CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT IN ARIZONA

When we lived in Twin Falls, we participated in many Audubon Christmas Bird Counts. When we moved to Arizona we joined the Tucson Audubon and because of this we were invited to join in this year's bird count. Our territory for the bird count was Madera Canyon, right in our own back yard. Now, here's the thing - December Christmas Bird Counts in Idaho are COLD! So here we are in Arizona and I was so looking forward to doing a bird count in the WARM. We arrived at the meeting spot at 8 a.m. this morning (December 28) and below is what greeted us.

Yes, that is snow!!!!! Ugh!!!! I don't know the exact temperature, and I'm sure it's not as cold as it is in Idaho today, but really isn't it suppose to be warm here?

Below the group gets instructions before heading off to count birds.

These two women were assigned to help Bob and I count birds. They were from Montreal, Canada, and they were very good birders. As you can see we are bundled up. Even Bob had on long pants and a jacket!

Below is a patch of snow. Okay, there wasn't a lot of snow as far down the mountain as we were, but snow never-the-less.

Bob even made a snowball! The birds today were smarter than we were and slept in because the bird count was very low. We only had 15 different species. That is the smallest amount we have ever had in Madera Canyon. Tonight we attended the dinner which was held at Kristopher's in Amado. Those who participated in the Green Valley Christmas Bird Count came and gave their totals. The total count was 148 species. We look forward to doing the CBC again next year, and we hope the weather will be a little warmer!

ANOTHER CHRISTMAS IN THE BOOKS!

Christmas is over and I for one couldn't be happier! It has been one get together after another, and eventually they take there toll on an "older" person.

We were at Scott and Yvonne's for cocktails on Thursday the week before Christmas.

Below Lynn is waving the talking stick! We were all trying to talk at once so she grabbed a shoe horn and she said, "this is the talking stick, and whoever holds it gets to talk." She got to talk first since she made up the rule!

On the Friday before Christmas, Doc and Jean came from Twin Falls. They rented the house across the street. That night we -Doc, Jean, Scott, Yvonne, Shirlie, Cliff, Norm, Marg, Bob and myself - went to the Elks Club for their Friday night fish fry. (don't have pictures -- both Scott and I forgot our cameras) Hey, give us a break - we're "older".

On Sunday, December 20, we had a Christmas Open House. Below are pictures of the party. We had 24 people in our little house. Thank goodness the temperature was in the low 70's so that we could spill out onto the patio. Thank you Scott for taking some of the pictures and letting me use them in this blog.

On Tuesday, Doc, Jean, Yvonne, Scott, Shirlie, Cliff, Bob and I went to Wisdom's in Tubac for two-for-one Margarita's and lunch. Luckily they needed a designated driver and that turned out to be me!

On Wednesday, Scott and Norm were going to Mexico for haircuts so Bob and Doc rode along. Yvonne, Jean, Marg and I decided to go to Tucson shopping. (again no camera!)

Christmas Eve night we had Doc, Jean, Yvonne and Scott over for Lasagna. (a camera, but forgot to take pictures). Can you see where this forgetfulness is going. It's not pretty!

Doc and Jean left Christmas morning to head back to Twin Falls. Bob, Yvonne, Scott and I went over to Marg and Norm's for Christmas dinner. Shirlie and Cliff and Shirlie's daughter and friend came over for drinks and I did get pictures!

Don't you just love Norm's hat?

All in all we had a great holiday, and I've got 12 months before I need to worry about it again. Unfortunately the way the days fly by, it will be here before we know it.

WHILE THE CAT'S AWAY...!

Last Friday evening, while Bob was in Seattle at his friend Dennis' memorial, I was invited to go with "the gang", Shirley, Cliff, Yvonne, Scott, Norm, Marg, Howard and Sally to Tucson for a party. The party was given by Cliff's sister and her husband. They live on the Omni golf course and what a view.

Howard, Bobby, Scott and Norm took time for a picture while enjoying the beautiful views.

Shirley and Yvonne enjoying the party.

Bobby and Mary Ellen have a beautiful home. And it was so nice of them to share it with us. Mary Ellen and Bobby -- our host and hostess. Scott took this picture of Yvonne and I so we could prove to Bob that I went without him. We had a great time, but next time I hope Bob can go with us -- it wasn't the same without him.

SUNDAY MORNING BIRDING

After we had our two cups of coffee this morning, Bob said, "Do you want to go to Sweetwater birding?" He has been having birding withdrawal since he hasn't gone for so long, so I said, "Okay." Sweetwater is Tucson's wastewater treatment plant --I know what you're thinking -- but it is an excellent place to bird.

The first thing we saw when we got there were Lawrence's Goldfinches. This was a life bird for both of us -- what a way to start the day! Below is a picture of 3 females. This picture doesn't do them justice, but it's as good as I could do as they wouldn't let me any closer.

It just kept getting better as the next bird we saw was an immature Harris' Hawk.

Then we saw many, many different kinds of ducks, and below a Snowy Egret searching for his breakfast and below that two Black-necked Stilts.

And Bob having a great time birding!!

Even though it is a wastewater treatment area it is a beautiful, tranquil place.

And sometimes you get a surprise. Like ducks all in a row with a turtle mixed in!

We had a great day and saw 51 different species of birds.

ANOTHER DAY ROCK HUNTING!

Bob, Scott, Norm and Cliff went rock hunting last Sunday with the group from the Pima Community College. This trip was to an old copper mining town called Helvetia. It is just east of Green Valley in the Santa Rita mountains.

Scott, Cliff, Bob and Norm having a cold one by one of the adobe walls from the old town site of Helvetia.

Below are the guys with fearless leader Harrison Yokum. (remember he is 86 years old)

Below is the view looking back at Green Valley.

They had a great day and again brought home lots of rocks!!