May 19, 2013
Surprisingly, it was a lovely spring morning after the first cloudy and chilly hour.
I stayed on I90 through eastern South Dakota into Minnesota, stopping at the Missouri River at Chamberlain, SD. There was little traffic, it being Sunday morning, and more soft blue skies and greening field and watery places with a few ducks in each one. I stopped to seek out a Starbucks in Chamberlain, but "none found within 100 miles," so I walked a quarter-mile trail overlooking the river, noting a sign at the begining "Beware of Poisonous Snakes." It was certainly not the first thing I would have thought would be around here, as it was verdant and cool and sunny and park-like.
But, as I went over near the artistic concrete tepee structure (a dozen or so huge square poles arranged in a tepee shape), I saw a LARGE snake not far from the path.
I headed north on secondary roads soon after getting into Minnesota and spent the afternoon moving north and east towards Duluth, and passed through Olivia, Minnesota. I took a picture and send it to her and she responded immediately that this was "cool" and that she was "going to live there when I grow up."
Bad weather began again, and again there were weather advisories and darkening skies. The announcer would list about 20 counties and towns and half the time I had no idea what county I was in.
It was darkening rapidly by the time I drove through Duluth and suddenly, as I came down off the high bridges onto US2 and was braking, my car sounded horrible. But only at very low speeds, like 5 to 10 miles per hour, and only after braking and starting up again. At first I tried to convince myself that the significant wind which was hitting the car was responsible but knew that was a delusion. Still, I continued on for an hour since the noise didn't seem to happen when braking at higher speeds and, besides, I wasn't braking much. The weather got worse and worse. I didn't know if it was dark because of the storms or natural daylight subsidence. There was significant lightning in the skies ahead and lots of rain and wind and I don't see all that well while driving at night and I was tired, BBB.
Of course, in Ashland, the horrid noise was very much evident as I had to brake at lights. I headed for the Best Western which I remembered from previous trips through here and which is impressive with several stories and on Lake Superior. At this pont I didn't care what it cost but the rooms were still reasonable (off-season rates yet) so I parked and got a few things out of the car in a driving rain. I think this particular Best Western was originally a Chatuaqua hotel type of lodging and is certainly much more expensive in the summer months. I was dressed totally inappropriately with flip-flops, etc. but the room was as nice as motel rooms get and I decided I would worry about the car in the morning.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Birding My Way ~ Loveland, Colorado to Murdo, South Dakota
May 20, 2013
I had the intention to watch the sun rise over the Pawnee National Grasslands but that meant I would have had to leave the motel at 4 a.m. Which did not happen.
Instead I left about 7 and headed east and north, stair-stepping my way for 40+ miles, sometimes on gravel roads, until I got to the edge of the grasslands. It is a large area, checker-boarded with both protected lands and ranching / farmland. After all the heat of the past days, the morning was much cooler with a bit of overcast and a slight breeze, but still mostly sunny.
I had researched ferruginous hawks on eBird and saw they had been seen recently by a guy named Guillaume Peron. I googled that name and found him as he works for some nature conservancy organization. There aren't lots of guys with that name in Colorado. He responded almost right away and said he HAD seen the hawk on a nest but found it kind of accidentally near "Murphy's pasture and quite far from the road," so I had asked for more specific directions. Which he didn't give, although I guess he thought he did, meaing I had to search about 100 square miles. I didn't do that of course, but meandered about on the north-south and east-west gravel roads. I stopped twice and set up the scope as I came on and flushed large hawks who would then fly and perch just out of good range, even with the scope. But it was frustrating as both times, the hawks would then sit quietly for as long as I looked and I ALMOST could see enough to ID them. The first time, it actually flew to a medium-sized tree and I could see a large nest in the tree, but it was too far away. So it goes with birding.
What it was though was a lark day....hundreds of lark buntings, horned larks and lark sparrows. Male lark buntings are handsome, mostly black, chunky, sparrow-sized birds with a large white wing patch. Females look totally different and are brown and stripey. I saw them here and throughout the rest of the day.
I drove through the sweet unpretentious campground on the Crow River on the southern boundary of the grasslands. There was a softball game in progress and several campsites were occupied and there was a cluster of green tents in the distance near the river. I am sure if I had camped there and birded several hours, I would have seen many species.
I talked to a middle-age couple from Boulder. The woman was peering up into the trees with her binoculars and the gentleman was sitting at a picnic table with a well-worn Sibley's in front of him, saying he was "overwhelmed" in this habitat with birds that they don't see in Boulder. I definitely know that feeling.
I was starting to feel pressure to move on and headed north to I80 and into Wyoming for a very short distance and then into Nebraska, east for awhile and then north again for a long way to South Dakota. This road through western Nebraska was absolutely stunningly beautiful. Vistas from huge rolling hills, very little traffic, sandstone buttes in the Scotts Bluff area, occasional small creeks and rivers, a sky that goes forever, benign clouds, early spring greenery and, surprisingly, large areas of evergreen-dotted hillsides. There actually is a Nebraska State Forest.
The weather began to change though and the next several hours got increasingly menacing. The radio stations began interrupting their programming to give weather warnings with possibilities of "quarter-sized hail and high winds, up to 60 mph and torando watches." Then they would name the affected counties and towns which I would try to find on the map. And the skies also darkened considerably (and quickly). I could usually turn north or east to avoid the worst of the weather, bascially keeping ahead of the front.
I went through Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (Oglala Lakota Indian tribe) and the town of Pine Ridge in SD and turned east from there. These Indian towns are alike in that there is always lots of human activity and cars and dogs. I thought I would see signs for Wounded Knee which is just east of Pine Ridge,but never did, and the sky was getting darker and darker and I was fretting too much to try to figure out where and when I would have to turn to see it. But then I would pass small groups of Indian families, with 3 ro 4 cars parked down off the road by little lakes, with kids and adults fishing from the shores and just hanging out. They obviously weren't fretting about the weather.
I finally got to Murdo, SD. All day I drove through the prairie. I loved this landscape. There are occasional deserted school buildings or homesteads that intrigue me. There is a stark beauty to these old weathered structures. Birds fly in and out the windows. There are often outhouses nearby. What stories they have. I came on one close to Murdo, and at first I though it was a grand new home like one sees off and out here. It was situated so the view to the south and west was incredible with wide open, gently rolling plains and a small valley with a winding water course. It was late afternoon and the light (even with the restless weather, or probably becasue of it) was spectacular. But as I got closer, I saw it was another abandoned place.
It stormed in the night and I half slept thinking about what would happen if the tornados came through Murdo.
The next morning, in the dining area, the weather channel was on, and a woman asked me what state we were in. I pointed out South Dakota. She said they HAD got caught in the "ping-pong-sized" hail in late afternoon the day before, and their brand new car was dented all over. But she was laughing about it. They were headed to Chicago and the forecast was still not good in that direction. They had only stopped in Murdo for the night because of the ominous skies ahead and didn't want to continue.
I particularly don't like to be on an expressway in tornado weather since one cannot just change directions easily. Most of the day I could keep moving out of harm's way (sort of).
