Molly and I decided we deserved a quick getaway after all the health issues for both of us. Over the years we have grown to like Oro Valley just north of Tucson … for both birding and bicycling. The bike trails are extensive and keep you off the busy roads as the trails wind their way through the washes. On the birding side of the equation I like some locations that are north of town, and do not see many birders. Today I spent time first at Catalina Pond (not the state park). This wild area has a small pond, and water attracts life in the desert habitat. My other stop was the town of Oracle, Arizona. Once again while there is a state park near this town, my birding tends to be focused on a small quite park in town. Oracle is about 25 miles north of Tucson, and has enough elevation change that it sees more precipitation than down in the desert. The two park has many trees which provide food for hungry birds. Enjoy … some images from this morning!
Red-Tailed Hawk
Acorn Woodpecker
Cactus Wren
Western Bluebird
Phainopepla
Hello Rich and Molly. My name is Gary and I am known as The Biking Birder. Well I have been enjoying your Green Birding adventures and children’s books for some time but I just loved the coincidence today. I had just put a number of photographs onto my own Facebook page, listing the names of a line of friends and family who came to make sure I left on the first day of my first of four whole year Biking Birding adventures in the UK. At the back of the line is Phil Andrews and his wife, Claire. Phil is better known as The Oracle!
Just love your blog and the photographs are superb!
Do you know about Dorian Anderson and Jim Royer? Also have you got a copy of Richard Gregson’s excellent book . . . Green Birding?
Good luck in all you do and thanks for the inspiration you give.
All the best, Gary