Honeybee Canyon Park was only explored halfway today in our Arizona heat despite starting at 6:30am. I joined birders attending the Southeast Arizona Bird Festival on this hike. We did see many different bird species.
You really do walk in the wash of a canyon at Honey Bee Canyon Park. Shaded by the canyon walls, saguaro and mesquite trees we could spot various birds. They too were deep within some branches or on the ground scratching around.
Honey Bee Canyon Park
We identified most birds with the help of our guide and also used iNaturalist app for the lizards we observed. Merlin Bird ID helped with bird songs we heard, when we could not see the bird. Some of us took photos of the habitat, specific plants and animals so we include them on the desktop version of eBird. There are new categories in the media section per checklist. I will be curious if they accept the downy feather of a great horned owl we found trailside. Our guide said great horned owls are definitely here, despite us not seeing one now.
Downy feather from great horned owl
This canyon had a few dams built around 1890. Ranchers wanted to hold some water. One remaining dam now has a walkway through it so we could walk more of the wash. I can imagine the importance of water then, just as it continues to be a concern in the 21st century!
A remaining dam with walkway through.
We observed an uncapped pipe which can be a death trap for animals. The location was forwarded to an individual we know who caps pipes such as this.
Pipe in front needs a cap!Ways to close death pipes.
In the winter, I’ll visit this park again to see petroglyphs and wildlife that time of year. I’m sure to have memories of this hot morning with a nice group of birders.
Will I see you at the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival, August 6 – 10 in the Tucson, Arizona area? Sure the weather will be warm, or hot, but the birds will be here for you to enjoy! There is also a nature expo, numerous presentations, field trips and featured guests. You can register via Tucson Bird Alliance
Nature, the animals, plants and world around each, is a joy for me. Thus, I spend time whenever I can in nature. Recently I decided I should journal some of the observations made while I am in nature. Maybe even chronicle some locations on a regular basis. Here is my first nature journal from a local park, Agua Caliente in Tucson, Arizona this month. As my nature journal grows, I’ll see what I discover about nature and my art with hopes you’ll find something interesting too!
Ohio’s Coastal Trail became my go-to, rainy day activity as I visited places along Lake Erie and wished the rain to stop! In Arizona I would have loved to see all this rain. In Ohio, with my hopes of observing migrating warblers during my 2 days here, I was not a happy camper! Time to be flexible…
The first day I arrived at Magee Marsh; the only wild shore and marsh in northwest Ohio. I walked the entire bird trail. Many people were here also because in 5 days the big birding event will be happening here. Specifically, people from all over the world are also wanting to see the migrating warblers. I had no plans to attend the event, since I had more travel ahead, but hoped to see a new warbler for my life list. Day one, no new bird.
Day two: pouring rain last night and expectation of rain all this day. As it was raining in the morning, I chose breakfast with coffee at a local restaurant … no sense trying to battle the cold and wind to brew my own coffee! If you’re in Perrysburg, Ohio, stop in Hang Over Easy for breakfast or lunch … good food!
I decided to drive east, then backtrack west along Lake Erie’s coastline to return to Magee’s Marsh. White-caps were on the lake. Cold, blustery wind and probably the fastest sight-seeing I had ever done. First, Marblehead Lighthouse, since 1822, … impressive building, but closed. I learned it is one of Lake Erie’s most – photographed landmarks. During the summer you can climb the 77 steps to its top for a good view of the lake and Marblehead Peninsula.
Marblehead, OH lighthouse
Second, Great Egret Marsh Nature Preserve. I discover it is a Nature Conservancy property. I walked the overgrown 1.2 mile trail. No one thinks winter is over here to mow it quite yet. I saw some birds … egrets, herons and strong fliers coping with the rain and wind.
Great Egret Marsh Preserve
Third, restored Port Clinton’s historic lighthouse from 1896, active for 30 years and decommissioned in 1952. It is the shortest lighthouse, 26 feet, in Ohio. If you are in the area, their annual celebration is August 16, 2025.