I had the intention to watch the sun rise over the Pawnee National Grasslands but that meant I would have had to leave the motel at 4 a.m. Which did not happen.
Instead I left about 7 and headed east and north, stair-stepping my way for 40+ miles, sometimes on gravel roads, until I got to the edge of the grasslands. It is a large area, checker-boarded with both protected lands and ranching / farmland. After all the heat of the past days, the morning was much cooler with a bit of overcast and a slight breeze, but still mostly sunny.
I had researched ferruginous hawks on eBird and saw they had been seen recently by a guy named Guillaume Peron. I googled that name and found him as he works for some nature conservancy organization. There aren't lots of guys with that name in Colorado. He responded almost right away and said he HAD seen the hawk on a nest but found it kind of accidentally near "Murphy's pasture and quite far from the road," so I had asked for more specific directions. Which he didn't give, although I guess he thought he did, meaing I had to search about 100 square miles. I didn't do that of course, but meandered about on the north-south and east-west gravel roads. I stopped twice and set up the scope as I came on and flushed large hawks who would then fly and perch just out of good range, even with the scope. But it was frustrating as both times, the hawks would then sit quietly for as long as I looked and I ALMOST could see enough to ID them. The first time, it actually flew to a medium-sized tree and I could see a large nest in the tree, but it was too far away. So it goes with birding.
What it was though was a lark day....hundreds of lark buntings, horned larks and lark sparrows. Male lark buntings are handsome, mostly black, chunky, sparrow-sized birds with a large white wing patch. Females look totally different and are brown and stripey. I saw them here and throughout the rest of the day.
I drove through the sweet unpretentious campground on the Crow River on the southern boundary of the grasslands. There was a softball game in progress and several campsites were occupied and there was a cluster of green tents in the distance near the river. I am sure if I had camped there and birded several hours, I would have seen many species.
I talked to a middle-age couple from Boulder. The woman was peering up into the trees with her binoculars and the gentleman was sitting at a picnic table with a well-worn Sibley's in front of him, saying he was "overwhelmed" in this habitat with birds that they don't see in Boulder. I definitely know that feeling.
I was starting to feel pressure to move on and headed north to I80 and into Wyoming for a very short distance and then into Nebraska, east for awhile and then north again for a long way to South Dakota. This road through western Nebraska was absolutely stunningly beautiful. Vistas from huge rolling hills, very little traffic, sandstone buttes in the Scotts Bluff area, occasional small creeks and rivers, a sky that goes forever, benign clouds, early spring greenery and, surprisingly, large areas of evergreen-dotted hillsides. There actually is a Nebraska State Forest.
The weather began to change though and the next several hours got increasingly menacing. The radio stations began interrupting their programming to give weather warnings with possibilities of "quarter-sized hail and high winds, up to 60 mph and torando watches." Then they would name the affected counties and towns which I would try to find on the map. And the skies also darkened considerably (and quickly). I could usually turn north or east to avoid the worst of the weather, bascially keeping ahead of the front.
I went through Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (Oglala Lakota Indian tribe) and the town of Pine Ridge in SD and turned east from there. These Indian towns are alike in that there is always lots of human activity and cars and dogs. I thought I would see signs for Wounded Knee which is just east of Pine Ridge,but never did, and the sky was getting darker and darker and I was fretting too much to try to figure out where and when I would have to turn to see it. But then I would pass small groups of Indian families, with 3 ro 4 cars parked down off the road by little lakes, with kids and adults fishing from the shores and just hanging out. They obviously weren't fretting about the weather.
I finally got to Murdo, SD. All day I drove through the prairie. I loved this landscape. There are occasional deserted school buildings or homesteads that intrigue me. There is a stark beauty to these old weathered structures. Birds fly in and out the windows. There are often outhouses nearby. What stories they have. I came on one close to Murdo, and at first I though it was a grand new home like one sees off and out here. It was situated so the view to the south and west was incredible with wide open, gently rolling plains and a small valley with a winding water course. It was late afternoon and the light (even with the restless weather, or probably becasue of it) was spectacular. But as I got closer, I saw it was another abandoned place.
It stormed in the night and I half slept thinking about what would happen if the tornados came through Murdo.
The next morning, in the dining area, the weather channel was on, and a woman asked me what state we were in. I pointed out South Dakota. She said they HAD got caught in the "ping-pong-sized" hail in late afternoon the day before, and their brand new car was dented all over. But she was laughing about it. They were headed to Chicago and the forecast was still not good in that direction. They had only stopped in Murdo for the night because of the ominous skies ahead and didn't want to continue.
I particularly don't like to be on an expressway in tornado weather since one cannot just change directions easily. Most of the day I could keep moving out of harm's way (sort of).
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Birding My Way ~ Alamosa, Colorade to Loveland, Colorado
May 19, 2013
I woke up and it was cool and sunny. Like perfect weather. I kept thinking of Art and Claire as young 20-somethings in their grand adventure in this landscape with mountains extendng all along the eastern and western horizons and forever blue skies and sunshine. The San Luis valley is broad and flat and has a very definite ranching / Hispanic feel. Alamosa (my impressions from a brief ride-through) was a working town, open, practical, with some modest tourist amenities and a college (Adams State).
The East Indian woman at the desk did not like my whining about the Internet and the stairwell view and the card key issues and kept telling me I should have called the desk last night, etc. and other possible courses of action, but for over $100 a night, I shouldn't have had to solve problems after a long day of driving. Then two quiet beautiful children came on the scene with schoolbooks in hand and solemnly stood there waiting for her attention. Is it difficult for them living in Alamosa, Colorado?
I found a Starbucks in a supermarket and googled "Alamosa CRC" and got an address. It was several miles out in the country SW of town. I drove out there and took photos and just stood in front of the church and parsonage. The sky was as blue as it gets. There were immense (huge, huge and tall) cottonwoods and lots of birds twittering in the branches. A gorgeous Swainson's hawk came in for good views.
Two dogs were barking at me behind a fenced in yard directly across the street and a woman soon came out inquiring if I was looking for something. She was young and had a sweet daughter named Willa who also came (by now they were across the street), and Willa was carrying a large silvery gray cat. This neighbor called the minister, Duane Kleinedieters, who was out in back. (I had knocked on the screen door of the parsonage with no answer). He was pleasant enough and said Dad's photo was on the wall inside the house (or maybe he meant the church). I declined his offer to go in the house. It is the original Sears and Roebuck craftsman home with "add-ons" he said. It was the type of house I love. There was a white picket fence around the front and side yards and then the whole valley surrounding this little enclave. There are currently about 50 families and it is a constant struggle to keep it vital.
Art especially must have thought he entered heaven prematurely...perhaps the ante room of heaven.
The neighbor woman was named Maria.
I drove back to Alamosa on gravel roads bordering the Monte Vista NWR but didn't stop except very briefly.
The rest of the day was spent driving on good roads through incredible scenery. The hawks were Swainson's every time I did a "hawk-turnaround"The mountains on each side moved inn closer and closer but the valley road ran perfectly straight for 90 minutes. I went straight north stopping for gas in Buena Vista, where I also stopped at a little cafe and had the best lunch (avocado stuffed with pinto beans and beef and a green chile with chips). I took it outside and ate at tables paintedwith red, white and blue stripes.
