Sabino Canyon

More natives return

2012-03-07T06:27:00.000-08:00

Arundo text and photos from Mark Hengesbaugh.

The north side of Sabino’s Bear Bridge was infested with dense thickets of 25-foot tall Arundo donax (Giant Reed). On November 2, 2008, volunteers began to cut it down, dig it out and haul it away.

The total Sabino Arundo removal effort included 6,000 volunteer hours. More than 40 species of plants have been observed returning to places that once grew only Arundo.

Photo by Matt Ball, 2/10/2012

On the once-Arundo donax-infested mound on the north side of Bear Bridge, you'll now see (among other natives) Mexican Vervain Glandularia bipinnatifida. (Yes, that's a dead stalk of giant reed in the center of the photo.) Go take a look. And marvel at the courage and vision of Jean and Mark Hengesbaugh for taking on the coordination of this eradication project.

Another Blazing Star

2012-03-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris 2/27/2012

These are blooming mid-to-late morning between bridges 3 and 8. Look on both sides of the road if you are out and about. Jones' Blazing Star Mentzelia jonesii.

In the pink 2

2012-03-05T07:06:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris, 2/26/2012

As it happens, I already have a post entitled 'In the pink'; hence the 2.
This stunning plant is Parry('s) Penstemon (rather conveniently Penstemon parryi).

Barrel of Sparrow

2012-03-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris 2/26/2012

Black-throated Sparrow on Arizona Barrel Cactus (aka Fishhook Barrel) Ferocactus wislizenii. This sparrow prefers a diet of insects; the fruits here were probably eaten by a ground squirrel or a deer. Maybe by Paul.

Ornate is Great!

2012-03-03T06:54:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris, 2/26/2012

This is an Ornate Tree Lizard.
Lizards don't look at the calendar. They come out when it's warm enough; the smaller ones first, as they have less mass to warm up. Many can change color such that they are darker when they are colder. As you know from wearing a black shirt on a sunny day, darker colors absorb more light as heat.

News in Nature

2012-03-02T06:37:00.000-08:00

Saw several little lizards out and about recently, but not as small as these recently discovered in (or 'on' if you prefer) Madagascar.

News and video about one of my favorite desert animals, the Grasshopper Mouse.

And finally, some bloomin' ash. Velvet Ash, that is. (Fraxinus velutina) May be the source of your sneezing.

Photo by Ned Harris, 2/26/2012

Bloomin' Bells!

2012-03-01T08:03:00.000-08:00

Sand Bells, All photos by Matt Ball

This specific plant is blooming in the wash - that has pieces of a rusted drainage cylinder - on the main path. Sand Bells Nama hispidum are in the Borage Family, as are the next two 'bells.'

Whispering Bells

Saw these blooming on the Phone Line Link Trail. Whispering Bells Emmenanthe penduliflora.

Desert Bells

These are blooming in my yard, but they are found in Sabino Canyon, too. They are non-native, but seem to have naturalized themselves (like many of us). Desert Bells Phacelia campanularia.

Two by two

2012-02-29T06:56:00.000-08:00

Photos by Ned Harris 2/20/2012
Ladder-backed Woodpecker - male

Ladder-backed Woodpecker - female

Ladder-backed Woodpeckers!

Know your Caliche (Globemallow)!

2012-02-28T07:32:00.000-08:00

Caliche Globe Mallow, Photo by Ned Harris

The Caliche Globe Mallow (Sphaeralcea laxa) has dark anthers (top of stamen); the other common Globe Mallow, Desert Globe Mallow (Spaeralcea ambigua var. rosecea), doesn't.

It's galling!

2012-02-27T06:22:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris 2/8/2012

Even on that ragweed of the gods, Ambrosia ambrosioides or Canyon Ragweed, you can find loads of galls. According to this site:

"Plants are often found that have numerous pale green warts on the leaf surface. These are caused by nearly microscopic gall mites (Eriophyidae). The mites feed on the plant tissue from the inside of the hollow blisters that are formed by the plant in response to secretions and irritations of the mites. Breaking open the galls will reveal the mites visible with a 20x magnifier."

Now you know!

A rose by any other name...

2012-02-26T06:49:00.000-08:00

Foto by Fred Fisher

I learned this one as Desert Rose Mallow; it is in the Mallow Family (Malvacea), but if you call it Coulter('s) Hibiscus, you'll easily remember the scientific name, namely Hibiscus coulteri. Sure is a beauty, whatever you call it.

Strutting their stuff!

2012-02-25T07:37:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris 2/20/2012

Greater Roadrunner and Gambel's Quail.

Remember when? Dam Danger Defused

2012-02-24T06:48:00.000-08:00

Text and Photos from Mark Hengesbaugh

"Only a few years ago Giant Reed (Arundo donax) posed a serious wildfire hazard to the native trees and plants on Sabino Creek. The 25-ft. stalks burn hot without damaging their roots, which then sprout and re-grow quickly before native vegetation can recover. On Aug. 10, 2009 the Arundo removal project got a big lift from 20 members of the Yuma Wildlands Fire Crew who cut into the Arundo infestation behind Sabino Dam."

"Crew member in the foreground said when he was in grade school his class visited the dam during a field trip by Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists."

Anne says: Let's keep the kids coming back to the canyon, but not the Giant Reed. Keep an eye out for sprouts. It's not over until a lot more birdies sing!

Cedar Waxwing!

2012-02-23T07:01:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris 2/20/2012

Cedar Waxwings by the hundreds have been seen in Sabino Canyon. Looks like they're made of silk, not wax!

