Sandhill Cranes at Whitewater Draw — Image by kenne
— kenne
Sandhill Cranes at Whitewater Draw in Southeast Arizona — Photo-Artistry by kenne
Returning to Whitewater Draw
— kenne
Female Anna’s Hummingbird — Image by kenne
Lack of rain in the Sonoran Desert has reduced the amount of food available for hummingbirds — very few wildflowers this year. But my lemon tree, which is in bloom has been attacking several of these small birds. Plus, I’m not sure how the warmer than normal has affected migration.
Here in Tucson, you can see hummingbirds year-round in riparian areas and backyards. We are fortunate to have The Paton Center for Hummingbirds, a place to explore and experience the special birds of southeast Arizona. It is dedicated to the celebration and conservation of hummingbirds—and all of southeast Arizona’s astounding biodiversity—through recreation, education, and sustainable living.
— kenne
It’s migration time for Turkey Vulture, so it’s not unusual to see a lot of these big vultures in the morning and late afternoon.
Storms have been in the area with 30-40 mph wind gusts. We live near the Tanque Verde Wash where many of the migrating
birds roost overnight in the cottonwoods near the wash. Yesterday afternoon storms in southern Arizona caused the migrating
vultures to start coming in early by the hundreds. Some landed in dead trees near
Tanuri Ridge where I was able to take these photos,
after which they took off across the wash to spend the night in cottonwoods south of the wash.
Hundreds of turkey vultures flying in from the approaching storm. — Images by kenne
