I went to Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA) by myself on Thursday, June 18, and again on June 22 with Mark. I got there at about 7 AM the first trip, and 7:45 AM the second one, and spent about 4 hours each time.
The mornings were cool, and it heated up to the mid 90s by noon. It seems hot to non-Arizonans, but it really wasn’t bad. The birding was good. I always like photographing the Yellow-bellied Chat and the Hooded Oriole – they are gorgeous birds. It was fun to get some unobstructed shots of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, which is normally difficult to photograph.
I talked to the gift shop manager about our “Birds of Boyce Thompson Arboretum”posters that we created and donated to the arboretum. She was enthusiastic about them. They have put the poster board up when they have a bird walk, and have sold quite a few already (about 4 of the big ones and 3 of the small ones).
I have more photos than normal, but the post covers two trips.
2 Comments
Thank you for this wonderful time we’ve spent sipping coffee as I am preparing for my workday as a nurse. I love your hobby! How exciting you must feel when these trusting friends gather near and pose for you. Thank you for sharing your passion. My love always & forever, from your li’l sis.
P.S. unidentified flower looked like a hibiscus.
Thanks Maureen! I wish they would gather and pose :). There’s a lot of chasing around involved, and waiting, and getting quick shots before they move, and hundreds of throw-away shots!
Thanks for the identification tip! I think your right. I found a species of Hibiscus called ‘Hibisucs Denudatus’ aka ‘Paleface’or ‘Naked Hibiscus’ that is native to the southwest US. It has the same shape leaves as the flower I photographed (I cropped out the leaves for the shot on the web), and the flower looks like a match.
Love you too.