tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83372918985564797822024-03-05T16:47:07.910-07:00Sycamore CanyonA journal about nature, birds and wildlife in Sycamore Canyon of the Scenic Santa Ritas Mountains in Corona de Tucson, including birding in the Tucson area.
"Hold fast to your dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly." Langston HughesKathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.comBlogger477125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-17196171375724076722013-05-02T10:33:00.001-07:002013-05-02T10:33:25.782-07:00Running Home<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Yd3b3bC5W6g/UYKjYjuza1I/AAAAAAAAaqw/a1UFmDC-zqA/s1600-h/4-18-13%252520Running%252520Home%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="4-18-13 Running Home" border="0" alt="4-18-13 Running Home" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AnAVhdE-KEc/UYKjZDgcMtI/AAAAAAAAaq4/mdB_T3_gVSY/4-18-13%252520Running%252520Home_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="280" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><strong>The Santa Rita Mountains 1-21-2010</strong></p> <p>What is this that awakens me?</p> <p>What is this pull I feel?</p> <p>I rise on a sunny morning, </p> <p>I get into my car and drive,</p> <p>I pass beneath a Swainson’s hawk circling above,</p> <p>I leave the city streets behind.</p> <p>Around me, the desert opens wide—</p> <p>I feel my mind relaxing</p> <p>As each mile falls behind,</p> <p>And then I see the wonder</p> <p>Of this wild place</p> <p>Each mile draws me closer</p> <p>To these cactus-covered slopes</p> <p>Where birds fly free in a pale blue sky,</p> <p>Where birds nest in pale green scrub,</p> <p>Where mountain peaks rise up and stand</p> <p>Shoulder to shoulder towering</p> <p>Over spiny saguaros,</p> <p>Deep canyons, </p> <p>And me.</p> <p>—I am being called</p> <p>—I am being pulled</p> <p>—I am running</p> <p>Home.</p> <p><em>~Kathie Adams Brown (April 17, 2013)</em></p> <p align="justify">It’s been a long time since I have lived in <a href="http://coronadetucson.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Sycamore Canyon</a> now. I moved away in August of 2010. Two years later I returned to Tucson and moved into a rental house in town. Since I still have friends in the area I have been out to visit Sycamore Canyon a few times. I have tried to deny the pull that it still as on me, but with spring migration in full swing, I could not help but think of all the marvelous birds that I use to see right in my own backyard when I lived in Sycamore Canyon. Or, I could just cross the street and be in the wash in 30 seconds or less, and see even more. So it was that one day back in mid April I left my suburban home and drove out to visit one of my friend in Sycamore Canyon. I basically spent the whole day there watching birds from her yard, or in the park. It was after this that I came back to Tucson and wrote the above poem which I originally posted on my poetry blog.</p> <p align="justify">Sycamore Canyon is such a special place and the wildlife there is amazing. Being on the slopes of the Santa Rita Mountains is like no other habitat in Tucson. This is truly a place that need to be protected and preserved. While my main blog is now <a href="http://kathiesbirds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kathie’s Birds</a>, I realize that I will be back to visit Sycamore Canyon and I want to keep all the posts related to this place on the same blog, so I have decided that if I write about Sycamore Canyon I will publish the post in both locations to make it easier to find. If you like, come visit me at Kathie’s Birds or <a href="http://kathiespoettree.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kathie's Poet Tree</a>, and maybe one of these days I will get back to finishing my guide to the birds of Sycamore Canyon on <a href="http://sycamorecanyonbirds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sycamore Canyon Birds</a>!</p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-43000079933060263932013-05-02T10:09:00.001-07:002013-05-02T10:12:12.538-07:00In Search of Nighthawks<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5qxrI-odSKo/UYKdn0zCOKI/AAAAAAAAaoY/zHe_GEyC9u8/s1600-h/1.%252520Mt.%252520fagan-kab.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="1. Mt. fagan-kab" border="0" alt="1. Mt. fagan-kab" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b4pf_fCvNYc/UYKdokTkYGI/AAAAAAAAaog/Wd6KUKtDChY/1.%252520Mt.%252520fagan-kab_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="278" /></a> <p></p> <p align="center"><strong>Mt. Fagan as seen from Sycamore Canyon 1-21-2010</strong> </p> <p align="justify">It was a busy weekend here and Sunday we just crashed and watched TV, but by Sunday evening I was itching to get out of the house and see some birds. I know that the nighthawks have been spotted in the area, but I had yet to see any for myself. Knowing that we used to see them all the time in Sycamore Canyon of Corona de Tucson, Gus and I decided to go for a drive and see if we could find some. </p> <p align="justify">The sun is still shining and the air still warm and dry as we hop into the convertible. Gus heads for Old Spanish Trail and we wind our way along the Rincon Mountains and up through Vail in order to avoid the Pima County Fair Traffic on Houghton Rd. Here in Arizona they do their county fair in spring instead of autumn. I am guessing this is due to the weather, which is perfect at this time of year!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4RWDIxv0Nuc/UYKdqUy2ghI/AAAAAAAAaoo/RorGl4DMbZA/s1600-h/2.%252520cactus%252520garden-kab.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="2. cactus garden-kab" border="0" alt="2. cactus garden-kab" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L0eZbXYJ6t4/UYKdrErdKbI/AAAAAAAAaow/5mtnO4C0H-Y/2.%252520cactus%252520garden-kab_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="249" /></a> As we drive through Vail Town Center the road starts to climb toward the Santa Rita Mountains. Above us the sky is mostly clear. I am lost somewhere deep in thought as the miles slip by. Soon we are turning onto Harrison Road with the Mt. Fagan and the Santa Rita Mountains looming ahead. Gus cannot resist a drive past our old house and I see that the cactus garden we planted out front is still there and one cactus is blooming bright pink blossoms! </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YcvMlDTSAHA/UYKdsNhQx0I/AAAAAAAAao4/VLECVNGTxhg/s1600-h/3.%252520Syc%252520Can%252520Park-kab.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="3. Syc Can Park-kab" border="0" alt="3. Syc Can Park-kab" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PItUZys20dU/UYKdsv_C4ZI/AAAAAAAAapA/D3pnBILniSE/3.%252520Syc%252520Can%252520Park-kab_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="290" /></a> We head down to the park then and park our car and get out. While the park looks pretty much the same, there are a lot more people and dogs in it. Someone has a whole team of huskies! They look so out of place here in the desert. I grab my bins and notebook and we take of walking. Gus soon goes ahead of me while I linger to look for birds, but all I am seeing are Mourning Doves and White-winged doves, and a lone Cactus Wren. In the desert I hear Curve-billed thrashers and Gambel’s Quail. </p> <p align="justify">I see a desert cottontail hiding just off the path wanting to get out onto the lush<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--HH4df24RDU/UYKdtkChmvI/AAAAAAAAapI/_1v-hKbti1E/s1600-h/4.cottontailkab6.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 10px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="4. cottontail-kab" border="0" alt="4. cottontail-kab" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qZiEwiC2FxE/UYKduNW7udI/AAAAAAAAapQ/6mKc40ZW668/4.cottontailkab_thumb11.jpg?imgmax=800" width="253" height="210" /></a> green lawn of the park, but still leery of all the people and dogs. Behind it a jack rabbit looks like a giant as it dwarfs the smaller rabbit with its huge feet, legs, and ears. While I am enjoying seeing these creatures, it is still not what I came to see! I scan the park, the desert, and the sky for nighthawks, but see none. I finish my circuit around the track and make it back near the parking lot. By now Gus has done several laps and the sun has set. People have left the park and we are just about the only ones left. As I wait for Gus to come around again I scan the desert for nighthawks and find a Great Horned Owl perched atop a tall saguaro instead. Its silhouette looks like an eared lump against the tangerine sunset! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIMXRv86bun9z_dzxqo9PRN2bJY-F5juHPv0IBI8dkV8PjfnVhyphenhyphen6bnKKPLOFNMK_ral_XrlYIqrxptXMtoQKuAWQs2SLDfVQwW61tju9q5xin8pHXz17TPXVxFey3YoALZW-JPp53luc/s1600-h/5.%252520sunset-kab.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="5. sunset-kab" border="0" alt="5. sunset-kab" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9TPz3oJsVjE/UYKdvvBvbJI/AAAAAAAAapg/ptf_MLqgsMs/5.%252520sunset-kab_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="329" /></a> The temperature has dropped quite a bit by now but we still leave the top down as we get back into the convertible. We drive away from the park and Sycamore Canyon without seeing a single nighthawk. I find this distressing since I know they used to be here on a regular basis. I ask Gus to drive by Road Runner Market at the junction of Houghton and Sahuarita Roads as it has numerous street lights and often there are nighthawks hunting for insects here. We drive east on Sahuarita Road, then turn south on Houghton where Gus does a u-turn and we are now facing north. All this time I have been scanning the sky overhead for nighthawks to no avail. I have not seen one. As we wait at the stop light in the left turn lane to drive down to Sahuarita I suddenly see motion across the street from us on the northeast corner of the intersection. This is not a nighthawk. It is a large raptor, an owl, but too pale for a Great Horned Owl. I train my binoculars on the bird, which has landed on a fence post low to the ground, and discover it is a Barn Owl! With no one behind us we sit through three changes of the light while I watch this magnificent raptor as it turns its head from side to side searching the ground below for prey. We finally make the turn and drive away without knowing if the owl got to eat tonight. As Gus turns the car west I am smiling like a Cheshire Cat moon in the night.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kfbTGy2L0fw/UYKdwPyyI5I/AAAAAAAAapo/W2rrYpDoFyE/s1600-h/6.Nighthawkkab5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="6. Nighthawk-kab" border="0" alt="6. Nighthawk-kab" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UdJfpbPOnLA/UYKdwu0U0ZI/AAAAAAAAapw/LraYCInq-EQ/6.Nighthawkkab_thumb13.jpg?imgmax=800" width="174" height="271" /></a> All along the ten or more miles to Sahuarita I am looking for nighthawks in street lights to no avail. We spend about 30 minutes or more in the grocery store before getting back into our car to head home. I ask Gus to drive through Rancho Sahuarita as we head north. The paved road snakes through the development with street lights scattered here and there. It is as we are nearing the end of the road that I see a well lit parking lot off on my right. As Gus drive forward suddenly I see the ghostly flash of a bat-like body as it moves in and out of one of the street lights! Nighthawks! “Gus!” I yell, “I think I just saw some nighthawks!” My patient husband turns the car around and we drive back to the parking lot. Sure enough, as we park beneath one of the lights we see the nighthawks swooping and fluttering like giant moths hawking for insects. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gvUz8HezzXk/UYKdxAii_qI/AAAAAAAAap4/KSCJ3cx4Rtw/s1600-h/7.%252520nighthawk-kab.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="7. nighthawk-kab" border="0" alt="7. nighthawk-kab" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0XvRdInSgac/UYKdxm8ro1I/AAAAAAAAaqA/B_mQPWvjFFM/7.%252520nighthawk-kab_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="307" /></a> We sit there in the darkness, bathed in the glow of street lights and watch the birds swoop, dive and flutter. Their erratic flight is so unpredictable. Their bodies so cryptically colored, yet I can see their notched tails streaming out behind them, and the white or buffy patches in their wings. We get mostly Lesser Nighthawks here in Arizona, but it is possible to find common nighthawks as well. In the Lesser species the females have a buffy patch on their wings, instead of the white patch of the male Lessers or both sexes of Common Nighthawks.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1N8r5gRul5gzBg-tvnTmYFQlhrcUsk3t62myhkGUOBm_356f9ZcXuBcuTdJMAtMgTXHZ69JJXbp-zLUOB7Fl4JJCprJnEMfdZ4f5Ke5US2PIvpOO_iRT_OH3l1wQgqG47kPGLAlYmfg/s1600-h/8.%252520nighthawk-kab.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="8. nighthawk-kab" border="0" alt="8. nighthawk-kab" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZTNcrDWkj3c/UYKdyyBIMnI/AAAAAAAAaqQ/NxUp--uy5HE/8.%252520nighthawk-kab_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="302" /></a> I think I could have stayed there and watched those birds all night long, but after ten to fifteen minutes we finally left. It is hard for me to drive away in this cool night air, because I am still concerned for this species of bird. I did not see very many insects in the street lights. When there was a brief bit of insect activity suddenly eight nighthawks came into the lights at once, then they were gone, and so were the insects. Until that one moment Gus and I had only see four nighthawks at the same time. The nighthawks seem to prefer the lights that were nearest the open desert beyond. I did not see them hunting at any of the lights nearer the center of the parking lot.</p> <p align="justify">So, it was with a somewhat sad smile that I left the birds behind me as Gus drove away. Here in Sahuarita the temperature had dropped to 65F! But, by the time we got back up to Tucson it was back to 75F! That just shows you the effect of the “heat bubble” created by the city. I am happy to have finally seen my nighthawks, but a bit concerned about their population. I know so many insects are being poisoned by pesticides and along with them, the wildlife that feed on them. We must find a way to live with these creatures that share the earth with us. All of our lives are enriched by their presence. </p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#0000ff" size="6" face="French Script MT">Happy Earth Day!</font></strong></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WvwTg6Yqf54/UYKdzm-_hdI/AAAAAAAAaqY/RXS9c-ekXkY/s1600-h/9.%252520GH%252520owl-kab.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="9. GH owl-kab" border="0" alt="9. GH owl-kab" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w-nl29LhOCI/UYKd0DkcyJI/AAAAAAAAaqg/7HM1UQ1lLfI/9.%252520GH%252520owl-kab_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="326" /></a>Great Horned Owl in <a href="http://coronadetucson.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Sycamore Canyon</a> 8-8-2008 </p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="http://coronadetucson.blogspot.com/search/label/Nighthawk" target="_blank">Nighthawks</a></strong>-see more photos here </li> <li><strong><a href="http://kathiespoettree.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-deer-on-hill.html" target="_blank">The Deer on the Hill</a></strong>-my Earth Day Poem </li> <li><a href="http://kathiesbirds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Kathie’s Birds</strong></a>-my main blog </li> </ul> <p align="justify"><strong>Note:</strong> <em>All photos in this post are from my archives from when I lived in Sycamore Canyon between 2007 and 2010. While I no longer live in Sycamore Canyon, I do have friends who do. I did not have my camera with me on this drive. Besides, it was soon too dark for photography! This post was originally posted on my <a href="http://kathiesbirds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kathie’s Birds</a> blog for Earth Day. </em></p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-61802555860956044852010-11-03T03:24:00.001-07:002010-11-05T11:39:08.147-07:00Come Visit me at Kathie’s Birds!<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TNE4WyvIDvI/AAAAAAAAG94/w5A5aR4ZyUg/s1600-h/DSC_0061%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0061" border="0" alt="DSC_0061" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TNE4XGdZ6DI/AAAAAAAAG-A/fFiRzCqSWTY/DSC_0061_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="480" /></a> </p> <p>Follow this little Semi-palmated Plover over to my new blog </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://kathiesbirds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#0080ff" size="6">Kathie’s Birds</font></a><font color="#008080" size="6"> </font></p> <p>where you will read about my adventures in birding Plum Island in Massachusetts and other parts of New England and beyond, because, you see, I have moved away from Sycamore Canyon (at least for now).</p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-10554216187460589952010-10-18T03:34:00.000-07:002010-10-18T07:58:19.821-07:00Chapter 9 continued: Graham County and Lake Cochise<p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vG9M-qYI/AAAAAAAAGrU/EadKDBtWhYs/s1600-h/DSC_0058%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0058" border="0" alt="DSC_0058" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vHYP4XgI/AAAAAAAAGrY/xycLqclmPHA/DSC_0058_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="291" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Down, down, down we travel, down out of the mountains, down to the farmland of Safford where fields of crops flow away to mountain edges. Safford is a small but quaint town. Over all of it towers Mount Graham like some benevolent god, his craggy head lost today in the clouds of rain. Our time is growing short. We take a quick drive through Roper Lake State Park. I count 12 species here including a gorgeous male hooded oriole. This is a place I would definitely like to come back to if there were time.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vI274xrI/AAAAAAAAGrc/e4sRPttxrYo/s1600-h/DSC_0158g%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0158g" border="0" alt="DSC_0158g" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vJq0sGVI/AAAAAAAAGrg/4TkaoESGchc/DSC_0158g_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="279" /></a> Birds Seen At Roper lake SP:</p> <p>Location: Roper Lake SP <br />Observation date: 8/1/10 <br />Notes: We only had time for a quick drive into the park and out again. All species seen from car. <br />Number of species: 12 <br />Mallard 12 <br />Gambel's Quail 6 <br />Turkey Vulture 3 <br />White-winged Dove 2 <br />Western Kingbird 1 <br />raven sp. 2 <br />Barn Swallow 2 <br />Verdin 2 <br />Common Yellowthroat 2 <br />Black-throated Sparrow 6 <br />Red-winged Blackbird 8 <br />Hooded Oriole 1 <br />House Sparrow 3 <br />This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(<a href="http://ebird.org">http://ebird.org</a>)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vKZftfxI/AAAAAAAAGrk/dl2Up8w5cyQ/s1600-h/DSC_0060%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0060" border="0" alt="DSC_0060" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vK9nVmcI/AAAAAAAAGro/PlBOlrie6VQ/DSC_0060_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="279" /></a></p> <p>Other Birds seen in Various parts of Graham County:</p> <ol> <li>Turkey Vulture </li> <li>Rock pigeon </li> <li>White-winged dove </li> <li>Mourning dove </li> <li>Eurasian collared-dove </li> <li>Barn Swallow </li> <li>Northern Mockingbird </li> <li>Lark bunting </li> <li>Great-tailed Grackle </li> <li>House finch </li> <li>House sparrow </li> </ol> <p>All together I saw 19 species of birds in Graham county on this day.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vL4clMzI/AAAAAAAAGrs/mEKcp50gowg/s1600-h/DSC_0068%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0068" border="0" alt="DSC_0068" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vMZAROnI/AAAAAAAAGrw/RMDouAUcFFI/DSC_0068_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="368" /></a> In Wilcox we exit the highway to see what birds are hanging to at Lake Cochise near Twin Lakes Golf Course. It is a favorite birding area well known to people far and wide. On the road in I first find a killdeer wading in a puddle alongside the road…</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vNEwOSRI/AAAAAAAAGr0/yrXVKgSNBg8/s1600-h/DSC_0079gus%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0079gus" border="0" alt="DSC_0079gus" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vNiibiuI/AAAAAAAAGr4/wopaOWp-z4g/DSC_0079gus_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="565" /></a></p> <p align="justify">…then I spot a <strong>Swainson’s Hawk</strong> resting on a utility pole.  It is on Gus’ side of the car, so I hand him the D80 which has the 70-300mm lens on it and he snaps the shots off. The Swainson’s seems unconcerned by our presence. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vOWiOAvI/AAAAAAAAGr8/Cc8G9YxGwgk/s1600-h/DSC_0080%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0080" border="0" alt="DSC_0080" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vO24_9eI/AAAAAAAAGsA/PR2UQAv8En8/DSC_0080_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="539" /></a><em><font color="#808080"> Barn swallows 8-1-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vPQzLF1I/AAAAAAAAGsE/juwg0Oau594/s1600-h/DSC_0082%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0082" border="0" alt="DSC_0082" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vP7LalsI/AAAAAAAAGsI/OFsdQ8hZkUA/DSC_0082_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="345" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#808080">Western Kingbird 8-1-10</font></em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vQyB2mtI/AAAAAAAAGsM/rPLCi3gqIjg/s1600-h/DSC_0085%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0085" border="0" alt="DSC_0085" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vRQMpV8I/AAAAAAAAGsQ/aIZtlF8pdLE/DSC_0085_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="254" /></a> <font color="#808080" face="Times New Roman"><em>Lesser scaup? 