Archive for the ‘Nature’ Category

San Pedro River Birds

March 13th, 2014 by Mike Hug

San Pedro River Birds – My point of view.

Goldfinch, Warblers and other San Pedro Birds love to visit the feeders.

I have been given the chance to do a guest blog on the San Pedro River Birds. There are days that I sit at the door or the window and watch the San Pedro River birds with their variety of coloring. They poke around on the ground while others are at the feeders. Some fly high overhead while others glide over the fields behind the house. I would like to have some fun sneaking up on them and surprise them with a quick leap.

The White-crowned Sparrow

I have three things I like to do every day – look at birds, sleep and eat but not necessarily in that order. Now I am not an avid birder like some people that come here. That is because my wait staff won’t let me out so that I can get face to face with some of the birds I see from the window and door. I guess I can’t complain too much since they do maintain my food and water and I can sleep anywhere and at any time since I own the place. I do find it tantalizing to think about the birds that flit about my residence. But let me introduce myself. Name is Eight Ball but I do go by Ditz. I was given that name because of some of my so called antics. I consider it normal meowing around. Such is life.

I am Eightball and you can address me as Your Majesty.

But I digress, so back to my story about San Pedro River birds. The American Goldfinches are here all year round and my staff keeps the thistle feeder filled on a regular basis. The sparrows, dove, quail and house finches spend a lot of time at the seed feeders. But sometimes they feed on the ground when the Gila Woodpecker gets on the feeder and flicks all the seed out.

Gila Woodpecker Getting Into Position To Have A Drink Of Nectar.

The hummingbirds are fun to watch as they hover at the feeder. I really like to watch them since they stay for a while and they always bring their family and friends. I don’t think that I could get near enough to them to scare them though since they are so fast. The Gila Woodpecker also hangs around this feeder and drinks the sugar water.

There are also some San Pedro River birds that catch flying insects. One is red with black wings but I don’t really see the red color very well. The other is grey and orange-ish. I have been told that they are Vermillion Flycatchers and Says Phoebes. I have some experience catching flying insects but those birds have an ability that I don’t have. I can only leap so high. From a branch, they take off very fast, grab the insect and go back to their perch and wait to start all over again.

Vermillion Flycatcher and Says Phoebe Picture

Insects are always on the fly and dine menu for these San Pedro River Birds

I have imagined lying in the juniper below the feeders and then jumping out at the woodpeckers and watch them all scatter and fly off to a tree screeching at me. That would be so much fun. Just thinking of springing out of cover at the woodpecker gives me such a thrill. But my servants tell me if I tried to scare him, he would peck my eyes out. Me thinks that they have watched too much of the Christmas Story.

I only get to watch the San Pedro River Birds. Can’t hide in the juniper and leap out with my frightening MEOW.

Northern Harrier searching for prey.

I allow my servants to run a b and b here between taking care of my wants and needs. You ought to stay at Down By The River B and B and find out what kind of San Pedro River birds are around here. You could also see just how well I have trained them to keep things running smoothly. You could also enjoy sitting outside and watching all the San Pedro River birds; unlike me. I would love to get out and play with the San Pedro River birds but I have been told that the hawks or the owls might get me. I have seen some of them and they are rather large but I think I could smack them around if they got in my way.

Yawn…this has been exhausting. So I guess I will just head to my box, lie down and dream about chasing a bird down. It has been a little tiring watching the birds and thinking about how to get out the door. I need a nap. Oh and you servants, the water and food levels are getting low, look after that will you. And do it quietly I don’t want my catnap disturbed.

On and leave the blog quietly I hate being disturbed during my nap.

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Southeastern Arizona B and B

March 10th, 2014 by Mike Hug

Southeastern Arizona B and B Submits Winning Picture

Front of the Inn during a lightning storm

The winning picture

Our Southeastern Arizona b and b was invited to enter a photo contest by one of our online marketing agencies that we use. The Bed and Breakfast Online photo contest was held in February and about 60 b and bs submitted their photos. We reviewed many different pictures that we have or our Southeastern Arizona b and b. There were a few pictures that we felt might be a candidate for our contribution but in the end we realized that this one picture would be the best to place into the competition. If selected, the winning photo would be included in the slide show on BBOnlines website for the month of March. On the 28^th of February, we were informed by BBOnline that we had won the competition and our photo would be placed on the website.

Lightning strike picture at our Southeastern Arizona B and B

During the monsoon storms lightning can be filmed from the cover of the patio.

