Hiking in the Superstitions

We have been hiking in the Superstition Mts. since 2006. Usually the same hikes are repeated year after year. As a club with over 50 hiking members during the winter months, we try to find new hikes or trails to add some change to the schedule. Some hikes, though, are favorites because of the challenge or scenery. I no longer go on this hike. I find it is far more of a challenge than I want at this time. But I wish I had last week. Thankfully, Curt took the camera. Here are his photos from Fremont Saddle.

 you can see the fog/clouds in the distance

this is Weaver's Needle, a famous landmark for hikers in the Superstitions

 this is the terrain at the saddle

 a lone pine tree on a ridge

sunlight and clouds

Javelinas Strike Again?

I was spending an afternoon outside in the sun, reading, and watching the birds when I noticed some of my wind chime lying on the ground.

What the heck? Have the javalinas visited the yard again?

I checked the bird bath and other than dirty, it had not been tipped or broken...

The wind chime was hanging at an angle and not doing much chiming with one of the chimers missing. I was ready to blame the javalinas.

 Later in the afternoon, there was a noise. I found the rest of the wind chime on the ground.

All that was left was the ring on the hook. The culprit appeared to be a dove, as that is what was flying away when I looked up from my reading. I guess the doves felt if they couldn't get to the birdseed anymore, they'd break my cute southwest wind chime in retaliation. Dang Doves!

The Birds and the Bees

The hummingbirds

 aren't the only

 birds to visit

this feeder...

 That tail does NOT belong to a hummingbird!

 I have seen the house finches trying to get something from the feeder. They don't stop by this feeder as often anymore.

This fellow frequently visits the hummingbird feeder. It is about the size of the yellow finches and must get something from the flower holes as it keeps coming back...it and several more just like it!

 The bees have also found the feeder, unfortunately. If and when they become a problem, I suppose the feeder will have to go.

 This strange fellow visited the yard one afternoon. It's long, curved beak caught my eye as well as its red/orange/yellow eyes. I will have to get the bird book out for identification.

And a surprise visitor to the neighbor's house one afternoon. Perhaps a monarch making its way to Mexico?

Two Thanksgiving Meals

On Wednesday, the resort hosted a Thanksgiving buffet for residents and their guests.

 This was our table centerpiece

and my plate of traditional Thanksgiving food. Over 200 residents had purchased tickets for the meal, but not enough food was cooked and delivered for all of them. We did get food and it was tasty. Several tables and many of the servers did not get to eat when we did. Their meals were delivered about 6:00 Wednesday evening.


On Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, we were invited for dinner at a neighbor's home. The hosts furnished the turkey, stuffing, potatoes & gravy. Those of us who were their guests provided the other traditional accompanying dishes.

 The centerpiece created by our hostess and placed on a beautifully set table.

At this meal, we got to serve ourselves

My plate of traditional Thanksgiving food.

We had a great afternoon with friends, enjoying delicious food and socializing. The only sad thing about the two meals...no leftover turkey at our house!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

Birds Continued

The first post is from Saturday. These pictures were taken on Monday, 2 days later. Notice the level of bird seed in the feeder on these photos.

 The green feeder is history. A colorful wind chime is out there for now. Another perch for the birds...

And notice the change in the hummingbird feeder...

I changed to clear liquid on Sunday. I didn't have any visitors that I noticed, so I thought I might have to add some red ribbons to attract the little birds.

Not so. There were at least 3 different little birds stopping by to get some nourishment on Monday afternoon. I think this is a ruby-throated hummer.

This is a ruby-throated hummingbird, a male. Now that they have found the feeder and are happy with the clear liquid, I expect to see many more of the little birds this winter.

Bird Watching

The feeders are out and filled. These were the visitors. I had planned to sit out and read a book, but the activity at the feeders kept me entertained.

 The green feeder replaced the feeder the javalinas 'ate' and destroyed last winter. The yellow feeder is new. My plan is to just feed the finches.

I replaced my bird bath, too. I had used the plastic plant tray for 4 years. The javalinas had put a good crack in it last winter. Notice the yellow finches at the bird bath and the dove eating the 'crumbs' from the other birds.

 A female house finch at the bird bath.

 The doves lined up along the roof line of a neighboring house, just waiting for their chance at the green feeder.

 I replaced the copper finch feeder with a tray less feeder. The doves used to sit on the tray and eat the spilled finch food. The plan is to remove anything that helps to feed the doves. When the green feeder is empty it will be removed. I counted the finches and at one time there were 10 yellow and house finches lining the yellow rings. I've never had so many yellow finches at the feeders.

 I had bought this pretty glass hummingbird feeder last April on our way home. I put the packaged hummingbird food in and within 30 minutes a black hummingbird fluttered by, but didn't stop. Dang! I so want hummingbirds.

To be continued...

Hiking at Saguaro Lake

The hikers took the Butcher Jones Trail head along Saguaro Lake. (I wonder if there is a story to the name Butcher Jones?) Anyway, here are some of Curt's photos from the hike last week.

I didn't go along on this one, this time, but I posted some great pictures last year in late November.

What I Saw in the Forest

I meandered along the Mogollon Rim Trail while the others were hiking. This is what I saw in the forest at 7000'.

 ice crystals on the leaves of this plant

a stand of aspen trees

an itty bitty oak tree with colorful leaves

moss on the north side of the tree trunk

Lichen

ferns

Willow Springs Lake

fishing for rainbow & brown trout