8-1-10</em></font></p> <p align="justify">At first we do not see any birds on the water other than what looks like a lone scaup resting on some rocks, but then, </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vSA1-ejI/AAAAAAAAGsU/HZe88fupNqI/s1600-h/DSC_0191g%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0191g" border="0" alt="DSC_0191g" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vSqksfOI/AAAAAAAAGsY/KIyqiprXsU0/DSC_0191g_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="274" /></a>as we start to travel the road that circles around the lake I find sandpipers and peeps. I am no good at shorebirds and all of these are in transition plumages. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vTp-dDAI/AAAAAAAAGsc/kFasNEXtT6g/s1600-h/DSC_0093%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0093" border="0" alt="DSC_0093" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vUCmUmZI/AAAAAAAAGsg/FgsXXwvjpNw/DSC_0093_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="488" /></a> <em><font color="#808080">Wilson’s Phalaropes 8-1-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify">I snap shot after shot hoping to figure it all out when I get home. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vVVvwchI/AAAAAAAAGsk/NziBWn0sHnA/s1600-h/DSC_0097%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0097" border="0" alt="DSC_0097" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vWBwcneI/AAAAAAAAGso/baIJYkkrhjg/DSC_0097_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="355" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vWzQzCLI/AAAAAAAAGss/TkEd9swyb6g/s1600-h/DSC_0113%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0113" border="0" alt="DSC_0113" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vXQY4vJI/AAAAAAAAGsw/-4aOmpioDIc/DSC_0113_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="354" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vYvrAA2I/AAAAAAAAGs0/fgy-pyyMBqY/s1600-h/DSC_0122%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0122" border="0" alt="DSC_0122" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vZZGVg4I/AAAAAAAAGs4/JnxBs-FL6Dk/DSC_0122_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="justify">I start to walk the dirt road while Gus is busy taking photographs. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vbRYLugI/AAAAAAAAGs8/iNqY-arcLbI/s1600-h/DSC_0186g%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0186g" border="0" alt="DSC_0186g" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vb1e3XTI/AAAAAAAAGtA/qpU89Wu2TUQ/DSC_0186g_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="276" /></a><em><font color="#808080"> Lake Cochise 8-1-10</font></em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vc4RjeEI/AAAAAAAAGtE/swyn0igwYaA/s1600-h/DSC_0217g%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0217g" border="0" alt="DSC_0217g" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vdRxeNeI/AAAAAAAAGtI/dRS40z_Gpos/DSC_0217g_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="278" /></a> <em><font color="#808080">Mountains and lake 8-1-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8vd_hPzFI/AAAAAAAAGtM/HTzGfuuVeDE/s1600-h/DSC_0241g%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0241g" border="0" alt="DSC_0241g" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TG8veljodLI/AAAAAAAAGtQ/jKtgF9gQ1vs/DSC_0241g_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="253" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#808080">Black-necked stilt in flight 8-1-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify">In a distant pond I spot avocets and black-necked stilts. Then, as I am once again scanning the lake I see some birds with tiny heads spinning in the water across from me. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TLxgeXQOi3I/AAAAAAAAGv8/RAVH3D3FRdc/s1600-h/DSC_0233g7.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0233g" border="0" alt="DSC_0233g" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TLxge4XGmaI/AAAAAAAAGwE/vw8FvmO7M7Q/DSC_0233g_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="279" /></a>Now I am getting excited! I have only seen this species one time before at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Utah. I am hoping these are what I think they are. I call excitedly to Gus, come and get me! We have to drive to the other side! I think I am seeing phalaropes!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TLxgfOf8GMI/AAAAAAAAGwM/7vGAyW7Ppks/s1600-h/DSC_01736.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0173" border="0" alt="DSC_0173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWn3BFxmDH85a9VYoIBB9IVv4qnTgH_jeqeXJR0WYSXXztXbzrytJV6TSEhWomDobHJfafeXqLKSjQ4xAzDZoWIVNinJCundg1HOu4SFkLAFYbCUPbUIQ91-zvO6kr7b-CNsOtANw7pw/?imgmax=800" width="408" height="324" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Gus drives up and we round the bend to the other side. From this side we are closer and the setting sun is behind us giving me the best light. I see some other birders with cameras, bins and scopes. I am hoping they know more than I do about these birds so I walk over and introduce myself. I meet a woman named Linda Mack. She is from New Jersey and she has brought a birding tour here from there! She is able to enlighten me about the birds we are seeing. She tells me they are Wilson’s Phalaropes. She also had an Eared Grebe in her scope which she graciously lets me see. Then she tells me about the least and western sandpipers we are seeing. She also tells me there are Baird’s sandpipers in the mix. I have never seen a Baird’s so it would be a life bird for me but we keep talking and then some of her clients need her and I never get to see the Baird's. However, I have taken tons of photos. I can tell there are birds that are different from the others so I will upload my pictures and figure it all out later when I am home.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TLxggX5NcmI/AAAAAAAAGwc/V1eB2bJsDOw/s1600-h/DSC_0304g7.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0304g" border="0" alt="DSC_0304g" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TLxggo95oGI/AAAAAAAAGwk/Yxo8sSbSEAs/DSC_0304g_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="302" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Gus and I drive away in the dusky light. We point our car west and follow the highway home for one last time. It has been a full day. Our hearts and minds and cameras are full of memories and photos. It will be hard to leave this place. There are so many places yet to explore but we have run out of time. I console myself with the fact that since I started this blog, almost all of those adventures are document here and I can read it for myself anytime. And perhaps someday when my kids are older and they start to wonder about their mother’s life, they will read this account also and know what their mother did in her “spare” time! Perhaps at least one of them will discover this passion for themselves.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdXN4M2VVTn_-nVAsgYh6feCzrCAavrLGV2H1wfso0NiPHfbS7ePcWvzDdq0OsRBoJMTuLAqt-3hfTVMYQPdmklc4KxfMwgHfeVNg3AD74ZuRPkI5B0BeX3fE261XSAoiBdSss_VGAH4/s1600-h/DSC_01847.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0184" border="0" alt="DSC_0184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TLxghm5Zw5I/AAAAAAAAGw0/xaqWb79xbgo/DSC_0184_thumb11.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="403" /></a> <em><font color="#808080">Avocets 8-1-10</font></em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000ff" size="5"><strong>My World Tuesday</strong></font></a> </p> <p>Location: Wilcox--Lake Cochise and Wilcox Golf Course <br />Observation date: 8/1/10 <br />Notes: Met a woman named Linda Mack from New Jersey who was guiding a tour. She let me look through her scope. She was very nice and helpful. <br />Number of species: 12 <br />Eared Grebe 1 <br />Swainson's Hawk 1 <br />Killdeer 6 <br />Black-necked Stilt 4 <br />American Avocet 5 <br />Lesser Yellowlegs 1 <br />Western Sandpiper 8 <br />Least Sandpiper 5 <br />Wilson's Phalarope 40 <br />Western Kingbird 2 <br />Barn Swallow 6 <br />Great-tailed Grackle 3 <br />This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(<a href="http://ebird.org">http://ebird.org</a>)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TLxgh-067OI/AAAAAAAAGw8/1Sn0Og7oI1c/s1600-h/DSC_0192g8.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0192g" border="0" alt="DSC_0192g" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1QFKeLhlAho3bsWAhLzxVmGddMaTYj6i8A7pTj_qeTIREBzcWFe2kOynruMIIdpTlA7WrDxl59xlUV5qLZP98rqlHEZAHf6nbA4NMBUhUBkc8o-kFb56NB2c49cp1sn4ZWJYOP4U0H4/?imgmax=800" width="404" height="153" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>(<em>all pictures enlarge with a click</em>)</p> <p>Blogger’s Note: <em>This is a post I tried to publish before I left but I ran out of storage in Picasa Web Albums.  I have now purchased more space and hope that this publishes when I press the button! If you are seeing this post then it worked!</em></p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-39439446018510287422010-09-09T11:57:00.000-07:002010-09-09T11:57:02.529-07:00Announcing my new blog: Kathie's Birds!<div style="text-align: center;">Hello Everyone! </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">What a trip it has been and there is still so much to do! I have now moved over to my new blog, </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kathiesbirds.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Kathie's Birds</strong></span></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Come visit me there and read about my further adventures in birding all across the USA!</div>Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-19940444581831215332010-08-26T12:08:00.000-07:002010-08-26T12:08:00.624-07:00Skywatch Friday: Windshield Sky<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGier1tDTVI/AAAAAAAAGqo/5tzpxVeGo6I/s1600-h/1.%20side%20window%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="1. side window" border="0" alt="1. side window" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiesuwgJpI/AAAAAAAAGqs/bGqymRPDhuw/1.%20side%20window_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="280" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsby35AI_TC6yhIhuwX1ZCJ7-GdzB1BjApGBsHZ8iZ5BW-acbK60nq6Jm92dRXiZvS-upTeIbU6U2kSM6UOOqjbujXA5ofR4QI8l2Rbm-ux0gCXHFV1hzebUxaFRKgBgXAiHQljzKZQo/s1600-h/2.%20cloud%20reflections%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="2. cloud reflections" border="0" alt="2. cloud reflections" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGieuAQdbeI/AAAAAAAAGq0/juZrTqVrwzI/2.%20cloud%20reflections_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="276" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGievOgoBaI/AAAAAAAAGq4/1YU__t6bUrc/s1600-h/3.%20who%27s%20looking%20at%20you%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="3. who's looking at you" border="0" alt="3. who's looking at you" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-EURKwYxbj6JpNEo97kR7vv4ZefNGMOhiSgaBsztApv4sS4v8P869bSZSiMI62YH2MeBHk0xjs7IDjWT-vkgh364LBqZRS9qFYqBRLqaLgPxudnLwPNdeyzer51rsIVeJ_cnZoH-qEw/?imgmax=800" width="410" height="275" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiewvaM_CI/AAAAAAAAGrA/2XroCjpduP0/s1600-h/4.%20Clouds%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="4. Clouds" border="0" alt="4. Clouds" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiexEBy-4I/AAAAAAAAGrI/uuyP7Bdg6xw/4.%20Clouds_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="273" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGieyNsvydI/AAAAAAAAGrM/DnV4nQ2p_3g/s1600-h/5.%20Greenlee%20county%20sky%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="5. Greenlee county sky" border="0" alt="5. Greenlee county sky" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGieyhPwKEI/AAAAAAAAGrQ/rZydA8q1WLo/5.%20Greenlee%20county%20sky_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="278" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Gus had fun with his camera under a Greenlee County Sky 8-1-10</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://skyley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#004080" size="5" face="Times New Roman"><strong>Skywatch Friday</strong></font></a></p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-48471136382697904432010-08-23T11:00:00.001-07:002010-08-23T11:00:40.699-07:00The Good-bye Chronicles: Chapter 10. Letting Go<p align="justify">There is an old story I like to tell myself whenever we have to move again. I told it to myself when we left Utah to move down here. Now I remind myself of it once again. I do not remember where I first heard it but it goes like this.</p> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><em>A man lived in the jungle and wanted to catch a monkey for a pet. So, he put a peanut in the bottom of a narrow necked bottle and tied it to a stake. When the troop of monkeys came by in the afternoon one of the younger monkeys saw the bottle gleaming in the sunlight with the peanut in its depths. The monkey ambled over to the strange object, examined it, and reached inside the bottle. Its leathery hand clasped the peanut tightly excited about his treasure. But, as the monkey tried to extract the peanut form the bottle he could not do it. With its hand clutching the peanut tightly its fist was too large to remove from the bottle. Yet, if the monkey let go, it would not have its treasure. So, the monkey held on and screamed in frustration. The man heard the commotion and came running with a net and captured the monkey. For the rest of its days the monkey lived in confinement because he would not let go.</em></p> </blockquote> <p align="justify">For me, I see this as a parable for my life. I cannot have the next thing if I do not let go of what I already have. I will be held captive by what <em><strong>is</strong></em> instead of gaining my freedom to reach for what <em><strong>could be</strong></em>. Mentally I had been going through this exercise for days on end interspersed with tears and sweet longing. I looked around my yard at all the plants I planted. I sat in my hot tub and looked at my mesquite tree. It barely reached above the top of the 6 foot wall when we moved here 3 ½ years ago, now it provides towering shade to the yard and shelter for the birds. I can’t help but think of it as “MY” mesquite tree and I wonder if the new owners of my house will love it and cherish it like I do. From a brief moment I feel selfish. I do not want to share my mesquite tree with anyone else! But of course, it does belong here and I must let it go.</p> <p align="justify">So it is Thursday, August 5 that I wake in the morning with an intense feeling of sadness. I wander about the house and yard doing my morning chores of watering and feeding birds and pets. I wander aimlessly from room to room looking at each room, each vista with sadness. I ask myself, why do I feel this way? I am ready to go. I am ready for the next adventure, the next phase of my life. I do feel that this is the right thing to do, so why am I feeling so sad? Then it hits me. I want to go with Gus.</p> <p align="justify">Our original plan was for Gus to leave first while I stay behind to deal with the house. Gus leaves this Saturday morning and I am staying for another 10 days to 2 weeks to get the house ready to show and to transition my son and his family in to live here until the house sells, IF it sells. The housing market here has suffered a severe blow and if we can sell our house at all it will be far below what we paid for it. It has become the most stressful part of this move. Anyway, I planned on flying back east towards the end of August so I could see my brother before he heads back to Florida for the winter and to help Gus search for our new home on the east coast. Then, I would fly back here at the beginning of October and stay until the movers come to pack up our stuff. Then Gus and I would drive across country with our pets and our other car and I would leave for good.</p> <p align="justify">At first I liked this idea and I thought about all the birding I could do and all the adventures I could have while Gus was gone and I was free to do as I pleased. But this morning it finally occurred to me that I just want to go with him. We have always made these transitions together. We have had so many adventures with all the moves we have made. I no longer want to stay here and wait. I want to go now! So, I formulate new plan and spring it on Gus when he calls. What if, I say, instead of waiting for me to move out there in November I can get one of our sons to drive with me across the country with our car and out pets and I came now and stay there now and we both just fly back here when it’s time to pack up the house? Gus says, wow! I like that idea. And so we have a new plan.</p> <p align="justify">The rest of the day I while I am cleaning house and doing laundry I am also planning. I pose the idea to two of my three sons to see which one might be able to go on this adventure with me. I am full of excitement now and as I look out the windows at the birds peacefully feeding I realize that I am finally ready to take down my bird feeders and say good-bye to the birds of Sycamore Canyon.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><strong>Update 8-23-10:</strong> <em>I had another post to publish before this one with lots of bird photos and I wanted to add bird photos to this post but I keep getting a 403 error message saying “forbidden.” I think this means I have exceeded my limit to photos on Picasa Web Albums.  I went to their site this morning but there is so much data to read through that I do not have time to figure all of this out right now.  I am getting ready to drive across the country with my vehicle and my pets this week.  My son, Chris, is flying in from Maine to make the drive with me. My son, G and his wife and my grandson Xavier are moving into our house to rent it until it sells.  If it sells.  We have not had one person come to look at the house yet.  To add to the stress, my youngest son, Alex, left for the war in Afghanistan last week. I need to get an oil change done on the car today.  So, I am posting this as my last post unless and until I can figure things out. </em></p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-16937031438531523622010-08-19T12:00:00.000-07:002010-08-19T12:00:02.933-07:00Skywatch Friday: Morenci Mine Scenic View<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiXrU86D5I/AAAAAAAAGpo/swQy2rqV3LE/s1600-h/DSC_0136g%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0136g" border="0" alt="DSC_0136g" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiXr8F76oI/AAAAAAAAGps/RWyUxwnzY38/DSC_0136g_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="280" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiXtEUF7hI/AAAAAAAAGpw/kxcKO41QyjU/s1600-h/DSC_0137g%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0137g" border="0" alt="DSC_0137g" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiXt-LtmJI/AAAAAAAAGp0/kyVot9AUlDo/DSC_0137g_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="280" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiXu4y8iCI/AAAAAAAAGp4/_HFW7e3hXvk/s1600-h/DSC_0138g%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0138g" border="0" alt="DSC_0138g" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiXvgbLiiI/AAAAAAAAGp8/BhinwxWDnR8/DSC_0138g_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="283" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiXxKxVI1I/AAAAAAAAGqA/wRlU5TpZteg/s1600-h/DSC_0139g%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0139g" border="0" alt="DSC_0139g" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiXxizIrdI/AAAAAAAAGqE/ql_WfNShrTw/DSC_0139g_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="280" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiXzG7Ct_I/AAAAAAAAGqI/WSWdpmTRtUc/s1600-h/DSC_0140g%5B12%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0140g" border="0" alt="DSC_0140g" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiXzkktaWI/AAAAAAAAGqM/ZhaZN-H9dQY/DSC_0140g_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" height="285" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiX1JOD25I/AAAAAAAAGqQ/3dm0O6Me5oc/s1600-h/DSC_0141g%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0141g" border="0" alt="DSC_0141g" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiX2Iyco6I/AAAAAAAAGqU/0tjfR0aTSlI/DSC_0141g_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="280" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiX3R7EnaI/AAAAAAAAGqY/4lZ232IonMY/s1600-h/DSC_0142g%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0142g" border="0" alt="DSC_0142g" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiX4BWiZmI/AAAAAAAAGqc/IJvh_O_eQ-8/DSC_0142g_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="283" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjdybGHpWyZTwbg3lPY8XOIHInF2TYfmcnBGar67rzvE2TaMkwMH_zfnQKtDQQrpsCI9pu5etwpe0YVVvzgOmQ0gQBnc5x0YfZ6BGnaaCdEmOdjfTfd2OGn8g7LzEqttYIMh6KTUsqF8/s1600-h/DSC_0143g%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0143g" border="0" alt="DSC_0143g" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiX6JxAC3I/AAAAAAAAGqk/EEbPQuIsjZU/DSC_0143g_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="415" /></a> </p> <p align="center">Morenci Mine 8-1-10 by Gusto! w/Nikon D90 18-200mm lens</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://skyley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#004080" size="5" face="Times New Roman"><strong>Skywatch Friday</strong></font></a></p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-8369048127610764952010-08-17T12:10:00.000-07:002010-08-17T12:10:00.177-07:00The Good-bye Chronicles: Chapter 9. Carpe Diem/Greenlee County<p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTgPCID8I/AAAAAAAAGmc/yS-eGqTRfiA/s1600-h/1.black-throated%20sparrow%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="1.black-throated sparrow" border="0" alt="1.black-throated sparrow" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTg1gXlXI/AAAAAAAAGmg/1c4bQ5dF44w/1.black-throated%20sparrow_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="388" /></a><em><font color="#808080">Black-throated sparrow in Greenlee county 8-1-10</font></em> </p> <p align="justify">Now, here is one of the hazards of my personality. As we blow past Wilcox and head north on route 191 I am starting to see so many birds along the roadway. I am so tempted to stop and when I discover that there are two state parks just south of Safford I want Gus to pull into them so we can count birds. But here is where he saves the day for he insists that we press on to Greenlee County first and then if we have time we can stop on our way back, so, on we go.