Cooper's Hawk

Our desert neighborhood is full of bird activity right now. Every morning we wake to a cacophony of sound and see darting motion at every window as birds zip past, frantically carrying out their spring time business.  It is not uncommon to see small and mid-sized birds searching the ground for nesting materials and tasty morsels to eat.

What is uncommon is waking up to see a large hawk perched on our small copper reflection pool, surveying the world with beady, yellow eyes. It's also unusual for any bird to hang around for several hours while so much activity is swirling around it, but that is exactly what happened this morning. After capturing some images and admiring this striking visitor, I grabbed my bird book and began the identification process. Mercifully, it stayed long enough for me to take a good, long look.

Judging from the hooked beak and powerful build, this bird is obviously a bird of prey.  It is actually one of the fastest flying birds in the world, known for its great skill in navigating tree tops at high speeds while chasing other birds. It was my first close up look at a Cooper's Hawk, and in this case, a juvenile with mottled brown streaks and prominent yellow eyes. This species of hawk experiences a change of eye color as they mature, from pale yellow and even grey, to orange and blood red.  I am still researching to understand the benefits of eye color changes.

Cooper's Hawks are not compassionate hunters.  They prey on other birds and finish them off by repeatedly squeezing them with their talons.  They have also been known to drown their prey by holding them under water until they stop struggling. During nesting season the smaller male is responsible for meal delivery and is perfectly designed for swift flight and tight maneuvering to accomplish the task.  His smaller, lighter body coupled with long tail feathers allow this stealthy hunter to glide through an obstacle course of tree limbs with great agility.

Nictitating Membrane or Third Eyelid

Like most other birds, Cooper's Hawks have a third eyelid called a Nictitating Membrane.  This semi- transparent membrane slides across the eye horizontally or diagonally and not only helps to lubricate the eyes, but provides protection from wind, dust and rain when the hawk is on the wing... amazing design for sure.

As you track birds this spring, notice the unique design features that make them each successful desert dwellers. If you were a bird of prey, what physical and ability traits would you want to possess?

References and Resources
All About Birds - Cooper's Hawk
All About Birds - Silent Alert
Hawks Aloft Blog
AskAnNaturalist - Sharp Shinned or Cooper's Hawk
eBird - Identifying Cooper's Hawks
Avian Recon - Cooper Hawk Eye Color

Images: Sharon Pegany

Desert Wonder Tracker Meet Up #3 - Granite Mountain Loop Trail

Calling all Curious Desert Wonder Trackers!

What: Trek around Granite Mountain through a beautiful area of huge boulders and healthy saguaro cactus stands over a fairly smooth trail. We will stop as needed along the way with Sharon leading and Paul following to allow each trekker to set his/her own pace. The trail is 6 miles with very little climbing.

When: Wednesday, March 28 - 3:00 to Sunset

Where: Granite Mountain Loop Trailhead
Directions: East on Dynamite to 136th Street. Turn left onto 136th and travel north to the parking lot for Granite Mountain Trailhead.  The lot aligns with Lone Mountain Rd, is marked by a brown sign and is located right under the power lines seen from 136th Street. Turn left into the parking lot.

What to Bring: We will be traveling over some rocks and loose soil, so good shoes with good tread are a must. Most of the trail is fairly level, but if having a walking stick or poles helps you, bring them. Bring plenty of water and snacks. I encourage trekkers to carry a backpack or fanny pack so that hands are free. I have an extra backpack and we can also pack for each other as needed. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, etc. 

What to Expect: This is a gorgeous untouched stretch of desert and as we circle around the northern edge, it is easy to imagine what this area looked like before development. The trail gently rises and falls with no difficult climbing. We will keep our eyes open for creatures who come out in the golden afternoon light. If we are lucky, we may hear the Elf Owl, who should be returning to the area to nest. No worries, Paul will handle any triangular headed, slit eyed friends we encounter:) Plan to rest as needed, eat, photos, etc. 

So that we know to wait for you, please let me know if you plan to join us for this trek. See you on the trail!  speganydesign@gmail.com

Resources 
McDowell Mountain Preserve - North Area Map

Crepuscular Animals

Curve Billed Thrasher at Twilight

I love new, interesting words, don't you? When reading about snakes found in Arizona, the word  "crepuscular" appeared in the text, which of course triggered my overactive wonder muscle. I  had never heard this delightful adjective, used to describe creatures who are active primarily during the most glorious time of day... twilight...gentle, soothing twilight. Not quite nocturnal or diurnal, the animals who prefer this time are unique.