A study in blue

2012-02-22T06:37:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris

Blue Dicks (Dichelostemma capitatum ssp. pauciflora) is the most commonly used name for this very delicate flower, now in the Asparagus Family. Really. It's the only wildflower in Sabino Canyon in the family that contains all of the agaves. How about that?

Photo by Ned Harris 2/20/2012

A male Western Bluebird. As beautiful as a flower! (Not in the asparagus family.)

Golden Smoke and White Bladderpod

2012-02-21T06:20:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris 2/8/2012

This is in the Poppy Family (Papaveraceae), like the Mexican Gold Poppy. It's called Golden Smoke - or Scrambled Eggs (Corydalis aurea) (Don't eat it, though.) We found this one in the sand below the dam. Find the rock with the faucet coming out of it, face it, then walk to the right. Look under the bushes and trees.

Photo by Ned Harris

This is in the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae), White Bladderpod (Physaria purpurea) and can be seen on Bear Bridge. Look under the trees and bushes that have Wild Cucumber growing on them. (North side, before you get to any water.) There are only a few of these plants, but they are well worth looking for.
A quick reminder to those new to this blog; blue and bold means there's a link - so click on it for more info.

Not a mustard

2012-02-20T06:30:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris 2/8/2012

It's called Mustard Evening Primrose (Camissonia californica), but it's not a mustard. (It is an evening primrose, though.)

These mustards pass muster!

2012-02-19T06:31:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris 2/8/2012

Lots of plants in the Mustard family (Brassicaceae) blooming now. Many are subtle, all are interesting. (Especially to me, as I continue to learn a thing or two about plants.) The top photo shows Tansy Mustard (Descurainia pinnata). Tiny yellow flowers, intricate leaves. The 2nd is my favorite mustard, namely Lace Pod Mustard (Thysanocarpus curvipes). Take a closer look at the seed pods. They are really beautiful.

Many thanks to Ned for continuing to work with me on the point and shoot. (I point, he shoots.)

Another Wild Thing!

2012-02-18T06:49:00.000-08:00

Photo by Carol Tornow 2/13/2012

Photo by Ned Harris 2/8/2012

This vine is growing in the bushes and trees along the north side of the Bear Canyon Bridge and all along the creek-side road. It has several common names: Big Root, Gila Manroot, and Wild Cucumber. Let's go with the latter. (It's always Marah gilensis.) Look at those fruits!

Pollination signal

2012-02-17T07:10:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris 2/8/2012

Photo by Ned Harris 2/15/2012

These are both Desert Lupines (Lupinus sparsiflorus) (not the same plant, though). Note the pink/magenta on the flowers in the lower photo. That color indicates the flower has been pollinated. Insects can see they need not bother with that particular flower. Great strategy for producing more seeds; which is what life is all about, when you get right down to it.

Butterflies!

2012-02-16T07:07:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris 2/15/2012

Flowers are blooming and that means insects are out and about. This little beauty is a female Sara Orangetip butterfly.

Photo by Ned Harris 2/15/2012

If you like butterflies - and who doesn't? - and want to be able to amaze and impress your family and friends by identifying them, their caterpillars and host plants, head to the visitor center and pick up this new fold-out butterfly field guide by Butterfly Guy Jim Brock. It's even waterproof.

Poppy Art

2012-02-15T06:22:00.000-08:00

Mexican Gold Poppies (Eschscholzia californica ssp mexicana) blooming now!

Photos by Matt Ball 2/10/2012

Native and non-native

2012-02-14T06:35:00.000-08:00

All Photos by Matt Ball 2/10/2012

The non-native (above, from Europe) is Filaree (Erodium cicutarium). Note the bill-shaped seeds. Read the link to find out more about them.

Stork's Bill

The native is Stork's Bill (Erodium texanum). Both are in the Geranium Family (Geraniacea) and are blooming now. Look low.

Lotus

2012-02-13T06:19:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris, 2/8/2012

I was hoping this was Green's Lotus (Lotus greenei); but it's more likely Common Lotus (Lotus plebeius) (pg. 101 in Frank Rose's wildflower book). We found this on the rocky 'bank' of the creek behind the dam.

Red is pink

2012-02-12T08:24:00.000-08:00

Photos by Matt Ball 2/10/2012

Red Maids (Calandrinia ciliata) are blooming now! Cross the Bear Canyon Bridge, go left, and look on both sides of the 'road'. (They are blooming elsewhere, of course, but this is where we found them.) These grow low and the pale pink flowers are smaller than a dime.

Jewel Flower

2012-02-11T09:04:00.000-08:00

Buds from above

Flowers are about 1/2 the size of a dime

All Photos by Matt Ball, 2/10/2012

This is another one in the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae) that I only learned recently. Jewel Flower or Silverbells (Streptanthus carinatus). A very delicate-looking plant. We found quite a few on the east side of the creek. Cross the Bear Canyon Bridge and take a left. Look right under cacti, shrubs, and trees. (And then make your husband climb in for photos.) Note how the stem seems to push through the leaves.

Native Beauty

2012-02-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris 2/8/2012

This beautiful (quarter-sized) blossom is called Ragged Rock Flower (Crossosoma bigelovii). (Even the buds are stunning.) We've seen loads of these plants in the rocky slopes along the road, and there are several plants tucked into the rocks on the Bluff trail (where this photo was taken. Thanks, Ned!)

Even More Blooming Now!

2012-02-09T09:37:00.000-08:00

Photo by Matt Ball

Like the yellow-orange Fiddleneck, this is another reliable bloomer in the Borage Family (Boraginaceae). It's probably Chryptantha barbigera (Bearded Cryptantha), but the Chryptantha species are hard to tell apart. If you'd like, call these tiny white ones Popcorn Flowers. Look along the road, on the Bluff trail, on the Esperero trail.