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTiA1rMII/AAAAAAAAGmk/epCU8VaE_Ew/s1600-h/2.%20rest%20area%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="2. rest area" border="0" alt="2. rest area" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTixw1VMI/AAAAAAAAGmo/DMGtV992ghg/2.%20rest%20area_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="273" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Route 191 takes a sharp turn east as we enter the town of Safford before turning north once again to Greenlee County. There are not a lot of towns on the map and this is the only road in this direction. Rolling hills covered in brush give way to distant mountains. I can still see ocotillo and prickly pear cactus scattered among the mountain grasses. The hills are getting steeper and closer together. We come to a junction of three highways. On eBird it is called Three Way. I see a rest area with signs for the Clifton Ranger Station. This looks like a promising place to count birds. As Gus turns the car around to head back to the spot I see my first birds in Greenlee County, a pair of mourning doves perched in a low tree.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTj4h2TMI/AAAAAAAAGms/Z2R1GdziqyM/s1600-h/3.%20clifton%20ranger%20district%2058g%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="3. clifton ranger district 58g" border="0" alt="3. clifton ranger district 58g" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTkYzWquI/AAAAAAAAGmw/ypTRmY-1HOw/3.%20clifton%20ranger%20district%2058g_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="224" /></a>The road winds up past the rest area to the ranger station, which is closed. We get out and each of us starts looking for the thing that excites us. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTlvLxfBI/AAAAAAAAGm0/kyhPYCOZlPI/s1600-h/4.%20gus%20taking%20pictures%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="4. gus taking pictures" border="0" alt="4. gus taking pictures" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTmFfMuuI/AAAAAAAAGm4/ZcFlZCAD2TM/4.%20gus%20taking%20pictures_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="273" /></a> Gus is in pursuit of photos. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTnEyGzLI/AAAAAAAAGm8/_4V_uxuvZP4/s1600-h/5..%20Kathie%20watching%20birds%2059g%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="5.. Kathie watching birds 59g" border="0" alt="5.. Kathie watching birds 59g" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTnkDi9UI/AAAAAAAAGnA/SL0OxAoE1uM/5..%20Kathie%20watching%20birds%2059g_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="272" /></a> I am looking for birds. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTogRfMdI/AAAAAAAAGnE/nSJmJpzzu4U/s1600-h/7.%20Abandoned%20drive-in%20theater%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="7. Abandoned drive-in theater" border="0" alt="7. Abandoned drive-in theater" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTpYY2nxI/AAAAAAAAGnI/AgOBku5osl0/7.%20Abandoned%20drive-in%20theater_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="270" /></a> He spots an abandoned drive-in theater below and snaps away. I hear birds but where are they? I walk slowly towards the sound and find a black-throated sparrow singing from the top of a bush. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTp9gmKzI/AAAAAAAAGnM/b4beBnb4LHQ/s1600-h/6.%20turkey%20Vulture%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="6. turkey Vulture" border="0" alt="6. turkey Vulture" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTqRlDbEI/AAAAAAAAGnQ/VCAovLPf-Vg/6.%20turkey%20Vulture_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="559" /></a> In the distance I see turkey vultures, then a few more mourning doves fly by. That’s it. These are all the birds I see. We are here for half an hour, but this is all I see. As I am walking to the car finally a lone barn swallow flies by. I now have 4 species of birds counted in Greenlee County.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTrpskVYI/AAAAAAAAGnU/gUBMgfPDGDU/s1600-h/8.%20Canyons%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="8. Canyons" border="0" alt="8. Canyons" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsziyPN1uiwKqXoQshqwCMmXkohjAzFHNtI-A4QYDylMXDvEiMP4Ba1NfTbC-HNz4EfXgGRwlu-pCo7HFS_qJXE1f1Qnb5K6imOCh7qXBXwzMVlUedHUgEGs3IJXXt9gsYaGBLGeHMGPA/?imgmax=800" width="408" height="274" /></a> We could have turned back at this point but we press on. I want to count more birds and we both want to see what lies ahead. We follow route 191 north as it winds its way upwards. The road is getting ever steeper, the hills are closing in. We cross deep canyons on high bridges with names like Cougar Canyon and Rattlesnake Canyon. I gaze far below me as we cross the low edged bridges. Suddenly we are climbing a steep hill and as we reach its crest and start down the small “town” of Clifton is revealed in the crevice of the earth. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTt3sQT7I/AAAAAAAAGng/dCAIHBr_YwI/s1600-h/8.%20clifton%200075g%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="8. clifton 0075g" border="0" alt="8. clifton 0075g" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTukI2joI/AAAAAAAAGnk/r3U68UqrTc4/8.%20clifton%200075g_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="269" /></a> Low gray houses like blocks sit on perched on the edges of steps or terraces carved into the mountainside. I realize that we are entering a mining town and these must be the company houses. Each one sits check to jowl with the other and under the currently cloudy skies all looks bleak and gloomy. How does anyone live like this? This place is so remote. It is hours from anywhere and crammed in this narrow canyon. Each house looks exactly like the other. There is no variety, no creativity. All is about function and making money.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTwAFzogI/AAAAAAAAGno/5nAHKRajkqk/s1600-h/11.%20San%20Franciso%20river_0081g%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="11. San Franciso river_0081g" border="0" alt="11. San Franciso river_0081g" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTw6dd9aI/AAAAAAAAGns/w84kz7Gpxrc/11.%20San%20Franciso%20river_0081g_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="281" /></a> The road levels out at the bottom of the town where the San Francisco River flows through the town. I do not know if it flows all the time but today it is brimming its banks. Railroad tracks cut though the town running parallel with the main street. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTyUJYlgI/AAAAAAAAGnw/GZASLgOkW4I/s1600-h/9.%20Road%20to%20park%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="9. Road to park" border="0" alt="9. Road to park" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiTy_Lhc2I/AAAAAAAAGn0/HZb373xtpVc/9.%20Road%20to%20park_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="275" /></a> We find a little park tucked into the cleft of the mountain and pull in to park. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiT0ep_NCI/AAAAAAAAGn4/VdKtyyGjfsE/s1600-h/10.%20Park_0082g%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="10. Park_0082g" border="0" alt="10. Park_0082g" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiT01RlYBI/AAAAAAAAGn8/NzcKNgOUr40/10.%20Park_0082g_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="274" /></a> The river flows by along the street and an iron railroad bridge crosses the river. Once again Gus is out taking photos while I count birds.</p> <p align="justify">The river’s edge is lined thickly with willows and brush. I can hear a few birds but they are difficult to see in all the greenery. A white-winged dove flies into a branch overhead but takes off when it spots me. I think I can hear some kind of flycatcher but I do not see it and I am unsure of its call. I think I hear the “cheer, cheer, cheer” of a cardinal but I want to see it first to count it and it never appears. The sky overhead has grown black with thick clouds, a light shower is starting to fall. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiT2X0bHbI/AAAAAAAAGoA/5olZ_bVTSoA/s1600-h/12.%20Railroad%20bridge_0086g%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="12. Railroad bridge_0086g" border="0" alt="12. Railroad bridge_0086g" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiT26u9sxI/AAAAAAAAGoE/BL8hk_6k48A/12.%20Railroad%20bridge_0086g_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="269" /></a> Gus has crossed the bridge on the road to photograph the railroad bridge from the other side. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiT4SOP_lI/AAAAAAAAGoI/lz7JHKY1FPk/s1600-h/13.%20Clifton%20bridge%200083g%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="13. Clifton bridge 0083g" border="0" alt="13. Clifton bridge 0083g" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiT5EIJBdI/AAAAAAAAGoM/Jvu0Ktf7Uls/13.%20Clifton%20bridge%200083g_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiT6T2hRLI/AAAAAAAAGoQ/8cyX2PrFt2I/s1600-h/14.%20Bridge%20n%20river_0087g%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="14. Bridge n river_0087g" border="0" alt="14. Bridge n river_0087g" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiT7IrNXtI/AAAAAAAAGoU/xMY_OfcukCI/14.%20Bridge%20n%20river_0087g_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="261" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiT8Ejm2AI/AAAAAAAAGoY/9Ff_dGPGyxk/s1600-h/15.%20two%20bridges_0094g%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="15. two bridges_0094g" border="0" alt="15. two bridges_0094g" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiT84oEpRI/AAAAAAAAGoc/m3yDq_dbvp8/15.%20two%20bridges_0094g_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="269" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Suddenly the light shower turns into a downpour and I bolt for the car! Gus has no protection for his camera and I know he will not be able to get back here fast enough. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiT9xRdINI/AAAAAAAAGog/QaMAuewCAoQ/s1600-h/16.%20old%20building_0103g%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="16. old building_0103g" border="0" alt="16. old building_0103g" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiT-aiJBNI/AAAAAAAAGok/A6UvEUDvIrs/16.%20old%20building_0103g_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="284" /></a> I can only hope he is seeking shelter near one of the abandoned buildings as I jump in and start the engine and head across the bridge as fast as I can. I see him hunched and walking swiftly towards an old building as I round the bend and beep my horn at him. I pull into the gravel parking lot nearby and he jumps into the car. He grabs some napkins to dry off his camera and then he holds it in front of the blowers.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiT_7EvZjI/AAAAAAAAGoo/bC_Xf84hWVo/s1600-h/17.%20Morenci_0115g%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="17. Morenci_0115g" border="0" alt="17. Morenci_0115g" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyD5xxIlj42m7Ey84lfVDGv9a7EDXrtqLopWNulFthMnCZ06b4RvemRjD5lowDNz0G41_3OPNksKZYpJL2gjH8iVA6kMWRBkFqMEXBLgi4kjQw3kcURlQb98aWEqak3onecBTwWTTUjM/?imgmax=800" width="402" height="270" /></a> From here we continue upwards to the town of Morenci. The sun has emerged once again as we park the car in this small town. This town must be older and newer. Homes are carved in to the cliffs. They are of varying styles and in various locations. We find a grocery store, a medical clinic, schools, gas stations and shopping centers. Little parks are tucked in everywhere and we even find a town pool. It feels a bit different here than in Clifton but looming over everything is the ever present copper mine. There are not a lot of birds here, but I find another black-throated sparrow. It seems they are everywhere along with mourning doves, white-winged doves and Eurasian collared doves. These species along with turkey vultures and barn swallows are all the species I find in Greenlee country except for a lone Cassin’s Kingbird. That is it. Oh, and a few house sparrows here at this corner where we have stopped.</p> <p align="justify">Once again we get back in the car and head upwards. Now the road runs straight through the heart of the mine. It climbs numerous steep switchbacks through terraces of ochre, red, green and silver streaked earth. The colors of the rocks are amazing, but all is barren desolation around me. I see a turkey vulture searching the steep cliff sides and wonder what he could possible find to eat. This is certainly a place to die but you have to be able to live here first! We reach the crest of the mountain and we are both stuck by a stark contrast. On one side of the road the huge Coppermine drops into a multi- colored and multi-layered pit where trucks larger than a house haul chunks of rock away to be processed and dumped. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiUCIiFkkI/AAAAAAAAGow/y8ICmcEtKz4/s1600-h/21.%20Mine%20_0125g%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="21. Mine _0125g" border="0" alt="21. Mine _0125g" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiUCo7OPdI/AAAAAAAAGo0/VzRYa777LJc/21.%20Mine%20_0125g_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="270" /></a>  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiUEM9nULI/AAAAAAAAGo4/FDJWbnZIUoM/s1600-h/23.%20Mine_0131g%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="23. Mine_0131g" border="0" alt="23. Mine_0131g" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiUEhkO8MI/AAAAAAAAGpA/KNS1mWN9ThQ/23.%20Mine_0131g_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="276" /></a>  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiUF6kAnaI/AAAAAAAAGpI/-oESLD8n2IE/s1600-h/25.%20Mine_0134g%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="25. Mine_0134g" border="0" alt="25. Mine_0134g" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiUGdZYkxI/AAAAAAAAGpM/vLJX7qfnqgk/25.%20Mine_0134g_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="305" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiUHlD99XI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/M85C3_TtvKQ/s1600-h/26.%20Mountains_0135g%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="26. Mountains_0135g" border="0" alt="26. Mountains_0135g" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcEF3SNmsPhtOoOHbUSXqT_0t9CjHkuNyua2yb8rlaaT6-pCxoWkKH8Gsb_JhHEbqcMQbOEXTtXJceF6quJ8OMgfxRgf1HNrvdTmRrOh02Bd9gzZZEDE8Tke_AUUwmVPh3gL3-rZABHY/?imgmax=800" width="410" height="302" /></a> The mine is on the right side of us as we are heading north, but on our left is a spot with unspoiled landscape, rolling hills, mountain peaks, and rocky crags. It all tumbles away into a gorgeous vista.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="22. Mountains_0128g" border="0" alt="22. Mountains_0128g" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiUIjWTJ-I/AAAAAAAAGpY/BAu-r-QEUqs/22.%20Mountains_0128g_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="270" /></p> <p align="justify"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="24. Mountains_0129g" border="0" alt="24. Mountains_0129g" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHf5H4TKZJ4HLK3PoK3pbZT9PY8-gAIgyhHR_POxXzdd9Sr03oy795SRk2Hxi4YTdmG_8ieY89HcSAhYaJ5USIVjLctETrivoTP0DuxnLVieWCAnZeR7tAGLuG7Y96qHHYSg2A9yhyMYY/?imgmax=800" width="415" height="278" /></p> <p align="justify">I cannot help but think to myself, who saw all this beauty and said, let’s dig this up! I know I know, I am not a business man or a miner but really, is this worth it? How long will it take for this land to heal when and <i>if</i> they ever stop extracting these minerals? As if to emphasize the difference in our opinions and what we value we drove just a mile or two farther up the road where a sign is posted for a “Scenic view”. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGiUK0wZZaI/AAAAAAAAGpg/2y2PRwE15-U/s1600-h/27.%20Scenic%20view_0147g%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="27. Scenic view_0147g" border="0" alt="27. Scenic view_0147g" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhEsz-bsvVfZN6_FHeQ7G8uAevQU-eRsC24vkqQiEn-ZUKJXDGezj0tnYOD01uujw9rRyh9TCg2m596s8nhZMPlY8zJgQI2QhDnMPjM3j_dphsJAsa8TWVPeK4adImsPFoTYC1OG6eio/?imgmax=800" width="415" height="322" /></a> We drive into the Scenic View parking lot where there is a Ramada for shade and gaze down into the depths of the mine. Behind us the unscathed landscape tumbles away to the horizon. </p> <p align="justify">After leaving the Scenic View we drive a few miles more to the edge of the mine. It is now almost 3 p.m. and we realize we have to turn back. Out of curiosity I reset the car’s trip meter to see how many miles of road are within the boundaries of the mine. It takes us 20 minutes to cover the 12 miles of road from border to border. I have no idea just how wide this mine is, but it sure does take up a big chunk of the landscape.</p> <p align="justify"><u>Birds Seen In Greenlee County 8-1-10</u></p> <ol> <li> <div align="justify">Turkey Vulture</div> </li> <li> <div align="justify">Eurasian Collared-dove</div> </li> <li> <div align="justify">Mourning Dove</div> </li> <li> <div align="justify">White-winged dove</div> </li> <li> <div align="justify">Cassin’s Kingbird</div> </li> <li> <div align="justify">Barn Swallow</div> </li> <li> <div align="justify">Black-throated sparrow</div> </li> <li> <div align="justify">House sparrow</div> </li> </ol> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-74195840101402305122010-08-15T01:48:00.000-07:002010-08-15T18:30:46.205-07:00The Good-bye Chronicles: Chapter 9. Carpe Diem/Texas Canyon<p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJaLXONzI/AAAAAAAAGkk/WhzHuNQv8Ls/s1600-h/1.Gus_0029%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="1.Gus_0029" border="0" alt="1.Gus_0029" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJarn-k1I/AAAAAAAAGko/AGRwPe-e2YA/1.Gus_0029_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="325" /></a> <em><font color="#808080">Texas Canyon 8-1-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify">It is Gus’ last weekend here with me. We have been taking care of last minute details for the past two days. The company Gus works for has every other Friday off so we spent Friday and Saturday doing errands. We bought him some new clothes, had his truck repaired, cleaned out his closet, got rid of old clothes and shoes. By Saturday night we were beat. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJb_kSynI/AAAAAAAAGks/4zN7wDi3LdE/s1600-h/2.%20Hot%20tub%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="2. Hot tub" border="0" alt="2. Hot tub" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYV68YCvIDHXfcsJAEbf8GqMxs6TBMyF8u2Yhof2ftxFVjpP0g3WNrzu6MAlDkxDqfE69OBt8rxdiLF4tm-2vfsshpoL_-NBAZ4PqsBwSSvMOzZHHA852a-P5jN5wYPh08lJDR36HliyY/?imgmax=800" width="388" height="261" /></a>We both woke up early this Sunday morning around 6 a.m. It is a cool gray morning, cool enough to jump in the hot tub, so we get into our suits and climb in to the steaming water and let the bubbles roar! The hot tub is only a few steps out our bedroom door. We just bought it this year a couple of months ago. We were finally settling down and investing in our lives here. Two weeks after we bought it the lay-offs started. Now here we are enjoying every moment in it that we can. Having the hot tub has really made living here feel like we are on a permanent vacation.</p> <p align="justify">We sit in the bubbling water and watch the birds watch us. They fly to the feeders to feed and land in the nearby trees that we planted. The hummingbirds fly over our heads to the feeders on the windows. We laugh at their antics as they battle each other for food. Two Costa’s hummingbirds face off in a beak to beak battle as they ascend in a frantic spiral which ends with one flying off and the other in hot pursuit. I love my life here! In the sky above the wash the purple martins fly and twitter joyously. I think they sound like one of the happiest birds around. It seems to me they revel in the feeling of the wind beneath their wings!