Costa's continuing saga

Again today, for about the fifth time, I went to Bonnie Wunderlich's to try to get photos of the Costa's right leg in order to see the band that we assume is there. (We originally banded her Oct 29, 2009)

I started my vigil at 8:30 AM and didn't see her until 11:30. In spite of the raging wind that caused me to abandon my portable blind and sit out in the open, I got a decent shots, except they were of the wrong leg. Next time.

Costa's Hummingbird revisited

This morning I went to see my friend, Bonnie Wunderlich, to again photograph her Costa's Hummingbird that I had originally photographed on Oct 21. After I got set up in my blind a Cactus Wren came right up to me, so I retracted my 400mm zoom lens all the way in to 100mm in order to get the whole bird in the frame. So far, so good.

But then I forgot to put it back out when the hummer came in, so all the shots I took were worthless. Bummer. It never came back to the feeder again, but did go to an ocotillo bloom where I got a couple of decent shots, but I had been hoping to photograph the leg while it was perched to see the band. Next time.

Afterglow

Today, November 8th, marks the wedding anniversary of my late husband, Sherwood Kolb, and me. We got married on my late mother's birthday to make the day double special. Sherwood worked very hard alongside me to create this oasis. After a hard day's work we enjoyed sitting beside our tiny caged trees and watching the sun disappear behind the mountains to the west, as it created an afterglow on the mountain to the east. It looked then much as it looked this evening, except now the trees are huge and the oasis is truly an oasis, ever thirsting for water.

Birds and deer

Yesterday and today have been perfect at the oasis so I've spent more time there than I normally do. In these two days I've identified 47 species of birds, and counting. And that's with my worn out binoculars and poor vision. I'm sure there are more species present.

And in case you think all there is at the oasis are birds, here are some Mule Deer drinking early this morning. The deer seem totally oblivious to the fact that the concrete spillway they're standing on goes straight down into nine feet of water. They probably couldn't care less since they know they won't fall in.

Alpine Chihuahuan Ravens

Today was quite windy so I mostly stayed indoors. I was surprised to see three ravens* perched on the utility wires behind the house. I don't remember ever seeing three together like that before, so even though I had sent my 400mm lens in for repair, I took photos of them with my 300mm lens. If there was any doubt as to their identity, the last photo dispels that, with the white neck skin clearly showing through during a gust of wind.

* I knew a group of crows was called a murder of crows, but I was surprise to learn that a group of ravens is called an unkindness of ravens.

Anna's Hummingbirds are back

This individual was probably here last year too, as he's banded. We're going to try to recapture him next week and see who he is. I'll keep you updated.

Update: We did recapture him and he was banded last year here at the oasis.

Quail and hummers

I had decided to put a cage over my tray seed feeder to deter doves because I have so many of them, but then I discovered the Scaled Quail are now flying up to the feeder's 5 foot height and feeding on it, so I'm not going to do that after all. It would keep quail out too. This photo was taken in the soft late afternoon light. Normally this species would not look so rosy.

It seems all the Lucifers have migrated except for this young male. I'm so going to miss hummingbirds if none over-winter this year. A few Anna's have finally trickled in so maybe a couple of them will stay around until spring.

Lucifer Hummingbird

Hammond's Flycatcher

This may not be the first Hammond's Flycatcher at my oasis, but it's the first one I photographed and ID'd.

Hybrid hummingbird

Today we banded hummingbirds at the oasis and caught what appears to be a hybrid juvenile male. The bander (Kelly Bryan) says it's probably a hybrid between a Ruby-throated and  Black-chinned. Whatever it is, it's cool looking. I would love to see him as an adult with a full gorget.

Lovely oasis morning

With all the rain we've had this year, the oasis was a pleasure to explore in the cool of the morning. No mosquitos, no snakes, really great. I seldom have time to enjoy it. For those of you who can't come see for yourself, I took some photos.

Looking toward the wildlife pond from the hummingbird viewing area where visitors first arrive

Wildlife pond from east looking west in early morning light.

Looking toward the wildlife pond from the south edge of it. (Pretty hidden)

Looking SW over the wildlife pond.

Path through pine trees west of wildlife pond.

Looking east toward grotto water feature with early morning light filtering through.