Eventually, I picked up the interestate and headed east through Denver (another hour-long traffic scene) and up to Loveland. The speed limit is 75 mph and most cars go much faster with three lanes in all directions and periodic oeverhead expressway signs warning of "Heavy Weekend Traffic." And it was now in the low 90s again.
Nice motel in Loveland. I had called ahead because rooms were scarce, given graduations. Extremely friendly and helpful staff and no problems working, other than fatigue.
Birds today were Swainson's and black-billed magpies which are easy to see at 70 mph.
I woke up and it was cool and sunny. Like perfect weather. I kept thinking of Art and Claire as young 20-somethings in their grand adventure in this landscape with mountains extendng all along the eastern and western horizons and forever blue skies and sunshine. The San Luis valley is broad and flat and has a very definite ranching / Hispanic feel. Alamosa (my impressions from a brief ride-through) was a working town, open, practical, with some modest tourist amenities and a college (Adams State).
The East Indian woman at the desk did not like my whining about the Internet and the stairwell view and the card key issues and kept telling me I should have called the desk last night, etc. and other possible courses of action, but for over $100 a night, I shouldn't have had to solve problems after a long day of driving. Then two quiet beautiful children came on the scene with schoolbooks in hand and solemnly stood there waiting for her attention. Is it difficult for them living in Alamosa, Colorado?
I found a Starbucks in a supermarket and googled "Alamosa CRC" and got an address. It was several miles out in the country SW of town. I drove out there and took photos and just stood in front of the church and parsonage. The sky was as blue as it gets. There were immense (huge, huge and tall) cottonwoods and lots of birds twittering in the branches. A gorgeous Swainson's hawk came in for good views.
Two dogs were barking at me behind a fenced in yard directly across the street and a woman soon came out inquiring if I was looking for something. She was young and had a sweet daughter named Willa who also came (by now they were across the street), and Willa was carrying a large silvery gray cat. This neighbor called the minister, Duane Kleinedieters, who was out in back. (I had knocked on the screen door of the parsonage with no answer). He was pleasant enough and said Dad's photo was on the wall inside the house (or maybe he meant the church). I declined his offer to go in the house. It is the original Sears and Roebuck craftsman home with "add-ons" he said. It was the type of house I love. There was a white picket fence around the front and side yards and then the whole valley surrounding this little enclave. There are currently about 50 families and it is a constant struggle to keep it vital.
Art especially must have thought he entered heaven prematurely...perhaps the ante room of heaven.
The neighbor woman was named Maria.
I drove back to Alamosa on gravel roads bordering the Monte Vista NWR but didn't stop except very briefly.
The rest of the day was spent driving on good roads through incredible scenery. The hawks were Swainson's every time I did a "hawk-turnaround"The mountains on each side moved inn closer and closer but the valley road ran perfectly straight for 90 minutes. I went straight north stopping for gas in Buena Vista, where I also stopped at a little cafe and had the best lunch (avocado stuffed with pinto beans and beef and a green chile with chips). I took it outside and ate at tables paintedwith red, white and blue stripes.
Eventually, I picked up the interestate and headed east through Denver (another hour-long traffic scene) and up to Loveland. The speed limit is 75 mph and most cars go much faster with three lanes in all directions and periodic oeverhead expressway signs warning of "Heavy Weekend Traffic." And it was now in the low 90s again.
Nice motel in Loveland. I had called ahead because rooms were scarce, given graduations. Extremely friendly and helpful staff and no problems working, other than fatigue.
Birds today were Swainson's and black-billed magpies which are easy to see at 70 mph.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Birding My Way ~ Truth or Consequence, NM to Alamosa, Colorado
May 16, 2013
There were decisions to be made. Maria was very ill and I was waiting to hear from Richard who was waiting to hear from the physician. I had pretty much made the decision to return to Michigan but dithered, carrying on the inner dialogue. I finally thought I would proceed to Portal, Arizona and do at least one day of birding as I hadn't heard from Richard yet. So I headed down interstate on another sunny, hot day. By 10 in the morning, the wonderful balminess of the night was already turning into a merciless baking sunshine. Still, there is something about this clime....
I drove south for 28.8 miles and just could not continue, so exited, turned around and headed north. Faith and Eunice called, and I pulled off back at Truth or Consequences in order to check if there were any messages and mull over the situation after talking with Eunice.
Of course, I was disappointed, but in the context, birding could wait; Maria could not.
But, I decided to spend some more time at Bosque del Apache. Bosque is pronounced Bahs-kay or Boss-kay and means a wooded place. I learned this from the helpful, friendly volunteer at the refuge. He was also knowledgeable about birds. I had a list of twelve that I thought I would have a chnace of seeing...all birds I hadn't seen before. He told me where if if I might see them.
There was a sweet breeze; the sky was a soft blue and the emerging spring foliage on the huge cottonwoods (?) was about half-way to full, light green and delicate. I first watched cliff swallows who were mud-daubing. I could see them well as they were building these nests in several places at the entrance to the refuge center. Through binocs, I could see one bird with a big mud clump in its beak, and then watched as he/she daubed it in place. There were lizards running about.
I then watched the feeders for 15 minutes before heading out on the 6-mile north auto loop. (I had done the south loop yesterday.) I spent 2 hours driving and listening and looking, but nothing much was moving in the heat of the middle of the day. Still, I saw perhaps 20 species, picking them off here and there: western kingbirds, Say's phoebe, western yellow-rumps with rich egg-yolk yellow throats, avocets, spotted sandpipers, snowy and great egrets, shovelers..
But I was after birds like a roadrunner, an ash-throated flycatcher, a chat, a Chihuahuan raven perhaps (which I would almost certainly not have been able to distinguish from a common raven if I had seen one.
I saw two of the twelve on my list, which was fine, as listing is a small part of the pleasure I get being out in "habitat" so to speak. I heard a yellow-breasted chat which the volunteer gentleman said I would. He said he hears about five to every one he sees, so I was persistent. I got out of the car and just stood in the road peering intently into the brush from which the "chatting" was going on, and soon got enough glimpses (this is bird that will go on my list of "Birds I Have Seen but Want to See Again for a Better Look" list) to feel confident I saw a chat: large, yellow, white about the head...not ideal but enough. I heard them nearly every time I stopped in the brushy places.
I only saw two other birders who moved on ahead of me. When I got back to the center, I half collapsed from the heat plunking down on the couches in front of the feeders, and one of the gentleman kind of laughed and agreed he was also feeling that way. They were a father and his son from Albuquerque. The son was like all those young guy birders who are a presence all over in serious birding venues, probably in his late 20s, very good, serious, quiet....
And magic then happened because he said, "Do you see that little warbler?" I did almost immediately after they told me where to look and the father asked me if I knew what it was. I was seeing a grey bird with some yellow underneath, and a striking complete white eye ring. I guessed McGillivray's but really had no idea what it was, so the father told the son to tell me as the son was the one who identified it.