</p> <p align="justify">As we sit here in the hot tub watching birds I start to think of the few chores we still have left to do. Gus was going to hang a mirror for me and fix a leaky faucet. But this is our last free day together and I start to formulate a plan. I pose the idea to Gus. What if instead of fixing the sink and cleaning out the rest of your closet we just take off for the day? We can drive to Graham and Greenlee counties to see what we can see and go count birds. He thinks about it for about five seconds and then agrees. We both think it will be good to get away from all the moving stress, so we quickly shower, eat breakfast, pack up the car and head east on I-10.</p> <p align="justify">Graham and Greenlee counties are two of the least birded counties in all of Arizona. In fact, only 5 people have submitted bird counts from Greenlee County. I counted birds one time in Graham County last year when we drove up there late one afternoon in the autumn just so I could say I had been there. I only counted birds in the town and at a couple of spots along the roadside. We didn’t have much time and darkness was falling as we drove out of town for the 2 hour ride home. On that visit I counted 8 species of birds. Now I am hoping to add to that total, plus add another whole county onto my list. I have never been to Greenlee County so I have no idea what to expect.</p> <p align="justify">Greenlee County is on the eastern border of Arizona running vertically along the border with New Mexico. It is not an easy county to access from where I live. There are few roads into it and when I googled directions to get to a town called Alpine it actually suggested a route through Lordsburg, New Mexico and up through the Gila Mountains. It said it would take 4 hours! Well, we don’t have time for that today, but we can get into the southernmost tip of Greenlee county by traveling through Safford and so we head east through Cochise County. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJd7qQb_I/AAAAAAAAGk0/pem7ctj5A5A/s1600-h/3.%20Rocks_0002gus%5B12%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="3. Rocks_0002gus" border="0" alt="3. Rocks_0002gus" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJeUEIweI/AAAAAAAAGk4/fvTQlD6Ac7g/3.%20Rocks_0002gus_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="274" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Our first stop is at Texas Canyon, a rocky rest area along I-10. This is one of those places we have passed by every time we head east and we always say, “We need to stop there someday!” Well, today is the day. Who knows when another “someday” will come? We pull into the rest area and park. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJfg8wujI/AAAAAAAAGk8/nJ3dQV3hqsA/s1600-h/4.%20rest%20area_0025-Gus%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="4. rest area_0025-Gus" border="0" alt="4. rest area_0025-Gus" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJgAferNI/AAAAAAAAGlA/y2ahm6z_lHg/4.%20rest%20area_0025-Gus_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="275" /></a> Huge boulders are strewn around the landscape. They are piled into mountains on both sides of the road. They tower above us in the picnic area and we see other tourists climbing about and taking pictures.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJhjo2nxI/AAAAAAAAGlE/GvJ-hDYlg_A/s1600-h/4.%20Rocks-kathie%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="4. Rocks-kathie" border="0" alt="4. Rocks-kathie" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJiaBzRQI/AAAAAAAAGlI/dESK3sombf8/4.%20Rocks-kathie_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="278" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJj6cb9BI/AAAAAAAAGlM/XsdZREhXPTI/s1600-h/5.%20tourists-gus%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="5. tourists-gus" border="0" alt="5. tourists-gus" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJkg8nuzI/AAAAAAAAGlQ/FUuande7rpw/5.%20tourists-gus_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="264" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJl2XggAI/AAAAAAAAGlU/YQKm4dKwd4M/s1600-h/6.%20Beyond%20the%20fence%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="6. Beyond the fence" border="0" alt="6. Beyond the fence" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJmUdWPoI/AAAAAAAAGlc/Yb_XyqMrSQQ/6.%20Beyond%20the%20fence_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="289" /></a></p> <p align="justify">I can hear a few birds as we open the car doors but to my disappointment I see that most of the rocks are fenced off. You can look but don’t touch. I gaze across the boulder strewn field through a tall chain link fence. It makes it difficult to take photographs but there are a few spots where one can aim over the fence and get a decent shot. Gus and I both have our cameras so we are both taking pictures, though I am more interested in birds. I hear some chatter from beyond the fence and spot a scrub jay in the brush. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJnFK0nYI/AAAAAAAAGlg/57y4AA1KXqI/s1600-h/7.%20barn%20swallows-kathie%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="7. barn swallows-kathie" border="0" alt="7. barn swallows-kathie" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJnqSdVfI/AAAAAAAAGlk/2tAHSNZ0xdQ/7.%20barn%20swallows-kathie_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="367" /></a>Overhead a few barn swallows swoop and a few land on the roof antenna of the caretaker’s house. Along the parking lot I find some house sparrows and one western kingbird. Over the open desert turkey vultures ride thermals on great dark wings. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJpGtWwHI/AAAAAAAAGlo/MNtn0BDozEw/s1600-h/8.%20rest%20area-gus%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="8. rest area-gus" border="0" alt="8. rest area-gus" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PF7xfBNkx4ietTGradJHEpHDHDbIWQXubAmC5y7R8NPR7J1-Wt1uS4_dQr2J469gZ6JDg8iNdzeBICgzri58zt-P54hP0PiR3FJ2iOqyOQb03lbuLQRIywDPY83QAVCdqWUcUu7BL2o/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="269" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJq0cjeTI/AAAAAAAAGlw/8QNRvTRfZSc/s1600-h/9.%20Fence_0021gus%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="9. Fence_0021gus" border="0" alt="9. Fence_0021gus" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJrVblNNI/AAAAAAAAGl0/_TeGIBJ4Xqs/9.%20Fence_0021gus_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="408" height="274" /></a></p> <p align="justify">As I walk along the fence line I find a sign posted warning that this area contains poisonous snakes and insects. I am suddenly made conscious of my feet clad only in sandals, poor protection from this type of hazard. I now watch wear I place each step and head back to the car. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJs3coI_I/AAAAAAAAGl4/EBbVNDe5iUY/s1600-h/10.%20car-gus%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="10. car-gus" border="0" alt="10. car-gus" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJtdTQ8uI/AAAAAAAAGl8/JSE9hK0vX9Q/10.%20car-gus_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="272" /></a> It was fun to stop here and see what I could see, but this is only Cochise County and Gus and I are both ready to continue our trek east to my real goal of counting birds in Graham and Greenlee counties, but I am glad that we finally stopped to see Texas Canyon! (<em>See links and info below</em>)</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAN5COmNFqC6LS7WUAwxL-bMp8nfa5NYvagkjIeGRx1OFMy4r2HUlM3P6jJHrKhPdfgLWEmnLdWrCuFzIzId1ZaZEMslu42dcolY6mFLKE9uJixFV1hx7ku9KlMsiT1FZa_MXnCcg3BU/s1600-h/11.%20rocks-kathie%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="11. rocks-kathie" border="0" alt="11. rocks-kathie" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJvacerII/AAAAAAAAGmE/IOd6zZVF0lY/11.%20rocks-kathie_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="263" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJwpblkeI/AAAAAAAAGmI/tSSnLuZWVeU/s1600-h/12.%20Texas%20canyon-Kathie%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="12. Texas canyon-Kathie" border="0" alt="12. Texas canyon-Kathie" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJxN4cKfI/AAAAAAAAGmM/ICFe6Pfz1wY/12.%20Texas%20canyon-Kathie_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="265" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJyvcL-MI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/danx2GnEQo0/s1600-h/13.%20heading%20east-gus%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="13. heading east-gus" border="0" alt="13. heading east-gus" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGUJzYftCkI/AAAAAAAAGmU/GydZVwSA0M8/13.%20heading%20east-gus_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="355" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><font color="#0000a0" size="4">My World <em>Tuesday</em></font></strong></a> </p> <p align="left">Birds seen:</p> <p>Location: Texas Canyon Rest Area <br />Observation date: 8/1/10 <br />Notes: Stopped here to look a rocks and count birds on our way to Graham and Greenlee counties. <br />Number of species: 9 <br />Turkey Vulture 3 <br />Gila Woodpecker 1 <br />Western Kingbird 1 <br />Western Scrub-Jay (Woodhouse's) 1 <br />Barn Swallow 5 <br />Northern Mockingbird 1 <br />Canyon Towhee 1 <br />House Finch 3 <br />House Sparrow 4 <br />This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(<a href="http://ebird.org/">http://ebird.org</a>)</p> <p><strong>Update:</strong> after Reading <a href="http://geogypsy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#004080">Gaelyn’s</font></a> comment I went out and did some research and discovered that most of Texas Canyon is owned by either the Amerind Foundation or the Triangle T Guest Ranch. The Triangle T also has RV spaces for rent. You can find information about Texas Canyon by clicking on these links:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Canyon" target="_blank"><font color="#004080"><strong>Texas Canyon</strong></font></a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.azretreatcenter.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#004080"><strong>Triangle T Ranch</strong></font></a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.amerind.org/" target="_blank"><font color="#004080"><strong>Amerind Foundation</strong></font></a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.cochisestronghold.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#004080"><strong>Cochise Stronghold</strong></font></a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4464985_visit-texas-canyon-arizona.html" target="_blank"><font color="#004080"><strong>eHow Texas Canyon</strong></font></a> </li> </ul> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-92197491794658313032010-08-12T22:20:00.001-07:002010-08-12T22:20:19.283-07:00Skywatch Friday: Safford Sky<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGTWD7exf4I/AAAAAAAAGkc/ObYgTGdDx0A/s1600-h/DSC_0037%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0037" border="0" alt="DSC_0037" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWmUWd2yAq_puCN82g7u5uCx_4xrDOLulXLCge6daZ65yeN3IIHGTkTR1Y8PNEd6NmwdXZiSnxrnyXpi6KDJryo_qb08gJ4QIvR4qrT9smAJsjBX7svjQnID2S-sadPri9LfCnta_ko8/?imgmax=800" width="417" height="351" /> <p align="center"></p>  Clouds and crops in Safford, AZ 8-1-10 by Gusto! w/Nikon D90</a> <p></p> <p>Before Gus left for Boston we had one last Hurrah and spent the day in Graham and Greenlee counties. I chose to go here because these are two of the least birded counties in all of Arizona. Armed with Cameras and binoculars, Gus took pictures with the D90 and the 18-200mm lens while I counted birds and took pictures with the D80 and the 70-300mm lens. Story and pictures to follow soon, including bird counts and lists.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://skyley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#0080c0" size="5" face="Times New Roman"><strong>Skywatch Friday</strong></font></a></p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-68950511856700102852010-08-10T14:56:00.001-07:002010-08-10T14:56:13.254-07:00Sycamore Canyon Update<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGHK3skHq5I/AAAAAAAAGjw/LJczX7cd9m0/s1600-h/1.%20waiting%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="1. waiting" border="0" alt="1. waiting" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGHK4ekLTfI/AAAAAAAAGj0/1g7Sr249Riw/1.%20waiting_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="387" /></a></p> <p align="center">Costa’s hummingbird 7-31-10 My backyard</p> <p align="justify">It has been crazy busy around here the past 10 days getting ready for Gus to leave and getting the house ready for the realtor to take pictures and put the house on the market.  I have more stories to tell and pictures to show. The house photos are done and I am working on new post to publish very soon. </p> <p align="justify">Here in Sycamore Canyon the Monsoon has receded for now and we have blue skies with temperatures rising into he 100’s once again. Below are some shots I took on the last day of July when the Monsoon was in full swing. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGHK5g3MAbI/AAAAAAAAGj4/BWxpGD-syBU/s1600-h/2.%20My%20favorite%20place%20to%20sit%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="2. My favorite place to sit" border="0" alt="2. My favorite place to sit" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGHK6HmuroI/AAAAAAAAGj8/PhgTbqPXZH0/2.%20My%20favorite%20place%20to%20sit_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="310" /></a>Backyard terrace, our favorite place to sit and eat breakfast or watch the sunset.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGHK7PLkV2I/AAAAAAAAGkA/0WPJWhP6FeM/s1600-h/3.%20western%20view%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="3. western view" border="0" alt="3. western view" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGHK7-EZHOI/AAAAAAAAGkE/bMuUEtuxpl0/3.%20western%20view_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="283" /></a>View to the west as seen from the terrace 7-31-10 </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxito8PYtL4LpMlH6XXuVCajSPrFipD8L9-V-YEGd82LvLa9HHbgeycXCjT6euF8pwETlPkx1zDmYMb0FC_Tbh_hVRX8q_p6DEYktipHwvLplxTQJpNCrBKAolCXDGz8QpmNR8DJYn9Yc/s1600-h/4.%20southern%20view%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="4. southern view" border="0" alt="4. southern view" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGHK9jc_FKI/AAAAAAAAGkQ/3s5-MD3su34/4.%20southern%20view_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="283" /></a>View to the south of Mt. Fagan as seen from the terrace 7-31-10 </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGHK-Zn6eGI/AAAAAAAAGkU/xSQvvilJ0Go/s1600-h/5.%20Garden%20view%5B27%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="5. Garden view" border="0" alt="5. Garden view" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TGHK_E7YeVI/AAAAAAAAGkY/DDkr3mFdk44/5.%20Garden%20view_thumb%5B25%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="530" /></a>View of the garden with a hummingbird at rest 7-31-10</p> <p align="center">That’s <a href="http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#0080c0"><strong>MY World Tuesday</strong></font></a>!</p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-3808113772019110032010-08-03T11:18:00.000-07:002010-08-03T11:18:00.462-07:00The Good-bye Chronicles Chapter 8: It’s Never Too Late for Another Life Bird!<p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFUTWz7W5XI/AAAAAAAAGjE/5I9mSE7Hw5M/s1600-h/1.%20western%20Screech%20Owl%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="1. western Screech Owl" border="0" alt="1. western Screech Owl" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFUTXn3MB2I/AAAAAAAAGjM/Jcos-JAa51I/1.%20western%20Screech%20Owl_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="602" /></a> Western Screech Owl Life Bird #385</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFUTYipg2WI/AAAAAAAAGjQ/SG6FdWG-Rpw/s1600-h/2.%20Thimble%20peak%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="2. Thimble peak" border="0" alt="2. Thimble peak" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRp4IWfvWmowW0_B1zOzrBE-Cmnus0TO1FVBWnGb-c8ve2Qmp0Wl41SVrAjEDCogSZG_LEN5PmQPr3gyMxJfiE7ZM8b2Y1xskRKhAdLpyzDP9h1peRPlkCC_H_iCsE3TOQjTBYFcpLpWo/?imgmax=800" width="416" height="281" /></a> Pam’s Backyard View of the Catalina Mountains 7-23-10</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFUTanhKiII/AAAAAAAAGjY/ct7R98FJTb4/s1600-h/3.%20sparrow%20n%20Ocotillo%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="3. sparrow n Ocotillo" border="0" alt="3. sparrow n Ocotillo" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFUTbLMT95I/AAAAAAAAGjc/LmQAsQg1KTQ/3.%20sparrow%20n%20Ocotillo_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="315" /></a> Black-throated sparrow on Ocotillo 7-23-10</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFUTcOZEGiI/AAAAAAAAGjg/NiPacEJIabE/4.%20Abert%27s%20towhee%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="4. Abert's towhee" border="0" alt="4. Abert's towhee" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFUUGmi9hvI/AAAAAAAAGjk/L0yqvX1092o/4.%20Abert%27s%20towhee_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="374" /></a> Juvenile Abert’s Towhee 7-23-10</p> <p align="justify">My friend and IBA partner has invited me to come to her house near the Catalina Mountains to see the Western Screech Owl that hangs out in her eaves.  I have never seen a Western Screech Owl, so I am eager to visit and see this bird for myself.  But there is another reason for me to go.  Pam will be leaving soon for a three month long trek around the western mountains.  She will leave on August 1st and I will be gone before she returns. This is my last chance to see her before I go. I arrive at her house around 9 a.m. and she shows me where “Olivia,” as she has affectionately named her, hangs out. I peek quietly around the corner at the object of my desire and marvel at the soft gray beauty of her.</p> <p align="justify">Pam and I spend the rest of the morning drinking ice water and chatting in the shade of her back patio.  We talk about the future and our plans and where we have been and where we will go.  It all seems so casual and normal to me and finally the hours have ticked away and it is time to say good-bye.  Another friend has come to visit and Pam introduces us and then we walk to my car. I say a calm good-bye and get inside and close the door.  Pam and friend turn their backs to walk into the house through the garage.  All is well, but then it hits me like a load of limestone!  I will not see her again!</p> <p align="justify">Suddenly I am out the door and chasing Pam into the garage. “Pam!  Pam!”  I call out frantically. I run to her and hug her. I am crying now.  “I will not see you again,”  I say!  “I am going to miss you!” Pam hugs me back as I cry on her shoulder. Now we have said a proper good-bye. I wipe my eyes and turn back to my car.  Now I really know.  Now it has really hit me.  I am really moving and there are more good-byes to say.  </p> <p align="center">This one is just the beginning.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFUUHe2A1JI/AAAAAAAAGjo/peyOu_7N5b8/s1600-h/5.%20Abert%27s%20towhee%20jump%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="5. Abert's towhee jump" border="0" alt="5. Abert's towhee jump" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFUUIGjRd4I/AAAAAAAAGjs/lkMWkhEcnTQ/5.%20Abert%27s%20towhee%20jump_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="728" /></a><a href="http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000ff" size="5"><strong>My World Tuesday</strong></font></a>  </p> <p> </p> <p>Birds Seen at Pam’s House today:</p> <p>Location: Pam's backyard <br />Observation date: 7/23/10 <br />Notes: Watched birds with Pam from her yard. Storm clouds over the Catalinas. Hot and humid. Got pictures of screech owl. My first time ever seeing one! <br />Number of species: 18 <br />Gambel's Quail 2 <br />Turkey Vulture 4 <br />Cooper's Hawk 1 <br />Red-tailed Hawk 2 <br />White-winged Dove 15 <br />Mourning Dove 6 <br />Western Screech-Owl 1 ****Lifer! It hangs out on the patio under the roof line on top of a brick ledge. <br />Costa's Hummingbird 2 <br />Gila Woodpecker 1 <br />Common Raven 1 <br />Purple Martin (Desert) 2 Chasing Cooper's hawk <br />Verdin 1 <br />Cactus Wren 2 <br />Northern Mockingbird 1 <br />Abert's Towhee 1 <br />Black-throated Sparrow 2 <br />House Finch 12 <br />House Sparrow 4 <br />This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(<a href="http://ebird.org/">http://ebird.org</a>)</p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-30916812061260607452010-08-01T00:25:00.000-07:002010-08-01T00:25:00.631-07:00The Good-Bye Chronicles Chapter 7: Sweetwater Wetlands<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULPmrhjNI/AAAAAAAAGh8/N4rJlv-5IMU/s1600-h/1.%20Sandpipers%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="1. Sandpipers" border="0" alt="1. Sandpipers" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULQVfvJrI/AAAAAAAAGiA/Ws5jnTmT5wY/1.%20Sandpipers_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="411" height="319" /></a> <em><font face="Times New Roman">Solitary Sandpiper and Least Sandpipers on eastern mudflats 7-22-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify">It is two days after we have an answer when I meet Donna Simonettie at <a href="http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/water/sweetwater.htm" target="_blank">Sweetwater Wetlands</a>. She has come to town for a concert and we agree to meet here to go birding. Sweetwater is a place I learned about when I first did my <a href="http://www.aziba.org/" target="_blank">Important Bird Area</a> Training almost 3 years ago now. It is one of my favorite places in the Tucson area to go birding and I always come away with a rather large list of birds. An oasis in the desert, Sweetwater attracts all kinds of birds from the typical desert favorites to the exotic tropical species. It is a manmade wetlands formed from treated wastewater. One never knows what they will find here.