrunner did not get focused well.  This afternoon I watched the excitement in my "front yard."  Pyrrhuloxias in the Palo Verde, Cactus Wrens eating from the seed tray, a Gila Woodpecker in the mesquite, and Gambel's Quail will chase the Mo Doves away.  Two days ago a Green-tailed Towhee came looking for breakfast, today the Abert's and Canyon Towhees showed up.  The little Rufous-winged Sparrow is not intimidated by the White-crowned Sparrows.

Life Mammal

     This morning I woke up and "my" birds were not singing !!  Maybe they are upset because I woke up late and did not put seed out until after 8 am.  A bit later I was walking to the employee parking area when a Cooper's Hawk zoomed over my head into a Mesquite.  That's why all the little birds went into hiding !!
      Today was my first official day off.  I went birding of course !   I drove south on Hwy 19 to Montosa Canyon, south of Green Valley.  The Smithsonian Institute's astronomy observatory is further up the same road.  When water is running in the creek it is a wonderful magnet for birds.  The little creek has been dry for several weeks but I did find birds.
     Green-tailed Towhees, Cardinals, and a Fox Sparrow scratched in the leaf litter looking for tasty tidbits.  Canyon Wrens serenaded from the hillside, while Rock Wrens squeaked and a Bewick's Wren hopped around in the thicket.  Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Gnatcatchers and an un-seen Woodpecker finished the list.  Red-tailed Hawks were sitting on phone poles along the frontage road.
     After lunch I went north again, to Madera Canyon.  The flock of Mexican Jays greeted me in the parking lot, as did the Acorn Woodpeckers.  Bridled Titmice and Grey-headed Juncos flitted in the trees.  I had a brief look at a Painted Redstart.  At the Santa Rita Lodge feeders several people were watching the Wild Turkeys and Jays.  2 Rufous-crowned Sparrows were found.  Then a 4-legged creature with a very long tail walked out from behind the Turkeys.  A Coatimundi  !!   In all my birding around AZ, this was the first time I have seen a Coatimundi !!
     Madera Canyon's creek still has water trickling thru the rocks.

Bird List

Oh my, all the AZ desert specialties !!   The mornings start with the Curve-billed Thrasher calling  "whit-whit    whit-whit"   and the White-crowned Sparrows answering  "dee dee-dee dee dee."   In front of my window, in the desert landscaping "lawn,"  is a structure that looks like a platform feeder.  So I put some bird seed in it.  The next day House Finches,  House Sparrows, Brewer's Blackbirds, and Brown-headed Cowbirds had found it.  I don't want to encourage Cowbirds in their  "dirty deeds"  so I sprinkled seeds on the ground near the huge agave and Palo Verde trees. That attracted more White-crowns, Pyrrhuloxias, Cardinals, Cactus Wrens, and a Rufous-winged Sparrow.  This morning the Thrasher was on the ground as well.  Phainopeplas are having a good season. I see them often sitting in the trees.  A covey of Quail scurried by yesterday morning.
     I took an early morning walk in a dry wash behind the buildings.  Chipping Sparrows, a Gila Woodpecker, Gnatcatchers, a pair of Red-tailed Hawks on the cross-arm of a phone pole, and a flock of Black-throated Sparrows all showed up.  They are one of my favorite sparrows. A very scruffy hummingbird was sitting up in a mesquite, likely a Broad-tailed.  I need to remember all these hummingbirds, now.
     Last night a guest told me he saw a Roadrunner roosting in the eves of his casita.