IT WAS A VIRGINIA'S WARBLER!. I was thrilled as this was one of my target warblers for Arizona (along with the Lucy's and Grace's warblers). I never expected to see one so easily. It surely made the day brighter. We watched it for a long time, close by, down near the ground, crubbing in a small weedy plant. The son also told me where I could find a Lucy's, but it was in a state park between Truth and Consequences and Bosque del Apache and I wasn't going to backtrack. I will remember the information though.
I was happy...
I bought a few postcards and a book on the Rio Grande, talked with the volunteer about his travels and left well into the afternoon. The homes I passed often just sit forlornly in sandy, rocky yards with very little greenery. There were seldom grassy lawns and, plants, if present, were mostly prickly and hardy. There are quite often huge trees though, shading the homes somewhat, and creating leaf shadows in the hard sunlight. I had my Sibley tree ID guide but didn't even try to learn the native flora. One needs to settle into a place to gain the most benefit. Like the volunteers at the NWR refuges can live on the grounds in their campers (I think) for several months. Many dwellings were adobe and often had solid 6-foot fences around the yards. It is SO different from areas without a water scarcity.
In Albuquerque I was in accident-induced, stop-and-go traffic for at least an hour in 92-degree heat, all through the heart of the city. I was reminded of Chris and Julie's wedding in Albuquerque and what a good time that was, rushing about the day before to help Esther buy something to wear. She looked as beautiful as the bride.
On through Santa Fe and then north to Alamosa on a beautiful road. Although I knew I had 2-1/2 hours to drive, it was one of those unexpected perfect roads...barely any traffic, well-maintained, few stops, few towns, scenic and with lingering daylight that stayed long in the western sky. Almost long enough to get to Alamosa...I no longer like to drive at night for any distance. I followed one car for an hour before it turned down a long ranch road miles from any town.
I had made reservations, and the motel was marginal as the card key didn't work right and Internet access was so spotty that I couldn't really work. I was tired though, so just went to bed, dirty and exhausted. I am learning to ask to be near the front lobby for the best access, although the nicer motels have this covered no matter where one is. My window looked out into a large dark drab stairwell.
There were decisions to be made. Maria was very ill and I was waiting to hear from Richard who was waiting to hear from the physician. I had pretty much made the decision to return to Michigan but dithered, carrying on the inner dialogue. I finally thought I would proceed to Portal, Arizona and do at least one day of birding as I hadn't heard from Richard yet. So I headed down interstate on another sunny, hot day. By 10 in the morning, the wonderful balminess of the night was already turning into a merciless baking sunshine. Still, there is something about this clime....
I drove south for 28.8 miles and just could not continue, so exited, turned around and headed north. Faith and Eunice called, and I pulled off back at Truth or Consequences in order to check if there were any messages and mull over the situation after talking with Eunice.
Of course, I was disappointed, but in the context, birding could wait; Maria could not.
But, I decided to spend some more time at Bosque del Apache. Bosque is pronounced Bahs-kay or Boss-kay and means a wooded place. I learned this from the helpful, friendly volunteer at the refuge. He was also knowledgeable about birds. I had a list of twelve that I thought I would have a chnace of seeing...all birds I hadn't seen before. He told me where if if I might see them.
There was a sweet breeze; the sky was a soft blue and the emerging spring foliage on the huge cottonwoods (?) was about half-way to full, light green and delicate. I first watched cliff swallows who were mud-daubing. I could see them well as they were building these nests in several places at the entrance to the refuge center. Through binocs, I could see one bird with a big mud clump in its beak, and then watched as he/she daubed it in place. There were lizards running about.
I then watched the feeders for 15 minutes before heading out on the 6-mile north auto loop. (I had done the south loop yesterday.) I spent 2 hours driving and listening and looking, but nothing much was moving in the heat of the middle of the day. Still, I saw perhaps 20 species, picking them off here and there: western kingbirds, Say's phoebe, western yellow-rumps with rich egg-yolk yellow throats, avocets, spotted sandpipers, snowy and great egrets, shovelers..
But I was after birds like a roadrunner, an ash-throated flycatcher, a chat, a Chihuahuan raven perhaps (which I would almost certainly not have been able to distinguish from a common raven if I had seen one.
I saw two of the twelve on my list, which was fine, as listing is a small part of the pleasure I get being out in "habitat" so to speak. I heard a yellow-breasted chat which the volunteer gentleman said I would. He said he hears about five to every one he sees, so I was persistent. I got out of the car and just stood in the road peering intently into the brush from which the "chatting" was going on, and soon got enough glimpses (this is bird that will go on my list of "Birds I Have Seen but Want to See Again for a Better Look" list) to feel confident I saw a chat: large, yellow, white about the head...not ideal but enough. I heard them nearly every time I stopped in the brushy places.
I only saw two other birders who moved on ahead of me. When I got back to the center, I half collapsed from the heat plunking down on the couches in front of the feeders, and one of the gentleman kind of laughed and agreed he was also feeling that way. They were a father and his son from Albuquerque. The son was like all those young guy birders who are a presence all over in serious birding venues, probably in his late 20s, very good, serious, quiet....
And magic then happened because he said, "Do you see that little warbler?" I did almost immediately after they told me where to look and the father asked me if I knew what it was. I was seeing a grey bird with some yellow underneath, and a striking complete white eye ring. I guessed McGillivray's but really had no idea what it was, so the father told the son to tell me as the son was the one who identified it.
IT WAS A VIRGINIA'S WARBLER!. I was thrilled as this was one of my target warblers for Arizona (along with the Lucy's and Grace's warblers). I never expected to see one so easily. It surely made the day brighter. We watched it for a long time, close by, down near the ground, crubbing in a small weedy plant. The son also told me where I could find a Lucy's, but it was in a state park between Truth and Consequences and Bosque del Apache and I wasn't going to backtrack. I will remember the information though.
I was happy...
I bought a few postcards and a book on the Rio Grande, talked with the volunteer about his travels and left well into the afternoon. The homes I passed often just sit forlornly in sandy, rocky yards with very little greenery. There were seldom grassy lawns and, plants, if present, were mostly prickly and hardy. There are quite often huge trees though, shading the homes somewhat, and creating leaf shadows in the hard sunlight. I had my Sibley tree ID guide but didn't even try to learn the native flora. One needs to settle into a place to gain the most benefit. Like the volunteers at the NWR refuges can live on the grounds in their campers (I think) for several months. Many dwellings were adobe and often had solid 6-foot fences around the yards. It is SO different from areas without a water scarcity.
In Albuquerque I was in accident-induced, stop-and-go traffic for at least an hour in 92-degree heat, all through the heart of the city. I was reminded of Chris and Julie's wedding in Albuquerque and what a good time that was, rushing about the day before to help Esther buy something to wear. She looked as beautiful as the bride.
On through Santa Fe and then north to Alamosa on a beautiful road. Although I knew I had 2-1/2 hours to drive, it was one of those unexpected perfect roads...barely any traffic, well-maintained, few stops, few towns, scenic and with lingering daylight that stayed long in the western sky. Almost long enough to get to Alamosa...I no longer like to drive at night for any distance. I followed one car for an hour before it turned down a long ranch road miles from any town.
