Part 5 – From Condor to Cassia Crossbill
“I’ve been from Phoenix, Arizona all the Way to Tacoma…” This Steve Miller song parallels this blog in many ways.
Part 5 – From Condor to Cassia Crossbill Read More »
Take a Chance on Birding Las Vegas
There is something about Las Vegas that attracts many birds to stop off or become resident when many others of their species pass it by in their migration patterns. Could it be the bright lights of the strip?
Take a Chance on Birding Las Vegas Read More »
Part 3 – Birding Southeast Arizona My Way
The next leg of the journey was one of the most anticipated parts of the entire trip. The sky islands of Southeast Arizona rise from the desert floor to reach 9000+ feet above sea level. They create an American oasis for biodiversity.
Part 3 – Birding Southeast Arizona My Way Read More »
Part 2 – The West Texas Birding Two-step
Christmas Mountain Oasis is Ground Zero for the Lucifer Hummingbird. For decades Carolyn Olm has developed and nurtured her desert property in Brewster County into a year-round haven for birds.
Part 2 – The West Texas Birding Two-step Read More »
Alaska, A Journey not a Destination
Months of planning and preparation was seamlessly executed before loading the Black Series HQ17 travel trailer, hooking it to my Ford F250 and heading south to Alaska from Lone Grove, Oklahoma.
Alaska, A Journey not a Destination Read More »
Florida Scrub-jays to Piping Plovers
I have one more comment on Florida Scrub-jay. Why is it not the State Bird? Floridians should fight for this designation and honor a bird that is uniquely Florida.
Florida Scrub-jays to Piping Plovers Read More »
A Road Trip for the Aged?, Ages
One of the most dramatic sightings was the flock of Snow Geese. Thousands of birds filling the sky as far as the eye can see and making a landing in a nearby field. It was like a swarm of mosquitos from a bad dream, except it was beautiful.
A Road Trip for the Aged?, Ages Read More »
Birding Andalucia – A Lifetime of Memories
Birding Andalucia offers a unique birding opportunity due to its proximity to the Straits of Gibraltar. This close point of approach to Africa becomes a major migration route as well as a spillway for African birds to reside in this part of Spain.
Birding Andalucia – A Lifetime of Memories Read More »
Checking the Box on Wintertime Czech Birding
And so the time came to pass that another non-birding vacation would begin. It had been nearly twenty years since I visited my wife’s home country, so I guess it was long overdue and what was required of me was to suck it up and not worry too much about Czech birding.
Checking the Box on Wintertime Czech Birding Read More »
Birding Chiriqui Highlands – Part 6 – Birding Panama
There were at least two things that I was really looking forward to. One was meeting up with my uncle, Clyde Stephens, to do some serious birding with him for the first time. Second, was to bird in higher elevations to see birds that have not been available at any of the locations that I have birded so far this trip. Birding Chiriquí would surely be an exciting time.
Birding Chiriqui Highlands – Part 6 – Birding Panama Read More »
Provincia de Veraguas – Part 5 – Birding Panama
The time had arrived to fly the nest. No more will we wake up and walk to a table where the coffee is ready and a hot breakfast is placed in front of you, ditto for lunch and dinner. No more will we be escorted to the best birding locations that years of local knowledge have uncovered. No more will we follow the top guides in Panama around that hear and track down every little tweet in the jungle and provide 100% confidence in the identification of the birds that we see. Those days are over.
Provincia de Veraguas – Part 5 – Birding Panama Read More »
El Valle de Anton – Birding Panama – Part 4
The accommodation at the Canopy Lodge was wildly different than in the Darién. The facility has more of a resort hotel vibe compared to the eco-lodge vibe of the Darién property.
El Valle de Anton – Birding Panama – Part 4 Read More »
The Amazing Darién – Part 3 of Birding Panamá
What comes to mind when you mention the Darién? Everything from “Huh? What’s that?”, to “That’s a really dangerous place to go.” to “That seems like an amazing and beautiful place!”. I was always in line with the latter response and was anxious to validate my preconceived thoughts.
The Amazing Darién – Part 3 of Birding Panamá Read More »
Birding Around Gamboa – Part 2 of Birding Panama
No disrespect meant to birding in Panama City, but now begins the epic birding adventure that I have been so eagerly anticipating.
Birding Around Gamboa – Part 2 of Birding Panama Read More »
Birding Panama – Part 1 – Birding Panama City
In a metropolis of 2 million people, there are plenty of great birding locations to explore before heading out to other destinations.
Birding Panama – Part 1 – Birding Panama City Read More »
Hawaii Birding – Part 5 – The Big Finale/Island
The next morning, we hit the ground running. We headed straight for Volcano’s National Park. They have a great visitor center and very good access along the crater rim of Kilauea. We hiked along the rim and down into the Thurston Lava Tube.
Hawaii Birding – Part 5 – The Big Finale/Island Read More »
Birding Hawaii – Part 4 – Molokai
. If Molokai is where you must go, then bird it. If you are visiting other islands in the chain, then there is no reason to include Molokai on the itinerary.
Birding Hawaii – Part 4 – Molokai Read More »
Hawaii Birding – Part 3 – Kauai
We began our trek at first light. What a beautiful trek it was. The Japanese Bush Warblers were the dominant vocalizers through most of the trail. The native forest of the Alaka’i Plateau was different.
Hawaii Birding – Part 3 – Kauai Read More »
Birding Hawaii – Part 2 – Oahu
If you have never birded Hawaii, even an urban walk is full of wonder. The hotel gardens and public parks are a menagerie of exotic and introduced birds.
Birding Hawaii – Part 2 – Oahu Read More »
Top 10 Birding Locations in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
A quick eBird review will show how unexplored the province is.
Top 10 Birding Locations in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam Read More »