Photo by Matt Ball

Many plants in the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae) are blooming now, including the Lace Pod Mustard (Thysanocarpus curvipes). The white flowers (see link) and the seedpods (pictured above) are VERY tiny, but the seedpods are definitely worth a closer look. If you see a tiny white flower, stop and inspect.

More Blooming Now!

2012-02-08T15:28:00.000-08:00

Okay, these photos are from 2010. Ned took photos on the nature walk today that I'll get later. The same plants are blooming, though. Look for them.

Photo by Matt Ball

This is another primrose, specifically: Mustard Evening Primrose (aka California Sun Cup) Camissonia californica. It's in the Evening Primrose Family (Onagraceae) (and is NOT a mustard). Buds look orange, flower is smaller than a dime on a very slender stem. We saw several on the Bluff Trail this morning. Look carefully, though, as they are often hidden under other plants.

Photo by Matt Ball

Two plants here: The purple is Desert Lupine (Lupinus sparsiflorus). It's in the Pea Family (Fabaceae) and is only starting to bloom. You'll find this all along the road from the entrance to the Esperero Trail to the entrance to the Bluff Trail and beyond. This year's plants aren't very tall.
The yellow-orange is Fiddleneck (Amsinckia menziesii var. intermedia). Borage Family (Boraginaceae) Also very low growing this year. We saw a number of these on the Bluff Trail.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's "Even More Blooming Now!"

Blooming now!

2012-02-07T10:57:00.000-08:00

Photo by Carol Tornow 2/6/2012

Yellow Desert Primroses (Oenothera primaveris) are blooming now in Sabino Canyon. Get out early to see these beauties and look low.

Cinderella was here?

2012-02-06T16:15:00.000-08:00

Photo by Carol Tornow, 2/6/2012

Yes, Carol and I found this at-least-4-inch-stiletto-healed 'shoe' (using the term rather generously) in the canyon. At the risk of being redundant to my very rational readership, I'll make this public service announcement:
Under no circumstances should you or anyone you care about wear anything remotely like this.
In the canyon or otherwise. (Mating season or not.)
Cinderella, your shoe is now in its rightful place. You're welcome.

Not from last year!

2012-02-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

Photo by Matt Ball 2/3/2012

Last year, this was the time of the big freeze. On Friday, I saw this Desert Spiny Lizard sunning in my neighborhood. A small one, I'll grant you, but very neat!

A winter visitor

2012-02-04T11:39:00.000-08:00

Photo by Bob Wenrick

This beautiful blue bird is, in fact, a bluebird; specifically, a Western Bluebird. Small flocks have been seen in Sabino Canyon. If you are interested in birds, check out allaboutbirds.org

Abert's Towhee

2012-02-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

Photo by Bob Wenrick

Abert's Towhee is a year-round resident.

What's a bird on a branch worth?

2012-02-02T07:35:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris

One of the blogs I read is called "A Phrase a Week" and this week's phrase is "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." This bird on a branch is an American Kestrel.

Today in Kingdoms

2012-02-01T14:56:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris 1/21/2012

On the Wednesday nature walk, we talked about mosses, algae, and fungi (among other living things). I needed to refresh my memory about algae, so I found this site. It provides a quick overview of the 6 Kingdoms of life. Basically, there are:

1. Weird Bacteria (that live at the bottom of the ocean, say)
2. Not-so-weird Bacteria (that live in your mouth, say)
3. Algae (but not the stuff fka blue-green algae. That's cyanobacteria. See 2.)
4. Fungi (mushrooms, etc.)
5. Plants (mosses, cacti, etc.)
6. Animals (horse and rider above)

Keep in mind: Today, there are 6 Kingdoms. As we learn more about life, the universe, and everything, though, the number of Kingdoms may change (or things may be switched into a different Kingdom or Phylum, etc.). Because DNA sequencing has become relatively inexpensive, it's much easier to see what is related to what and who to whom. Bottom line: All living things share a common ancestor. Very cool!

Today in Flowers

2012-01-31T12:18:00.000-08:00

I don't have any photographs at the ready, but I hope to soon. For today's flowers, we'll use the fantastic Firefly Forest site for wildflowers. Gayle and I walked the entire road to nowhere and, in addition to some of our favorite road-walking regulars (Gloria and David, Michael, Ray and Kathy), we saw these great flowers:

Wild Cucumber (Marah gilensis);
Filaree (Erodium cicutarium) introduced from Europe;
Fleabane (Erigeron divergens);
and one of the Cryptantha species (Popcorn flower, to the kids).

Wherever you walk in the canyon, you are guaranteed to see someone or something nice.

Today in Blossoms

2012-01-30T13:30:00.000-08:00

Photo by Fred Heath

Wolfberry (Lycium exsertum) is blooming. (The other common Wolfberry Lycium berlandieri blooms Jul-Sep). Gayle and I saw White Bladderpod (Physaria purpurea) and Ragged Rock Flower (Crossosoma bigelovii) today as well, along the road between mile 3 and (a bit past) stop 8, non-creek side.

Hummingbird News

2012-01-29T09:08:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris

You're thinking: Biggest hummingbird ever! He's not, of course. He's an American Wigeon. For more from Sweetwater Wetlands, fly over to Ned's Flickr site.

Now for the hummer news: Banding in Sabino Canyon will start March 24; that's great. The Madera Canyon site is no longer available, however, and the Hummingbird Banding Network is looking for another site in the Santa Ritas. If you know anyone who owns a ranch in Gardner Canyon (for example) or have other ideas for sites, please contact Elissa through this site. If you are interested in helping in Sabino Canyon, please look at this site and contact Elissa. We need feeder changers during the week, banding help every other Saturday in Sabino Canyon (and, of course, at other sites).

