This week has been another busy week. It included bird watching, feathered and aluminum. Both varieties of bird watching resulted in unique finds. On the feathered front, on a trip to Usery Park with Mike, Darlene, Glen and Heather (Darlene’s sister and hubby who are visiting this week from the “wet” coast of British Columbia) we spotted a pair of Kestrels perched in a Palo Verde tree. While we knew they could be found in the area it was the first time we spotted this species. To find a pair was special. We also saw a Western Whiptail lizard and of all things a Mule Deer. Fun to see a deer in the desert. I thought I might have heard Dana mumble something like...."where my gun. The wretched beast...."
We checked a couple of new parks this week. On Monday we visited Veteran’s Oasis Park in Chandler. This park has been open for about 2 years. It seems to be modeled on the Gilbert Water Ranch. These parks include settling ponds for waste water. Waste water is pumped into the holding ponds where it seeps through layers of sand and rock eventually re-entering the aquifer. The added benefit is that it creates wetland and riparian habitat as well as habitat for mammals and reptiles. It’s pretty cool. On Friday we visited another of these water parks. This one is called the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area. It is practically in downtown Phoenix and is also fairly new.
At the Rio Salado we came across a biologist who is studying Monarch butterflies. Apparently this small area is a unique desert migration destination for Monarch butterflies. Today she was counting butterfly eggs on desert milkweed. Fascinating stuff. We also saw a hummingbird nest (picture included). Although there were few birds present today we did spot a pair of juvenile Ring Neck ducks and our first Common Moorehen (not a duck but a Rail). Actually with its red and yellow bill it did not look “common”.
Dana and I got in several bike rides this week. Dana is finding the 50 km rides to actually be fun. Last time out she said she felt pretty good when she finished. Actually she said “I must be getting better because I didn’t collapse when I finished the ride”. I think she “rocks”....
So, what about those aluminum birds? It seems you can’t come to the desert without visiting an aircraft museum. On Wednesday afternoon Mike, Glen and I visited the Commemorative Air Force museum which is housed at Falcon Field Airport which is only 3 kms away. Mike has a fascination with World War II aircraft. His enthusiasm to see new and familiar aircraft and to hear the stories of the CFA hosts/guides got Glen and I into the spirit as soon as we entered the museum. I should point out that this day we were very fortunate to see 3 aircraft that our Dad flew in WWII; the B17 - Dad was a member of a crew who ferried a B17 over the North Atlantic to England; DC3 Cargo plane which Dad flew many hours over North Africa; Cessna AT-8, UC-78 Bobcat (Bamboo Bomber), or "Witchta Wobler" which was used by the RCAF to upgrade pilots from single to twin engine aircraft. Dad also flew the DH82 Tiger Moth, which served the RCAF as a trainer, but was not on display. Yes, it was very special indeed. Oh, did I mention that the B17 actually made a flight that day? We got to stand beside the B17 as it was readied for take-off and then watch it taxi out and lift-off. Very, very cool. Picture included below.
Oh, one more new experience for Barry this week. On Tuesday morning Barry joined a couple of the neighbors and went out to a small orange grove and picked oranges. Came home with about 50lbs or fresh oranges. They have been shared around the neighborhood for many to enjoy.
I can’t conclude this post without a comment about the weather. It’s hot and dry. The temperature hit 92F yesterday and 91F today. The evenings are still cool although it is not cooling off as much as it did last week. We have yet to turn on the air conditioner in our trailer although many of the neighbors have their units going most days and into the evening. A cooling trend is expected for the weekend, high 70’s, low 80’s.....brrrrr......
Enjoy the pictures. Don’t forget to click or double click on the picture to enlarge it....
Mike, getting his kicks at the Commemorative Air Force museum (B17 ready for take-off in background)
Hummingbird nest at Rio Salado Park.
Barry at one of the duck ponds at the Rio Salado Park.
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