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULRsPgTpI/AAAAAAAAGiE/7AW8_Ey5Cio/s1600-h/2.%20cliff%20swallows%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="2. cliff swallows" border="0" alt="2. cliff swallows" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULSdbE2tI/AAAAAAAAGiI/nWUavBVmxPs/2.%20cliff%20swallows_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="367" /></a> <em><font face="Times New Roman">Cliff Swallows on reeds 7-22-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify">I meet Donna in the parking lot and we grab our gear and head for the trail. The air hangs heavy and humid and soon a light shower is falling. I head back to the car to grab a plastic bag to cover my camera with.  I do not think the shower will last long, but any amount of water on my camera is not good. We head for the path once again and right off the bat we are seeing birds. Swallows fill the sky as we cross the bridge over the manmade creek. Purple matins are mixed in with the swallows and Donna informs me this is a life bird for her.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULT_U6FjI/AAAAAAAAGiM/wiY0HgLFHNM/s1600-h/3.%20desert%20spiney%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="3. desert spiney" border="0" alt="3. desert spiney" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULUeRRudI/AAAAAAAAGiQ/BareRDoLAvU/3.%20desert%20spiney_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="298" /></a> <font face="Times New Roman"><em>Desert Spiny Lizard on wall 7-22-10</em></font></p> <p align="justify">I told Donna about our planned move when she first arrived, but now we are lost in the birds of this wetland. I keep telling her that there are not many birds here today.  It seems so quiet.  The birds are quiet, but they <em>are</em> here. With cameras at the ready and binoculars in hand, we scan the ponds, the trees and the reeds. We watch the sky for birds. Some sort of rodent scurries along the path and disappears into the reeds. Off to the east we scan the drainage ponds for birds.  Here we find killdeer, sandpipers and black-necked stilts.  There are more birds than we can positively identify for some small sandpipers are far across on the mudflats  and neither of us has a spotting scope, so we do the best we can with our bins and cameras and wait to enlarge blurry pictures at home.  Some birds we just have to let go, but we do get a good look at a solitary sandpiper that is close by as well as a spotted sandpiper and a couple of Leasts. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULVbyxj0I/AAAAAAAAGiU/i2A1ZruTtyI/s1600-h/4.%20green%20heron%20juv.%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="4. green heron juv." border="0" alt="4. green heron juv." src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULWHHLcyI/AAAAAAAAGiY/arKyB8LXp4k/4.%20green%20heron%20juv._thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="543" /></a> <font face="Times New Roman"><em>Who’s hiding here?</em></font> </p> <p align="justify">We catch the flight of a Harris Hawk overhead circling on dark wings with chestnut shoulders. We see the characteristic white tail coverts as the bird flies overhead.  I know that a family of Harris Hawks nests nearby and this is a reliable place to see them. Then Donna spots a Kestrel and we add that species to our list. The brief rain shower stopped awhile ago and now the sun is out turning all the cool moisture to hot steam.  I feel its affects and cling to the edge of the trail where I can stay in the shade of willows and cottonwoods. I see a shape like a stump up in a willow and train my binoculars on it.  Is is a bird? I call Donna to have a look and we both wonder and hope that we are seeing a bittern, but it turns out to be a juvenile Green Heron trying to blend in with the branch. It keeps a wary eye on us as we pass by, then flies farther across the pond for refuge.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULXBT8-lI/AAAAAAAAGic/ICzgN7WRcVI/s1600-h/5.%20common%20Moorhen%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="5. common Moorhen" border="0" alt="5. common Moorhen" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULX0qe8SI/AAAAAAAAGig/HXef0C_9YDs/5.%20common%20Moorhen_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="383" /></a> <font face="Times New Roman"><em>Common Moorhen 7-22-10</em></font></p> <p align="justify">In the winter there are so many ducks here in these ponds but for today we are only seeing mallards with a few ruddy ducks, a pied-billed grebe and a couple of teals.  There are usually more birds than this I say as we walk on.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULY9yHjfI/AAAAAAAAGik/W509woNqHtE/s1600-h/6.%20lizard%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="6. lizard" border="0" alt="6. lizard" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULZ8iuKaI/AAAAAAAAGio/6dxU47NQj6A/6.%20lizard_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" height="383" /></a> <font face="Times New Roman"><em>Greater Earless Lizard 7-22-10</em></font></p> <p align="justify">There are no lack of lizards, however, and we have seen several kinds, including desert spiny lizards, zebra tails, a greater earless lizard, and a possible tiger whiptail.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULajWbmFI/AAAAAAAAGis/VIzCDgxzTrM/s1600-h/7.%20Neotropic%20cormorant%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="7. Neotropic cormorant" border="0" alt="7. Neotropic cormorant" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULbTE6dDI/AAAAAAAAGiw/G-BUMxQjMAw/7.%20Neotropic%20cormorant_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="516" /></a> <font face="Times New Roman"><em>Ruddy Duck and Neotropic Cormorant 7-22-10</em></font></p> <p align="justify">In the farthest ponds we find great egrets, more mallards, a few neotropic cormorants and some green-winged teals. We have been here for a couple of hours now and my list is getting longer. We have been seeing kingbirds and we are wondering, are any of these Tropical Kingbirds? We find a western kingbird at the far edge of the wetlands near the open desert and a large wash. Across the street we see the Rogers Road wastewater treatment plant and there on the fence is a Cassin’s Kingbird with its dark gray head and white throat. We follow the paths back into the interior of the ponds where we see 3 other kingbirds perched at various heights on a cottonwood tree.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULckQdp-I/AAAAAAAAGi0/gpPqSsp302o/s1600-h/8.%20tropical%20kingbird%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="8. tropical kingbird" border="0" alt="8. tropical kingbird" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN__j3Sn_JdgOZ-eSlnmeVk0l777age4OrsYYWV-w4RSA5FuyHx0iaYVXfbiZGUZA6h3GSNtQbBd8NMZ73HqthtV7JKKC0fHXigyt-wKTaQpPgl7tZqxCn5IKn1Ts4Ts3v1LEaii5K2GY/?imgmax=800" width="409" height="364" /></a> <font face="Times New Roman"><em>Tropical Kingbird 7-22-10</em></font></p> <p align="justify">They are all silent in the heat of the day but they are not shy and we are both able to snap away. Our photos reveal the typical notched tail, brighter yellow breast and the faint mask of the tropical kingbird.  This is a life bird for Donna and we stand there enjoying the moment.  I am remembering that I saw my first one here last year and this is only my second sighting of this species. Last year they we flying about chattering away. This calm bird is so different from the behavior I observed last year, but I am beginning to think these kingbirds have more sense than me! The sun has risen higher and with it the temperature and the humidity!  I feel like I am melting! Donna and I make our way to the gazebo where we sit in the shade and talk and watch birds. I am starting to realize that I have filled several pages of my notebook.  I wonder how many species we have seen after all.  After telling Donna all morning long that there are not many birds here today we end up with a list of 48 species of birds! Not bad for 3 1/2 hours of birding!</p> <p align="justify">We say good-bye at the parking lot, not knowing when or if we will see each other again.  I first met Donna just a couple of months ago when we went birding together in <a href="http://coronadetucson.blogspot.com/2010/06/birding-portal.html" target="_blank">Portal</a>.  Donna is like <a href="http://dawnandjeffsblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dawn and Jeff Fine</a> and I.  We can bird all day long without getting tired, but today the heat and humidity have gotten to me.  I am ready to get in my car and go home. I drive away from Sweetwater with so many sweet memories of birding here with friends and by myself. My heart if brimming with thankfulness for ever moving here and finding this magical place.</p> <p align="justify">Who hatched from these eggs? We found them along one of the paths. They were soft and leathery, a sweet gift of nature that we both enjoyed seeing. If you have any idea, please tell me!<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULePrJ2mI/AAAAAAAAGi8/sksauCZZoqc/s1600-h/9.%20eggs%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="9. eggs" border="0" alt="9. eggs" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TFULe5fXCeI/AAAAAAAAGjA/aOg_aCbb_js/9.%20eggs_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="547" /></a> </p> <p>Location: <strong>Sweetwater Wetlands</strong> <br />Observation date: <strong>7/22/10</strong> <br />Notes: <em>Birding w/Donna Simonetti. Cloudy with a light sprinkle when we first arrived, then the sun came out and it got hot and humid. We walked the entire perimeter of the ponds. <br /></em>Number of species: <strong>49</strong> <br />Mallard 65 <br />Green-winged Teal (American) 2 smaller than mallard; small,dark bill; mottled cinnamon brown; green wing bar <br />Ruddy Duck 8 <br />Gambel's Quail 1 <br />Pied-billed Grebe 1 <br />Neotropic Cormorant 3 <br />Great Egret 2 <br />Green Heron 1 gray back, streaked neck <br />Turkey Vulture 1 <br />Harris's Hawk 3 <br />American Kestrel 1 <br />Common Moorhen 6 <br />American Coot 12 <br />Killdeer 8 <br />Black-necked Stilt 20 <br />Spotted Sandpiper 1 <br />Solitary Sandpiper 1 <br />Western Sandpiper 3 <br />Least Sandpiper 3 <br />Eurasian Collared-Dove 1 <br />White-winged Dove 30 <br />Mourning Dove 7 <br />Black-chinned Hummingbird 2 <br />hummingbird sp. 1 <br />Gila Woodpecker 6 <br />Ladder-backed Woodpecker 1 <br />Black Phoebe 3 <br />Ash-throated Flycatcher 1 <br />Brown-crested Flycatcher 1 <br />Tropical Kingbird 3 notched tail <br />Cassin's Kingbird 1 dark gray head and back, white cheek/throat square tail with pale tip. No white side tail feathers <br />Western Kingbird 1 pale yellow belly,white side tail feathers at farthest end of ponds near open desert and wash <br />Bell's Vireo 1 <br />Purple Martin (Desert) 2 <br />Barn Swallow 6 <br />Cliff Swallow 14 <br />Cactus Wren 2 <br />Curve-billed Thrasher (Western) 2 <br />Yellow Warbler 2 <br />Common Yellowthroat 6 heard all over and saw 1 singing from branch of tree over pond <br />Abert's Towhee 3 <br />Song Sparrow 1 <br />Western Tanager 2 <br />Red-winged Blackbird 35 <br />Great-tailed Grackle 30 <br />Brown-headed Cowbird 1 <br />House Finch 6 <br />Lesser Goldfinch 1 <br />House Sparrow 1</p> <p>This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(<a href="http://ebird.org">http://ebird.org</a>)</p> Greater Roadrunner 1 (I saw this bird while I was waiting for Donna to arrive) Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-85718897388616911582010-07-29T12:33:00.000-07:002010-07-29T12:33:00.718-07:00The Good-bye Chronicles Chapter 6. We Have an Answer<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6h9Y9RmTTbKZWdDx2gHz9KXHUZzLUNR2wSw0FbTMnPmADxiRoQAfXsbEhsi0xbx7knxXXMXtQk5Batxn_qXJ4oO3lZ2bEptJlgoypaHWiPMMGgLkwSeaow4uOfQ9dJ83l1uyNqBTm7KE/s1600-h/7-29-10%20We%20have%20an%20answer%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="7-29-10 We have an answer" border="0" alt="7-29-10 We have an answer" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyt48o0rOI/AAAAAAAAGh4/PHJw-nxqHVE/7-29-10%20We%20have%20an%20answer_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="270" /></a> <a href="http://skyley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><font color="#400080">Skywatch Friday</font></strong></a> Sycamore Canyon Sunset 7-17-10</p> <p align="justify">July 20, 2010</p> <p align="justify">I awaken in the middle of the night hot and restless. The night is calling to me. Through the closed door I hear the soft dripping of recent rain from the downspouts. I slide my door open and step out onto the patio into air scented with the sweet ashy smell of creosote bush. It’s just before four a.m., but I hear birds twittering. Though it is almost pitch dark, I hear them singing somewhere, if they are birds at all. It sounds like the friendly chirping of purple martins, but do they fly at night? The lights of Tucson illuminate the undersides of the soft gray clouds above, but I do not see any bird silhouettes passing under them. Could it be toads or frogs? Could there be that many around here? Do they sound like birds? I realize that I have yet another desert mystery to solve.</p> <p align="justify">I take the two steps up onto the terrace and gaze off to the north and west. The hum of air-conditioning units fills the air as one after another turns on. In the distance I hear what sounds like a loud motorcycle shifting through its gears, then it fades away. After another hot and steamy day here yesterday the rain cooled air caresses my skin softly. It lifts the night heat from me. I fold my arms across my chest. My nightgown flutters in the breeze. I stand here and think about what it will mean to leave this place. Today could be the day we know for sure. I stand here listening to the morning sounds, drinking in the scent and the feel of the night in this place. I want to preserve this memory. I may need it someday. Eventually I turn and head back inside. Chilled now, I crawl under the warm covers and Gus instinctively wraps his arm around me. Soon I drift off to sleep.</p> <p align="justify">A bad dream awakens me 3 hours later. It’s one of those dreams where one of my children is in trouble and I can’t find them to help them. It’s one of those dreams where you feel all the emotions as if it were real as if it were happening. I resist waking up. I want to save my child. Finally consciousness frees me from my terror. I am here in my bedroom in Sycamore Canyon and everyone is safe.</p> <p align="justify">Due to the rain of the previous night I do not have to water the flowers today. I filled all the bird feeders yesterday, so I am almost free. I visit Sherri in the morning, then return home to watch birds and blog away the day. It is afternoon when Gus calls me. He got an email with an offer from the company in Boston. Now I will know. Now it will be decided. Gus tells me that he will take the offer. </p> <p align="justify">We are going to move.</p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href=" http://coronadetucson.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Good-bye%20Chronicles" target="_blank"><font color="#0000ff" size="4"><strong>The Good-bye Chronicles</strong></font></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://skyley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><font color="#400080" size="5">Skywatch Friday</font></strong></a></p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-4413344784154827742010-07-28T14:00:00.000-07:002010-07-28T14:00:02.379-07:00The Good-bye Chronicles Chapter 5: A Return to the Beginning<p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqGhu98DI/AAAAAAAAGfQ/W1F4UrKnuw4/s1600-h/1.%20Saguaro%20NP%20east%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="1. Saguaro NP east" border="0" alt="1. Saguaro NP east" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqHoJX75I/AAAAAAAAGfY/wYTZkdmyl60/1.%20Saguaro%20NP%20east_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="415" height="301" /></a> <em><font face="Times New Roman">Saguaro National Park Rincon Mt. Unit 7-18-10</font></em></p> <p>July 18, 2010</p> <p align="justify">Sunday morning. It’s hot. It’s humid, but we decide to take a drive anyways. I want to drive through Saguaro National Park’s Rincon unit, for it is where it all began. When we first moved here 3 years ago I used to come here all the time. We were staying in the studio apartment then waiting to find someplace to live. One day while Gus was at work I drove over to Saguaro National Park and bought a National Parks pass. This allowed me to go in as often as I wanted to without paying each and every time. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqJPxvHxI/AAAAAAAAGfc/7W1e5nLZkdQ/s1600-h/2.%20Road%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="2. Road" border="0" alt="2. Road" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqJkOfSuI/AAAAAAAAGfg/-7FjrZiYG2o/2.%20Road_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="262" /></a> <em><font face="Times New Roman">Saguaro NP 7-18-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify">Saguaro National Park is divided into two separate units. The Tucson Mountain Unit sits on the west side of town and it was the first part of the park we visited before we even moved down here. It was while we were visiting our kids for Thanksgiving in 2006 that Gus decided he wanted to live where he can wear shorts in the wintertime. We went home to Utah from that trip and Gus started applying for jobs. Within three months we were living here. The eastern portion of Saguaro National Park is actually the largest, but very few people make it into the back country. I must say that I never have. However, the park is still quite enjoyable from the 7 mile loop road and the few trails I have accessed from below. Now, as we drive through the gate this Sunday morning memories of those other visits come rushing back and as we drive I am well aware that this might be the last time I get to do this.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqK6VDA0I/AAAAAAAAGfk/1LiL82Kv2_M/s1600-h/3.%20Saguaro%20n%20Ocotillo%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="3. Saguaro n Ocotillo" border="0" alt="3. Saguaro n Ocotillo" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqLspEumI/AAAAAAAAGfo/oxPabf6Jhgc/3.%20Saguaro%20n%20Ocotillo_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="341" /></a><em><font face="Times New Roman">Saguaro and Ocotillo 7-18-10</font></em> </p> <p align="justify">We have both cameras with us, but I am using my binoculars and counting birds as we go. For once Gus is stopping without me having to ask him. He is taking pictures of everything. I can tell that he is well aware of the fact that it could be a very long time before we see any of this again. Whenever he stops to take pictures I count birds. Suddenly we are like tourists once again and every cactus seems amazing to us.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqMk6Tb_I/AAAAAAAAGfs/OU8p6Pv29XU/s1600-h/4.%20Cactus%20close%20up%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="4. Cactus close up" border="0" alt="4. Cactus close up" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqNSKvw8I/AAAAAAAAGfw/St85EKaMWUw/4.%20Cactus%20close%20up_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="268" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqOVHRhYI/AAAAAAAAGf0/gGQlmTlALWw/s1600-h/5.%20Saguro%20blossom%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="5. Saguro blossom" border="0" alt="5. Saguro blossom" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oL3NiQbdjnkbwm6isGI-BqJ21pAAM0K-UnxQZ61-q0Y1JueZ4sw_WpoEK4AVHhvm4wNzq5rGJHwbULZAEgrWIWU-iA2eNT7C6LMG4ocmJFjFznGHWZI2FiK2SoYuY6YLg2BhABdGGmk/?imgmax=800" width="380" height="510" /></a>Saguaro Blossom 7-18-10 </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqQXMYBiI/AAAAAAAAGf8/IkSJHLWMXPs/s1600-h/6.%20Prickly%20pear%20fruit%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="6. Prickly pear fruit" border="0" alt="6. Prickly pear fruit" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqQ4UoztI/AAAAAAAAGgA/GCRcrBBHi48/6.%20Prickly%20pear%20fruit_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="335" /></a> Prickly Pears 7-18-10</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqSjlaATI/AAAAAAAAGgE/OWl1KwzT-90/s1600-h/7.%20cholla%20surprise%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="7. cholla surprise" border="0" alt="7. cholla surprise" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqTbv8P9I/AAAAAAAAGgI/ChPZisxrGgs/7.%20cholla%20surprise_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="260" /></a> Cholla Cactus 7-18-10</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuERVJTRvqDa3ZXZwL-vOJArAFuydfMoYuCkTQyCqm8ORYI_1E5uhOSAlvYbn7qsxgI1hOBLlNx6qaE_AsCAM5cPe1KhnciHx4kmYFl81dUnc5FTFQZYGIqAzeH3oFqnp1xt4V47cU1M/s1600-h/8.%20Prickly%20pear%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="8. Prickly pear" border="0" alt="8. Prickly pear" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqV1c-OdI/AAAAAAAAGgQ/i-IpT86OnM0/8.%20Prickly%20pear_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="323" /></a> Prickly pears 7-18-10</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqX-Uik-I/AAAAAAAAGgU/K3ZUwfPoUbw/s1600-h/9.%20prickly%20pear%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="9. prickly pear" border="0" alt="9. prickly pear" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqYgKF2dI/AAAAAAAAGgY/VazLnKDyJMI/9.%20prickly%20pear_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="283" /></a> Prickly pear cactus 7-18-10</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqZewA3hI/AAAAAAAAGgc/8Oryqvzjhk8/s1600-h/10.%20Pincushion%20cactus%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="10. Pincushion cactus" border="0" alt="10. Pincushion cactus" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqaGHViEI/AAAAAAAAGgg/VZDsH_skN3c/10.