More about Jojoba

2012-01-28T10:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Donna for this link about the wondrous plant that is Jojoba. I've added it to the recent post as well.

First of the season!

2012-01-27T11:10:00.000-08:00

Photo by Kenne Turner 1/25/12

This beauty is a Sara Orangetip, seen on the Bluff Trail by Ned and FON (Friends of Ned) on the Wednesday Nature Walk. For a 3-minute video of the life cycle of the Sara Orangetip, click HERE.

Photo by Kenne Turner, 1/25/12

A Gray Hairstreak was also seen. (On a mesquite, not on Kenne.)
Be sure to check out this great photo on Kenne's blog. (Do you know which bridges you see?)

Blooming Jojoba

2012-01-26T07:35:00.000-08:00

Photo by Peggy Wenrick 1/23/12

Peggy caught some blooming Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis). This plant is dioecious; separate male and female plants. Both sexes produce these small, greenish-yellow flowers, though, so it's unclear which sex this one is. Female plants (of course) will produce the acorn-like green fruits that turn brown. Let's keep watch! More info on Jojoba here.

Update on liverworts: Fred found them on the Bluff trail. They are very tiny, though. (The photo shows about one square inch of space.) Look in the shady areas where you see the spike mosses (Resurrection plants).

New Fern to Learn

2012-01-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

Photo by Fred Heath

Text by Fred Heath:

The Star Fern (Notholaena standleyi) is found along the main tram road starting just before Tram Stop 2 and the Spike Moss or Resurrection plant (Selaginella arizonica) is found everywhere this year.

Anne says: Note that Star Ferns are different from Fairy Swords.

Anne also says: Yesterday's bridge is bridge 4. (Bridges 6, 8, and 9 weren't shown from above - this time anyway). Walt Tornow got a perfect score. How did you do?

Last of the bridges from above

2012-01-24T06:48:00.000-08:00

Photo by Carol Tornow

(For this season, anyway.) You can't see your clue from this vantage point, but this is an even-numbered bridge. Answer tomorrow.

Liverworts

2012-01-23T07:08:00.000-08:00

Photo by Fred Heath

Text by Fred Heath:

The liverworts are a primitive plant. Bryophyte is a traditional name used to refer to all embryophytes (land plants) that do not have true vascular tissue and are therefore called 'non-vascular plants.' Currently bryophytes are thought not to be a natural or monophyletic group; however the name is convenient and remains in use as a collective term for mosses, hornworts, and liverworts. The Liverworts alone are in the Division Marchantiophyta. In ancient times, it was believed that liverworts cured diseases of the liver, hence the name.

Red-tailed Hawk

2012-01-22T12:39:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris, 1/18/2012

This guy looks a bit cold, if you ask me! An adult Red-tailed Hawk.

Yesterday's bridges are bridge two (Two-faced) and bridge three (ZZ Top). Hearty thanks again to Walt Tornow for helping all of us learn where we are on (and above) the road.

Two Bridges

2012-01-21T07:14:00.000-08:00

All Photos by Carol Tornow, 1/9/12

Look to the left of the middle of the photo above for the rock outcropping. The bridge where SCVN does the panning activity with the public (that's your hint) is to the right. The other bridge is in the bottom right quadrant. The latter is an odd-numbered bridge.

The bridge in the middle of this photos is the same as in the bottom right of the top photo. You can just barely see the panning bridge in the top left of this photo. Answers tomorrow.

Warming up!

2012-01-20T07:15:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris, 1/18/2012

Text from Ned:

During the cold desert night, roadrunners lower their body temperature slightly, going into a slight torpor to conserve energy. To warm itself during the day, the roadrunner exposes dark patches of skin on its back to the sun.

Anne says: Yesterday's bridge was 5 (the first of the WPA bridges). Since you can't see the plaque from above, you'll want to look for the rocky wall to the north.

One more Odd Bridge

2012-01-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

Photos by Carol Tornow

Another odd-numbered bridge from above. I'll give you a hint, it's not three. Answer tomorrow.

Rainbow

2012-01-18T07:16:00.000-08:00

Photo by Bryna Ben-Asher 1/16/2012

Bryna caught this rainbow in the canyon after the rain on Monday. On her cell phone, no less. Amazing!
Yesterday's bridge is Bridge 1. Note the big boulder on the northwest side, previously concealed by Giant Reed.

Another Odd-Numbered Bridge

2012-01-17T06:31:00.000-08:00

Photos by Carol Tornow 1/9/12

A big stand of Giant Reed was cleared from this area (on the 'filled-in' side). Isn't this an idyllic view? This is another odd-numbered bridge. Answer in tomorrow's post.
Yesterday's was Bridge 7. Big thanks to Walt Tornow for "Seventh Heaven" and the other very helpful mnemonics for the bridges.

Bridges from Above: A Quiz Series

2012-01-16T07:56:00.000-08:00

Photos by Carol Tornow, 1/9/12

Carol and I hiked the Phoneline trail last week, and Carol was able to get some great shots of a number of the bridges. We discovered that it really is good to know where you are from above! Today's quiz involves an odd-numbered bridge. Note the nice beach. As always, answer in tomorrow's post.

Freeloader

2012-01-15T07:49:00.000-08:00

Giant Reed (Arundo donax)

Photos and Text from Mark Hengesbaugh:

Nothing in Sabino eats or parasitizes the non-native Giant Reed, or Arundo donax, so the leaves stay perfectly formed and intact.