I had made reservations, and the motel was marginal as the card key didn't work right and Internet access was so spotty that I couldn't really work. I was tired though, so just went to bed, dirty and exhausted. I am learning to ask to be near the front lobby for the best access, although the nicer motels have this covered no matter where one is. My window looked out into a large dark drab stairwell.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Birding My Way ~ Amarillo, Texas to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico ~ May 15
It was another beautiful, sunny day, starting out cool enough at 60 degrees and rising to a high of 93.
The western panhandle of Texas was as flat a topography as I have even seen. Totally, 100% flat, with perhaps a foot of elevation here and there. There were also miles of wind farms in the distance, turning their triple white-silver blades. How do they work? Is the speed of rotation regulated? What happens in severe winds, which surely do happen out here. There were places where we drivers were warned of "possible gusty winds," and huge orange fabric wind socks gave an indication of what was happening. It was weird; once in awhile a semi would pass me and block the winds and it felt totally different in the car...sort of like the car was coasting and losing power. I would look at the speedometer and could not believe I was still moving at 75 to 80 mph. Speed is relative and one quickly makes mental adjustments; what would seem fast in Michigan seems slow at times after a couple of days of steady fast driving all day.
Drove by a huge dead rattlesnake, although there are so many snake species in the SW that I couldn't be certain and surely was not going to check it out. I am working on snake tolerance.
I pulled off in Tucumcari, NM, and got McDonald breakfast burritos and birding about town an hour. It was already hot and there was little sign of life in the neighborhoods which reminded me of the neighborhood in Coral City, Florida, when Maria and I chased (and easily found) burrowing owls. There were lots of western kingbirds, great-tailed grackles, chipping sparrows, house finches and Eurasian collared doves among other birds I have seen already. Xeriscape landscaping with modest homes, often surrounded by small privacy fences.
Finally, at Santa Rosa, NM, I left I40 and headed southwest, passing through Vaughn and Corona and Carrizozo before turning west to Bosque Del Apache NWR. I hadn't planned this route and intended to turn south at Albuquerque, but looked at the map and this worked. It was immediately 85% better. I could still drive 65 to 70; there was 85% less traffic; I could stop if I wanted and the scenery was stunning in a wide-open blue sky sagebrush mountains in the distance way. I did not see birds though, except for turkey vultures and the very occasional small sparrow in flight.
Lots of phone calls from my family today.
Bosque del Apache. Ahhh..... I love these refuges. This one is near the Rio Grande which allows enough water management to attract and keep significant fauna, including 25 snake species and 350+ bird species, although not at all times and not every year. Still.....
As I drove into the refuge, a Gambel's quail was perched on a directional sign and it stayed for a photos. These quails look much like California quails and are truly gorgeous. They are whimsical. Again, google them for full effect. When I have more time, I will post a photo or two. It's is worth checking out if only for their top-knot deal, sort of like a young teenager trying hair options.
The refuge was, as they all are, staffed with helpful courteous people. One gentleman reminded me to check out the feeders and they immediately captivated me. At one time there were eight black-chinned (male and female) hummingbirds at a single feeder. These came and went constantly. There were black-headed grosbeaks, western tanagers with bright red heads, Bullock's orioles, white-crowned sparrows and the more elusive but breath-taking yellow and black Scott's oriole. A small water seep attracted a warbler but we only got a fleeting glimpse. The bird-knowledgeable staff guy saw the warbler and commented on how he always sees something out of the ordinary when his binos are at the desk in the next room. We bird-chatted for several minutes as I tried to sort out birds I don't see in Michigan. He has been all over and knew SE Arizona and was going to do a road trip soon through the UP in Michigan. He had already seen a black-backed woodpecker but not the Connecticut warbler, two of MY target UP birds.
I drove one of the two 6-mile loops as I was supposed to work yet and it was an hour from motels (when and if I found one as I had no reservations). But there were vignettes even so: a groups of mixed dark and white birds which were a dozen each of white-faced ibises and snowy egrets standing in a muddy area on the edge of a small waterway. The golden feet of the egrets were strikingly visible as they stood on the dark damp ground. The ibises are dark until seen through the binos and then the darkness turns into a rich mix of slightly iridescent purples and a red rusty brown. There were also a few great egrets, Canada geese, cormorants (which I ASSUMED were double-crested but will have to check as neotropics are more common here). I watched what I decided was a western yellow-rump move through the riparian foliage. It had a bright yellow throat, black on breast, slate grey back of head and nape but with glimpses of yellow on the top of its head and some whitish/yellowish striping on the wings. Undertail coverts were white. I was hoping it was something more uncommon but I think not. Still, it was cool to see and watch and try to figure out.
There were ducks like blue-winged teals, norther shovelers, ruddies...a spotted sandpiper. I didn't linger though and I know I missed a lot. The refuge is narrow and linear, perhaps 20 miles long.
The staff assured me I would eventually pick up I25 (main north/south interstate between Albuquerque and El Paso) by traveling south along the river and eventually I came on a sign "To I25" but the turn was onto a gravel road. I hesitated but trusted the signage and after a mile, I was moving at 75 mph again. It was hot and windy; I was tired and dusty but after an hour found a motel in Truth or Consequences, NM. I had a microwaved chimichanga, coke, skittles, potato chips and a small nutty ice-cream cone, all available in the motel. This was to fortify me as I worked until midnight. T or C is a town surrounded by hills and mountains, but the dry brownish ones. The mornings and evenings are perfect; it's just the heat and wind of the days that one has to get through.
The western panhandle of Texas was as flat a topography as I have even seen. Totally, 100% flat, with perhaps a foot of elevation here and there. There were also miles of wind farms in the distance, turning their triple white-silver blades. How do they work? Is the speed of rotation regulated? What happens in severe winds, which surely do happen out here. There were places where we drivers were warned of "possible gusty winds," and huge orange fabric wind socks gave an indication of what was happening. It was weird; once in awhile a semi would pass me and block the winds and it felt totally different in the car...sort of like the car was coasting and losing power. I would look at the speedometer and could not believe I was still moving at 75 to 80 mph. Speed is relative and one quickly makes mental adjustments; what would seem fast in Michigan seems slow at times after a couple of days of steady fast driving all day.
Drove by a huge dead rattlesnake, although there are so many snake species in the SW that I couldn't be certain and surely was not going to check it out. I am working on snake tolerance.
I pulled off in Tucumcari, NM, and got McDonald breakfast burritos and birding about town an hour. It was already hot and there was little sign of life in the neighborhoods which reminded me of the neighborhood in Coral City, Florida, when Maria and I chased (and easily found) burrowing owls. There were lots of western kingbirds, great-tailed grackles, chipping sparrows, house finches and Eurasian collared doves among other birds I have seen already. Xeriscape landscaping with modest homes, often surrounded by small privacy fences.
