In most autumns, the Rabbitbrush and Desert Broom burst into bloom, and they are both fabulous butterfly attractants. This year, after our very light monsoon, flowers are scarce around Portal, Arizona. But last week, Noel Snyder noticed an especially fine mass of Rabbitbrush blooming along … Continue readingCycles
It’s just after dawn, and the rising sun hits our outside sleeping deck. We’re in the mountains of central Idaho at the home of our long-time friends, Fred and Melly Zeillemaker. Fred retired from the US Fish and Wildlife Service after a career of managing … Continue readingAt Fred and Melly’s Cabin
Common Ringlet at Ruby Lake NWR (Photo by Narca) The road north brings us to another stellar oasis: Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. Pahranagat means “valley of shining waters” in the Paiute language. Large thermal springs feed a system of wetlands, where impoundments assure water … Continue readingFinding Refuge in Nevada
The long drive north from Arizona to Idaho brings the perfect opportunity to revisit our favorite refuges in Nevada and to explore new ground. We pick up our friend Rich Hoyer in Tucson, and the three of us set off on a three-day camping trip … Continue readingNevada Oasis
Marble Canyon in northern Arizona (Photo by Narca) One of the big perks of travel––of long, relaxed hours on the road––is that our minds disengage from our daily concerns, and we play, unfocused, with the elements of our experience, until suddenly there’s a shift, and … Continue readingMusing, as the Miles Roll By
South Hills Crossbill male (Rather poor photo by Narca) Dr. Craig Benkman, who gave the banquet keynote talk at Western Field Ornithologists’ annual meeting in Boise, has researched the habits and vocalizations of Red Crossbills for years. His work is helping to untangle the confusing … Continue readingSouth Hills Crossbills
Sage meets conifers on Lucky Peak (Photo by Narca) At the Western Field Ornithologists’ annual meeting, Alan and I join an all-day field trip to the bird banding station run by Idaho Bird Observatory, a research institution under the auspices of Boise State University. The … Continue readingIdaho Bird Observatory
Papuan Frogmouth at LotusBird Lodge (Photo by Narca) On our southward journey back down the Cape York Peninsula, we take a long side-loop from Musgrave, stopping first at LotusBird Lodge, where Sue shows us a Papuan Frogmouth in her yard and gives us great tips … Continue readingStumpy
Magnificent Riflebird displaying (Photo by Jim Shiflett) The loud whistles of displaying male riflebirds cut through the rainforest of the Iron Range on the Cape York Peninsula. Largest of Australia’s birds of paradise, the Magnificent Riflebird ranges from northeast Australia to New Guinea. Males are … Continue readingThe Magnificent Riflebird
Alan and I are picking up Rich Hoyer and heading for the Western Field Ornithologists annual meeting in Boise, Idaho, so posts may be less frequent for the next couple of weeks. But stay tuned! The WFO meeting is a special one––their 40th anniversary. Alan … Continue readingOn the Road