B Alvarius’s comment from last post reminded me of a modern day Tall Tale, set in the bootheel of New Mexico at what was then called the Gray Ranch, a fabled ranch sprawled across the Continental Divide, which 20 years ago was owned by The … Continue readingA Cautionary Tale
Last month, we stopped at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument on our way home to Portal. The park newsletter was organized differently this year. Several wide columns sported headings such as: “What To Do if You Have 1/2 Hour” in the park… “1 hour”… “2 … Continue readingSign of the Times
At our home in Portal, hordes of elegant Phainopeplas have swarmed for months to drink at our tiny “fish” pond (aka lure for migrating Ospreys, though the fish which we inherited from the previous inhabitants have long since disappeared). Suddenly, about four days ago, the … Continue readingPhainopeplas
Yesterday’s field trip to Molino Basin in the Santa Catalina Mountains above Tucson was spectacular! Mary Klinkel ably led the group from SEABA (Southeast Arizona Butterfly Association), helped by Gary Jue and Mary Kay Eiermann. Weather couldn’t have been kinder: warm and sunny, with no … Continue readingAll Smiles
Calling all adventurers! I invite you to join me on a Naturalist Journeys tour this fall to Scotland. We’ll focus on the Scottish Highlands and (for the trip extension) on the remote and wild Outer Hebrides. Fall is a very fine time to visit here––the … Continue readingScottish Highlands––This Autumn!
The trailhead for Hellhole Canyon in Anza Borrego State Park sports this sign: “People have died on this trail.” Well… that seems a little melodramatic… but in summer it certainly could apply, when the temperature can climb to 124º! Even though today’s temperature is a … Continue readingHellhole
We’re in Anza Borrego State Park, which showcases the Colorado Desert of southern California. Colorado Desert is basically Sonoran Desert, minus the Saguaro, and with other differences in plant and animal species. It is the Californian expression of Sonoran Desert. Not far to the north, … Continue readingPlum Canyon
At the end of February, Wally, Jo Ann, Jim and Kris joined me for a day afield to Whitewater Draw, a state wildlife area north of Douglas, Arizona. Weather couldn’t have sparkled more! And the birds were feeling both the warmth of the day (after … Continue readingMigration!
Greater Sandhill Cranes in early light (Photos by Narca) Sandhill Cranes are a huge draw at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, and the inspiration for their annual Festival of the Cranes, now in its 24th year. When you rise early, before … Continue readingSandhill Cranes: An Ancient Lineage
Each year we witness grand tides of migratory life. Cranes rattle overhead; geese wing south from their breeding grounds; tiny warblers rain into coastal brush after battling a headwind on their way north across the Gulf of Mexico. And it is possible through banding programs … Continue readingA Snow Goose Named 5-1V