Been a few, my fault, upmost apologies. Free time has been at a premium as of late since we started are final drive east for home. In fact, by the time you are reading this we will either be officially back or minimally less than a state away. I’ll likely provide a more thorough recap of our foray through the west, but some key summary (at at least very close) statistics:
In total – 13 states visited
6 new states lit up on my eBird account
140+1 new birds for the year
54 new lifers
Current annual bird count – 440+4 (a new record)
Hit #125 on top US birder list for 2026
Over 6500 miles driven
This has been quite a trip, the longest we have been away from home and have to admit, looking forward to a good night’s sleep in a large, stationary bedroom. Then up bright and early to get my ass back into hard training. Although I rucked several mountains, wedged in a few 10 miles runs, did my cardio/core routine 6/7 days a week and mostly kept myself to 2 if not 1 meal a day, the body took the holiday to heart and needs a quick reminder it has a big race later in the year. Oh, and the Halloween Haunted Trail work is waaaay behind schedule.
…but you are here for birds and we have another Arizona specialty for you to kick off this new month.
Pretty eh!?!, hit the jump to learn more about this beautiful creature.
Continue reading Not Violent, Violet
Wildlife Intrigued 