Twilight is a golden package of fleeting moments, found like book ends on each side of the day.  In the morning, it seems to embody the beauty and hope of a new fresh day, and in the evening, it gently wraps the day in a quiet, ethereal light, spilled alongside deep shadows across the landscape.  It is a time for seeing and hearing animals in a way unlike any other. Many photographers prefer the soothing, natural light that descends in the hour near twilight, a time when our cameras seem to do their best work.

One notable crepuscular desert dweller is the Javelina, or Collard Peccary.  I have only seen them during twilight hours. Unless sick, javelinas will travel in bands of 6 - 12 animals led by a dominant male. They have many incredible design features, such as their ability to eat prickly pear, spines and all. Javelinas derive most of their water from the plants they eat, so juicy prickly pear are among their favorite.  Watch for prickly pear plants that look like they have been torn versus cut or barrel cacti that have been overturned with the flesh scooped about like a tunnel into the underside.

 Javelinas are not considered dangerous if left alone, but an entire band can be aggressive and unpredictable, and if provoked, may attack when there are young or wounded among their members. They also have terrible eyesight, and use their sense of smell to communicate, so you will usually smell the musky scent of a javelina before you see one. They have several scent glands, which are located below each eye and on their back/rump. The glands release a strong odor when marking territory, members of their group, or when they become alarmed or excited.

The hour leading up to evening twilight is my favorite time to trek in the desert.  The harsh mid-day sunlight softens into a warm glow, and as the air cools, a playful breeze carries the sound of owl hoots and cricket songs. Bats and Nighthawks dance overhead, cotton tailed rabbits and other small mammals disappear into the shadows like children heading inside after a long day of play. Although seen other times of the day, Bobcats, Black Tailed Rabbits, as well as some snakes and birds are also considered crepuscular.  Many snakes are nocturnal during the hot summer, crepuscular in the spring and fall.

As you trek at twilight, watch for interesting crepuscular creatures, but remember that it is their feeding time, so try not to disturb them.  In the dim light, gaze with wonder at the unique happenings found only at twilight.

References and Resources
Earth Sky - What Exactly is Twilight?
Animal Sake
Desert USA - Collared Peccary
A-Z Animals - Collard Peccary
National Park Service - Javelina

Images: Sharon Pegany

Cultivate Wonder... Discover Design

Spot the International Space Station Alert!

Scottsdale, Arizona

Time: Friday, March 23 @ 8:16 p.m.
Visible: 4 minutes
Max Height: 48 degrees
Appears: 10 degrees above WSW
Disappears: 43 degrees above N

If you do not live in the Scottsdale area, go to Spot the Station to enter your location. You can also set up an auto alert that will send you an email when the station will be flying over your area.

Remember the International Space Station (ISS) circles the earth every 90 minutes.  It travels 17,500 miles per hour, which gives the crew 16 sunrises and sunsets every day. You can learn more about the ISS on the NASA International Space Station site.

Gopher Snake or Rattlesnake?!!!

Watch your step! Our reptile friends are apparently out in full force.  Today, we were out hunting for interesting rocks with our rock-hounding niece Emily and inadvertently came upon a long snake stretched out across our path.  Our first reaction was to stop, back away and mentally run through our internal rattlesnake identification checklist. Fortunately, this long, limber snake had a pointy head and tail, as well as round pupils.  Here in the west, it is commonly known as a Gopher Snake, but is closely related to and often called a Bull Snake.

Due to their length, coloring and markings, this non-poisonous snake is often mistaken for a Rattlesnake. Gopher Snakes and Rattlesnakes both help keep rodent populations under control and are essential for the health of the desert eco-system. As a desert dweller, it is important to learn the differences between a venomous Rattlesnake and a non-venomous Gopher Snake.  One is helpful in your outdoor landscape, and the other is better suited to the open desert.

Head
Rattlesnakes have triangular heads, with facial heat sensing pits that look like nostrils.
Gopher Snakes have narrow, rounded heads, although if threatened, they can flatten their heads to mimic a Rattlesnake.

Eye
Rattlesnakes have vertical, slit pupils, like a cat.
Like most non-venomous snakes in the US, Gopher Snakes have rounded pupils

Tail
Rattlesnakes have an ornate cluster of rattles on the tail which grows every time an old skin is shed. . Young rattlers do not have a "rattle" until they shed.
Gopher Snakes have a pointy tail, but because they mimic rattlers, it may be hard to see their tail if they are vigorously shaking it.