We believe that our Southeastern Arizona b and b won this photo contest because of the expertise of the photographer. Our prize winning picture was taken by Robert Neep during one of his visits to Down By The River B and B. Rob graciously allowed us the use of this picture for our marketing and promotions. The picture was taken during a July monsoon thunderstorm that developed just south of our Southeastern Arizona b and b.

Rob has come to Down By The River B and B over the last 5 years to pursue his passion for filming thunderstorm. His website features some of the videos that he has filmed during his stay at our Southeastern Arizona b and b. The videos of the storms that he has filmed in Cochise County, Arizona are really breathtaking. During the July and August monsoons,

A double rainbow is on display during a monsoon storm just at sunset.

the desert heat and high pressure north and west of Saint David draws the moisture into Arizona from the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. The thunderstorms build during the day. In the afternoon continuing on into the night you can see natures fireworks light up the sky and clouds. The monsoons bring much needed rain into the desert during the summer months and make this part of Arizona lush and green.

Summer monsoons at our Southeastern Arizona B and B are amazing. The thunderstorms build during the day and the rains moderate the temperature of the days heat. The display by Mother Nature cannot be beat. It is one of the best places in the US to see thunderstorms without having the danger of an accompanying tornado. As an added bonus, the sunsets top off the day with brilliant colors. Book a room and find out what happens at our Southeastern Arizona B and B during the monsoons. You may have a chance during your stay to film a fantastic light show put on by Mother Nature.

The high cirrus clouds allowed for a flaming sunset.

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Birding Hotspot on the San Pedro River

January 22nd, 2014 by Mike Hug

A Birding Hotspot on the San Pedro River is at Down By The River B and B

Path to the San Pedro River Birding Hotspot

From the back patio of Down By The River there is a path to the tree lined San Pedro River.

A birding hotspot on the San Pedro River is the Riparian National Conservation Area which is located just south of Down By The River B and B. Down By The River is abuts this birding hot spot and has access down to the river by a couple of ways.. One way is to travel about one half mile from our San Pedro River b and b property on Efken place back to Escalante Road and from there east to the San Pedro River. The other access is a pathway that has been established across the property of the b and b, through a gate and following a cut trail to another Texas gate. From there a path has been cleared to the river.

The path leads to a gate to exit the property at the b and b onto a common area with a path that leads down to the river.

The birding hotspot on the San Pedro River is because it is a migratory path for the birds heading from Central America up into the Northern States and Canada. While there are many birds that live in this part of Cochise County year round there are up to 250 different species that use the San Pedro River for food and water as they fly through. There are birds that also winter in the area and when it warms up they fly back north.

Angie and I took some time recently to take the trail down across the property and through the two gates to the path leading to the San Pedro. We cleared brush and burrs from the trail to make it easier for guests to use. When we got to the bottom and came out on the banks of the river, we could hear the chatter of birds in the trees. Even in January the birding hotspot on the San Pedro River found on the length of the river wherever water is above ground.

The bank along the San Pedro River is treacherous and if you go off the path.

As we walked the river, we spotted numerous birds although most were on the wing and we weren’t able to make an ID. There were 3 that we were able to get pictures of. One was a flycatcher but we weren’t able to get close enough to make a good visual as to the species. Many different flycatchers are found on the river. The other was a Northern Flicker that let me walk up close enough to photograph him. He was in a tree about at about 20 feet up on a branch and eyed me as I moved closer. I was able to get a good photo of him. The third bird was a song sparrow that was in and out of an old stump that had been washed down the river. He played hide and seek with us until I was finally able to get a few pictures of him so that I could get an ID later.

Unidentified flycatcher was spotted in a tree

As birding hotspots go, the San Pedro River is one of the best you will find. At the northern end of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Down By The River is the only B and B that is located on the river and has access from the back door. Guests have seen many birds here on their visit and we have documented that list. Click on this Birding Link to go the the page where we have our bird list. We also have a listing of guides that will make your experience at the birding hotspot on the San Pedro River a memorable time. To view addresses and phone numbers of these highly recommended guides check near the bottom of our birding webpage. Check us out and find why our b and b is perfect for lodging near the birding hotspot – The San Pedro River.

The Song Sparrow was hiding amongst the branches in a old stump along the river.

The Norther Flicker can be found at the Birding hotspot on the San Pedro River

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San Pedro River Lodging Birding

January 8th, 2014 by Mike Hug

Ponds near our San Pedro River Lodging can provide some intimate bird watching without a lot of interruption of other birders.

From an overlook on the road to Millers Pond you can view the activity at the pond.