Finally, at Santa Rosa, NM, I left I40 and headed southwest, passing through Vaughn and Corona and Carrizozo before turning west to Bosque Del Apache NWR. I hadn't planned this route and intended to turn south at Albuquerque, but looked at the map and this worked. It was immediately 85% better. I could still drive 65 to 70; there was 85% less traffic; I could stop if I wanted and the scenery was stunning in a wide-open blue sky sagebrush mountains in the distance way. I did not see birds though, except for turkey vultures and the very occasional small sparrow in flight.
Lots of phone calls from my family today.
Bosque del Apache. Ahhh..... I love these refuges. This one is near the Rio Grande which allows enough water management to attract and keep significant fauna, including 25 snake species and 350+ bird species, although not at all times and not every year. Still.....
As I drove into the refuge, a Gambel's quail was perched on a directional sign and it stayed for a photos. These quails look much like California quails and are truly gorgeous. They are whimsical. Again, google them for full effect. When I have more time, I will post a photo or two. It's is worth checking out if only for their top-knot deal, sort of like a young teenager trying hair options.
The refuge was, as they all are, staffed with helpful courteous people. One gentleman reminded me to check out the feeders and they immediately captivated me. At one time there were eight black-chinned (male and female) hummingbirds at a single feeder. These came and went constantly. There were black-headed grosbeaks, western tanagers with bright red heads, Bullock's orioles, white-crowned sparrows and the more elusive but breath-taking yellow and black Scott's oriole. A small water seep attracted a warbler but we only got a fleeting glimpse. The bird-knowledgeable staff guy saw the warbler and commented on how he always sees something out of the ordinary when his binos are at the desk in the next room. We bird-chatted for several minutes as I tried to sort out birds I don't see in Michigan. He has been all over and knew SE Arizona and was going to do a road trip soon through the UP in Michigan. He had already seen a black-backed woodpecker but not the Connecticut warbler, two of MY target UP birds.
I drove one of the two 6-mile loops as I was supposed to work yet and it was an hour from motels (when and if I found one as I had no reservations). But there were vignettes even so: a groups of mixed dark and white birds which were a dozen each of white-faced ibises and snowy egrets standing in a muddy area on the edge of a small waterway. The golden feet of the egrets were strikingly visible as they stood on the dark damp ground. The ibises are dark until seen through the binos and then the darkness turns into a rich mix of slightly iridescent purples and a red rusty brown. There were also a few great egrets, Canada geese, cormorants (which I ASSUMED were double-crested but will have to check as neotropics are more common here). I watched what I decided was a western yellow-rump move through the riparian foliage. It had a bright yellow throat, black on breast, slate grey back of head and nape but with glimpses of yellow on the top of its head and some whitish/yellowish striping on the wings. Undertail coverts were white. I was hoping it was something more uncommon but I think not. Still, it was cool to see and watch and try to figure out.
There were ducks like blue-winged teals, norther shovelers, ruddies...a spotted sandpiper. I didn't linger though and I know I missed a lot. The refuge is narrow and linear, perhaps 20 miles long.
The staff assured me I would eventually pick up I25 (main north/south interstate between Albuquerque and El Paso) by traveling south along the river and eventually I came on a sign "To I25" but the turn was onto a gravel road. I hesitated but trusted the signage and after a mile, I was moving at 75 mph again. It was hot and windy; I was tired and dusty but after an hour found a motel in Truth or Consequences, NM. I had a microwaved chimichanga, coke, skittles, potato chips and a small nutty ice-cream cone, all available in the motel. This was to fortify me as I worked until midnight. T or C is a town surrounded by hills and mountains, but the dry brownish ones. The mornings and evenings are perfect; it's just the heat and wind of the days that one has to get through.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Birding My Way ~ Joplin,Missouri to Amarillo, Texas
The early mornings and evenings are almost seductive enough to consider living in the south/southwest...cool and warmish at the same time if that makes sense. The air gently massages the skin.
Again, I drove all day in sunshine as the day heated up to 90 degrees. I was on a toll road in Oklahoma for several hours with a speed limit of 75 and far fewer vehicles, making easy riding.
At a McDonalds and gas stop which was between the east and west bound highways, I parked under a tree to drink coffee and eat breakfast burritos and was entertained by great-tailed grackles, with their piercing whistles and cackling and clucking. These look like the common grackles in Michigan but are larger with very long tails. The wind was blowing hard, and as these birds walked across the grassy areas, their tails were blown sideways at a 90-degree right angle to the bird itself. The males have bright yellow eyes. There were several nests in the tree above me so the birds were flying in and out, screeching and carrying on with much ado.
I have a habit of quickly going through my Peterson's field guide to note the raptors I might see wherever I am. Like yesterday and and today, maybe a Mississippi kite; for certain the ubiquitous red-tails and turkey vultures, maybe a prairie falcon....and, with luck, a ferruginous hawk. I thought I saw this hawk coming out of Maupin, Oregon, last summer, perched on a fence post, and I dithered for about 50 miles about turning around to check. I still regret that I didn't because it presented with a lot of white on its throat, chest and belly as I whipped by in the car. One of the problems sometimes is the road shoulder factor: there either is or isn't one and even if there is, it may be marginally safe to stop. So, maybe today.
All day I was on Interstates 44 and 40 and very rarely "shoulder stop" on these. There are too many semis and it's usually illegal and I absolutely cannot get ticketed due to my insurance rates. Once a sheriff pulled in after me with lights flashing. I was going 75 which I thought was the speed limit but of course then wondered. I was fine because he flew by me and stopped someone else up ahead.No matter what the listed speed is, there are always those who disregard; I get a perverse delight when I see them caught. Not that I haven't had my share of tickets.....
After Oklahoma City, the geography changed from green to brown and one could see forever. The sky was blue. I love driving through this landscape. Ranches and some cows, small gravel roads winding off to houses in the distance. In Texas, sage suddenly appeared and there were cottonwoods along the possible water courses. I passed a couple of farm ponds that were pink from the red earth and one had a dozen longhorns nearby. Before the dryness, there were miles of Indian paintbrush on the roadsides. Roadkill included armadillos and I saw several in Missouri and Oklahoma. I passed one wind farm with at least 100 silver windmills which made me want to look up how these actually work. To me, they are landscape art, graceful and visually simple. DHC told me about a huge cross in Illinois, which I drove by, and then I saw an identical one in Texas. These also are robust and tall and metallic. It seems half of the radio stations are preacher men, even early in the morning. But with the windows open, I can't hear much, so usually drive without talk or music. I suppose I will turn the air on eventually.
At the motel, I got a weak margarita from the noisy happy hour bar, microwaved some stir-fry thing and worked several hours, which is why I stopped in Amarillo rather than driving on to Tucumcari, NM.
Amarillo is large and busy, surprising me in the same way El Pase did last spring, but it seemed not as dusty and dry.
Again, I drove all day in sunshine as the day heated up to 90 degrees. I was on a toll road in Oklahoma for several hours with a speed limit of 75 and far fewer vehicles, making easy riding.
At a McDonalds and gas stop which was between the east and west bound highways, I parked under a tree to drink coffee and eat breakfast burritos and was entertained by great-tailed grackles, with their piercing whistles and cackling and clucking. These look like the common grackles in Michigan but are larger with very long tails. The wind was blowing hard, and as these birds walked across the grassy areas, their tails were blown sideways at a 90-degree right angle to the bird itself. The males have bright yellow eyes. There were several nests in the tree above me so the birds were flying in and out, screeching and carrying on with much ado.