An Internet photo, of a Black-throated Sparrow I did not take this one.

photos of TVGR

employee casita

 horse corral with old fence

 office building

 restaurant and saloon

Mountain views are of the east end of the Catalinas merging into the north end of the Rincons

Tucson

I arrived at lunch time on Thursday after a long drive yesterday from Junction, TX all the way to Deming, NM.  Texas Hill Country is pretty, many Live Oak trees and a few rivers. Hwy 10 travels thru some very dry open country after that. El Paso reminded me of Phoenix:  too much traffic, a lot of commercial development, and a great deal of urban sprawl.  Industrial development flows over the border with New Mexico for several miles.
     This photo is of a trail with native Sabal Palms in Texas.
South of Deming is a nice camping area, Rock Hound State Park.  I had time for a short hike before the sun set.  Black-throated Sparrows !!   Rock Wrens, and 2 species of Quail  (Gambels and Scaled).   
     Tanque Verde Guest Ranch is on the very end of Speedway's pavement at the east end of the Catalina Mts.  This place is pretty snazzy:  the buildings look like an old ranch well maintained.  Currently 150 horses live here, more are coming for the winter.  Its a very popular place for meetings, retreats, and weddings.  3 weddings are scheduled for this week.
     My room is in a casita of 4 rooms.  This casita is given for employee housing. And most surprising is all 4 of us are from Grand Tetons Park !!  Each room has its own bathroom, a refrigerator, and a big queen bed.  Kayak and bicycle are still on the roof as their home is yet to be determined. 
   I will take photos tomorrow.

 A Laughing Gull with Brown Pelicans on a
pier in coastal TX. The left most Pelican is stretching its bill pouch.

 Rio Grande River.  This riparian vegetation is a tough dense thicket.
    

Across Texas

Texas is a big state.  I decided to stay away from the big interstate highways as much as possible.  I drove around Houston with the side benefit of visiting a nice county park.  What birder could resist the Gulf coast beaches and the shorebirds ?  I met up with a group who invited me to come along to other birding locations.  It was great fun to be with people who really know Texas birds.  So I have tarried a few days in the Great State of birds.

     The drought has badly affected Texas wetlands.  Many resaca areas are dry, and reservoirs that once served a big ranch have also dried up.  Tough thornscrub and Palm trees are surviving to provide habitat for wildlife and birds.
     This middle photo is of lichen draped trees as the sun is going down.  The Least Grebe is not in perfect focus.  A group of them were foraging closer to shore.

    

NH visit

The peak of Fall color was a week ago. Maples have lost their leaves, and the oaks have turned brown.  On Tuesday I took a bus trip to New Hampshire to visit my parents.  The feeders in their backyard have attracted many birds, both migrants and year-round residents. I saw my first of the season Pine Siskins, and a pair of Purple Finches.  Woodpeckers are always fun to watch, both Downy and Red-bellied came often to the suet feeders.
     My Mom and I walked a forest path (Longmarsh Rd) between several small ponds.  We heard few birds, it was a beautiful late Fall day.

Photo, above, is of  Oyster River in Durham, NH.
     Saturday I was back in Connecticut where my Dad found a Red-shouldered Hawk in a tree watching us.  What a pretty bird !!
     Hurricane Sandy is charging north along the eastern seaboard and will join a cold front from the mid-West.  This storm is being called  "Frankenstorm"  or  " Snor-easter"  depending on the forecaster's perspective.  High winds, coastal flooding, and downed trees are expected.  At my sister's location, we are quite a distance inland and away from the coastal flooding. 

     Pond and trail along Longmarsh Road.

more photos from CT

Forests are so colorful now, quiet pools of water make for good reflections.

CT in the Fall

This is a beautiful time of year to be visiting in Connecticut.  My sister lives in the northeast part of the state where maples, oaks, beeches and other trees have turned golden and crimson.  We drive to New Haven each morning for her work, and notice the trees further south have lost their leaves already.  I am a volunteer at Yale-Peabody Museum in the Vertebrate Zoology section, so this week I was able to help with re-organizing specimens in the backroom collections area.  Its still exciting to walk into the collections and be face-to-face with a Bison skeleton or a Jaguar or an Owl.
     In the mornings I walked around the entire campus looking for birds, and I found them.  Sparrows:  Song, Savannah, White-throated, White-crowned, Field, Swamp, and Chipping.  The regulars:  Blue Jays, Robins, Cardinals, Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, American Goldfinches, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Chickadees, Titmice, Nuthatches and Wild Turkeys are present.  I was surprised with a Palm Warbler and the Blue-headed Vireo.
     Monday we celebrated my birthday in grand style.  Max, a teen-aged chef-to-be, made a gluten-free Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting that was wonderful.  Sue made home-made ice cream that was very good, as well.
    Wednesday Sue and I went birding on the coast, hitting all the good areas she knows about. October is an in-between time for birding; most of the summer birds have already departed for southern climates and the winter ducks and sea birds have not arrived yet.  We found 62 species for the day.  Highlights were a Nelson's (Sharp-tailed) Sparrow, and a Lapland Longspur.
     Today my most exciting bird was a Pileated Woodpecker in the Maple-Beech forest near Willimantic River. 