%20Pincushion%20cactus_thumb%5B13%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="544" /></a><em><font face="Times New Roman"> Flowering Pincushion Cactus 7-18-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify">Though it is only around 9:30 a.m. the temperature has started to rise. Accompanied by the humidity, it’s quite uncomfortable out there. Thankfully we are in an air-conditioned car, though the sound of the motor running drowns out the birds. At our next stop I shut the car off and Gus wants to know why. I tell him I cannot hear the birds. He goes back to photographing a cactus and I listen and watch. White-winged doves are everywhere, but I have seen a few purple martins, a couple of flycatchers and some Gila woodpeckers. Turkey vultures circle above in the clear blue sky. Will they find anything that has died on this hot day? I suspect they will.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqa7PyT7I/AAAAAAAAGgk/8e93-xEXeLA/s1600-h/11.%20Sagauro%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="11. Sagauro" border="0" alt="11. Sagauro" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqbpWHulI/AAAAAAAAGgo/wBPKQDDOHpY/11.%20Sagauro_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="288" /></a> The road winds up through a cactus forest. The Rincon Mountains loom before us. We stop at a favorite overlook, then get back in the car and drive as the road bends back toward the city. Soon all of Tucson is spread before us. In the distance the Tucson Mountains punctuate the skyline. It’s almost noontime now and the heat makes it impossible to drive with windows open. We view the world from within this steel and glass air-conditioned cage. It is not quite how I would choose to experience the park, but I am not in favor of passing out from the heat and humidity.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqdBajWCI/AAAAAAAAGgs/MvZqUeO2TXY/s1600-h/12.%20death%20and%20life%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="12. death and life" border="0" alt="12. death and life" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqdlCV4lI/AAAAAAAAGgw/TgzE5up3Ypk/12.%20death%20and%20life_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="334" /></a>Gus seems obsessed with dead and dying saguaros on this day. I wonder if he is making the connection between his subject matter and the end of our life here in Tucson. I certainly do.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqe04zG-I/AAAAAAAAGg0/ZNmNYuApf-c/s1600-h/13.%20Bones%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="13. Bones" border="0" alt="13. Bones" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqfYfE7fI/AAAAAAAAGg4/wK2kYU6kv5M/13.%20Bones_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="300" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqg3p2DrI/AAAAAAAAGg8/x3sM74NXIHk/s1600-h/14.%20more%20cactus%20bones%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="14. more cactus bones" border="0" alt="14. more cactus bones" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqhrt5ILI/AAAAAAAAGhA/wHsmpgrqs7w/14.%20more%20cactus%20bones_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="295" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqixOY9pI/AAAAAAAAGhE/PtoxO6afRkk/s1600-h/15.%20dead%20arms%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="15. dead arms" border="0" alt="15. dead arms" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqkajEeoI/AAAAAAAAGhQ/R8A58qBoU4U/15.%20dead%20arms_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="565" /></a> <em><font face="Times New Roman">Old man cactus with arms 7-18-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify">After an hour and 40 minutes and 6.5 miles of driving I counted 18 species of birds on this day. The most numerous species were white-winged doves. I counted at least 40 of them. Our days here are probably limited. I am torn between wanting to visit old haunts to say good-bye and trying to see other places that I never got to. How will I choose what to do? Will I have time to do any of it? I will not have any answers until later on this week. How does one say good-bye to the land and the place they love?</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9nNHWPYtocT_SS2pkv-h4z-aHLyDyU5su__Er4ma6T_KiWRyqnYj0tTyOAPtDXvfPn5kvPty7Dz19cN_Ix3Rvx9TMGgIrc8cgdimTcJ166iGUhqUPO3gAyjWjKRRtkjMpyaE3PT69gE/s1600-h/16.%20rincon%20mts%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="16. rincon mts" border="0" alt="16. rincon mts" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtD4zss9SrBVa9vHXlai0WMoD3Mx0ammfAHJ1DLU3ripxB7EhqYTeNqmvdhpjWfJz5YOgNEygg239Hjlz0ke0In405Zm_fn1hti_mMzd03jYR8kNFdhVppjD64IyHiMvlvZHLGvWneY0c/?imgmax=800" width="412" height="276" /></a> <em><font face="Times New Roman">Saguaro NP Rincon Mountains 7-18-10</font></em></p> <p align="center"><em>(All of today’s photos were taken by Gusto! with the Nikon D90</em>)</p> <p align="justify">Birds Seen Today In Saguaro National Park Rincon Mt Unit </p> <p>Location: Saguaro NP--Rincon Mt Unit <br />Observation date: 7/18/10 <br />Notes: Drove through the park slowly with Gus. Stopped a few places along the way. <br />Number of species: 18 <br />Gambel's Quail 4 <br />Turkey Vulture 6 <br />White-winged Dove 40 <br />Mourning Dove 2 <br />Gila Woodpecker 12 <br />Gilded Flicker 4 <br />Ash-throated Flycatcher 2 <br />Brown-crested Flycatcher 3 <br />Purple Martin (Desert) 2 <br />Verdin 2 <br />Cactus Wren 3 <br />Northern Mockingbird 2 <br />Curve-billed Thrasher (Western) 4 <br />Rufous-crowned Sparrow 2 <br />Black-throated Sparrow 4 <br />Pyrrhuloxia 2 <br />Brown-headed Cowbird 2 <br />House Finch 2 <br />This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(<a href="http://ebird.org/">http://ebird.org</a>)</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqn3_R6uI/AAAAAAAAGhc/hI03bNj7O7M/s1600-h/17.%203%20saguaros%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="17. 3 saguaros" border="0" alt="17. 3 saguaros" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqoqIbU8I/AAAAAAAAGhg/F1Urj1ge7cI/17.%203%20saguaros_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="308" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqpnxjeTI/AAAAAAAAGhk/e3LefIalMf8/s1600-h/DSC_0090%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0090" border="0" alt="DSC_0090" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqqXti1OI/AAAAAAAAGho/0utNMnFwLmk/DSC_0090_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="472" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqr45jkBI/AAAAAAAAGhs/RQ8P8YAAFq0/s1600-h/DSC_0094%5B14%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0094" border="0" alt="DSC_0094" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyqsgAfzKI/AAAAAAAAGhw/R7wt0cjfG3w/DSC_0094_thumb%5B12%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="352" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href=" http://coronadetucson.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Good-bye%20Chronicles" target="_blank">The Good-bye Chronicles</a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://kathiespoettree.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kathie’s Poet Tree</a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://sycamorecanyonbirds.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sycamore Canyon Birds</a></p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-42187797817149936422010-07-27T18:32:00.000-07:002010-07-27T18:34:55.553-07:00The Good-bye Chronicles Chapter 4: Dawn<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyVQyH_k4I/AAAAAAAAGew/CsWW1L1b2vI/s1600-h/0077%20Sunrise%206-2-08%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="0077 Sunrise 6-2-08" border="0" alt="0077 Sunrise 6-2-08" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyVRsvvxmI/AAAAAAAAGe0/zu8wnDE0y5o/0077%20Sunrise%206-2-08_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="278" /></a></p> <p>July 14, 2010</p> <p align="justify">5:00 a.m. I step out the door under a blanket of clouds. The scent of rain and creosote bush perfumes the air. I am surprised to hear a choir of Purple martins already singing the day awake. In the distance the lights of Tucson are strung along the horizon like illuminated rhinestones. The neighborhood is waking up and I watch as one car after another pulls out of their garage and heads down the street. Soon the sun will rise and this dim darkness will fade to a bright gray, but if the clouds do not break up I will not see the sun.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyVTDuZLzI/AAAAAAAAGe4/W4r7qPnNS0I/s1600-h/DSC_0493%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0493" border="0" alt="DSC_0493" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyVUDGC-0I/AAAAAAAAGe8/twXaBpT9Qvw/DSC_0493_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="362" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em><font face="Times New Roman">Sonoran Desert Toad 7-3-10 under the spigot</font></em></p> <p align="justify">However, I am already feeling the effects of the steaminess from the pending Monsoon rain. This is the second time this week the clouds have gathered and we have been denied. We are still waiting for rain. The parched ground and our parched psyches all long for that sweet relief, but it has yet to come. The Sonoran Desert Toads are waiting to sing their wild mating songs. For a few weeks now they have been hanging out in my yard under the hose spigot and in my flower beds. At night they languish in the bird bath and soak up moisture, but this is not what they need to breed and reproduce. They need a downpour, an onslaught of rain, a flash flood to get their blood boiling and their reproductive glands inspired. But it has not happened, yet. Perhaps today will be the day.</p> <p align="justify">I view each moment like this now as if it will be my last one here. I wonder if I will remember this intensity when I am in New England. Gus went for his job interview while my sister and my son were here. Now we are just waiting for an offer like the desert waits for rain. Will this be a new dawn for us? I bounce back and forth between emotions. I think of all the things I will get to do in New England, the places I will go. Then I think of all the things I have done here and the things I have yet to do, the places I have yet to go. How can I do it all? I want to.</p> <p align="justify">As I have gotten older and we have traveled and moved around this country I realize more and more how much I love to travel. I want to see new places and experience new things. For me this desire is now amplified by my love of birds and birding. Since moving here to Sycamore Canyon, starting my blog, learning to eBird, and joining Tucson Audubon each trip I take, each place I go now has a new dimension added as I write and count the birds. Each place I visit is now accompanied by the list of birds I saw while I was there. Since moving here to Arizona I have seen 249 species of birds in this place, and I know there are so many more I have yet to see, but I am already looking forward to new birds in new places! I can only wonder if I will still feel this way when it is winter and there is a foot of snow on the ground!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyVU0ZKLOI/AAAAAAAAGfA/BFrpQtr6G0o/s1600-h/5.%20Dawn%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="5. Dawn" border="0" alt="5. Dawn" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyVVcigBkI/AAAAAAAAGfE/K-B-GuKrTYw/5.%20Dawn_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="278" /></a> <em><font face="Times New Roman">Dawn in Sycamore Canyon 5-27-07</font></em></p> <p align="justify">For this morning I have only one decision to make: Do I get dressed and go for a walk before it gets too hot, or do I stay inside and write while it is quiet and my creative juices are flowing? I think I’ll choose the Dawn.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyVWCln-YI/AAAAAAAAGfI/L_DjRGb9E1U/s1600-h/6.%20Mt.%20Fagan%20morning%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="6. Mt. Fagan morning" border="0" alt="6. Mt. Fagan morning" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyVWkzQ1tI/AAAAAAAAGfM/mGabY4-y1Io/6.%20Mt.%20Fagan%20morning_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="372" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p align="center"><em><font face="Times New Roman">Mt. Fagan Morning 5-24-07</font></em></p> <p align="center"><a href=" http://coronadetucson.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Good-bye%20Chronicles" target="_blank"><font color="#0080c0"><strong>The Good-bye Chronicles</strong></font></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong><font color="#0000ff" size="5" face="Times New Roman">My World Tuesday</font></strong></a></p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-44673868849518170592010-07-26T12:09:00.000-07:002010-07-26T12:09:01.102-07:00The Good-bye Chronicles Chapter 3: Waiting<p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyMJIFbjzI/AAAAAAAAGeI/JMRj_ejPh1c/s1600-h/DSC_0043%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0043" border="0" alt="DSC_0043" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyMJ9eXd0I/AAAAAAAAGeM/PnL-7JggG_4/DSC_0043_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="394" /></a> <em><font face="Times New Roman">Desert Spiny Lizard 7-6-10 My Backyard</font></em></p> <p>July 6, 2010</p> <p align="justify">This day has started with golden sunshine streaming through my bedroom window as Gus heads off to work. Perhaps today we will know more. Perhaps today the waiting will end.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyMKqVnqXI/AAAAAAAAGeQ/dHcChaWYSVw/s1600-h/Pyrrhuloxia_0122%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Pyrrhuloxia_0122" border="0" alt="Pyrrhuloxia_0122" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyMLFyKhkI/AAAAAAAAGeU/7Dkxnv_gRXw/Pyrrhuloxia_0122_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="543" /></a> <em><font face="Times New Roman">Pyrrhuloxia 7-5-10 My Yard</font></em></p> <p align="justify">I get up and start my morning routine of feeding pets and counting birds. I smile as I see a fat collared lizard doing its warming push-ups on the block wall in the bright morning sun. I have plenty of things to do today while I wait. As usual, there are bird feeders to fill and plants to water. I watch a small rabbit nibble on the seed block. I count the birds out my windows. I look at each species differently now and realize that these will not be my backyard birds anymore if we move away. There are no Canyon Towhees in New England. I will not see Pyrrhuloxias or Cactus Wrens there. I do not take these birds for granted here, but I have relaxed with them and count on seeing them everyday. If one species does not show up I notice. I have become accustom to the rhythms of their life here in Sycamore Canyon. It has become my rhythm. Will I carry this song with me if we leave?</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyMMbBHTHI/AAAAAAAAGeY/ThzkH6eIIA0/s1600-h/DSC_0127%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0127" border="0" alt="DSC_0127" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyMMxv_kKI/AAAAAAAAGec/njYrH1_cMMQ/DSC_0127_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="203" height="290" /></a> </p> <p align="justify">In the afternoon I visit my friend, Sherri. Her yard looks out over a larger green space than mine. The mesquite trees and Palo Verdes create a dense light green canopy over the desert. I can see a few birds here and there as they fly over the wash and across this ribbon of green. A male cardinal pops up to sing from a branch, its color a bright red spot in all that feathery green. The desert is full of doves, both mourning and white-winged. In the heat of the day they seek refuge in shade and do not move about so much. They, too, are waiting, but they wait for rain.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyMOOywH0I/AAAAAAAAGeg/rp7KBjf86KQ/s1600-h/DSC_0054%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0054" border="0" alt="DSC_0054" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyMOktnuEI/AAAAAAAAGek/Lu-BmyeZy04/DSC_0054_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="330" /></a><em><font face="Times New Roman"> House finches 7-14-10 My yard</font></em></p> <p align="justify">This day passes slowly. The heat drives me inside. There is no word today. All I can do is wait.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ipsBiA8HdL7gLm1re6LinGBUhWyO2vd6wb-z-FkFlg9eZo-6_qBiskzfYELXnD7iTV4qgIi13-du4PNkSugsnsfdKI8xAqHFyXQxekeTdB3ansYe-hS1aTJQfGLdLgPDnC4xCs0Cbqo/s1600-h/DSC_0126%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0126" border="0" alt="DSC_0126" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyMQAdUfdI/AAAAAAAAGes/54c5bdrC8ow/DSC_0126_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="303" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Chapter 3 of <a href=" http://coronadetucson.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Good-bye%20Chronicles" target="_blank"><strong><font color="#0080c0">The Good-bye Chronicles</font></strong></a></p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-80060999283543952432010-07-25T11:29:00.001-07:002010-07-25T11:29:21.933-07:00The Good-bye Chronicles Chapter 2: Ambivalence<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyCap0WnFI/AAAAAAAAGdo/s7ZFmVCHsiw/s1600-h/DSC_0142%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0142" border="0" alt="DSC_0142" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyCbPKDZdI/AAAAAAAAGds/-UAd3Eilngc/DSC_0142_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="342" /></a></p> <p>July 5, 2010 </p> <p align="justify">We’ve been in the house all day and I just need to get outside so I ask Gus to take me for a ride before the sun sets. We head south on the Sonoita Highway as the sun dips behind the Santa Rita Mountains. The rolling hills around me are casting deep shadows as we drive past the possible future site of the Rosemont Mine. I can’t help but wonder if I go away, will this still be this way when I come back? Right now the gentle slopes rise unblemished to the sky, but for how long?</p> <p align="justify">We pass over the crest of the hill and drop down on the south side. On my right is Greaterville Road and the way through Box Canyon to Madera Canyon. I know that there is good birding in there, but we will not be going that way at this time of night. Instead we pass the Border Patrol Checkpoint and turn left into Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. By now the sun has slipped beneath the horizon and all that remains is the soft glow of dusk. I immediately spot a Red-tailed Hawk in an old oak tree. I think he was in that same tree when I first came here 3 year ago. A Mockingbird flies up and lands nearby, its white wing and tail patches flashing as it flies. It is in no danger from the Red-tail, which eats mostly mammals instead of birds.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyCcs1LgoI/AAAAAAAAGdw/cEDiqBjhwW0/s1600-h/DSC_0147%5B12%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0147" border="0" alt="DSC_0147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2_gYYfJA5neFUqC4sGhjtsjqN07zginppdOusVZyWwFoLsFJ5NVKlG5gesPNZAVsPDptJSYbythw90l1UkuV7yE1vY2lCzaFy1Jrw_Tju5Pijf5yUEuN4152UrepVHKIytv0goPO2S0/?imgmax=800" width="416" height="305" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The rolling grassland of Las Cienegas is spread before us. We drive slowly down the dirt road with windows open, all senses alert. The air is much cooler here and I feel its coolness wash over me, cleansing me from the 100 degree heat of the day. We watch as the car’s thermometer drops into the 80’s and finally into the 70’s before we leave. Now, as we drive down the road I hear the soft twitter of sparrows, a thin “<i>zeet zeet”</i> in the grass, and some raucous chatter I do not recognize, nor can I find in the long grasses and fading light. What <i>are</i> you? <i>Where </i>are you? I just want to know who you are!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyCea0gJOI/AAAAAAAAGd4/vy5FVcOIA9Y/s1600-h/DSC_0145%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0145" border="0" alt="DSC_0145" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyCfI99ogI/AAAAAAAAGd8/GFx-XVtTd2Q/DSC_0145_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="353" /></a><em><font face="Times New Roman">Lillian’s Eastern Meadowlark 7-5-10</font></em> </p> <p align="justify">We only drive a little under 3 miles before we turn back for home. It has taken us an hour to do this and now twilight has descended around us. As we pause at the end of the road I can see Venus, Mars and Jupiter all lined up in the western sky. Their line is tilted upwards, as if pointing to the heavens. I feel my spirits lifted even as a sadness settles within my soul. This is such a great place to live. It is so beautiful here. The weather is great and the scenic beauty is outstanding. There are so many habitats, so many places to see. I have only lived here three years and I have barely scratched the surface.</p> <p align="justify">When I was a teenager we always had spelling words to learn for a weekly spelling test in high school. One week the teacher gave us the word, “ambivalence.” I had never heard the word before but when I looked up the definition I was astonished. It became <u>my</u> word, <u>my</u> definition of how I feel much of the time. Ambivalence means to feel two strong conflicting emotions at the same time. This could be my middle name! It is how I am feeling right now. I do not want to leave this place, yet I am excited about new possibilities and new adventures. But how can I leave this beauty and this wild life? Has Arizona gotten into my soul and become my new love?