I sometimes think I have to say it almost by way of confession: since 1996, I have been an obsessive birder. And, if anything, my illness has deepened since moving to magical Arizona in 2000.
In the time that I've lived here, I've seen almost 300 species (the state list is around 535!) in Arizona alone. The variety of habitat, from Sonoran desert to alpine meadow, makes me feel like I almost never have to leave the state.
Just recently, Arizona gifted me with my 400th life bird: LeConte's Thrasher, one which I had unsuccessfully sought on two previous (long) trips and, just for good measure, #401, a Bendire's Thrasher. Both were singing.
Along the way, I will of course regale you with the ongoing chase for lifers. But interspersed will be love letters to the landscape, all the humor involved in our crazy fanaticism, and perhaps an environmental call to action or two.
Right now, we are just at the beginning of migration. The waterfowl are coursing through, and just this week we saw our first swallows (Violet-green and Northern Rough-wing), raptors (Common Black-hawk and Turkey Vulture), and one lone Lucy's Warbler.
Each spring I have one obsession bird. This spring, it's the Greater Pewee.
And then, there's the dream list of Mexican strays: Flame-colored Tanager, Crescent-chested Warbler (try to say that without coming out with "chestnut crested"), Aztec Thrush, Blue Mockingbird, Yellow Grosbeak, Berylline Hummingbird, Buff-collared Nightjar.
Also, next month, I got asked to be on an 8-day bird census trip rafting through the Grand Canyon! Much more on that. And, there's a very good chance I'll be visiting my father in the south of France in June. I'm already starting to research. Of particular interest is the reintroduced Monk Vulture in the Cevennes National Park.
So. Welcome and enjoy!
Posted by MadMonk at March 15, 2004 02:41 PM