Native acacias host hemiparasitic mistletoe, the phainopeplas who eat mistletoe berries, as well beetles, spiders and a variety of other native species that a healthy ecosystem depends on. We often hear that “weeds out compete native plants,” but that’s not precisely true. Invasive non-natives like Giant Reed (Arundo donax) go by different rules in their adopted landscape so it’s not a fair contest. Invasives have no predators, parasites or competitors; they use the ecosystem’s water, sun, and nutrients, but lose no energy supporting any of the native bugs, birds or wildlife. Aggressive invasive species like Arundo get a free ride. That’s one of the reasons they spread so quickly—exponentially.

More Ned's Notes (and Photos)

2012-01-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

All Photos by Ned Harris 12/22/11

Top two, adult Harris's Hawks

Bottom two, juveniles

Ned's notes from Bill Mannan's presentation "Tucson's Urban Birds of Prey."

Between 40 and 60 Harris's Hawk breeding groups in metro Tucson.
Harris’s Hawks breed every month of the year in the Tucson area.
In 2003, over 100 Harris’s Hawks were electrocuted. Tucson Electric Power is doing a good job trying to protect them by putting plastic insulation on all poles within 300 meters of known Harris’s Hawk nest sites. Look for plastic insulation atop transformers.

For more photos, check out Ned's flickr site. Bookmark it. You'll be back.

More about Cooper's Hawks

2012-01-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris

Ned attended the presentation on Tucson's Urban Birds of Prey by U of A Professor Bill Mannan at the Tucson Audubon meeting, and shared his notes with me for the blog. How cool is that?! The following are excerpts from Ned's notes:

Tucson has the highest density of Cooper’s Hawks found anywhere in the US. Availability of food (doves) and water is the key.
There are 200+ breeding pairs in Tucson.
Most of the young Cooper's Hawks here are banded; 2500+ Cooper's Hawks have been banded in Tucson since 1994.
The number one killer of Cooper's Hawks is window strikes. (Anne notes: One hit our window chasing a dove.)
Most local Cooper's Hawk nests have 3 young with an average of 1.5 fledglings. (i.e., some of the young die or are killed before they can fledge.)
Don't 'rescue' young raptors if you find them on the ground. Leave them alone and their parent(s) will come for them.
Report dead raptors and new nest sites to Prof. Mannan.

Stay tuned for Harris's Harris's Hawk notes in tomorrow's post.

If you have lecture notes on a Sabino Canyon topic that you'd like to share, please let me know. I'm happy - thrilled, actually - to spread the knowledge around.

A Mesquite Girdler Beetle's Been Here

2012-01-12T12:53:00.000-08:00

Photos by Bob Wenrick, 1/11/2012

The Mesquite Girdler Beetle lays her eggs on the 'outside' of the cut (i.e., away from the trunk). That way, the eggs are not washed out, sterilized, or damaged by the sap, which, as you see in these photos, can't make it past the cut. Be sure to click on the link to Margarethe's blog for photos and great info. When you are in the canyon, look for more evidence of these beetles in the mesquites.

Creek bed

2012-01-11T07:24:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris

This is the road in Sabino Canyon, of course, but it used to be the creek bed. Really. (A long, long, long time ago.) Stand on the road by the entrance/exit to the Esperero Trail and look out of the canyon. You'll see the hills of silt that were formed by the creek when it flowed along this path. Learn about this and other geological wonders by going on the Gneiss Walk, led by Bruce and the Rockettes, every Thursday at 8.30am. Meet in front of the visitor center.

Graythorn

2012-01-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

Photos by Matt Ball

I walked by these plants (literally) thousands of times before I noticed them. Thanks to Bob and Fred for letting me know about Graythorn (Zizyphus obtusifolia var. canescens). Now that I know, I see them 'everywhere'. Loads on the Esperero trail before you cross the road. Look at the link for more photos.

Christmas Cactus

2012-01-09T06:27:00.000-08:00

Photos by Matt Ball

There's another (very different) plant with the same common name - what I used to think of when I heard it, as my father-in-law grew numerous kinds. Our Desert Christmas Cactus is a type of cholla (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis). The fruits stay on the plant throughout the winter and are the reason for the common name.

Another one in the Sunflower Family

2012-01-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

Photos by Matt Ball

This reliable bloomer is another DYC that looks similar to the flowers of Brittlebush and Desert Marigold, at least at first glance. It's called Bahia (Bahia absinthifolia). Look at the leaves in the photos on the linked site; they'll help you identify it.

Fairy Duster

2012-01-07T15:50:00.000-08:00

All photos by Matt Ball

Keep an eye out for these beauties! Fairy Dusters (Calliandra eriophylla) are in the Pea Family (Fabaceae), and are some of the first to bloom in the spring; can vary in color from white to nearly red.

Preview of coming attractions?

2012-01-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

Photos by Ellen Green, 3/30/2010

Both at Catalina State Park, 3/30/2010

Here's hoping for great spring wildflowers in 2012! Until then, we have Desert Mistletoe (Phoradendron californicum) to look at! Phainopeplas love the berries.

Name That Plant!

2012-01-05T16:08:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris 1/5/12

Those dark areas in yesterday's photo are alive. Cryptobiotic (aka cryptogamic) soil is composed of life from three kingdoms, in fact. 1) Cyano- and other bacteria; 2) Fungi and Lichens; 3) Mosses and algae. This soil is not only fragile, it also takes a very long time to 'grow'; it's composed of tiny life forms, after all. Bottom line: stay on the trail.

With the photo above, we'll come back to the first post of 2012. Answer in tomorrow's post.

Name That Dirt!

2012-01-04T07:58:00.000-08:00

Photo by Peggy Wenrick

If you said: "Magnetite" for yesterday's mineral, you are obviously very attractive. Maybe you'll also know what the dark areas in the photo above are called. Bonus points if you know why they shouldn't be walked on. Answer in tomorrow's post.

Name That Mineral!