Photos of southern New England in the Fall.




    

Texas

I arrived at my friend, Jan's house this afternoon.  What an amazing drive !!  From the red earth country in the north, to the limestone canyons further south, and across the Hill Country.  Weather has not been spectacular, the grey skies are blowing out with the remnants of this cold front.
Photos from Palo Duro SP of the red canyons, the recently flooded creek, and a set of stone steps built by the CCC work teams.
 South Llano SP wins the prize for the most birds.  The 4 bird blinds are maintained by a "Friends" group and the camp hosts.  Cardinals, White-winged Doves, Black-crested Titmice, Lesser Goldfinches and Sparrows:  Lark, Song, Black-throated, Lincoln's, Clay-colored, Field, and White-crowned.

traveling south

I left Grand Tetons Park last week and started driving south.  The construction on Hwy 26 over Togwotee Pass is finished and the highway has a beautiful new road surface. 
Meadows along the highway range in color from golden yellow to brown, with all shades in between shown by  bushes, willows and other plants.  One creek was dried to mud and a couple muddy puddles. Lava Creek on the south side is still running between willow-lined banks.  I stayed that night in Casper, WY.
     I had a few business errands to do in the Loveland - Greeley, Colorado area so I headed south on Hwy 25 the next day.  Southern WY is sagebrush land, with Cottonwoods indicating the locations of creeks and streams.  Boysen State Park and reservoir was nearly dried to mudflats.  I saw Ring Billed Gulls and Red-breasted Mergansers enjoying the last bit of water remaining.
     In the 1800's many 1000's of pioneers traveled across WY.  They were going to the gold rush, to find land, and seeking religious freedom in Utah.  I stopped at 2 historic areas, one protected  a stretch of original trail where many wagon wheels had worn ruts into the grey sandstone.  Register Cliffs preserves a tall sandstone butte where pioneers carved their names into the stone.
     Robins are everywhere, a few Red tailed Hawks, a family group of Mountain Bluebirds, a Townsend's Solitaire, and a Western Kingbird catching insects from its perch on a barbed wire fence.
     After finishing my errands in the central Colorado cities, I choose Saturday to drive into Rocky Mt National Park.  What a perfect day !!  Not only was the weather beautiful, but Saturday was one of the FREE days in the national parks.  I didn't have to pay the $ 20. entrance fee.
     I was looking for Ptarmigan, a bird adapted to tundra habitats.  I looked in all the reported and recommended locations.  Ptarmigans were not out to be seen on Saturday.
     My friend, Jan, has invited me to visit and attend a bird festival.  She lives alone near College Station, and enjoys outdoor events.  Well, not exactly alone,  she has several cats and a dog.  
     I drove east from Colorado, thru Kansas and stopped to visit 2 wildlife refuges known for migrating shorebirds and cranes.  Everything is so dry.  The larger ponds still have water, the smaller ones are dried to crackling mud.  A report of Henslow's Sparrows had me driving a bit further to the southeast.  I spent a pretty morning along a dirt road watching Eastern Meadowlarks, Vesper Sparrows, Kestrels, and Scissortail Flycatchers.  No golden-faced sparrows appeared out of the grass.
      Oklahoma seemed greener, less dried out by the drought.  Maybe the land received more rain during the summer.  I crossed the stateline into Texas that afternoon on Hwy 40.  Texas has good state parks, and 2 in this area have been recommended to me.

