Monday, August 27, 2012

Mon-late Monsoons

We've had some fun weather these past couple of weeks in Phoenix, with the August heat punctuated by intermittent monsoon aftershocks. It's like living in Dallas again-- 100°F at 7 am and then thunderclouds by noon. Silly troposphere just can't make up it's mind. Funky weather makes for funky birding as the daylight alternates by the hour and throws off feeding times.

Whatever mayhem the funky weathers visits on the birds is magnified for reptiles like this Twin-spotted Spiny Lizard, perhaps the only critters in Phoenix this time of year who really appreciate full sunlight.


The European Starlings at the DBG like to tune their voices in the overcast evening light. Their beautiful plumage almost makes up for everything that these birds have going against their popularity. Without any larger context, this bird is an emerald and ebony gem. The luster starts to fade when one considers how common they are, that they're introduced, and that they displace other species. Oddly enough, European Starling populations are actually decreasing in Europe--isn't that a weird thought.


The funky weather really got to this Inca Dove. It just kinda froze in the middle of a gravel path and stood perfectly still, perhaps waiting for the sun to reemerge. From its gaunt physique, I'd say this is likely a first year bird, and one who does not yet have the necessary life experience to know what to do when the sun is gone by 4pm.


Other birds at the DBG have problem adjusting at all. This Great Horned Owl was plunked on up in a mesquite tree. From his concealed position, he kept tabs on all the little bunnies hopping around below him and contemplated violent things.


Just to make sure this was, in fact, a Great Horned Owl, and not some other bird in disguise, I checked off some tell-tale characteristics.

Large Eyes and ability to turn head 180°-- check 


Large, intimidating, zygodactyl talons -- check


Gruff personality and sense that this awkward biped is an affront to an owl's regal existence? -- check


While the tiger owl waited up high, this debonair Cactus Wren, strutted around down low. The largest and loudest of the North American Wrens, these towering troglodytes act like they own the place. Seeing as they are the state bird, they may have a case. I like the pose here, and feel like this Wren should have a flag waving behind him in the background.


I'm sure that by the time this post is up, the clouds will be gone. As we're still in monsoon season, they'll probably be back this evening. Here's hoping.

17 comments:

  1. I love owls. I really really do. Those are some amazing shots of the Great Horned. Nicely done:) The weather has been amazing. I finally have been able to do some semi serious hiking again. Had a great weekend. And what's up with the Incan Dove populations here? I used to see them all over Tucson and then I started to look for them....and they're really hard to find. They used to be rather common. Are they around Phoenix still in great numbers? I feel like they may be our version of the European Starling. Great shots! Glad you're enjoying the weather:)

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    1. Thanks Chris, I'm glad you're getting to hike comfortably again. The summer heat is SO enervating sometimes.

      It's interesting you mention the Dinca Dove population. I remember some conversations on the AZ listserv a while back about the dwindling numbers of breeding birds in the Tucson area, which is in fact well-documented. They seem to be increasing in the Phoenix area though, so I really don't know why there are these fluctuations right now, but I'd certainly be interested to learn.

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    2. I think someone reported that we've had an increase in Bobcat populations etc which may have something to do with it. But I have looked high and low for these doves....even at Sweetwater and it's like I'm searching for the Starthroat. And after all the hours logged birding this year, I am absolutely shocked that I can't find this once super common bird. So when I saw the pic of your Incan dove, I was excited. I want to say that these are very urban birds but they're not. But Tucson in an odd way is still a very wild city. Our homes have lots of wildlife come and visit....and most people are okay with it. But Phoenix is urban all the way creating this really unique bubble....thus creating the refuge for the Peach Face Lovebird. I am still absolutely fascinated by this fact as well. But I'm not sure why the Incan doves are no longer here. But you should have seen them in the 90's. They were like cockroaches. Now it's like spotting a unicorn! Buenos Aires Refuge this weekend! HOpe you have a great 3 day planned!

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    3. I saw that email about the Bobcats too. Very interesting, though it seems like just an increase in the predators would not have culled Inca numbers so severely. Maybe it is just the fate of Incan things to be be conquered? Who knows...

      I am wondering when those Lovebirds will make their way own to Tucson. That'll be interesting to observe.

      I heading out to the Salton Sea for Saturday birding. Hope you find some good stuff!

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    4. You do the same. Our epic journeys begin my friend. May you find all kinds of amazing things. I can't wait to get my day started tomorrow. The gas tank is full and ready to go:)

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  2. Laurence, it has started to cool down here, I love the cooler mornings. I wish we had Inca Doves here, they are gorgeous, the Cactus Wren too (even though we have them down south they hide when ever I am down there). And the Tiger of the Sky? They are awesome!

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    1. I'm starting to think you need to make a trip back out to the Sonoran scales Mia : )

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  3. Sweet Owl photos; looks like one cooperative fellow! Unless maybe it was trying to intimidate you with a flash of its talons:) I'm really looking forward to some cooler weather....whenever it may decide to show up.

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    1. Thanks Tammy. If you find the Great Horns out with some daylight they prefer to stay put, but yeah, I think we wanted to show off the claws too,like any good tiger.

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  4. Great post Laurence, love the ID on the owl :), neat wren too.

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    1. Thanks Dan. One can never be too careful with those owls.

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  5. Isn't that owl in a mesquite tree?

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    1. Thanks for the correction Anonymous. It is an Argentine Mesquite Tree.

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  6. Wonderful shots! I love the Cactus Wren.

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    1. Thanks Scott. I suppose it'd be quite the scene if one of those garrulous Wrens showed up in Florida!?

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  7. What a great series! Great photos Laurence.

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    1. Thanks Robert! I'm just trying to keep it alive until I can have another big adventure.

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