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
Turkey Vultures In The Morning Sun — Image 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
Image by kenne
The following poem was part of a blog entry a year ago October on poet Gary Snyder’s reading at the University of Arizona Poetry Center. The posting included my poem, Hawks Circle” with the above photo. Now a year later, much has evolved in my understanding of the natural world around us. For starters, I now know the big birds soring above are not hawks, but turkey vultures. Still, I have, and will continue to show my ignorance as I seek to increase my knowledge of nature.
Hawks Circle
People want to know,
Why Tucson?
With so many roots tied
to the star,
deep and connected,
why turn a back
To comfort?
To convince?
To culture?
Reasons abound
answers diverse,
yet similar.
Some old,
some recently learned.
More often than not
my answer is earthy,
yet ethereal.
Of another world,
yet of one world.
Answers giving birth
as hawks circle
riding the currents
above the foothills
gawking the ground
providing a Gary Snyder image
clear of mind
having no meaning, “but that
which sees is truly seen.”
— kenne
. . . followed by:
Behind is a forest that goes to the Arctic
And a desert that still belongs to the
Piute
And here we must draw
Our line.
As the crickets’ soft autumn hum
is to us
so are we to the trees
as are they
to the rocks and the hills.
— Gary Synder
(from “Front Lines/As The Crickets’ Soft Autumn Hum)
In his recent visit, James wanted to go hiking (my kind of kid). So, rather than taking him over to Sabino Canyon and walking the Nature Trail near the center, we walked a few hundred feet to the Tanuri Ridge Desert Park down by the Tanque Verde Wash — he loved it! James was providing me my first opportunity to start practicing what I’m learning in the Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists classes.
If you think he was not listening, you’re wrong. He is quick to share everything he learns — with everyone!
After telling James about Cairns (trail markers), he wanted to help by adding a stone. He was already familiar with the cairns I have on our patio, for which he would being be additional stones to place on the cairns. Makes one wonder if the Scots Gaelic spirit is inside James — there’s a Scottish Gaelic blessing that goes: “I’ll put a stone on your cairn.” Bless you, James.
Grandma and James facing away from the morning sun looking at the roosting turkey vultures. He was very impressed with the big birds.
Turkey Vultures Along the Tanque Verde Wash — Image by kenne
Although many turkey vultures are in southern Arizona year round, in the Fall and Spring many migrating through. When they roost in large community groups are night, and one such location is along the Tanque Verde Wash south of our home in Tanuri Ridge. This time of year there be over 150 turkey vultures roosting in dead trees along the wash. The following information is from the Turkey Vulture Society web site:
The images on this posting were taken this morning before the turkey start there leaving patterns, which will be in groups of 5 to 30-plus and may take place over an hour. It’s a beautiful sight!
kenne
Images by kenne
On the Road to Ruin — An Ode To Danger People
A time of dangerous opportunity
A time to discard sacred cows
A time for spiritual renewal
A time of shared empathy
A time of caring
A time to create
A time to mute siren songs
A time to be “danger people.”
— kenne
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