Photos are all from Rocky Mt park,  a meadow with golden Aspens,  Ptarmigan habitat that I walked around in, and more habitat with snow-capped mountains. 




    

Season finale

Colter Bay closed to guests on Sunday morning.  Cabin Office staff are re-assigned to help Housekeeping winterize the cabins.  So much needs to be done.  They strip all the linens out of the cabins and place them in large plastic bags.  Yesterday I drove the company van around the cabins and collected all the plastic bags.  6 van-loads, and I was not the only person collecting bags.  The laundry men were astonished at the mountain of large bags for them to haul away.
     Other tasks are done cabin by cabin,  wrap the curtains and lamp shades in plastic, turn the trash cans upside down, and remove all paper products from the bathrooms.  All the soap and shampoo dispensers must be emptied and cleaned. Our Maintenance dept installs a support beam in every cabin to help the roof withstand the weight of the winter snows.  Its a huge project for 167 cabins and they appreciate all the help we can give them.
     Last week I was able to tour some of eastern Idaho.  Much of the landscape is sage brush, as I expected.  A few areas surprised me.  There are 15 dams on the Snake River to capture water for irrigation or for hydroelectric power.  Reservoirs created by these dams are drying up rapidly as the water level has dropped to extreme lows.  Palisades and Ririe reservoirs still have water in the central "lake" area.  Tributaries or "arms" of the reservoir have become mudflats.  Another reservoir has been reduced to mudflats and had attracted a wonderful collection of shorebirds.
    Returning thru Targhee National Forest I saw Maple trees on many hillsides turned brilliant red.  I did not know Idaho had such bright red Maples in the Fall.

In a few days I will head south and east.
Photos:  Pond with a beaver dam in Bridger-Teton NF.   red Maples of Idaho, 
and a shed antler from a Mule Deer.

into September

Its been so smokey here.  A new wildfire started just south of Jackson Hole.  This morning I had breakfast at Oxbow Point and could not see Mt Moran or Grand Teton.  That's a crazy amount of smoke.  Compensation this morning were the birds,  a flock of White-crowned Sparrows, a few Song Sparrows, and a Wilson's Warbler !!    2 days ago a flock of Cedar Waxwings came thru eating the Chokecherries.  Pink-sided Juncos have been flitting in the Pines outside my window, and 2 Gray Jays were looking for pine seeds.

still looking for a winter location.

a Visit

Last week Tuesday my sister came to visit with my brother-in-law, Jorge, and their friends from Spain.  The smoke blew away and the vistas were beautiful.  We rented enough canoes and kayaks for everyone to be on the water.  Paddling in Colter Bay is so pretty. We saw an Osprey, a Western Tanager, and Spotted Sandpipers.
      Wednesday I recommended we go hiking in Cascade Canyon, one of my favorite places.  We rode the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake and started hiking up to Inspiration Point.  This is the only serious climb on the trail, and rewards hikers with a view of Jenny Lake and the mountains to the east.  Clark's Nutcrackers, Moose, and mountain valleys were well photographed. Scenery in this canyon is magnificent. Sue and I found Cordilleran and Olive-sided Flycatchers !!
     After dinner we drove up Signal Mt and found Dusky Grouse.  That was exciting too.  A brilliant sunset was a great way to end the day.
Thursday and Friday we spent exploring Yellowstone Park.  Hydrothermal features are only part of Yellowstone's offerings.  Hayden Valley was beautiful.  Smoke from a nearby wildfire had nearly blotted out the sun by the time we arrived at Canyon.  The orange sunlight made an unforgettable scene in the canyon.  At Mammoth we saw a group of Elk with their harem leader, a large bull with an impressive set of antlers.
       Jorge took most of the photos so I can post only a few of mine.    Some of these are from this morning's paddling trip on Yellowstone Lake.  Elk are bugling, beginning the rutting season.  The Avocets were a wonderful surprise.

Blue sky !

I hiked up to Bradley and Taggart Lakes this morning. 
      Photo of Bradley Lake









Grand Teton, Mt Owen, and Teewinot

Photo below is looking into Paintbrush Divide,  from a different hike.