Port Clinton, Ohio lighthouse
Finally Magee Marsh! I stopped at the visitor center. There are excellent displays and worth a stop. By the time I walked a section of the bird trail, it stopped raining!! For about an hour, on a half mile section, here are some of the birds I saw. Unfortunately, no new birds for me!
Black-and-white warbler
Blue-headed vireo
Northern parula
Next day I drove to Presque Isle., further east on the Lake Erie coastline. A couple I met, at the campground I stayed, told me of a coffee-chocolate place, Romolo’s Chocolates. Of course, a hot mocha hit the spot after another day’s driving in the wind and rain. (I mention wind because with a van I feel every gust!) Anyway, plenty of chocolate to choose at this one-and-only place. A guy in the parking lot jokingly asked if I drove all the way from Arizona to this chocolate place in Erie, Pennsylvania … no, but almost! He kindly gave me a map of Presque Isle and I headed off in the wind and rain! In between raindrops, I hopped out to see what birds were around. Not many! Hardy red-breasted mergansers for the most part.
The Tom Ridge Environmental Center was my next stop since I usually have good weather and skip stopping here. But with the lousy weather, it was good to step indoors and see their displays. Really nice place and I walked up their tower which allows you to look out over Lake Erie from this part of its coast. No warblers are going through here, except for yellow warblers and yellow-rumped warblers. So many warblers are migrating on the western coastline of Ohio, not here. However, many terns, mergansers and diving birds are here.
North East, Pennsylvania has about 14 wineries in the area. My Harvest Host location for the night was at one. Apparently there is a microclimate that does well for growing grape vines … who knew? And now you know!
Wisconsin was on my list of states to visit friends last year. However, those of you who follow my blog may recall my altered itinerary last year after my tornado experience in Oklahoma. And then later in that trip, I got a concussion! Memories …geez …. so last year, after thousands of driving miles, I headed straight to Arizona bypassing visiting WI friends. But here I am! Now enjoying nice weather, seeing sights around the state in the company of friends. Of course, I enjoyed Wisconsin cheese curds, yum!
In the LaCrosse area, we visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Seventy acres of land gifted for a Marian shrine. For historical info, click here. I learned the Marian devotion is specifically to express love for the “ever-Virgin Mary”. As a spiritual person, I am respectful in learning about other religions. Here there is a Memorial to the Unborn, The Shrine Church and an amazingly beautiful Votive Candle Chapel.
Votive Candle Chapel
Our Lady Guadalupe
As I drove across the state, I stopped in Wisconsin Dells. It’s been decades since I had been to this glacially – carved area. I remember it being a very beautiful area. It still is, but now it is a resort town with waterparks, plenty of tourists and still glacially – carved areas to see!
Onward … to Madison area. There I stopped at Pheasant Branch Conservancy which has numerous trails. I’ll return some time to walk more of the trails. Then my favorite place, Goose Pond Sanctuary, although you’re walking along a road. Miles away is the Wildlife Observation Boardwalk, a new stop for me and only a few birds. Being a member with The Nature Conservancy, I decide to check out one more property: Waukesha Wetlands State Natural Area. Some of this land was donated to The Nature Conservancy by a woman. Thank you! Protecting wetlands is so important; water will flow through this watershed area to WI homes.
Protecting a wetland
Then to Milwaukee area where we stopped at the Milwaukee Art Museum. My friends specifically wanted me to see the Burke Brise Soleil. The “wings” open and close with the museum hours. Santiago Calatrava is the Spanish architect/creator of “the wings” which are a “complex mechanical work of art”. Absolutely amazing to see this! The moveable sunscreen has a 217 foot wingspan. The seventy-two steel fins weigh 90 tons. Unfortunately we missed their flap at noon and learned they are illuminated from sundown till closing at 10pm. All must be quite a sight!