Body
Rattlesnakes are generally bulkier with a thick middle that tapers on both ends.
Gopher Snakes can grow much longer than Rattlesnakes, up to 8 feet, whereas Rattlers usually top out at about 4 feet. Gopher snakes are also slimmer and more limber looking than Rattlers.

No matter what kind of snake you encounter in your tracking adventures, always leave them alone. Even the non-venomous Gopher Snake can strike with a painful bite. However, most snakes are content to slip away without an encounter and will only bite if provoked or surprised.   These amazingly designed creatures are a treat to see in their native habitat if we use caution and give them plenty of space.  When we track wonder in the wild, it is up to us to diligently watch where we place our feet and hands.  As you move across the trails this spring and summer, remember to track wild wonder with great awe, but also great caution.

References and Resources
Reptiles of Arizona
Live Science - Gopher Snake Facts
Sciencing - How to Identify Baby Rattlesnakes

Images: Emily Richardson and Sharon Pegany

Cultivate Wonder... Discover Design

Nesting Season

Cactus Wren nest built in an ideal location - among the prickly arms of a healthy Saguaro

Ahhh, nesting season in the Sonoran Desert. From darting Hummingbirds to mysterious Great Horned Owls, the bird world is frantically preparing to welcome the next generation. It is not uncommon to see birds of all types picking at the ground or flying to and fro with a mouthful of building materials. Most birds only build nests for brooding and raising their young, and abandon them once the little ones have learned to fly, although some species build a breeding nest and separate roosting nests.

Birds are very resourceful when it comes to nest building.  Some make elaborate luxury dwellings
complete with roof and welcoming entrance. Others move in to old nests abandoned by others.  Still others find refuge in the holes of cactus, trees or even burrows in the ground. Some are notorious nest stealers and others seem to slop their nests together as though the thought of where to put the eggs hadn't occurred to them. Hummingbirds use spider web to weave a tiny sticky nest, then cover it with leaves or lichen. Some birds even go through the extra work of building dummy nests to give the female options or discourage other birds from nesting in the area. The ingenious nest designs of each species suit them perfectly and serve their purpose.

Look for nests in unlikely places.

This time of year, take time to watch the birds.  What are they doing? Where are they going? Do you see patterns of behavior? Follow a bird's movements and you may discover a nest. Remain at a safe distance or the birds may become spooked and move on.  It you notice that they seem to be aware of your presence or abandon their activity, you know you have moved too close. If you find an abandoned nest, study it without touching it as birds are notorious for carrying disease. Try to imagine how a handless bird constructed it.

No matter where you live, nesting birds are not far. Enjoy tracking them and savoring a unique peek into the most wondrous and mysterious of designs...  new, perfectly formed and functioning life!

References and Resources
NestWatch

Images: Sharon Pegany

Cultivate Wonder... Track Design

Wake Up Sleepheads!

Desert spring is in the air.  Bird and insect sounds are louder. Plants are showing off their new tender spring green growth, and each morning, there is definitely a soothing warmth chasing the night chill away. Yet in the desert, there is one tell tale sign that signals the coming of spring more than any other... the appearance of reptiles. These cold-blooded creatures have been hibernating through the cooler months and a series of warm days will cause them to begin to stir. It's their time.

The first reptiles to appear are the small lizards.  Due to their size, their body temperature warms and cools more rapidly, so they can warm up and get moving easier than the big guys. This week, we noticed a marked increase in small lizards lounging on the sun-warmed rocks who skitter away at the slightest intrusion.

Hibernation is one of those perplexing design mysteries found in the natural world.  Why do some creatures have the ability to slip into an efficient energy saving mode for several months when others have to store food caches, migrate or find some other crafty way to tough it out when food supplies dwindle? 

In the case of lizards and other "cold-blooded" or ectothermic* creatures, their bodies are dependent on the outside temperature to regulate internal temperature and fuel their metabolism. Instead of getting most of their energy from the food they eat like mammals do, cold blooded animals are energized by the warmth of the sun.  Their muscles are triggered by a chemical reaction that is fast in warm weather and slower in cold weather. Cold blooded, or ectothermic animals are usually elongated or flat in design, allowing heat to be exchanged with the surrounding environment more efficiently. 

The chemical process design in ectothermic animals is fascinating. At the cellular level, water around each cell can freeze, but due to a flow of glucose into the cell, the fluid inside the cell does not freeze, almost like it has been injected with a natural anti-freeze! Animals like frogs can hibernate at temperatures below freezing and still survive. 