2012-01-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

Photo and Hand, Mary Ball 1/2/2012

If you said: Phainopepla, female for yesterday's bird, you win a handful of this mineral! What is it? (Answer in tomorrow's post.)

Name That Bird!

2012-01-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris

Let's start the year off right - with a quiz! Name and gender of this bird in tomorrow's post.

Stats and thanks!

2011-12-28T12:06:00.000-08:00

2011 was the first full year for this Sabino Canyon blog and I'd like to thank all of the contributors, especially Ned Harris. Without your great photos (and often, text), this blog couldn't exist. Based on the feedback I receive, this blog is a positive addition to the digital universe! Thank you for contributing, reading, and enjoying.
The end of the year is a very busy time; I'm going to give you some stats for the year and take a few days 'off'. (Feel free to search the archives in the interim : -)
Most-viewed post this year (and this excludes the email views):
Fire in Sabino Canyon! from April 24, 2011 with 237. My theory on the reason for this incredible number is that Maggie's and Loren's photos were the only ones available. Anyone googling Sabino Canyon fire would get the blog. How about that for on-the-scene reporting?!
The 2nd-most-viewed post (again, this is excluding all the email recipients):
A Dozen Darling Ducklings from May 5, 2011 with 55.
Just in the past month, people in the following countries have taken a look:

US - 568 Russia - 59

Germany - 19 Canada - 9

Greece - 8 UK - 7

Malasia - 6 Australia - 5

Taiwan - 5 France - 4

Most of these people have searched some Sonoran desert plant or animal. How cool is that?!
Thank you, wonderful readers, for a fantastic year in the blog-o-sphere.

Today in Mountain Lion

2011-12-26T15:47:00.000-08:00

All Photos by Ellen Green 12/22/11

These photos were taken at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, the one great place to get a close look at these magnificent creatures. They are not nice kitties, though. Click on the photos for a larger view and note the size of those paws. One swipe will do you in.
Tram driver Cindy stopped Carol and me this morning to let us know that she (and her passengers) had seen a mountain lion and three cubs near stop eight. Let this serve as a reminder to pay attention and especially to keep children close by when you are out and about in Sabino Canyon. The cubs will be learning to hunt. Don't make yourself easy prey.

WPA bridges and how to search

2011-12-25T06:40:00.000-08:00

Several people have asked how to find 'old' posts. Every post is archived, but there's an easier way than spending an hour going through 444 (or so) posts. If you get the posts via email, just click on 'Sabino Canyon' at the top or bottom of the email. Doing that will take you to the blog site itself. On the left, there are 'boxes' for Subscribe and Search. Type a word (e.g., bridge, hawk, leaf, Angie) into the Search box and click on search. If there's a post with that word in it, it will come up on the right. It also works if you want to be specific and type a phrase (e.g., Blue Palo Verde). Give it a try and let me know if you have any trouble.
And now, a review of the WPA bridges:
Bridge 5, Bridge 6, (Another view of six in the top two photos), Bridge 7, Bridge 8, Bridge 9. Quiz forthcoming. When you least expect it...

I'll leaf you with more...

2011-12-24T08:26:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris, 12/7/11

An Arizona Sycamore leaf, that is. And the Blue Palo Verde leaflets (from yesterday's quiz) are on the left.

Which one's Blue?

2011-12-23T07:06:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris, 12/7/11
Hand of Anne, Penny from Bob Wenrick

Look at the leaflets and decide which (of the two 'sets') are from the Foothill and which from the Blue Palo Verde!
You could flip a coin...or wait for the answer in tomorrow's post.

(Ned) Harris's Hawk

2011-12-22T06:33:00.000-08:00

Yes, both photos from Ned Harris

Caw!

If you haven't already been (and even if you have), I urge you to experience the Raptor Free Flight program at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. You'll be able to see this and other birds much more closely than you can at Sabino Canyon (unless you happen to be a Desert Cottontail).
You can also see Javelinas, who shred prickly pears as in photo 2. Nothing dainty about that bite! Photo 1 is an example of the nibble of the packrat.

Who ate my prickly pear?

2011-12-21T07:14:00.000-08:00

Both photos by Peggy Wenrick, Photo 1: Click for larger view

Photo 2: Click for larger view

A quiz right off the bat...err...pad! Answers in tomorrow's post.

Bridge 4 and more!!

2011-12-20T07:10:00.000-08:00

Bridge four is the last of the ERA bridges. Look here and learn. Yes, Marge. There's always a quiz later.

More Brittlebush leaves. Photo by Ned Harris

If you ever find yourself lost in Sabino Canyon, you're carrying a magnet (to pick up magnetite from the sand), and are conveniently located near the creek and a Brittlebush, Bruce says:

The fine hairs also make this leaf more boat-like, and it floats higher. One can put a pinch of magnetite in the boat, and the boat will rotate until it faces north. A field compass. Other leaves are not so accommodating.

More leaves

2011-12-19T07:11:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris 12/7/2011

One of my favorites, Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), has leaves covered with fine white 'hairs'. Same strategy as wearing a white (not black) t-shirt in the summer. White reflects, black absorbs. Another great desert adaptation.

Jo-jo-jo ba!

2011-12-18T07:47:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris, 12/7/11

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is a dioecious plant. Take a good look at the leaves. There may be a quiz in your future.

Two trees

2011-12-17T07:04:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris 12/7/11
Hand of Anne Green, Penny from Bob Wenrick

You already know that there are several species of Palo Verde. The two you'll find most frequently in Sabino Canyon are Foothills (on left) (Parkinsonia microphylla) and Blue (Parkinsonia florida). The leaflets of the Foothills variety are tiny (micro-); smaller than those of the Blue. Click on the photo to see more detail in the color of the leaflets and branches. Foothills is yellow-green; Blue is blue-green.