Burke Brise Soleil … “wings” at Milwaukee Art Museum
From the inside of the Milwaukee Art Museum looking upward
Birds are declining in population … some faster than others… thus we need to be aware of the issue. Google “state of the birds” or click here or here for two different websites to learn more about the action we should be taking. I appreciated the awareness with an artist who made me aware of the various organizations compiling the information. I continued on with 2 more art pieces for the art project and here they are: Rufous hummingbird is a beauty:
Rufous hummingbird
Pinyon jay is not as often seen as the Steller’s jay, and now I know why!
I was on a roll and added more birds!
Before I get on the road and do some traveling, I decide to look for a few of my favorite birds and see what their status is. I traipsed all over California to find an American oystercatcher. Here is learn it is at the “yellow” alert. This means a large loss of over 50%, but now stable as population has increased over the last 3 generations. It still does require conservation efforts.
The pyrrhuloxia can be seen on few occasions in our backyard, but it is “orange” alert. Apparently there has been a loss of over 75% and still over the next 3 generations. We need to be concerned.
Finally, I love loons. So I checked in on the yellow-billed loon. This is a bird I spent hours looking for while in California. I caught a glimpse and a photo of it while it spent time diving. Unfortunately, this bird is “red” alert. Low population, high vulnerability and population is steeply declining. I surely dd not want to read that information, but now I know!
Birds to be concerned about as I love them!
Bird habitats must be protected. Appreciate the farmers and ranchers who keep their lands open and available for birds to land, reseat and then fly on; greenways are important. We need to not use lead bullets, a cause for California condor and other bird deaths. During bird migration, turn your outdoor lights off so birds are not confused by the light. Add window treatments to your windows so birds do not fly into your windows at home or work.
I am sure there are many more things we can be doing, along with supporting the agencies that are doing the conservation work day in and day out. When I am in a place and I hear not one single bird, it is almost eerie … and then a bird flies in … yes, we haven’t lost the birds! When you think about it … birds need air and land, just as you and I … let’s protect it all for the living things on this earth!
A leading cause of birth deaths in North America is window strikes. Almost a half million to a billion birds die from window collisions every year in the USA alone. Birds see what they think is real habitat for them, yet it is a window reflection and not where they should head. Or a transparent glass can create a false appearance of a way for a bird to fly through to another spot. Light can also distract and confuse birds, especially during migration seasons.
Home owners can help protect birds. Here are some ideas:
Break up the reflections by installing external screens or blinds.
Do not put feeders within 3 feet of your window.
Shield outdoor light and direct the light to where it is needed.
Create designs on reflective or transparent windows … here are some ideas:
Since single decals on a window do not deter birds, it is important to space window designs.
Purchase dotted tape/decal designs or create your own with dots such as those below. Space them 2” by 2” apart.
Space these dots on your window 2 inches apart.
2. Painting a design on your window with tempera paint allows you to be creative. You can use bar soap or chalk markers and switch to match holidays.
3. Collidescape tape can be put onto the exterior of your window glass. Or hanging cords, string, or ribbons at least 1/8 inch in width and spaced 2 inches apart.
After noticing where birds are striking our window, we placed these decals and have had no bird window strikes. I actually did see a bird flying toward the window with the 2 decals and veer off to not strike the window. Then I knew this was a great idea for our windows.
Bird took notice and veered off!
These are placed in an area where birds more often flew into. No longer!
You can make a difference! Please make your windows visible to birds by strike-proofing your windows! If you want more info, check out tucsonaudubon.org/window-strikes The birds and I thank you!
Bird population has declined dramatically in the last 50 years. Fifty percent of the bird population has been lost in that time period. The birds need a road to recovery!
Scientists for the Road to Recovery have categorized 112 birds, labelled as “tipping birds”. The “tipping birds” are those most in need of swift conservation efforts or we’ll be losing them forever.
When you think about the facts: birds breathe the same air, occupy the same ecosystems, and use many of the same resources as us … especially water and food. So, it may be best to realize, if birds don’t thrive, in time neither will we!
