Normally Wile-E-Coyote tries to catch the roadrunner, but this morning it was hanging out in the irrigated farm lands of Mirana, Arizona. This area does very well for birding, but not to many folks spend time in this non traditional Tucson location. In fact, not only do you get to see lots of birds, but one may drive by and view the Pinal Air Graveyard. I saw a lot of Boeing 747’s this morning that will fly no more.
Molly and I decided we deserved a quick getaway after all the health issues for both of us. Over the years we have grown to like Oro Valley just north of Tucson … for both birding and bicycling. The bike trails are extensive and keep you off the busy roads as the trails wind their way through the washes. On the birding side of the equation I like some locations that are north of town, and do not see many birders. Today I spent time first at Catalina Pond (not the state park). This wild area has a small pond, and water attracts life in the desert habitat. My other stop was the town of Oracle, Arizona. Once again while there is a state park near this town, my birding tends to be focused on a small quiet park in town. Oracle is about 25 miles north of Tucson, and has enough elevation change that it sees more precipitation than down in the desert. The town park has many trees which provide food for hungry birds. Enjoy … some images from this morning!
The HUGE rains of June did a number to many of the wilderness roads in northeastern Minnesota, including Stony River Forest Road. It had a significant number of washouts over its 20 mile length. However, it was reopened yesterday!!! I love to both drive and hike this road. Actually, truth be told … like a bad boy … I actually was frequently on the road after it was closed, but I had to restrict my travels to areas where holes would not swallow my car!
This morning I enjoyed a 20 mile drive on Stony. I tend to drive north to a boreal bog at the 10.5 mile mark, and then turn around. I decided as long as I was up on Stony, I might as well head over to my feeders and trailcams (9 miles distant) I hope you enjoy this video of a lone timber wolf. He was filmed yesterday, and I swear he smelled my scent on the trailcam. Towards the end of the video, the wolf stops and stares right at the camera. Have I been outed??! (video link for email subscribers)
Perhaps the wolf was hunting Spruce Grouse. A few days back I photographed this male within 50 yards of this trailcams. While I could have zoomed in closer with my camera, it is often better to show wildlife in their habitat … in this case the golds of late Autumn. Apparently tomorrow morning our first winter storm of the year may hit with 1/2 foot of snow.