The next time you see a lizard lounging in the sun, remember that this well-designed creature is not interested in sporting a tan, but rather in getting an energy boost! Observe his sleek elongated body which can be quickly warmed through by the heat of the rock underneath and the sun overhead. Brilliant design! 

Ectothermic  - Of or relating to an organism that regulates its body temperature largely by exchanging heat with its surrounding environment.  dictionary.com

References and Resources
Arizona-Sonora Museum - Diurnal or Nocturnal Hide and Seek
BBC Nature Wildlife - Hibernation 
American Chemical Society - How Animals Survive Temperature Extremes

Image: Sharon Pegany

Western Screech Owl

This week, we had the pleasure of tracking wonder with British Columbia's wildlife photographer Anthony Bucci. Anthony has an amazing talent for tracking and photographing North America's owls and was recently in the southwest to enjoy some of our local birds and owls.  One owl common to our area is the Western Screech-Owl. True to form, Anthony was able to find this nesting owl and create some amazing photos, giving us a glimpse of the little owl you have probably heard without knowing it.

Western Screech-Owls are small, about the size of a football.  Their feathers are brownish-grey, with lots of variation, which help them blend into their woodland or desert environment. They are nocturnal, coming out to hunt small rodents and insects later in the day and evening.

Adult Western Screech-Owls nest almost exclusively in tree and cactus cavities. They tend to remain in their nesting area year round, so there is a chance to see them even after the spring nesting season. This owl is quite common in the desert so several owls may be living in the same area, defending small nesting territories, but sharing a broader home territory.

Get in the habit of glancing at the holes in saguaro cactus plants.  The holes usually appear dark, but when you notice a lighter colored or blocked hole, take a closer look.  It just might be one of our small owls watching you move past their hangout. Listen for the "bouncing ball" call in which the sounds become closer together like the sound of a ball as it bounces closer and closer to the ground before coming to a stop.  Learn to engage all your senses, letting them pick up on the subtleties that will lead you to pure wonder.

References and Resources
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
The Owl Pages
Anthony Bucci Facebook
Anthony Bucci Flickr
Anthony Bucci National Geographic

Image: Sharon Pegany

As a side note, the Western Screech-Owl looks just like the Whiskered Screech-Owl, except for the color of their beaks.  The Western Screech-Owl has a black beak with a tiny bit of ivory on the very tip, whereas the Whiskered Screech-Owl's beak is completely ivory colored. Both can be found in Arizona, although the Whiskered Screech-Owl is not as common.

Cultivate Wonder... Discover Design

March Desert Wonder Meet Up #1

Calling all Curious Desert Wonder Trackers!

What: Trek to Tom's Thumb through a beautiful area of huge boulders and healthy saguaro cactus stands over a fairly smooth trail. This trail makes a steep elevation climb of about 1,000 feet, but promises wonderful views along the way. We will stop as needed along the way with Sharon leading and Paul following to allow each trekker to set his/her own pace. The trail is nearly 5 miles round trip.

When: Monday, March 5 - 3:30 to Sunset

Where: Tom's Thumb Trailhead 
There are restrooms but NO WATER at the trailhead.
Directions: From Scottsdale Rd or Pima Rd, turn East onto Happy Valley Rd. Proceed about 2 miles past Alma School and turn right (East) onto Ranch Gate. Proceed to the end of Ranch Gate and then turn right (South) onto 128 St and you’ll arrive at the trailhead in less than a mile.

What to Bring: We will be traveling over steep terrain with loose soil, so good shoes with good tread are a must. This trail is a good one for a walking stick or poles to help with stability. Bring plenty of water and snacks. I encourage trekkers to carry a backpack or fanny pack so that hands are free. I have an extra backpack and we can also pack for each other as needed. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, etc.

What to Expect: The hike starts out gradually climbing toward a canyon where the trail climbs steeply up a series of switchbacks.  There are places to stop and catch your breath while taking in the view. Switchbacks continue on to a section where the trail is fairly level before starting a second series of switchbacks. We will keep a steady pace to reach the monolith (Tom's Thumb) where we can rest and look for Prairie Falcons or Swifts who nest on the area's lofty cliffs and crevices.  

So that we know to wait for you, please let me know if you plan to join us for either trek. See you on the trail!  speganydesign@gmail.com

Resources 
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy - Tom's Thumb
McDowell Mountain Preserve - North Area Map