Desert Lupine — Image by kenne
— kenne
Naturalist Debbie Bird Leads 3rd Graders On Nature Walk — Image by kenne
For January, I’m the Thursday Day Coordinator for the SCVN Elementary School Nature Program, which means I’m the one responsible for coordinating with the teacher the class field trip to Sabino Canyon. Once the class arrives, I make sure everything runs smoothly, and the students have a great nature experience. It’s a classic “managing by walking around” experience. During that time I also take pictures — https://www.flickr.com/photos/kennetu/albums/72157702835523912
One of the nature walks was being led by naturalist Debbie Bird when I noticed she had picked up a couple of hitch-hikers from the north. I can see why they were following Debbie’s group because she is very informative.
As we moved about, I asked the couple, “Now tell me the truth, are following this group of third graders because you want to learn something about nature or is it that you want to be part of the Class of 2028?”
— kenne
“Thank Heaven For Little Girls” (Hoping they grow up with an appreciation and respect for nature.)
— Image by Their Classroom Teacher
— from Thank Heaven For Little Girls by Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loewe
Another Fall of Teaching Children About Nature In Sabino Canyon
— kenne
London Rocket (Sisymbrium irio) In Sabino Canyon — Image by kenne
— kenne
Sandhill Cranes at Whitewater Draw — Photo-Artistry by kenne
Sandhill Cranes wintering in southeast Arizona and northern Sonora many have migrated from their nesting area in Siberia.
Whitewater Draw is an Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Area is of state and regional significance as the primary wintering area for Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) in Arizona and includes both the Lesser (most numerous) and Greater subspecies. Located in the southern Sulphur Springs Valley, cranes are coming from both the Rocky Mountain population and Mid-Continental population. The area also supports wintering Snow Geese (80-200) and a few Ross?s Geese (occasional to 40). Counts of Sandhill Cranes in early January have steadily climbed from 4,000 in 1991 to over 22,000 in 2008 at Whitewater Draw, with another 13,000 present 36 miles north in the Willcox Playa area, and another 600 present in the far north of Sulphur Springs Valley at Bonita, AZ, and 400 present in the Safford Valley near Duncan. The Greater subspecies breeds in the northern states of the continental U.S., and the Lesser subspecies, breeds from Alaska and eastern Siberia. (Source: Audubon.org)
Every year the town of Wilcox hosts Wings Over Wilcox — Birding and Nature Festival (January 17-20, 2019). Birds have been arriving for weeks now — the birds have their own schedule.
— kenne
Ragged Edges (Variegated Fritillary Butterfly) — Image by kenne
Ragged Edges
— kenne