</p> <p align="justify">We stop at the Roadrunner Market in Corona de Tucson on our way home. It is pitch dark by now and Gus goes into the store while I step out and walk to the corner of the parking lot to watch Lesser Nighthawks whirl through the sky. They are hunting insects drawn to the bright street lights at the intersection. Their bat-like flight is erratic at best as they fly in and out of the darkness. I stand there silent and alone drinking it all in, trying desperately to preserve this memory in case I need it on some cold New England winter night to get me through. </p> <p align="justify">Ambivalence.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyCfroQu0I/AAAAAAAAGeA/WkuzEU9dVSM/s1600-h/DSC_0464%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0464" border="0" alt="DSC_0464" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEyCgVFMPGI/AAAAAAAAGeE/YwNIhIwqhok/DSC_0464_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="169" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>This story begins in the previous post: <a href="http://coronadetucson.blogspot.com/2010/07/good-bye-chronicles-chapter-1-knowing.html" target="_blank"><strong><font color="#0080c0">Knowing</font></strong></a></p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-30016970073741880912010-07-24T04:48:00.000-07:002010-07-24T04:48:00.289-07:00The Good-bye Chronicles Chapter 1: Knowing<p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEosGdMLOHI/AAAAAAAAGck/Rj2_4lKgwFo/s1600-h/DSC_0017%5B8%5D.jpg"><strong><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0017" border="0" alt="DSC_0017" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEosHDSI0dI/AAAAAAAAGcs/bBNTpmX9zF8/DSC_0017_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="276" /></strong></a> <em><font color="#000080" face="Times New Roman">Sunset in Sycamore Canyon 7-17-10</font></em></p> <p><strong>July 5, 2010</strong></p> <p align="justify">I have known for 2 weeks that this was possible but so much has been going on. First my son arrived for his last visit before he goes to war in Afghanistan, then my sister arrived for her 50<sup>th</sup> birthday. While she was here Gus went off for an interview in the Boston area for a new job. I thought we were going to make it here. We both thought we would retire here. We had made it past the three year mark by which we had usually moved. We thought our job was secure in spite of the downturn in the economy. We never thought this would happen. So, we bought a new refrigerator and installed a hot tub. Two weeks later the company my husband works for laid off 250 people. A few weeks after that the program he worked for downsized. He found himself adrift in an unstable situation. Thus his search was launched to find a new job. And so it was that while Alex was home and my sister was here that Gus was in Boston interviewing for a new job. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEosIvUMS1I/AAAAAAAAGcw/ZMpeSgKIpCc/s1600-h/Desert%20toad%207-3-10%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Desert toad 7-3-10" border="0" alt="Desert toad 7-3-10" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEosJZl2uQI/AAAAAAAAGc0/hWqcGaPwIKU/Desert%20toad%207-3-10_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="388" height="351" /></a> Gus returned the same night my son left. My sister left the next morning. Now here I am trying to memorize every moment, every bird, every sunset, every star-filled night. The Sonoran desert toad that pokes its head out in the evening makes me smile. Every hummingbird that comes to my feeder makes me wonder if there will be anyone to fill the feeders for them this fall when the fall migration starts and 5 to 6 species of hummingbirds stop by to feed on their way south. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEosKZKoVUI/AAAAAAAAGc4/a76Jd7d-paE/s1600-h/Winter%20Hummingbirds%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Winter Hummingbirds" border="0" alt="Winter Hummingbirds" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEosK3mlyvI/AAAAAAAAGc8/Qo6baTPWr9U/Winter%20Hummingbirds_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="337" /></a> Last year I had a hard time keeping 5 hummingbird feeders full for their voracious appetites. Who will feed the hummingbirds now? Or the bats?</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEosLrkOjSI/AAAAAAAAGdA/VosEK7ZF-Yw/s1600-h/DSC_0107%20lesser%20long-nosed%20bat%20g%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0107 lesser long-nosed bat g" border="0" alt="DSC_0107 lesser long-nosed bat g" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEosMY-7ARI/AAAAAAAAGdE/wvDuFeqRkjw/DSC_0107%20lesser%20long-nosed%20bat%20g_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="182" height="235" /></a>September into October is the migration of the Lesser Long-nosed  bats. The bats know my yard now. They know they can count on food at this location. Will there be anyone here this year to feed the bats? Will anyone else care if they have something to eat?</p> <p align="justify">In an effort to make each moment count and in light of the current oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico I see how every bird count I do in this area matters. I cannot go to the gulf to count birds, though I would in a heartbeat if I could, but I can count birds here. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEosNd9CjoI/AAAAAAAAGdI/gxNUmMEREVs/s1600-h/Scott%27s%20oriole%20female%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Scott's oriole female" border="0" alt="Scott's oriole female" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEosOExmEII/AAAAAAAAGdM/pWH0BO5GPb4/Scott%27s%20oriole%20female_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="342" /></a> <em><font face="Times New Roman">Female Hooded Oriole 6-28-10 My Backyard</font></em></p> <p align="justify">Already the bird populations have changed since I moved in here. Just down the slope from my house the building boom has resumed and there have been over 200 houses added to the once open desert where nighthawks and western kingbirds hunted in summer and raptors soared in the winter. This year the birds are finding their hunting ground gone, replaced by homes set cheek to jowl on hot paved roads where rabbits and ground squirrels succumb to overzealous and inattentive drivers. Where I used to hear great-horned owls on a regular basis, I have not heard one in a very long time. The birds are either moving up or down the mountain into more remote hunting grounds, but if the proposed copper mine goes in, all of this could change even more. The bird counts I do now will document how it was, in case it does change. In case our own version of an Oil Spill happens here.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEosPWv2QCI/AAAAAAAAGdQ/umhhgqfNzQ8/s1600-h/DSC_0005%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0005" border="0" alt="DSC_0005" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEosP-JRiGI/AAAAAAAAGdU/hi7SaT8eOso/DSC_0005_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="271" /></a> I was quite surprised when I researched my eBird records to discover that I have done relatively few bird counts in the greater Sycamore Canyon area. While I count birds almost every day from my own yard, my bird counts of various areas in Sycamore Canyon have not been consistent. Though I have lived here for over three years I was surprised to see that I had only submitted bird counts for the park area 23 times. In response to this knowledge I have been down to the park counting birds three times in the past week, and I plan on going more. I feel the urgency of collecting as much data as I can before I go. If I go. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYOB9N3JpkCCBmhZIcBuM5Z3PwalEFSifqMxbCSq941pX97Amzzjfj-0Ufi0Bg9-mGF2CT6-QGXPhPFC6YG623qix0VZqFU_Q4YHvxSKEsXQBwQ_c6wJSj7K6MXBLlsaUgLW23fWpcek/s1600-h/DSC_0056%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0056" border="0" alt="DSC_0056" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEosRCecfZI/AAAAAAAAGdc/NwOxXZUE6TY/DSC_0056_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="476" /></a> <em><font face="Times New Roman">Female Costa’s Hummingbird 7-19-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify">For now we wait. We will know in about a week what Our Fate will be. And then, I will really start to say  “Good-Bye.”</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEosRxy5aOI/AAAAAAAAGdg/kHJCsj2CCKU/s1600-h/DSC_0169%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0169" border="0" alt="DSC_0169" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEosTeNzkLI/AAAAAAAAGdk/le5Y76skILM/DSC_0169_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="687" /></a></p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-13653388615736133032010-07-23T06:36:00.001-07:002010-07-23T06:36:54.620-07:00Skywatch Friday: Layers<p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEma5SfP9NI/AAAAAAAAGcM/dGx56Ut-2CM/s1600-h/DSC_0060%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0060" border="0" alt="DSC_0060" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEma57u8hsI/AAAAAAAAGcQ/AZNt4rMpG2g/DSC_0060_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="287" /></a>Santa Rita Mountains 7-22-10 </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEma7OTlRqI/AAAAAAAAGcU/16AaywLy3Cg/s1600-h/DSC_0064%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0064" border="0" alt="DSC_0064" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEma7j8L2hI/AAAAAAAAGcY/Sk1nG3Bh2EU/DSC_0064_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="328" /></a> Santa Rita Mountains 7-22-10</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEma84pmkHI/AAAAAAAAGcc/iPRrlUB7U4Y/s1600-h/DSC_0071%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0071" border="0" alt="DSC_0071" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEma9bow1gI/AAAAAAAAGcg/W_CxRe5A_NE/DSC_0071_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="285" /></a> Rainbow over Sycamore Canyon 7-22-10</p> <p align="justify">With the monsoon in full swing I see storm clouds every day now and in the evening we have gorgeous sunsets. The billowy gray and white clouds brings out the layers in the sky and the mountains.  I so love the way the desert looks at this time of year, and though I did not get any rain at my house yesterday I did get to enjoy this gorgeous rainbow in the evening. </p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://skyley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#0080c0" size="5" face="Times New Roman"><strong>Skywatch Friday</strong></font></a><font color="#0080c0" size="5" face="Times New Roman"><strong>!</strong></font></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#000040" size="3" face="Times New Roman">Go visit!</font></em></p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-61977801046418832322010-07-20T12:44:00.001-07:002010-07-20T23:29:25.580-07:00My World: My Own Peaceable Kingdom<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8O2TbNHI/AAAAAAAAGZA/R0LIxqeUVF0/s1600-h/1.%20Gambel%27s%20Quail%20male%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="1. Gambel's Quail male" border="0" alt="1. Gambel's Quail male" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8PqW9SgI/AAAAAAAAGZE/Kh5WbdC3Ez0/1.%20Gambel%27s%20Quail%20male_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="397" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em><font color="#808080">Male Gambel’s Quail 7-13-10</font></em></p> <p>On any given day I see so many creatures in and around my yard. </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8QmyVzoI/AAAAAAAAGZI/P70hn5f7-zY/s1600-h/2.%20Gambel%27s%20female%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="2. Gambel's female" border="0" alt="2. Gambel's female" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8RbilWfI/AAAAAAAAGZM/xck7fWqcW98/2.%20Gambel%27s%20female_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="394" /></a> Female Gambel’s Quail 7-13-10</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8SS6FsYI/AAAAAAAAGZQ/QmVLKYV9pwo/s1600-h/3.%20Desert%20cottontail%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="3. Desert cottontail" border="0" alt="3. Desert cottontail" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8TMgBn9I/AAAAAAAAGZU/iBveRlISwKw/3.%20Desert%20cottontail_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="315" /></a></p> <p align="center"> <em><font color="#808080">Desert cottontail 7-8-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify">One day earlier this month I looked out the front window to see this bunny rabbit resting beneath my gold star (yellow bells) bush. I smiled even wider when I noticed a covey of juvenile Gambel’s quail lying beneath the same bush snuggled into the stones and the shade like little gray buns in an oven. Perched on the branches of this same bush and just over the bunny’s head was a juvenile pyrrhuloxia. In the upper branches of that same bush Lesser-goldfinches and Costa’s Hummingbirds were feeding or perching. That is when I realized I have my own little peaceable kingdom right here in my own yard. Throughout the rest of this month other birds and creatures have appeared. Often they are most comfortable in the company of other species. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8TzXt5vI/AAAAAAAAGZY/coCbvsVEemA/s1600-h/4.%20juv%20cowbird%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="4. juv cowbird" border="0" alt="4. juv cowbird" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpQIKboi89UQGg2AAOVe92rZcwi3AF3brGuLRxopyNR2Y4gboOz-BPKxL3aF6rtsPrHzuRiaKMoQU5cr56drOuJoyDEtsYEWwqrWDlZ1yvbxPgbvlfY_FuWV3SlYdQ4CUFC78nsdKENU/?imgmax=800" width="376" height="478" /></a> <em>Juvenile Brown-headed cowbird 7-5-10</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8VdJ6FQI/AAAAAAAAGZg/nTbbVJ5mVQY/s1600-h/5.%20juv%20pyrrhuloxia%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="5. juv pyrrhuloxia" border="0" alt="5. juv pyrrhuloxia" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10OAujs9T6t2WPOC366CxgMwvPE1jVpb4Ba1RXRCHccoz81rUlZSbrVApyUnhR0fjae944OQ4Iy8CReqV3F7Zw73sCXGLBn-A_4EoKi-d-Jl9FnhhOmKyQfEfZocUCxYZyebla4MlYJc/?imgmax=800" width="373" height="312" /></a><em> <a href="http://sycamorecanyonbirds.blogspot.com/2010/07/pyrrhuloxia.html" target="_blank">Juvenile Pyrrhuloxia</a> 7-5-10</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8XqVwhEI/AAAAAAAAGZo/jP9NvQrK-AY/s1600-h/6.desert%20spiny%20lizard%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="6.desert spiny lizard" border="0" alt="6.desert spiny lizard" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8YAQv9OI/AAAAAAAAGZs/mKY1WBFn_EU/6.desert%20spiny%20lizard_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="321" /></a> <em>Desert spiny Lizard 7-17-10</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2d9Mh__q-TFCUS-1eaZoXllnQ2wvYFTRodyNRyF4QhoRsLdJhFHXb3IiqYqZ5QCQFXbZ41QaQ9cFko-FpigODcA9dA91c9FbrUIe5qPumlEASURfb-o2uojhQrrHwh7cpbcfSbHe5S_w/s1600-h/7.%20male%20costa's%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="7. male costa's" border="0" alt="7. male costa's" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8ZnLUFkI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/6vAq3A9nGnA/7.%20male%20costa%27s_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="468" /></a> <em>Male Costa’s hummingbird 7-19-10 hiding in honeysuckle vine</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8a7--N0I/AAAAAAAAGZ4/nvhUw-u05fk/s1600-h/8.%20female%20Costa%27s%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="8. female Costa's" border="0" alt="8. female Costa's" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8bZQoSNI/AAAAAAAAGZ8/g8et3xKvbLg/8.%20female%20Costa%27s_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="336" /></a> <em>Female Costa’s Hummingbird 7-19-10 feeding</em></p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8copkk9I/AAAAAAAAGaA/-MXr5cELlnM/s1600-h/9.%20male%20BH%20Cow%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="9. male BH Cow" border="0" alt="9. male BH Cow" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8dZ29bLI/AAAAAAAAGaI/TQ7ke2pyiJA/9.%20male%20BH%20Cow_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="431" /></a> <em>Male Brown-headed cowbird 7-13-10</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8eWzaI6I/AAAAAAAAGaM/nfOByOLdKos/s1600-h/10.%20juv%20BH%20cow%20and%20finch%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="10. juv BH cow and finch" border="0" alt="10. juv BH cow and finch" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8e30M4qI/AAAAAAAAGaQ/qktLCAoOBM8/10.%20juv%20BH%20cow%20and%20finch_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="394" /></a> <em>Juvenile Brown-headed Cowbird drinking from fountain with female House Finch 7-13-10</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8gNplfXI/AAAAAAAAGaU/fwcCl64KN8s/s1600-h/11.%20Black-headed%20grosbeak%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="11. Black-headed grosbeak" border="0" alt="11. Black-headed grosbeak" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8g_kv0uI/AAAAAAAAGaY/mC3g-99XJtk/11.%20Black-headed%20grosbeak_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="415" /></a> <em>Black-headed Grosbeak 7-20-10</em></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8hmokKVI/AAAAAAAAGac/bqR-4xErFKY/s1600-h/12.%20Black-headed%20grosbeak%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="12. Black-headed grosbeak" border="0" alt="12. Black-headed grosbeak" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8iDt0MqI/AAAAAAAAGag/PhePnFCRaCo/12.%20Black-headed%20grosbeak_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="379" /></a> <em>Black-headed Grosbeak 7-20-10</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8jbHxxlI/AAAAAAAAGak/_gjzn78EbMg/s1600-h/13.%20dove%20and%20quail%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="13. dove and quail" border="0" alt="13. dove and quail" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TEX8kIj25RI/AAAAAAAAGao/1BTYEmO2Gic/13.%20dove%20and%20quail_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="483" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000ff" size="5" face="Times New Roman"><strong>MY World <em>Tuesday</em></strong></font></a></p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-25081583142720200662010-07-15T11:16:00.001-07:002010-07-15T11:16:48.428-07:00Skywatch Friday: Finally it Rained!<p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9QUQQ7_TI/AAAAAAAAGXw/M4npx2S3dtw/s1600-h/DSC_0035%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0035" border="0" alt="DSC_0035" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9QVAb-P4I/AAAAAAAAGX0/D0VCRQQCOks/DSC_0035_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="280" /></a> Thunderstorm in Sycamore Canyon 7-14-10 2:09 PM MST</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9QVwvhy9I/AAAAAAAAGX4/qwWPrtNpS6g/s1600-h/DSC_0034%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0034" border="0" alt="DSC_0034" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9QWc6Sm8I/AAAAAAAAGX8/E0LEiceCroA/DSC_0034_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="273" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9QXRfgS-I/AAAAAAAAGYA/BcmmoFpmeaA/s1600-h/DSC_0036%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0036" border="0" alt="DSC_0036" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9QYGblnMI/AAAAAAAAGYE/uKCwE9F8mso/DSC_0036_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="277" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9QZgsU49I/AAAAAAAAGYI/-MNdw_rR914/s1600-h/DSC_0041%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0041" border="0" alt="DSC_0041" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9QabBqKlI/AAAAAAAAGYM/3zpLeizELyw/DSC_0041_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="272" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9QbcHsP8I/AAAAAAAAGYQ/lFxveW22QZo/s1600-h/DSC_0044%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0044" border="0" alt="DSC_0044" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9Qbyb4yJI/AAAAAAAAGYU/1sb2hWqBxmY/DSC_0044_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="272" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9Qc9IC8AI/AAAAAAAAGYY/vBUZzbmQRZ8/s1600-h/DSC_0049%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0049" border="0" alt="DSC_0049" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9QdkkReYI/AAAAAAAAGYc/HURy3Pbnfxk/DSC_0049_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="275" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9QeRhV4BI/AAAAAAAAGYg/Oc8_QFvu1cU/s1600-h/DSC_0053%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0053" border="0" alt="DSC_0053" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9QfAvsrCI/AAAAAAAAGYk/utGG1m8qN18/DSC_0053_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="378" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9Qf_rrI-I/AAAAAAAAGYo/Q8yjcrmrQZQ/s1600-h/DSC_0077%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0077" border="0" alt="DSC_0077" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9QgfHdJYI/AAAAAAAAGYs/T8F1acQAKKA/DSC_0077_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="528" /></a> Drenched Costa’s hummingbird 7-14-10</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9Qh4hH4DI/AAAAAAAAGYw/IU26lJvZGwI/s1600-h/DSC_0058%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0058" border="0" alt="DSC_0058" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9QieWTKeI/AAAAAAAAGY0/T7cZ_yWCWCc/DSC_0058_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="272" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9QjZ1iDxI/AAAAAAAAGY4/_fnErYE07lg/s1600-h/DSC_0047%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC_0047" border="0" alt="DSC_0047" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TD9Qj2agRCI/AAAAAAAAGY8/c4RsUmcPluU/DSC_0047_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="286" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://skyley.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#000080" size="5" face="Times New Roman"><strong>Skywatch Friday</strong></font></a><font color="#000080" size="5" face="Times New Roman"><strong>!