I have a habit of quickly going through my Peterson's field guide to note the raptors I might see wherever I am. Like yesterday and and today, maybe a Mississippi kite; for certain the ubiquitous red-tails and turkey vultures, maybe a prairie falcon....and, with luck, a ferruginous hawk. I thought I saw this hawk coming out of Maupin, Oregon, last summer, perched on a fence post, and I dithered for about 50 miles about turning around to check. I still regret that I didn't because it presented with a lot of white on its throat, chest and belly as I whipped by in the car. One of the problems sometimes is the road shoulder factor: there either is or isn't one and even if there is, it may be marginally safe to stop. So, maybe today.
All day I was on Interstates 44 and 40 and very rarely "shoulder stop" on these. There are too many semis and it's usually illegal and I absolutely cannot get ticketed due to my insurance rates. Once a sheriff pulled in after me with lights flashing. I was going 75 which I thought was the speed limit but of course then wondered. I was fine because he flew by me and stopped someone else up ahead.No matter what the listed speed is, there are always those who disregard; I get a perverse delight when I see them caught. Not that I haven't had my share of tickets.....
After Oklahoma City, the geography changed from green to brown and one could see forever. The sky was blue. I love driving through this landscape. Ranches and some cows, small gravel roads winding off to houses in the distance. In Texas, sage suddenly appeared and there were cottonwoods along the possible water courses. I passed a couple of farm ponds that were pink from the red earth and one had a dozen longhorns nearby. Before the dryness, there were miles of Indian paintbrush on the roadsides. Roadkill included armadillos and I saw several in Missouri and Oklahoma. I passed one wind farm with at least 100 silver windmills which made me want to look up how these actually work. To me, they are landscape art, graceful and visually simple. DHC told me about a huge cross in Illinois, which I drove by, and then I saw an identical one in Texas. These also are robust and tall and metallic. It seems half of the radio stations are preacher men, even early in the morning. But with the windows open, I can't hear much, so usually drive without talk or music. I suppose I will turn the air on eventually.
At the motel, I got a weak margarita from the noisy happy hour bar, microwaved some stir-fry thing and worked several hours, which is why I stopped in Amarillo rather than driving on to Tucumcari, NM.
Amarillo is large and busy, surprising me in the same way El Pase did last spring, but it seemed not as dusty and dry.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Birding My Way ~ Indianapolis to Joplin, Missouri ~ May 13
First thing, DHC took me to a wee city "glade" and we spent 15 minutes looking for migrants. This is one of those small green spaces (not even a park) that one can find in nearly all cities. We walked through the dewy grass and peered up at the tops of the tall hardwoods. That's what birders do this time of year. Deborah spotted the first twitches and then slowly we saw several more. Warblers never sit still and can be spotted by their movements. If they were sedentary, sightings would be 95% more difficult. Of course, their are two problems: one gets "warbler neck" quickly, and the birds often flit about just at the edge of binocular range making ID tricky. Oh, a third thing: there are more and more leaves behind which they disappear as spring migration progresses. But we identified yellow-rumped warblers and a single black-headed green warbler. If anyone is interested, google this bird to see how lovely it is. Almost all the 40+ warblers one can see in the US are bright and lavish in their breeding plumages. Deborah also thought she saw a pine warbler. But we didn't linger as she had to be at school at 8 a.m.
I drove all day. It went from 37 degrees to 80. I stopped once in tiny Pocahontas, Illinois, to get some cheese. I found a city park near a pond and just past Bird street, settled in for half an hour watching the tree tops and pond, but it was mid day and there were few birds except robins and blue-jays. I checked email, discovered I could work so made a reservation for lodging, and drove on and on and on. I am staying on the interstates as long as I can stand it so shared the road with semis, slowing down for miles of construction in western Illinois.
Very near St. Louis, in heavy traffic, I came on a large piece of blown tire in my lane and had to just go for it since there was no chance to swerve on such short notice. Fortunately, nothing happened and even the under-the-car noise wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
On across Missouri which was like driving through southern Michigan countryside. It was a day of soaring turkey vultures, always in a dihedral, and little else. I did see a few hawks but interstate traveling isn't conducive to quick shoulder pull-offs. I thought of Steve and Andree as I went through St. Louis, the beautiful and impressive silver arch to my right along the river.
I tried a new McDonald's wrap: a chicken ranch sandwich which was huge! It tasted OK and had grilled chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, a little cheese and cucumbers, but was way too big. What is it with super-sizing food items? Also had a gooey but delicious iced mocha as I was getting sleepy. This, too, had an added mound of whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. Like sugary mocha wasn't enough.
Besides the turkey vultures in the sky, my other birds of the day were northern mockingbirds which serenaded me for hours as I worked with the door open in the motel. They sing so many different melodious sounds, I initially thought there were at least two to three other species hanging about.
At one point I was looking across the parking lot to a brushy wild-looking border and saw a large feline, moving along in the cool, bluesy way cats do. I first thought bobcat but checked and found bobcats have "bobbed" tails and this one had a long striped tail and sort of stripey legs and faint vertical stripes on its flanks. It was way big for a house cat. Any ideas???? It moseyed along and disapperaed into the green.
I worked until midnight, slept 5 hours and got up to enjoy the delicious early morning hours. I knew there was a Starbucks nearby and asked directions from the motel clerk as there is a lot of construction in the area. He told me how I could get to it by parking lot driving...which I did and which is where I am typing this.
But, I now am ready to leave....on through Tulsa, generally heading west and south toward Albuquerque, although I think I will be somewhere in Texas tonight...
I drove all day. It went from 37 degrees to 80. I stopped once in tiny Pocahontas, Illinois, to get some cheese. I found a city park near a pond and just past Bird street, settled in for half an hour watching the tree tops and pond, but it was mid day and there were few birds except robins and blue-jays. I checked email, discovered I could work so made a reservation for lodging, and drove on and on and on. I am staying on the interstates as long as I can stand it so shared the road with semis, slowing down for miles of construction in western Illinois.
Very near St. Louis, in heavy traffic, I came on a large piece of blown tire in my lane and had to just go for it since there was no chance to swerve on such short notice. Fortunately, nothing happened and even the under-the-car noise wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
On across Missouri which was like driving through southern Michigan countryside. It was a day of soaring turkey vultures, always in a dihedral, and little else. I did see a few hawks but interstate traveling isn't conducive to quick shoulder pull-offs. I thought of Steve and Andree as I went through St. Louis, the beautiful and impressive silver arch to my right along the river.
I tried a new McDonald's wrap: a chicken ranch sandwich which was huge! It tasted OK and had grilled chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, a little cheese and cucumbers, but was way too big. What is it with super-sizing food items? Also had a gooey but delicious iced mocha as I was getting sleepy. This, too, had an added mound of whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. Like sugary mocha wasn't enough.