I am participating in an April art project where others will make art however one wishes to celebrate the birds we love. Click here for the list of “tipping birds” from the Scientists for the Road to Recovery. During the month, I will draw/paint a bird from the list and post on my personal Instagram and also at the hashtag #stateofthebirdsart2025 If you are interested, join in! Some people are posting once a week; however, do what you wish to celebrate the birds you love and not want to see gone forever.
Here are my first 2 birds to be posted:
Mountain plover: it is near threatened on the “tipping bird” list. My painting is a male with his breeding plumage. Poorly named bird as he is never seen in the mountains. Instead, he’s in short prairie grass in the southwest USA and central Mexico.
Mountain plover needs help!
Evening grosbeak: on the “tipping bird” list as vulnerable with its population declining dramatically. It’s a large finch and I drew an adult male. He has a bright yellow and black body, whereas females are a drab gray. They have a strong thick bill and love sunflower seeds if you happen to have them in your feeder.
Evening grosbeak needs your help!
Think about how you can help birds and especially those on the “tipping bird” list. Which birds are in your neighborhood or nearby? What can you to do help them? Plenty of resources are available for help. Let’s support agencies that also are focused on scientific action in helping these bird populations! Thanks!
Hawk Watch International staff and crew, beginning in 2024, have been searching the skies for raptors in Tubac, Arizona. During the previous 11 years, Peter Collins had been doing the raptor count there. Now Hawk Watch International is involved in Tubac too. This spring count happens February 15 – April 30, 2025; so you still have time to participate, if interested in viewing migrating hawks.
Cooper’s hawks and red-tailed hawks are often seen in our area. I think I have their “look” down to identify them as they fly over. However, not other hawks, so attending the hawk watch in Tubac is helpful.
Cooper’s hawk at Sweetwater Preserve in Tucson, AZ
Tourists and locals can catch sights of migrating common black hawks, zone-tailed hawks and gray hawks in our area too. It’s wonderful to stand with others who can identify the raptor soaring so far above our heads! That’s what is happening at the hawk watch in Tubac, about 1.5 hours south of Tucson. There I am slowly learning the different wing and tail patterns of the hawks. And I truly appreciate the local support.
I also use the Sibley Birds app to look at the differences between a common black hawk and a zone-tailed hawk. Besides the separate page for each bird, there is a feature where you can compare them on one page. See below:
Notice the upper and lower views of the adult common black hawk’s tail … plenty of info about this bird on one page, so helpful!
Notice how the adult zone-tailed hawk’s tail is different from the common black hawk … again plenty of info about this bird on one page!
When you look at the images below, the common black hawk is the top bird and the zone-tailed hawk is below. I love this feature in the Sibley Birds app; you can run a comparison of 2 birds on one page.
Top: common black hawk. Bottom: zone-tailed hawk
When out in the field, it is helpful to see both birds in the app at the same time to determine which hawk may be within your sight. Interested in seeing raptors? There is still time. Visit the Tubac Hawk Watch at the Ron Morriss Park in Tubac, Arizona. They have some spotting scopes, but best to bring your own binoculars, sun protection, water, a snack and a chair. Enjoy! Other people will be at the park with you between 8:30am – 5:30 pm, so stop by and say hello!
Bird watching during my visit to Ecuador was not the priority. But heck, birds were everywhere so I couldn’t help but see them! Earlier I mentioned 66 new birds added to my eBird checklist… right…
Will I only ever see a Nazca booby in the Galápagos? Always heard so much about the blue-footed booby… and would not be by the island where there are red-footed boobies… you read that correctly! They exist and never to be seen by me. The sighting of a Nazca booby…. Yes I did! Even got a photo!
The real bird looks better…I loved seeing this bird!
Five new birds seen in Quito, 40 in the Amazon and 21 at the various Galápagos Islands. Now while home reminiscing about my travel, I spent time sketching some of the birds I saw. Some birds were numerous and others were a once in a lifetime opportunity to see. Bird photographers would have a wonderful time in Ecuadors. Quite honestly though, so would other travelers as I think I only skimmed what Ecuador has to offer.
Galápagos Island birdsNapo River Amazon area in Ecuador
