Sandhill Cranes at Whitewater Draw in Southeast Arizona — Photo-Artistry by kenne
Returning to Whitewater Draw
— kenne
Turkey Vultures Migrating North — Photo-Artistry by kenne
— kenne
Last Of The Migrating Turkey Vultures — Images by kenne (Three images in a slideshow format.)
Usually, by 1st of April, the last of the turkey vultures rousting overnight near the Tanque Verde has completed the spring migration north. This year we have counted upwards of 100 leaving each morning now well into April.
— kenne
Turkey Vulture in Flight Over the Tanque Verde Wash — Image by kenne
Late afternoon
Brings the big birds
Circling in for a landing
In the dead trees
By the Tanque Verde Wash.
Their stay will be brief
Before warming up
In the morning sun
Before liftoff, circling
Gaging the currents.
Each day for most of March
The turkey vultures return
In their journey north
To their northern home
Only to return next fall.
— kenne
Turkey Vultures In The Morning Sun — Images by kenne
The Morning Sun
Hope comes with the morning sun
Warming the body and the soul
Washing away yesterdays troubles
Providing a new beginning
To be lived as if it were your last —
Every minute being a gift.
kenne
Turkey Vulture — Image by kenne
— 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
Images by kenne
This time of year the migrating turkey vultures come gliding and circling in each afternoon from the north landing in the large trees along the Tanque Verde Wash. Our home is about 100 yards up from the wash, so it’s easy to watch for migrating birds. The next morning like clockwork, they start circling up around 9:00 am continuing their return to Mexico.
— kenne
Turkey Vulture Near Tanque Verde Wash — Grunge Art by kenne
This White Winged dove stands among a bouquet of Saguaro buds. Image by kenne
— kenne
The turkey vulture numbers are fewer each day, but the continue migrating to places north. This mornings count was 52. — Images by kenne
Turkey Vultures — Images by kenne
Art from Mary A Livingston’s book, “No Place for Ugly Birds”
We Have A Place For Ugly Birds
During our first fall in Tanuri Ridge (three years ago), I noticed large birds circling above
landing near the Tanque Verde wash to the south of us. Not knowing much about birds,
but my association with naturalist friends has resulted in a mark improvement,
I thought the birds were hawks — even writing a poem (Hawks Circle) and posting it on this blog.
Since then, I have learned more about these beautiful birds
(ugly is beautiful — in the eye of the beholder, you know),
having spent time counting and photographing the birds along the Tanque Verde wash.
However, when it comes to observing and keeping a record of the fall and spring migrations,
I bow to the official Tanuri Ridge turkey vulture counter, Larry Conyers.
He tries to get a count each morning and late afternoon,
and I fill in for him when business takes him away.
The vulture count only takes in the Tanuri Ridge property along the Tanque Verde wash.
There are hundreds more in the Tucson Country Club
(another place for ugly birds) on the south side of the wash from us,
which is why most of our street names begin with “Country Club Vista.”
Hundreds of vultures pass through our part of the Catalina foothills each spring and fall.
Maybe Larry and I need to start having our own “ugly bird” festival next fall, at first for Tanuri Ridge residents,
later opening it to birder friends — who knows!
Yes, we are a place for ugly birds — Tanuri Ridge!
UGLY BIRDS ARE WELCOME!
kenne
“In The Dark Of The Night” — Image by kenne
Roosting high in the
trees of death,
they rest
overnight —
a long journey,
places far south.
Before sunset,
we watched them
circle above Tunuri,
following the path
of generations,
driven by a seventh sense.
Numbers we count
at dusk and dawn,
only to ponder
why the numbers vary —
best guess,
a factor of distance.
Not the only
carion-eating animal,
these majestic birds
are maligned
as a symbol,
death.
Born of the
new world,
don’t call them
buzzard —
let us see,
horaltic pose.
kenne
“Horaltic Pose” ––Image by kenne
Return of The Migrating Turkey Vultures — Image by kenne
Early signs the annual fall migration of turkey vultures has begun. One of the stopping-off places for roosting over night are dead trees along the Tanque Verde wash. These big birds head south for the warmer winter climates of Mexico.
(A 10-Word Poem)
kenne
Becoming is Superior to Being 