Nearby our San Pedro River Lodging, known as Down By The River B and B, are a couple of ponds that are accessible only for guests at our B and B. The pond is inside the gated area of DMR Ranch but is a short walk from the property. One is rather small and fed by a small spring and you can find birds in the trees around the pond. The second is about 7 or 8 acres and has reeds and cat tails to give the water fowl cover. Whenever Angie and I walk to the ponds we haven’t encountered any other people during our visit. The odds are that you may be the only visitors if you visit the ponds. From a gravel road there is an overview so you can see where the activity is located at the pond.

In the month of December we had visited the ponds twice. Both times we found mainly the American Coot. During second visit, we stopped to view the action at the pond. We found that there were other birds in amongst the American Coots. As we viewed the birds that were at the pond, we found a pair of Ruddy Ducks, a loggerhead shrike, dove and a large group of Northern Shovelers along with the coots. There were some birds that we thought might be Cinnamon Teal but they went into the reeds before we could make a good identification.

A pair of Ruddy Ducks were at the pond and we were able to watch them for a while.

On our first visit to the ponds near our San Pedro River lodging along with birds we found insects along the shore and in the reeds. In particular we found Damsel Flies and Dragon Flies. There were many birds in the reeds looking for insects and other menu items. If we had taken the time we probably could have identified the types of birds but we had a short time frame for the walk as guests were coming to the b and b.

When you visit our San Pedro River lodging, ask us about the pond and we can direct you to its location. It is always nice to be able to see something that is more off the beaten track that other people can’t get to or don’t know about. There are not the variety of birds that you will find at White Water Draw or Twin Lakes but it can be a special place in an intimate setting that can be your alone.

The loggerhead Shrike was waiting for insects during our visit to the pond

Northern Shovelers took flight after we had come out of a reedy blind and disturbed them

American Coot caught st the start of a dive underwater

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Wings Over Willcox

November 24th, 2013 by Mike Hug

Wings Over Willcox 2014 is coming in January

Wings Over Willcox (WOW) is an annual event held in the middle of January every year. This year is the 21st time that the birding event has been held. The WOW event hosts various tours, seminars, contests and a banquet. There are over 60 different events taking place during the time frame. Birding tours and many chances for photography are available at different venues all over Cochise County. Twin Lakes, The Willcox Playa and White Water Draw are some of the locations that draw the birding tours. Children’s activities such as building bird nesting boxes are available. It is less than 2 months away from the start of WOW and already some of the more popular events are sold out with wait lists for them filling as you read this. Opportunities to get on a tour are still available but they are filling up fast. Too see what is available, click here on the link to the events page. A brochure of the entire experience is available online on the website so that you can download it and read it at your leisure.

I notice that there is one contest with Wings Over Wilcox which would be interesting for me. The contest is the Anniversary Challenge. This challenge is open to everyone and its aim is for entrants to find and list as many of the 100 birds that were seen in the Sulphur Springs Valley prior to 1900. Some of the birds were sighted back in the 1700s. The list can be found on the website challenge page. A bird themed poetry and a Haiku contest is also on the agenda.

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Southeast Arizona Bird Migration

November 18th, 2013 by Mike Hug

Southeast Arizona Bird Migration is best in The San Pedro River Valley

LBJ aka Chipping Sparrow

Southeast Arizona Bird Migration along the San Pedro River reaches its peak in the fall and spring of the year. Some of the migratory birds end their southeast Arizona migration in areas of Cochise County in Southeastern Arizona. Down By The River B and B, the lodging hub of Cochise County, is a perfect spot to stay while you take your day trips to find that bird you need on your life list. There are many birds that spend the winter in Cochise County. The nice sunny days allow for you to spend time watching the birds instead of being bundled up next to a fire at the old homestead. In preparing this blog, I found a website that gives migration routes of birds and approximate times of the year that they migrate. There is some good information in this website and it gives you some general timing for your visit to see the our Southeast Arizona bird migration.

Northern Shoveler taking flight at Twin Lakes Birding Area

The Sandhill Cranes, Snow Geese, American Avocet, American Coots and a variety of Teals are just a few of the birds that spend the winter in locations around the county. There are lakes and ponds within a short driving distance that are sanctuaries for these birds. Besides the migratory birds that call Southeast Arizona home for the winter, we have the resident birds that live all year long in the area. Many visit our feeders during the day. This allows our guests to be very close so there is no need for that big lens to get that great picture.

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B&B San Pedro River Birding Photography

October 29th, 2013 by Mike Hug

B&B San Pedro River Birding Photography Requires Some luck.

Keep your camera ready so that you can take photos from a car during travel.

