Tortoises and Iguanas

Hello!

On a hot tip from my housemate, I ventured into the desert uplands in search of the elusive Desert Tortoise and Desert Iguana. My first attempt was late in the evening, and I was unsuccessful in locating the creatures (though I did find many burrows). There were, however, many cool cacti to see.

Fishhook Barrel Cactus

Yellow Cactus Flower (Cholla sp.?)

Pink Cactus Flower (Opuntia sp.)

I was slightly discouraged by my failure to locate the reptiles, so a second trip was in order. This time earlier in the afternoon, I was able to locate a tortoise right at the entrance to her burrow. I was surprised at how big she was, easily the size of an average watermelon!

Desert Tortoise (Gopherus aggassizii)

My tortoise desires satisfied, I soon planned a third excursion for the iguana. As this was a day off, I was able to go in the morning. I did manage to catch a glimpse of a Desert Iguana as its banded tail disappeared into some scrub. I also observed Tiger Whiptail and many Side-blotched Lizards, but the highlight of the day was this juvenile Common Chuckwalla that I saw retreating into a crevice.

Common Chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater)

I spent a lot of time searching the area for snakes, but to no avail. There was some awesome-looking habitat, including all varieties of rock shelves, crevices and caves. It is still early in the season, and I am hoping that the snakes simply aren't out yet, but the search will continue.

The most exciting bird update of late has been numerous Phainopepla, perhaps the bird I was most eager to see in Arizona. They have a unique life history, and are gorgeous to boot. All in all, not a bad week.

Kyle

Grebes Galore

Hello!

My first day off has come and gone. After some consideration, I decided to hang around the study site (Cibola National Wildlife Refuge) and do some exploring. Especially of interest to me was the supposed presence of Burrowing Owls, though I was not to see any on this particular day. However, an early-morning jaunt to Cibola Lake did provide two species I've long wanted to see: Clark's and Western Grebe. I was lucky enough to see them doing their synchronized mating runs, though not quick enough to catch it with the camera. I did, however, take many pictures.

Clark's Grebe (Aechmophorus clarkii)

Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis)

After this I decided it was finally time to chase down some of the tiny lizards that are ever-present at the banding site, and with some difficulty I was eventually able to get a shot of one:

Common Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana)

All in all, not a bad day. At the same time, my housemate went to a different location nearby and got both Desert Tortoise and Desert Iguana, so I am looking forward to checking that out as well. Till next time...

Kyle

Update Week One

Hello all,

Sorry no photos on this update, I have been lazy I guess, or just not gotten around to taking any. Just wanted to fire up a quick update to let everyone know that I'm still alive. Internet access here requires a half-hour drive, so I imagine I'll only be able to update this about once-a-week or so.

Anyway, first week has been good. The weather has been unseasonably hot, but I guess I can't complain. We have spent much of the first week banding which has been nice for me. I didn't realize how much I'd missed it. It is almost a pity that I will be shifting to foraging observations and colour band resighting in the next week or so, but I am excited to work on my observation skills and spend more time exploring the study site

Wildlife sightings have been good so far. Since leaving Ontario I have picked up 15 new bird species, with highlights including Vermilion Flycatcher, Inca Dove, Abert's Towhee, Curve-billed Thrasher, Crissal Thrasher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Verdin, Lesser Goldfinch, Ladder-backed Woodpecker and Western Scrub Jay. There are tons of lizards running around that I have yet to get down and dirty with, and the other day I saw my first Western Diamondback. I have been informed that other snakes at the study site include Rosy Boa, Western Hognose and California Kingsnake, so I am naturally optimistic.

Well, that'll be it for now. My first day off is rapidly approaching, so hopefully I get off my lazy ass and take some photos. Hope everyone is well!

Kyle

The Final Leg

Hello!

I am in the last motel room in a while so figured I'd take advantage of the free WiFi and upload some more photos. This morning was spent testing the peak performance of a '95 Jeep Cherokee through the mountain passes of central Arizona (and overtaking a late model Camaro in the twisties no less...sucker). I experienced sun, cloud, rain, sleet, snow and ice pellets all within an hour or two, and passed though a variety of desert types. I did snap a few photos along the way, none stellar but they do give an idea of the landscape. Southwest of Flagstaff I passed through the Red Rock region of the state, adorned with (obviously) pinkish-red rock outcroppings as far as the eye can see.

Red Rock region, Arizona

Down off that mountain and up the next, the desert becomes much more shrubby and even, and the rock becomes grayer, especially when it rains.

Montane Desert in Rain

I stopped at a rest stop just north of Phoenix to look for birds. Did see Lesser Goldfinch and Vermillion Flycatcher (a real highlight for me, and a shining beacon for all those that have ever struggled with flycatcher identification), but no pics. Speaking of beacons though, I did see this wonderful sign:

My Favourite Sign

























Sadly, I did not see any of these lovely creatures (not that I expected to), but there was a glimmer of hope in the form of this little fellow. Photo sucks (was not expecting to see him), but good enough for ID.

Ornate Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) - cropped
















In the afternoon, I spent a while trying to accomplish some necessary shopping in Phoenix (a far larger city than I had imagined), and set out for Blythe, CA. I stopped to take one quick shot of the real desert (Saguaro cacti and all).

West of Phoenix, Arizona

























Anyway, I will be reporting for work tomorrow and not sure when I'll be able to post again. I will upload more when I get a chance!

Kyle

Grand Canyon

Hello!

So this will be my first post on the blog. I have no idea if I will be able to update this regularly or not, but I will give it a shot. I arrived in Arizona yesterday after 3 days and 4000 kilometers, sore and tired. I parked the Jeep at a campsite in Grand Canyon National Park (which I got away without paying for), and crashed in the back, with the alarm set for sunrise. I awoke early and stationed myself at a spot on the rim to wait for the sun. Here are a few of the results:

Grand Canyon at Sunrise

Grand Canyon at Sunrise

I followed up the morning photography session with a 15 km hike into and out of the canyon, which was very cool but with limited shooting opportunities. I came out of it very sore and tired, and somewhat happy with the photo below:

Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus)

My afternoon was spent on a crazy chase for California Condors, following the advice of an old man I met in the park. Though he seemed to know what he was talking about, I was quite unsuccessful and am now in a Motel6 in Flagstaff, having a relaxing night in a real bed. The plan for tomorrow is a leisurely drive down towards the study site, and reporting to the house the following day. That's all for now, I will try to post when I can!

Kyle