Another Snowbird

2011-12-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

Photo by Bob Wenrick 12/7/11

The White-crowned Sparrow is a winter visitor in Sabino Canyon.

Intimidating?

2011-12-15T06:54:00.000-08:00

Bridge 3 BEFORE 12/7/2008

Bridge 3 AFTER 6/14/2010

Text from Mark Hengesbaugh:

This Giant Reed, or Arundo donax, at Bridge Three would have re-planted itself along Sabino creek multiple times if Arundo volunteers hadn’t taken it out Dec. 7, 2008. These twenty-foot-tall canes were daunting to look at, but gone after a morning of hard labor cutting, hauling and digging.
An invasive plant from Asia, Arundo spreads when a cane or a chunk of its rhizomes breaks off during flooding and takes root downstream. Volunteers began by first removing the furthest upstream Arundo stands then working downstream.
Live Arundo rhizomes remain underground in Sabino Canyon and re-sprouts from them must be treated to keep the pesky invader from returning. If you see Arundo sprouts in Sabino Canyon, be sure to note the location and to report them to a Forest Service representative at the visitor center.

Anne says: If you see sprouts and the visitor center is not open, please report their location to me; I'll make sure the information gets to the person in charge of spraying.

After the rains

2011-12-14T15:35:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris 12/14/2011

Bridge Two Review

2011-12-14T06:26:00.000-08:00

I'm recycling this post for bridge two. Thanks again to Walt Tornow for the memory devices!

Bridge Review and Arundo, too

2011-12-13T07:48:00.000-08:00

BEFORE: Filled-in (north) side of Bridge one, 12/08/2008

BEFORE: Close-up of filled-in side, 12/08/2008

AFTER: 7/8/2009

Text from Mark Hengesbaugh:

Remember when tram-riding visitors would encounter Sabino’s “bamboo” for the first time at Bridge One? Back then most of us believed removing the Giant Reed, or Arundo donax, from the canyon was a task somewhere near hopeless.
And that was only a few of years ago! The exotic 25-ft. tall Arundo did astonish visitors, but people who know and love the canyon understand that Arundo is a bully of a weed that quickly spreads and chokes out native plants.
It’s difficult to celebrate what’s missing, but we can cheer for the dozens of native plants that have returned to this spot, including a robust Desert Cotton bush. Let’s take a minute to remember and celebrate the success that 6,000 hours of volunteer labor brought to our canyon. And promise ourselves we’ll never let Arundo return.

Anne says, bridge history here.

Fishhook Fruits

2011-12-12T06:25:00.000-08:00

Photo by Angie Perryman, 11/30/11

The Fishhook Pincushion (Mammillaria grahamii) has bright red fruits that look like mini-peppers. This one has a bumper crop. Last week, Carol T and I saw a roadrunner adeptly plucking and eating the fruits from a pincushion. Very neat!

Leafhopper

2011-12-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

Photo by Bob Wenrick, 12/7/11

There are loads of leafhopper species (so there won't be a quiz). Click on the photo to see this one in all his/her glory.
And now, the moment you've been waiting for! Answers to the 'willow' quiz: Photo 1) Seep Willow; 2) Hop Bush; 3) Goodding Willow; 4) African Sumac. How did you do?

Willow you take a quiz?

2011-12-10T06:45:00.000-08:00

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

All photos by Angie Perryman. Only one photo shows the leaves of a Goodding Willow. Answer in tomorrow's post. Bonus points if you can identify the others. (One is kind of a trick. Remember: you can click!)

Exceptional

2011-12-09T06:53:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris

Of course it's another exceptional photo from Ned Harris, but the title here refers to the damselfly. In one of the early blog posts (before I figured out that centering photos works best), a basic difference between dragon- and damselflies was revealed: dragonflies hold their wings out when 'landed', damselflies over their bodies. The Great Spreadwing Damselfly is the exception (that proves the rule of thumb err... wing).

Camphorweed

2011-12-08T06:59:00.000-08:00

Photo by Angie Perryman 11/30/11

Some of these are still blooming around the Bear Bridge (at least they were when the photo was taken. They might have uprooted themselves and headed south because of the freezing temps). Camphorweed (Heterotheca subaxillaris) is (you guessed it) in the Sunflower family. Both the Net-Leaf and the Desert Hackberry, however, are (now) in the Hemp Family (Cannabaceae). Don't smoke 'em.

The elusive Net-leaf Hackberry

2011-12-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris. 11/30/11

Well, it wasn't really elusive; I just didn't know where to look. Fred pointed out this very tree-like example in the riparian area above the dam. The size of the leaves can vary for both species of hackberry, but the leaf of the Net-leaf Hackberry (Celtis reticulata) feels like sandpaper. And how about that tie-dyed sky? That's your clue to its Family. Answer in tomorrow's post.

Hop Bush

2011-12-06T06:17:00.000-08:00

Photo by Angie Perryman 11/30/11

Hop Bush (Dodonaea viscosa) is in the Soapberry Family (Sapindaceae), but I think its leaves look similar to those of the 'willows' we looked at yesterday. The Hop Bush leaves do tend to be oriented vertically (like the pads on prickly pear cacti); one of the adaptations to 'too much' sun.

Only one's a willow

2011-12-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

It took me a long time to distinguish between three 'willows' in the canyon (only one of which is a real willow). As Angie had her close up lens (and was intimidated by my gopher®-wielding self), she graciously agreed to shoot all the leaves I liked so that I could do this little leaf lesson. Thanks, Angie!

All Photos by Angie Perryman 11/30/11

First up is the African Sumac (Rhus lancea) in the Cashew Family. Click on the photo to note the smooth-edged leaves.

