Mike in the Wild

Hummingbirds are renowned for their remarkable ability to hover in midair.  They use their exceptionally fast-beating wings to remain in place as they sip nectar from a flower or sugar water from a feeder.  The only other bird I've seen share this skill is the kingfisher as it hunts for fish over a body of water.  However on a recent visit to Papago Park, an osprey appeared just as equally accomplished in its gravity-defying abilities. It was a windy day, which is not always a terrific time to watch birds.  Their aerodynamic abilities seem pushed to their limits as the creatures struggle against headwinds and gusts.  Nonetheless on the morning at Papago Park, I observed several migratory birds including ring-necked ducks, American wigeons, lesser scaups, and northern shovelers navigating the three lakes without any problems.  Meanwhile, at least two yellow-rumped warblers, other winter visitors, flitted just fine through the rustling leaves of trees. Howeve...

Spring's arrival in the Arizona desert shows itself in many ways: temperatures flirting with the nineties, innumerable cactus flowers, blooming palo verde trees, and nesting birds.   The colors of the flora are a visual delight while the warm and dry climate is usually pleasant enough for lots of outdoor activities.  But sometimes our avian friends are an affront to our hearing, especially when it interrupts our sleep. Northern mockingbirds are one of the most common birds in Phoenix's neighborhoods.  Normally their endless varieties of calls are a beautiful and melodious soundtrack to the outdoor landscape.  But in the spring their tweets seem to take on a frantic, incessant rhythm as they try to attract mates.  At one point, their songs start to puncture the calm of night, seeming to invite doves and grackles to the sleep-depriving cacophony. Nevertheless the noisy season is a celebration of life as many birds breed throughout the area.  In time ...