Whitewater Draw, AZ (1/29/2019)

Whitewater Draw is a 1500 acre wildlife area managed by the state of Arizona.  Formerly ranch and farmland, a series of dykes and a regular flooding program have created an attractive habitat for all manner of wildlife.  Throughout the year, numerous species of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles live in or visit the area.  The greatest variety of birds occurs in the spring and fall migrations, but winter draws the largest number of human visitors to see the wintering sandhill cranes and snow geese, both of which number in the thousands.  By some estimates, 25-30,000 cranes spend the winter here.  Serious birders often camp here to pursue their pastime for days or even weeks.

While driving to Whitewater Draw, some 50 miles from my campsite, we spotted a red-tailed hawk perched on a small tree not far off the road.  I immediately noticed it was a "dark morph" (brown underside vs. white with brown streaks) which represents only about 15% of western red-tails.  I parked a fair distance away to avoid spooking the bird and took one photo from there.

Since I was too far away for high detail photos, I tried to edge closer.  As expected, the bird flew but circled the same general area.  Still farther than ideal, I fired off several shots and got a few borderline acceptable photos.

Once at the preserve, walking toward the wetlands I encountered a western meadowlark hiding in the grass, and a couple vesper sparrows as I usually see them, flying away.  The white tailfeathers are a dead giveaway.

Western Meadowlark

Vesper Sparrow

The cranes stay in the water overnight to be safe from predators, then fly away in mass to nearby fields to feed on grain.  Later in the day, they begin to return.  At 1 pm, several thousand had already returned, but the bulk of the flock would not return until near dark.  Even in smaller numbers, they seemed to fill the sky and the grounds..

The cranes are naturally slate gray, but some have a rusty or bronze color, said to be stain from mud containing certain minerals.

The crane in this next photo seems all puffed up about something.

A variety of ducks could be seen either swimming or flying into the ponds.

Male Northern Pintail

Female Northern Pintail

Female Northern Pintail

Male Northern Shoveler

Male Green-winged Teal

Despite heavy overcast weather that made photography difficult, it was great to see all the birds.  No doubt another visit, on a sunny day, will be on my agenda.

Sierra Vista, AZ (1/28/2019)

Sierra Vista is well known among birders for its large number of birding "hot spots" and great variety of species.  Not only do they have numerous canyons that attract birds, there is the San Pedro River that provides a riparian area to welcome all manner of wildlife, including birds.  The local birding group and BLM have taken it a step further by establishing  San Pedro House near the river.  Per BLM's web site:

San Pedro House. a historic ranch house restored by the Friends of the San Pedro River, is a bookstore and gift shop run by volunteers. The area around the San Pedro House features interpretive signs of various native plants of the area, riparian, watersheds and aquifers, and wildlife. The American Bird Conservancy has identified the San Pedro House as being significant for world bird conservation and officially designated a globally important bird area.

I make it a point to visit San Pedro House whenever I'm in the area.  Hiking along the river is one way of photographing birds, sitting near the feeders is easier and more productive.  The grounds contain some of the most massive cottonwood trees you will find anywhere.  And there's a pretty good view of the Huachuca Mountains.

 Here are just a sampling of the birds I was able to photograph, some of which are "lifers" for me.

Red Crossbill

Female Red-winged Blackbird

Common Ground Dove

Male Gila Woodpecker

Male House Finch

Female House Finch

Western Screech Owl

Lesser Goldfinch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Loggerhead Shrike

Returning to Huachuca City and my RV park, I stopped by St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic church to check out its architecture.  I found it to be a beautiful church, most appropriate for southern Arizona.  

As I pulled into the RV park, a roadrunner walking through the area was kind enough to pose for me.

Greater Roadrunner

Globe, Central and Huachuca City, AZ (1/21 thru 1/25/2019)

While visiting Globe, I made a stop at the local Archaeological Park known as Besh Ba Gowah.  The park features partially restored ruins of the Salado people who lived here between 1200 and 1400 AD.  Their construction techniques were similar to the Anasazi culture to the north, but not necessarily built in canyons and cliffs.  This site consisted of about 200 rooms, with multiple stories, surrounding a communal plaza.

There is also a museum displaying mostly pottery and tools used by these people.  Outside, a picnic area and desert plants add to the attraction.  Bird feeders and water features attract a variety of species.

House Sparrow

Northern Cardinal

Lesser Goldfinch

House Finch

Near the Apache Gold Casino, there is a small airport ready to welcome private planes whose owners are coming to gamble.  Frankly, I don't think that happens very often.  However, several vintage aircraft are "parked" alongside the runway, never to fly again.

Still having trouble finding a suitable site in Apache Junction, I changed plans and headed for a familiar RV park in Huachuca City.  On the way, I spotted a Mormon Temple in a tiny community calledCentral, AZ.  I was surprised there are enough Mormons in that area to support a temple, one of five in the state of Arizona.

There is a beautiful snow-capped mountain behind the temple that I wanted to include in the photo, but couldn't find a place that would allow it.  So, I waited until there was a clear view of the mountain.

Since I spent time in Huachuca City two years ago, I knew there are lots of canyons and back roads to explore.  Plus, sunrises and sunsets can be really good here.  So, I signed up to stay a month before deciding what to do next.  Luckily, I soon met a fellow camper who is also a Jeeper and a photographer.  Her name is Tamara and we quickly agreed to join forces and explore some of the local canyons.  Our first adventure was to drive through Garden Canyon, located on Fort Huachuca Army Base

I had driven into this canyon in 2017, but a road wash-out had stopped me from going very far.  I wanted to go back, since the canyon is known for good birding and wildlife viewing.  I also learned it has two rock art sites, including both Apache art and some from several older cultures.

The canyon itself is beautiful, with soaring cliffs, a variety of trees and cactus plants, with a small stream winding its way down the canyon forming small waterfalls.  All in all, it is a delightful place to spend a day.

We saw dozens of deer and quite a few Mexican jays.  Despite signs warning of bear activity in  the area, there were none to be seen.