Yes, it's a willow

Click on this photo and contrast the edges. Note that the Goodding Willow (Salix gooddingii) has serrated edges on its leaves. It's a true willow (Family: Salicaceae). Salicylic acid is found in the bark and gives the plant some natural defense against headaches. Just kidding about the headaches; it does lend protection against disease. If you add an acetyl group to salicylic acid (as I did once or twice in college chemistry, if memory serves), you get aspirin.

Nope, not a real willow.

The Seep Willow (Baccharis salicifolia) is in the Sunflower Family (Asteraceae). Note the species name: salicifolia = leaves (foliage) that look(s) like willow. Click on the photo to compare these leaves with the Goodding Willow leaves. I think they look 'toothier'. They are nearly always green-er (or greenier, if you prefer). And they are much toothier than the leaves of the African Sumac.
Angie has several good photos of each; a quiz (or two) will be forthcoming. You can find all three in the riparian area in the dam area, if you'd like to study.

Call me Scarlet

2011-12-04T07:04:00.000-08:00

Photo by Angie Perryman, 11/30/11

I like the common name Scarlet Hedge Nettle better than Texas Betony. Whatever you call Stachys coccinea, it's in the Mint Family. Carol T found this lone example flowering in the riparian area above the dam, and Angie had her macro lens. Thanks, Fred, for confirming the i.d.
We also saw the other two acacias, namely: Cat Claw (Acacia greggi) and White Thorn (Acacia constricta).

YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!

2011-12-03T06:42:00.000-08:00

Photos by Ned Harris, 11/30/11

Look, mom! No thorns!

Green Lynx Spider, guarding her egg sac. Let's make a note to look for her whenever we're out there. Young could emerge any day. She's in a White Ball Acacia (Acacia angustissima), one of three acacia species in Sabino Canyon, and the only one without thorns. This White Ball Acacia is on the west side of the creek by the dam. How about a quiz, then, too? What are the other two acacias?
From yesterday: 1) Phainopepla, 2) Male, and 3) Desert Mistletoe seeds.

Bird Show 2

2011-12-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

All Photos by Ned Harris 11/30/11

Clearly, a favorite perch! Three quiz questions: 1) Name of bird, 2) male or female; and 3) what's that pile? Answers in tomorrow's post. Arachnophobes will need to skip tomorrow's post, though. That means you, Honey-Matt!

Sage Thrasher

This Sage Thrasher was a new one for many of us on Ned's Nature Walk. A winter visitor to this area.

Greater Roadrunner

The Roadrunner spent quite of bit of time posing for us. Or was s/he hoping for one of my husband's world famous vegan chocolate chip oatmeal cookies?! (Okay, maybe not world famous, but delicious.)

The (buck)eyes have it!

2011-12-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

Photo by Bob Wenrick

You can see how this pattern enhances survival! This Buckeye Butterfly was eyed near the dam.
Yesterday's bush is a creosote bush; and a good time for me to clarify something I said on a recent nature walk: the creosote used on dirt roads (for example) does not come from the creosote bush. (Thanks, Carol, for correcting me on this.)
The gall is most likely caused by a midge (according to this site):

The Creosote Gall is formed by a Midge that is in the order Diptera and is classified with the flies. The Creosote Gall is a deformation of the plant with the leaves and stems stunted to form the Gall.

Deck the halls with galls

2011-11-30T06:35:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris, 11/23/11

Two quizzes in a row is a bit galling, I realize. What's this shrub? Bonus for a reasonable 'guess' about how the gall was formed. Answers in tomorrow's post.
Leaves from yesterday's post are (top photo) Arizona Sycamore (Platanus wrightii) and Arizona (Black) Walnut (Juglans major).

Bonus book recommendation (for that bad pun above). My cousin-in-law recently gave me a book with the provocative title Wicked Plants: The weed that killed Lincoln's mother and other botanical atrocities by Amy Stewart. Who knew there were so many plants that are toxic, poisonous, and downright deadly?! I'm enjoying it immensely. (Some say I'm enjoying it a bit too much.) If you have even a passing interest in plants, get this book. The etchings (by Briony Morrow-Cribbs) are lovely, and many of our desert plants make an appearance, too.

Leaves

2011-11-29T06:41:00.000-08:00

Photos by Ned Harris, 11/23/11

It's time for another quiz! Hooray. Both are Arizona trees. Answer in tomorrow's post.

Canyon Curiosity 4

2011-11-28T06:30:00.000-08:00

Photo by Ned Harris, 11/10/11

This very permanent trail marker is not on (or very near) the Esperero Trail. You'll see it, though, if you go on one of Bruce's Gneiss Walks. Thursdays, 8.30-11.30am. Meet in front of the visitor center.

Merlin's beard! He's a Merlin!

2011-11-27T06:41:00.000-08:00

All photos by Ned Harris, 11/26/11

Ned's favorite bird. Now you know :-)

You'll want to click on this one...

...and this one.

Wow! Aren't these amazing?! This small falcon is a winter visitor in Sabino Canyon; a 'snow bird', if you will. But you can call this adult male 'Merlin'.

The Queen's fruit

2011-11-26T07:10:00.000-08:00

Photo by Fred Heath

This was a find at BioBlitz species inventories led by Jean and Mark and by Fred at Saguaro National Park East. There are Queens of the Night (aka Night-blooming Cereus Peniocereus greggii) in Sabino Canyon, but it's a real treat to see a fruit.

Bluebirds of Happiness

2011-11-25T07:27:00.000-08:00

Photo by Mark Hengesbaugh, 11/21/11

Jean and Mark were visited by these Western Bluebirds (of Happiness) on the Bear Canyon Trail.