Besides the turkey vultures in the sky, my other birds of the day were northern mockingbirds which serenaded me for hours as I worked with the door open in the motel. They sing so many different melodious sounds, I initially thought there were at least two to three other species hanging about.
At one point I was looking across the parking lot to a brushy wild-looking border and saw a large feline, moving along in the cool, bluesy way cats do. I first thought bobcat but checked and found bobcats have "bobbed" tails and this one had a long striped tail and sort of stripey legs and faint vertical stripes on its flanks. It was way big for a house cat. Any ideas???? It moseyed along and disapperaed into the green.
I worked until midnight, slept 5 hours and got up to enjoy the delicious early morning hours. I knew there was a Starbucks nearby and asked directions from the motel clerk as there is a lot of construction in the area. He told me how I could get to it by parking lot driving...which I did and which is where I am typing this.
But, I now am ready to leave....on through Tulsa, generally heading west and south toward Albuquerque, although I think I will be somewhere in Texas tonight...
Birding My Way - Holland, Michigan to Indianapolis ~ May 12
It was 41 degrees and fall-like (windy with cloudy skies) as I packed the last things, made two storage trips, vacuumed my way out the door, checked the Stu trail very briefly (nothing at the little warbler bridge) and headed south.
The weather improved considerably as I drove...both warming up and becoming sunny. I incidentally noted a few birds while driving: robins, red-winged blackbirds, turkey vultures, blue jays but my pleasure of the afternoon was figuring out how to play my iPhone tunes through the Subaru's audio system. I had never tried doing this before. I first listened without connecting but, while adequate in a pinch, it was not satisfactory. So, when I finally stopped and figured it out (I know; it's not exactly rocket science), the sound was surprisingly good. I heard lyrics I've never heard before, and the miles went on by.
Missy prepared the most delectable dinner: seasoned pork loin, gingered green beans and roasted red potatoes. For dessert, we had a fancy layered chocolate mousse cake. Deborah and I had a glass of pre-dinner wine; Jack read on the front porch; Missy slaved in the kitchen. Natasha came after dinner and it was nice to catch up on her life. She told us she now has her Associate's degree! and is continuing on for her Bachelor's!
Woodruff Place was verdant, still not all that hot or humid, and always evokes a slight nostalgia for my childhood.
I finished a book by Steve Martin (An Object of Beauty) which I liked. It's about the New York art scene of auction houses, galleries, artists, dealers, rich folk who buy art, and I wondered about why he chose this topic. I had started it a long time ago, put it down, occasionally read a few pages, but then got serious the last couple of days and finally finished it. There are colored photos of actual paintings throughout the book.
Tino is developing better manners, which makes for a more relaxed time when he shares the room. No ankle nipping...although he is still is a highstrung little dog.
I slept well....
Natasha came after dinner and it was fun to see her and catch up on her life. She reminds me of Virginia somewhat and
The weather improved considerably as I drove...both warming up and becoming sunny. I incidentally noted a few birds while driving: robins, red-winged blackbirds, turkey vultures, blue jays but my pleasure of the afternoon was figuring out how to play my iPhone tunes through the Subaru's audio system. I had never tried doing this before. I first listened without connecting but, while adequate in a pinch, it was not satisfactory. So, when I finally stopped and figured it out (I know; it's not exactly rocket science), the sound was surprisingly good. I heard lyrics I've never heard before, and the miles went on by.
Missy prepared the most delectable dinner: seasoned pork loin, gingered green beans and roasted red potatoes. For dessert, we had a fancy layered chocolate mousse cake. Deborah and I had a glass of pre-dinner wine; Jack read on the front porch; Missy slaved in the kitchen. Natasha came after dinner and it was nice to catch up on her life. She told us she now has her Associate's degree! and is continuing on for her Bachelor's!
Woodruff Place was verdant, still not all that hot or humid, and always evokes a slight nostalgia for my childhood.
I finished a book by Steve Martin (An Object of Beauty) which I liked. It's about the New York art scene of auction houses, galleries, artists, dealers, rich folk who buy art, and I wondered about why he chose this topic. I had started it a long time ago, put it down, occasionally read a few pages, but then got serious the last couple of days and finally finished it. There are colored photos of actual paintings throughout the book.
Tino is developing better manners, which makes for a more relaxed time when he shares the room. No ankle nipping...although he is still is a highstrung little dog.
I slept well....
Natasha came after dinner and it was fun to see her and catch up on her life. She reminds me of Virginia somewhat and
Friday, May 10, 2013
Birding My Way ~ Pre Trip to Arizona
It's mid May in Holland. I am soon to leave to bird in SE Arizona, from Tucson due south to the Mexican border and east of Interstate 19 to New Mexico. So, today I bought 50 SPF sun screen, one of those folding silvery windshield screens, a head band, stuff to spray on clothing and tent to repel insects and a can of fuel for a high-tech little camping stove I have.
I only have to worry about chiggers, snakes, heat and the various illegal activities at the border. When I was in Texas two winters ago, I was stopped by Border Patrol and their fierce, lunging-at-the-leash, drug-sniffing dogs more than once as I traveled near the Rio Grande.
I have a great book titled Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona...
Chiricahua Mountains, Ramsey Canyon, Patagonia, Portal, Mt. Lemmon, Madera Canyon....Sierra Vista, St. David, Cave Creek, Ft Huachaca, Sonoita....my new geography.
Lucy's, Grace's and Virginia's warblers, Elegant Trogon, Red-faced Warbler....flycatchers, sparrows, thrashers...at least 50 common or abundant birds I haven't seen before.
I only have to worry about chiggers, snakes, heat and the various illegal activities at the border. When I was in Texas two winters ago, I was stopped by Border Patrol and their fierce, lunging-at-the-leash, drug-sniffing dogs more than once as I traveled near the Rio Grande.
I have a great book titled Finding Birds in Southeast Arizona...
Chiricahua Mountains, Ramsey Canyon, Patagonia, Portal, Mt. Lemmon, Madera Canyon....Sierra Vista, St. David, Cave Creek, Ft Huachaca, Sonoita....my new geography.
Lucy's, Grace's and Virginia's warblers, Elegant Trogon, Red-faced Warbler....flycatchers, sparrows, thrashers...at least 50 common or abundant birds I haven't seen before.
Books
1. Back to Blood by Tom Wolfe ~ A novel sort of about race in Miami. The characters and plot are incidental to Wolfe's observation and witty musings on contemporary society. As always, Wolfe's novels are fun to read.
2. Wichita by Thad Ziolkowski ~ A wonderful novel and on my top five fiction list for the past couple of years. (The Elegance of the Hedgehog was another one.)
3. These Things Happen by Richard Kramer ~ Another good novel set in NYC about a couple of 16-year-old boys and their parents and issues of homosexuality told in a mostly gentle, intelligent way.
2. Wichita by Thad Ziolkowski ~ A wonderful novel and on my top five fiction list for the past couple of years. (The Elegance of the Hedgehog was another one.)
3. These Things Happen by Richard Kramer ~ Another good novel set in NYC about a couple of 16-year-old boys and their parents and issues of homosexuality told in a mostly gentle, intelligent way.
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