The “Big Outing”

At the end of July my partner Steve and I decided to get away from the heat of Phoenix for a few days. We stayed at the Santa Rita Lodge, Madera Canyon, in beautiful Coronado National Forest. We had learned from friends that the area is a favorite of other birders. In fact, the particular cabin we reserved was recommended by friends that had recently been there. Indeed, it was perfect. We were able to safely stay away from everyone and still easily watch all the many birds that come in to visit the hanging seed feeders as well as the attractive water feature. Lots of hummingbirds come in to visit the numerous hummer feeders as well.

It was a lovely little cabin (#1), complete with a well-stocked kitchenette with plates, utensils, hotplate and microwave. There are no nearby stores or restaurants so we brought some yummy already-prepared dishes. There was a lovely table and chairs right in front of the window of the kitchenette looking out to trees, grasses . . . and wildlife. There were also two chairs and little tables out both the front and back porch so we could safely sit outside and enjoy the birds and nature. It was lovely; quite enjoyable. Just what we needed!

It only took just over a couple of hours to get down there and was an enjoyable drive up the canyon. Because they are at about 5,000 feet, it was cooler than Phoenix—and almost chilly at night. Yes!

We had two lovely early-morning walks and saw lots fun stuff. Besides all the beautiful tall Arizona Sycamores and Freemont Cottonwood trees, there was a male Elegant Trogon in all his glorious colors, Acorn Woodpeckers at their nest

Broad-billed, Magnificant and Blue-throated Hummingbirds

Mule Deer, and then many Turkey Vultures in the trees early each morning sunning themselves to prepare for soaring as the day warmed.

Of our delightful relaxing days away though, my most enjoyable experience was watching the Long-nosed and Long-tongued Bats each night visiting our hummer feeder hanging just off the back door.

We would leave one of the furthest bedside lamps on and go outside, sitting in the dim light to wait. It didn’t take long before they were busy coming for the nectar in the hummingbird feeder. We couldn’t see them perfectly clear in the dim light, but we could certainly make them out enough to know they were there. What surprised me was how they wouldn’t linger long—as the hummers do at our feeders. The bats would just barely come up and then be instantly gone; not sipping for long at all. Perhaps it was because we were there; but, honestly, I just don’t think they stay long. Maybe once we would leave they might have lingered longer, but owner Steve Holt suggested bringing in the feeder at night as the bats will totally drain it by morning!

Our first evening, Steve Holt was out filling all the bird feeders. We had a chance to talk with him and watched as he filled all the many feeders.

One of the things he did was throw a bunch of very orange food on the ground. When we asked what he was putting on the ground, he explained that it was corn for the many wild turkeys that come by. The orange color is from a hot pepper sauce (Capsicum genus) he buys to mix in with the corn to keep the squirrels from eating it. Mammals (squirrels) have brain receptors that react to it with a burning sensation. Birds lack these receptors, have no sense of taste, and are unaffected. That first evening we watched a few wild turkeys come by our front porch over to the bird feeding area, but by early the next morning we counted probably 12-15 turkeys munching away at the corn . . . and no squirrels. Such fun!

Steve also told us about a lovely trail just below the property along the creek in the little valley onto which our back patio looked. So we walked both early mornings all along the little creek. Steve had indicated there was an Elegant Trogon nest somewhere along the canyon. We didn’t see where a nest might be, but we certainly had an incredible view for quite awhile as the male made his way along the canyon calling. We’d heard they make a distinct funny call. As it turned out, we heard him before we saw him, so that led us to his exact location. His beautiful colors made him seem almost unreal. Was this just a figment of my imagination? Clearly, it was not.

He was quite stunning. Unfortunately, because I really didn’t know what to expect on this first walk, I did not bring my camera! The next morning, of course, I brought it—but we didn’t see him. All the more reason to go back again someday. If you’d like to learn more about (and hear) the Elegant Trogon, here’s a link to Cornell Lab’s website: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Elegant_Trogon

All in all, it was a wonderful, peaceful break from the incessant extreme heat, as well as all the political and virus news—which we definitely needed.

It was our “Big Outing” of the summer.

 

 

 

I’ll never forget the unreal colors of the Trogon, but most especially the delight of watching those little bats up close and personal.