B&B San Pedro River birding photography requires good equipment, some skill and it also helps to have some luck if you want to have those close up pictures. I was a Boy Scout in my youth and one of the things you learned was the Scout motto. “Be Prepared”. The motto has proven true for me when I am taking photos around our San Pedro River B&B. The days I forget to take my camera with me are the days that I could have had a great photo.

But then there are days that something great happens and I get a B&B San Pedro River birding photo that is a keeper. In a blog I wrote a while ago I related the story about seeing a Northern Harrier gliding over the back of the property. This was usually when we were preparing breakfast for the guests and I never had the camera with me. Happily it ended one day when Angie told me a Northern Cardinal was in a mesquite tree behind the fence at the patio. I put my zoom lens on the camera and went out to get the picture of the cardinal. After the photos were taken, I saw the harrier gliding over the field again. The camera was ready and so was I. You do need that little bit of luck.

Sometimes you need to shoot a picture through a window. The shot isn’t going to be perfect but it can be made.

If I am going anywhere other than to the store, I make sure my camera goes with me. We went wine tasting in September with my son and his family. On the way to the winery we decided to show the grandkids Twin Lakes in Willcox. The area is known for waterfowl and as we were driving along a white bird came down and glided in front of the car for a while. I had the camera and as we were driving I was shooting pictures of the bird. Luck showed its face again. Although the shots were a little shaky because of the ride, I was able to take some nice flight shots. From the shots we could determine that the bird was a Northern Harrier.

Just a few days ago, I saw a bird that hadn’t been in the patio area before. Again the camera was handy and I put my zoom lens on the camera. I carefully walked out the door and headed out onto the patio slowly. I didn’t want to scare the bird off. From the patio I could see that the sun wasn’t right for a good shot. I moved to the right and finally worked my way to the access opening in the fence and set up for a shot behind the poles. As I looked around with the camera the bird posed for me and I got a great shot of the Cassin’s King Bird. After a few minutes of posing, he left but there were gold finches on the feeder. Since there was a particularly nice goldfinch on the feeder, I decided to take a couple of shots.

It is nice to have birds pose for you when you are trying to get a picture.

I was able to upload and process the digital film on the computer. While reviewing what I had photographed, I found that the photo of the Cassin’s King Bird included a Chipping Sparrow sitting on a nearby branch. I had concentrated on the king bird so much I hadn’t seen the sparrow. When I looked at the finch photo I found another surprise. The picture showed one bird leaving the feeder and another finch starting to hover as he was landing on the feeder. Now you know what the luck portion is in photography. Some things you can anticipate but others are happenstance. Pray that luck is smiling on you as you take B&B San Pedro River birding photos.

Bring your equipment and try your luck at photography at Down By The River, our San Pedro River B& B, The Lodging Hub of Cochise County. The property has many opportunities to photograph birds and other wildlife both on the property and down on the river.

The Goldfinch were leaving the feeder and coming in as I shot the picture.

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Birding The San Pedro River

October 23rd, 2013 by Mike Hug

Birding the San Pedro River can add to your life list.

Many of our guests love birding the San Pedro River at the northern end of the San Pedro National Riparian Conservation Area. Down By The River has access to the San Pedro River and it is just a short walk from the patio. The tree line marks the river’s location and even if water isn’t flowing under the bridge in St. David it is at the back of the B and B property. We have cut a trail that takes you to a gate in the fence near the river. Our guests have found many birds in the area while birding the San Pedro River. Look at our list of birds that were located around the B and B.

Ponds while birding the San Pedro River picture

Ponds are located throughout St. David.

There are other locations nearby for birding the San Pedro River. The Holy Trinity Monastery has an award winning 1.3 mile birding trail that was built in 1992. The trail goes around ponds and down to the San Pedro River. The Benedictine monks operate the monastery and welcome the birders that come to walk the trail. There are various types of waterfowl at the monastery pond and many a birder has added to their list at this location.

Saint David is a desert greenbelt and is known for all the ponds in the area. This is because of the clay content of the ground throughout the area and the natural springs that come to the surface. There are also man made ponds that are located near the San Pedro River. Down By The River is in an area where we have access to a private pond within walking distance. Angie and I recently had been birding the San Pedro River and decided to check the pond out. I hadn’t been to the pond in many years and Angie had never been there. The pond is about 8 acres and has reeds and cattails around the edge. This provides a natural blind and allows you to get close to the waterfowl.

American Coots can be found at ponds while birding The San Pedro River

We walked around the pond and check out what was there. The pond had American Coots for the most part. Some smaller birds were in the rushes and scattered as we went by. I have seen other birds there in the past and the pond is not so large that you can’t get some nice photographs. So plan your visit and let us know you want to see the pond. We will tell you how to get there and if were not too busy we may even go with you. When you’re birding the San Pedro River there are a lot of opportunities that are available to get that good photo.