</strong></font></p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-61562172351154164382010-07-12T14:13:00.001-07:002010-07-13T08:39:03.260-07:00So…Who Ate The Rabbit?<p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFFSQ6A0I/AAAAAAAAGWE/I8s79kCQAEI/s1600-h/DSC_0161%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0161" border="0" alt="DSC_0161" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFGR-c8bI/AAAAAAAAGWI/WYE5UcDX8nY/DSC_0161_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="327" /></a><font size="2"><font color="#808080"> <em>Desert cottontail carcass 7-9-10 </em></font><em><font face="Times New Roman">(<font color="#808080">Read the beginning of this story </font></font><a href="http://coronadetucson.blogspot.com/2010/07/turkey-vulture-drama-outside-my-den.html" target="_blank"><font color="#0080c0" face="Times New Roman">here</font></a><font color="#0080c0" face="Times New Roman">) </font></em></font></p> <p align="justify">All day long the rabbit lay in the wash. On Saturday morning I went outside and it was still there. Saturday afternoon a kettle of turkey vultures circled overhead, but none came down to earth, and there the rabbit lay. Saturday night is was still there as I sat on the terrace and kept vigil while talking to my daughter. Sunday morning and there the carcass lay under a thick gray blanket of storm clouds. Gus and I went out for breakfast. We returned home under the same gray skies but no rain. The air hung thick and humid with no sweet relief from rain. Sunday night a red watermelon sun slipped from behind the shelf of gray clouds and slid below the western horizon. I walked out to the front yard once again and peered into the wash. The rabbit’s body lay where it fell and looked as if it were melting into the earth. Darkness fell with cloud banks warring and distant lightening illuminating the edges of the clouds, but still no rain.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-O9Vu380W74iNCEeav3xaVpPYaLfnGQeHN7xjgKO7iT2Xs5rlNxEkQ0mz4eKjQU_Xo6jKZEfri6Pbk1sm859_rMzzqH9guGZEhz9zUKDtafQrNUv26jDocgbRc6ieEfcDB7mPdsFa2IY/s1600-h/DSC_0019%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0019" border="0" alt="DSC_0019" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFIuZFrQI/AAAAAAAAGWQ/PRVWoBq1w60/DSC_0019_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="275" /></a><em><font color="#808080" size="2"> In the shade of the mesquite tree 7-12-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify">Now it is Monday morning. Sometime during the night the gray wool clouds slipped away leaving a hazy blue sky that looks like faded denim. It is 81 degrees as I step outside at 8:30 a.m. to eat my breakfast on the terrace in the dappled shade of the mesquite tree. A light wind is tossing the branches and teasing my hair. I sit here with my bins and scan the wash trying to see if the rabbit’s body is still there. I know exactly where to look. It is by two clumps of brittle bush with a stick that flipped up and fell across its body when it dropped, but from this angle I discover that a creosote bush is in my way and I cannot see.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFJ-rDMLI/AAAAAAAAGWU/tb3ETfJ3RZ8/s1600-h/DSC_0035%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0035" border="0" alt="DSC_0035" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFKoV_reI/AAAAAAAAGWY/CR_qEQo9Dws/DSC_0035_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="341" height="471" /></a> <em><font color="#808080" size="2">Finches 7-12-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify">I finish my breakfast with Costa’s hummingbirds zipping by my head, lesser goldfinches picking thistle seed from the feeder behind me and purple martins twittering and chirping as they fly overhead. Down in the wash I see at least four live desert cottontails running around and nibbling on the grasses. Gambel’s’ quail scurry about in various family groups, the parents calling and cooing to the young ones in constant communication. I see a lizard flip its tail up over its back and race up the riprap towards the top of the wash. I realize how lucky I am to live in such a place where wildlife is so prevalent. I do not need a zoo; I live in the midst of a wildlife park!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFM7PVNyI/AAAAAAAAGWc/9ke07yMn0ng/s1600-h/DSC_0017%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0017" border="0" alt="DSC_0017" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFNqhs09I/AAAAAAAAGWg/FjHflgmcans/DSC_0017_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="292" /></a><font color="#808080" size="2"><em>Down in the Wash 7-12-10</em></font></p> <p align="justify">With breakfast over I start my chores in the backyard first filling feeders and birds baths and watering the plants. With that task done I finally head to the front yard to clean my bird fountain, fill those feeders, and water those plants. Now it is time to find out. Will the rabbit still be there?</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFPlnNTjI/AAAAAAAAGWk/vcso-FERfQ0/s1600-h/DSC_0014%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0014" border="0" alt="DSC_0014" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFQf1wvAI/AAAAAAAAGWo/fcL1CImu2O8/DSC_0014_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="333" /></a> <em><font color="#808080" size="2">Where the rabbit lay 7-12-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify">I set the hose on the purslane and walk the few steps down the sidewalk to the best vantage point for seeing the rabbit. I locate the two brittle bushes and gaze at the fold of the earth. I look for the stick that lay across the rabbit’s body, but the rabbit is gone and the stick is about 4 to 5 feet away farther down the wash. Okay…so who ate the rabbit?</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZGctvcBkLUGOfsdajAwWiAcyDLpw0L_Ik1ZcZSBoWG8sthRHUIqtW4FmG5TNWV6_6hKdvk3RJfeFMYoO_im6yxAvhtCAuW2F9OUwnsDbzitse_VvG2xQHKAApBTQ4p-gT2AO90cxask/s1600-h/DSC_0015%5B18%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0015" border="0" alt="DSC_0015" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFThco-7I/AAAAAAAAGWw/-7NSPgGXpRk/DSC_0015_thumb%5B16%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="275" /></a> <font color="#808080" size="2"><em>The stick 7-12-10</em></font></p> <p align="justify">I take my bins and scan the nearby bushes and trees. I see no sign of hair or bones anywhere. This particular wash is really a manmade retention basin for storm runoff and as such it is fenced all around to keep people and pets out of it. Three years ago it was little more than dirt and stone with a few trees the developer put in as landscaping. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFVv7xjKI/AAAAAAAAGW0/MAPiW33YWvQ/s1600-h/DSC_0020%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0020" border="0" alt="DSC_0020" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFWU02GmI/AAAAAAAAGW4/XE_Pq3xNeXw/DSC_0020_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="390" height="285" /></a><em><font color="#808080" size="2">The corner of the wash where I threw the dead rabbit 7-12-10</font></em> </p> <p align="justify">Since then creosote bush has moved in, along with brittle bush, desert grasses, a few weeds and some wildflowers, but as yet there are no cacti growing. Still, it has filled in quite a bit.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFX2JowZI/AAAAAAAAGW8/JOUKReK9Y1g/s1600-h/DSC_0022%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0022" border="0" alt="DSC_0022" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFY77-dVI/AAAAAAAAGXA/1fFru24vYQY/DSC_0022_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="283" /></a> <font color="#808080" size="2"><em>The Closed Gate 7-12-10</em></font></p> <p align="justify">I see the fence everywhere with the gate that is halfway across the wash closed and I conclude that it probably wasn’t a coyote who got the rabbit, so it must have been something with wings. If it was, it either came during the night or early this morning, and whatever it was must have carried it off, for there is no body or evidence of a body anywhere around. Nature has taken care of its own. Perhaps that dead rabbit is feeding a parent or some chicks. One creature dies so another can live. This is the reality of life in the desert.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFatdkIsI/AAAAAAAAGXE/j3lmDWCuwOU/s1600-h/DSC_0040%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0040" border="0" alt="DSC_0040" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFbvhSUhI/AAAAAAAAGXI/y_4Rc4SEvcY/DSC_0040_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="271" /></a><em><font color="#808080" size="2"> My Backyard Flowerbed 7-12-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify">I pull my hose back into the backyard and water my final flowerbed. The hose is running at almost full and I am flood irrigating this one bed which I have yet to run drip lines to. Suddenly I see a tiny wet mouse climbing the block wall desperately. It makes it to the top, its gray-brown coat soaked and dripping, its long tail dragging a wet stream behind it. I think that it is going to sit there in the sun and dry. It is so upset that it doesn’t seem to mind me being so close to it. I have my bins but not my camera with me. I step down off the low wall I am standing on and take the few steps inside to exchange bins for the camera but when I return in less than ten seconds the mouse if gone! I search for it everywhere but I cannot find it. This is also the way of the desert. Where creatures appear and disappear before you know it. Life is happening all around me all the time it seems. I get to see these little glimpses of nature and almost every day there is a new drama happening outside my window. I only have to open my eyes and observe it. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFckxp8bI/AAAAAAAAGXM/3NSpKRDYRt0/s1600-h/DSC_0024%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0024" border="0" alt="DSC_0024" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFdcEuwgI/AAAAAAAAGXQ/ndNPX1jsKDg/DSC_0024_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="400" /></a> <font color="#808080" size="2"><em>Curve-billed thrasher (Western) 7-12-10</em></font></p> <p align="justify">For now, the curve-billed thrasher feed next to white-winged doves and cactus wrens. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFeXDVnqI/AAAAAAAAGXU/qeXxG5vTYnQ/s1600-h/DSC_0030%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0030" border="0" alt="DSC_0030" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFfNO1FzI/AAAAAAAAGXY/pifxw3lyGts/DSC_0030_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="376" /></a> <em><font color="#808080" size="2">White-winged dove 7-12-10</font></em></p> <p align="justify">Mourning doves coo and chase and purple martins sail above. Pyrrhuloxias feed next to northern cardinals and house finches and above it all the turkey vultures glide on desert thermals waiting to do their job.</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFgXYOyPI/AAAAAAAAGXc/kcTKtIHLAes/s1600-h/DSC_0039%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0039" border="0" alt="DSC_0039" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUR76h3q88L8FtYQjJl0gMgRenMqgaYXjYMZ7xRl1PlJBaCHuXoMgfTJGXXhN370HumBbQtNQhrJAz1pC6TKHuVkbTG68H2G8gs0yH-pcHa20rET9EWY6B9jRSimR-fN1VjSj0SPPmFNw/?imgmax=800" width="333" height="288" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><font color="#808080" size="2"><em>Juvenile Gambel’s Quail trying to get at seed 7-12-10</em></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2"></font></p> <p><font color="#000000" size="2">So, who is in and around the yard today?</font></p> <ol> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Gambel’s Quail<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFh8EeagI/AAAAAAAAGXo/Q2ANAz7POuU/s1600-h/DSC_0033%5B16%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="DSC_0033" border="0" alt="DSC_0033" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDuFiWUsAxI/AAAAAAAAGXs/pF7XJAOY27Q/DSC_0033_thumb%5B14%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="202" height="412" /></a></font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Turkey vulture</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Red-tailed hawk</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Mourning dove</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">White-winged dove</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Costa’s Hummingbirds</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Gila woodpecker</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Gilded flicker</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Common raven</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Chihuahuan raven</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Purple martin</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Verdin</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Cactus Wren</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Curve-billed thrasher</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Canyon towhee</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Northern Cardinal</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Pyrrhuloxia</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">House finch</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">Lesser goldfinch</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">House sparrow</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">4 cottontails in the wash</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">1 lizard</font> </li> <li><font color="#000000" size="2">1 drenched mouse</font> </li> </ol> <p>Oh, and Poetry is happening once again on <a href="http://kathiespoettree.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#0000ff" face="Times New Roman">Kathie’s Poet Tree</font></a></p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8337291898556479782.post-35916989491096023152010-07-10T13:39:00.000-07:002010-07-10T13:39:00.654-07:00Turkey Vulture Drama outside my Den Window<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeJ1sOJ7zI/AAAAAAAAGUo/UVkGn9RwBkI/s1600-h/DSC_0157%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0157" border="0" alt="DSC_0157" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeJ2ONP4fI/AAAAAAAAGUs/dEqi4xWea9w/DSC_0157_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="380" /></a> </p> <p>Turkey vulture flying overhead 7-9-10 Nikon D80 70–300 mm lens</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeJ3FEiV4I/AAAAAAAAGUw/KL3DWJ2zIPs/s1600-h/DSC_0149%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0149" border="0" alt="DSC_0149" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeJ353Kx5I/AAAAAAAAGU0/G8N1Jq-CUEI/DSC_0149_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="354" /></a>It is Friday morning, hot and sunny with a strong easterly wind. When I go outside to fill one of my bird feeders I spot a poor dead rabbit in the road. Perhaps it is one that eats my purslane and I should not be sad, but I am.  I hate to see any creature killed by man’s vehicles. I am wondering how long it will take the vultures to find it as I go back in the house. </p> <p align="justify">I am sitting inside the den writing and looking out the window when one shows up. I grab my camera and take this photo from inside the house through the den window and the fence, then I creep quietly out the front door and sneak down the side of the garage, across the front of it, and around Gus’ truck which I intend to use as a blind.  I do not want to disturb the bird or spook it off its prize.  I want it to clean it up from out of the road. However, before I can even get into position I see the vulture flying up right over my head.  I thought <strong>I</strong> had spooked it as I start taking pictures. Then, as I whirl around and snap away I see a couple walking up the sidewalk right past where the bird had been. They ask me if it is a hawk but I tell them no, it is a turkey vulture, which is nature’s version of the clean-up crew. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFXKxvAa-SprxaVa_fZZ0ag9JvhFnCNG7vDYNCT29OVB2Z1dyoJz8UNWSr4T2zekII_3LEZUnG8EqONds-WnAD4GQDYDGcGDVP2o4hk8jHytruidNFO0CPB92C-94dKslRXNckh057Vw/s1600-h/DSC_0150%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0150" border="0" alt="DSC_0150" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeJ5ORiv9I/AAAAAAAAGU8/f-QGdD6Pq3I/DSC_0150_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="354" /></a> The vulture circles several times then tries to land again but a car comes by and scares it off. It lifts off into an azure sky on wonderful and powerful dark wings.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeJ5kq9rNI/AAAAAAAAGVA/yV62m9cFpsk/s1600-h/DSC_0153%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0153" border="0" alt="DSC_0153" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeJ6OmfnpI/AAAAAAAAGVE/2ZifBnnA7Ds/DSC_0153_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="398" height="506" /></a>I wonder how it must be to soar over rooftops and circle in the clouds. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeJ7MzFbjI/AAAAAAAAGVI/2dywIFseZV8/s1600-h/DSC_0154%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0154" border="0" alt="DSC_0154" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeJ7ppqdhI/AAAAAAAAGVM/U3sjO0ybeZ0/DSC_0154_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="354" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeJ8S_S8_I/AAAAAAAAGVQ/BFD5iSujAnU/s1600-h/DSC_0155%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0155" border="0" alt="DSC_0155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivms4XTFhyphenhyphenwC8slIJGnda_pPz1j0MNU0uWK4jyA_qxGFq8atKxbQBh6EfCDPaWV5lbjWAVW86AFFnnRXBxoT52qEEs8jOHulCWCLKSYtpNUA-yusulkxqU5pD0nAAJmZKF6KZXbGcHJFI/?imgmax=800" width="392" height="336" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeJ9oGtwMI/AAAAAAAAGVY/dpXLJRCFL10/s1600-h/DSC_0158%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0158" border="0" alt="DSC_0158" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeJ-U0phsI/AAAAAAAAGVc/gxw4O1gkArc/DSC_0158_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="495" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeJ_Depi_I/AAAAAAAAGVg/QPDUR6l4FBw/s1600-h/DSC_0159%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0159" border="0" alt="DSC_0159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJMueRv4TFUqjLY_ZNSNyuHb5eVnB15wkNix4bOlghpb63ftgibOZGKyzYaQldGQvUM_7LqIW6MiinlI9bx6HjpAb7bzARl4g1tyO9g8_rUFaDHoB8kloCGPIXFV_C_DWkTuDrxBJJAA/?imgmax=800" width="380" height="358" /></a> I then decide to take matters into my own hands.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeKBMl-0zI/AAAAAAAAGVo/SdhirKGVBD8/s1600-h/DSC_0160%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0160" border="0" alt="DSC_0160" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeKBjGgJxI/AAAAAAAAGVs/-xIg5cARwzE/DSC_0160_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="331" /></a> I walk over to the poor dead rabbit, pick it up by the end of its foot, and throw it over the fence into the wash! It must have been newly killed this morning for its body is still somewhat supple and the blood still looks red instead of black. Its death does not scare me or gross me out, I only feel sorry for its untimely death in such an unnatural manner. But this is natures way of providing for the others.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeKCnp19kI/AAAAAAAAGVw/7TDl2Zi5Zw8/s1600-h/DSC_0162%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0162" border="0" alt="DSC_0162" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeKDW3yQyI/AAAAAAAAGV4/xPHn2sAo4c0/DSC_0162_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="403" /></a>I call this giving it back to nature. I figure this way nature can take its course but if the vulture comes back it won’t be in danger from the cars and trucks anymore.  And if it doesn’t, I would rather see it decay and become part of the earth again than to get run over and mashed by car after car. The carcass settles with a soft thud into the dry desert grasses. The dark eye stares blankly into this void. The rabbit’s soul is gone. A few minutes later I am not surprised when a raven lands on the carcass instead. I had seen them hovering around the area also.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeKEtXQTFI/AAAAAAAAGV8/q8lyyVx2em0/s1600-h/DSC_0163%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC_0163" border="0" alt="DSC_0163" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_KmXktyldzvg/TDeKFcvcUPI/AAAAAAAAGWA/8nnHBZy5bL8/DSC_0163_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="410" height="339" /></a> I grab the camera once again and this time creep out the back door to see if I can snap a photo but the wary raven hears me and takes off like a shot! </p> <p>So, I go back inside and wait. The turkey vulture comes back but he lands in the road where the dead rabbit had been.  He stands there looking around and looking confused even though the rabbit is only 20 feet away from him over the fence in the wash. Then a jeep comes by and the vulture flies off.  It  does not return and neither does the raven. </p> <p>Meanwhile, at my nearby bird feeders the rest of the birds feed as if nothing has happened at all. </p> <p align="justify">I keep track of the rabbit in the wash all day long and though I remain inside so as not to disturb the birds the vulture and the raven never return. Just before sunset I check once again and its limp body still lies in the grass. One question remains: Will it still be there in the morning? You never know what happens in a desert night!</p> Kathie Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10377224759599266209noreply@blogger.com15