Cochise & Santa Cruz Counties, AZ (2/12 thru 2/16/2019)

I'm sorry to say the unsettled weather pattern has continued here in Southern Arizona over the past week, and the end isn't in sight.  Gloomy, overcast days with  occasional light rain and almost constant windy conditions have characterized my stay here, keeping me inside far more than I would like.   Unfortunately, this is not the only place having a below normal winter.  Like a seasoned traveler, I will stick it out and be ready to enjoy good weather when it comes.

On the few nice days we've had, I've tried to take advantage.  One recent day, I drove to the San Pedro River and took a walk along the banks.  One of the few rivers in the area with a "permanent" flow, the San Pedro riparian area has been set aside as a National Conservation Area managed by BLM.  I'm sure it's much prettier in Spring, but I will be gone by then.

When the new bridge on Charleston road was built, the old bridge was left in place.  I suppose it would cost more to tear it down.  The cottonwood trees that line the banks aren't native to this area.  Some folks claim their seeds were brought here in the bellies of Texas longhorns on the way to market.

I've written several times about the Mormon Battalion that marched through this area in 1846 on their way to San Diego.  I had never heard of any battle in which they were involved, so it was a surprise to see a monument near the river commemorating the Battalion for the "Battle of The Bulls".  A little research turned up the story.  As they marched along the river, they were attacked by several angry bulls, chasing the soldiers into the river.  While it sounds funny, a few men were actually injured, and several of their mules were seriously gored by the rampaging bulls.

I spent the rest of the afternoon at San Pedro House photographing birds.  However, nothing new or exciting to share from there.

Another day I returned to Fort Huachuca and found my way into Huachuca Canyon.  While it is a nice canyon, the road is in bad shape and there was no wildlife out this day.  In fact, the road was closed after only a couple miles, which was OK by me considering the road's condition.

Next, I took the road that leaves the fort by circling around to the western side of the Huachuca Mountains.  This was a very nice drive through rolling hills covered with small oak trees and pinon pines.  Eventually, this fun roller-coaster road brought me to Parker Canyon Lake, a National Recreation Area.

  

Taking a different route back to camp, I passed near the community of Canelo.  I had read this was a ghost town from the late 1800s.  That can't be factual, however, since several families still live there.  I did see one old building, either a church or a school (maybe both) that has seen better days.

Another road trip led into Las Cienegas National Conservation Area, some 45,000 acres set aside to preserve and protect the marshlands created by Cienega Creek.  This landscape of rolling hills is covered mostly with grasses formerly grazed by cattle, and before them probably buffalo.  The Santa Rita Mountains can be seen in the West, while the Whetstone range lies to the East.

Driving through this area, I was surprised at the number of RVs parked in the various camping areas.  It's not a place I would have thought to camp, but the people there seemed quite happy just to get away from it all.  On this chilly day, I chatted with several groups sitting around a campfire watching the grass blowing in the wind, enjoying their favorite beverages.

It was also a surprise to see references to the Empire Ranch, which is part of the property.  I later learned the ranch was bequeathed to the NCA for preservation and is available for tours.  I'll have to go back and check it out.

The nearest town is Sonoita, a real cowboy town as evidenced by its very large bronze statue.

I decided to get lunch at The Steak Out, an authentic western restaurant with barn wood walls, decorated with saddles, animal heads and cowboy art.  The lady selling Indian jewelry in the lobby suggested I try a hamburger for lunch, so I never looked at the menu, just ordered a cheeseburger.  When it came, I was looking at an 11 ounce, medium rare hunk of juicy goodness.  I managed to get it down only by leaving most of the steak fries.

After lunch, it was on to Patagonia about twelve miles on down the road.  I stayed there a couple years ago and posted a travelogue  (Patagonia).  The mosaic sign below is an excellent summation of the towns main attractions: art galleries and birding.  About fifty miles from Tucson, Patagonia is a favorite day trip for folks in the city.

So, I spent some quality time at Paton's Center for Hummingbirds, created by the Paton family when they were alive, but now sponsored by the Tucson Audubon Society.  Although few hummingbirds are present in Winter, feeders scattered about the grounds attract all sorts of other birds.  I'll share just a few photos of them

Male Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Female Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Male Lazuli Bunting

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Inca Doves

Male Northern Cardinal

Male Lark Sparrow

I only saw two hummingbirds, and they were difficult to photograph.  First, they did not hover, but flew directly between their tree and the feeder.  I had to settle for shots at the feeder, not my favorite composition.

Violet-headed Hummingbird