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Stargazing in Benson, Arizona

October 12th, 2013 by Mike Hug

Stargazing in Benson, Arizona with the dark night skies.

Stargazing in Benson, Arizona has been an attraction of visitors for a long time. The trend started with the Vega-Bray Observatory and their bed and breakfast called The Skywatchers Inn. The property was sold, became the Astronomers Inn sold again and is now known as The San Pedro Valley Observatory. Down By The River B and B has hosted many amateur astronomer while they are stargazing in Benson, Arizona at the SPVO. The SPVO is no longer a B and B but Down By The River works closely with them and give discounts to our guests that make reservations there for star gazing. We also welcome people that want to stargaze in Benson, Arizona and want to use the telescope we have at the B and B.

Sagittarius Constellation Picture stargazing in Benson, Arizona

The bright stars of Sagittarius contains nebula and the Milky Way is a back drop.

The high cirrus clouds allowed for a flaming sunset.

Recently we hosted amateur astronomer at the B and B just after the new moon in October. The day started out clear but by the afternoon high cirrus clouds started to move into the area. This date also coincided with the Draconid meteor shower which was supposed to reach its peak. In 2011, the meteor shower had about 600 meteors and hour. But it turns out that this year was a bust for meteors just like the viewing. But we were given another gift to compensate that is common in southeastern Arizona – a brilliant sunset. The next night was clear and dark and we set up the telescope. Rance was able to look at the sliver of the moon, the Lagoon Nebula in Sagittarius and the Ring Nebula.

Dobsonian Telescope for stargazing in Benson, Arizona picture

Our Stargazing B and B has a 13″ mirror Dobsonian Telescope

Since Down By The River B and B is located in Saint David, it is perfect for stargazing in the Benson, Arizona area. Our San Pedro River B and B is equipped with a 13” Dobsonian telescope for our guests to use. A Dobsonian telescope is manually sighted and does not have a tracking system nor a computer. The telescope does come equipped with a sighting mechanism. This is good for people that have some knowledge of the skies at night. October is a favorite for me and is one of the better times of year for stargazing. The Milky Way is visible and constellations such as Sagittarius and Andromeda are in great positions to sight Messier objects. I particularly like this time of year because the weather isn’t too cold, there are many interesting objects that can be seen overhead and there is the brilliant Milky Way.

So look at your calendar and pick a date without a full moon. See how much fun you can have stargazing in Benson, Arizona at our B and B or make a reservation to the SPVO. They will give you time with a knowledgeable astronomer who has a computer on his telescope. Either way it is special being able to see the stars that light up the dark sky.

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San Pedro River Birding

September 26th, 2013 by Mike Hug

The Migration is starting and the San Pedro River Birding is getting better.

In Southeastern AZ, the San Pedro River birding will be really good as the migration south is starting and should reach it’s peak in another couple of weeks. The hummingbirds that have been around all year are at the feeders a lot. They are putting on fat so that they will be able to make the migratory trip south without stopping. We do have some that stay around into November but most leave the San Pedro River by the end of October. This is also the time where the bats are out and we have to take the feeders down or all the feeders will be empty by morning. We have a friend on Facebook that has actually photographed the bats at the feeders.

San Pedro River Birding picture of a Vermillion Flycatcher

I was able to get 3 shots of the Vermillion Flycatcher through a screen. Some of the bluriness is caused by the screen but it isn’t too bad.

Our resident Phoebe will probably stay again this year but I don’t know where she finds food. She eats insects on the fly and it is fascinating to watch her swoop and turn when she is after one. The gold finches will also be at the feeders over the winter as the finches, sparrows and doves. One of the favorites of San Pedro River Birding that will leave is the bright colored Vermillion Flycatchers that have brightened up the trees at our B and B this year. I finally got a couple of good shots of the female a couple of days ago. The Northern Cardinals, Scarlett Tanager and the Summer Tanager that we see frequently will also be heading to warmer climes.

After 20 minutes the cranes are still arriving at The Draw.

There will still be good San Pedro River birding as we will be getting new resident birds over the winter. These birds like Arizona in the winter just like our guest do that hail from the Midwest. The Sandhill Cranes and the Snow Geese take up residency here in Southeaster Arizona. Wings Over Willcox celebrates the birds with a week long event for birding enthusiasts. So make your plans and take a loot to Down By The River as your San Pedro River Birding B and B. We will take good care of you.

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