Scheelite Canyon

Finally managed to find a day to head to Fort Huachuca with Darlene and Bobbie, a friend of ours who spends her winters in Tucson—and has never seen a Spotted Owl. It was one of those breathtaking southeast Arizona days when you are reminded that, oh yes, it is astronomically autumn out there! It was nicely chilly all morning, and the red leaves of the maples falling around the granite boulders almost made us think of New England as we hiked silently up the canyon to look for the famous birds.

No dice. Whitewash aplenty, but no matter how carefully we checked the birds’ favorite hideouts, we saw neither hide nor feather. So we gave up and sat down at the pools, where Hermit Thrushes, Gray-headed Juncos, and even a Black-chinned Sparrow were drinking and bathing. At one point I saw something big disappear into the foliage, and when I finally spotted it again through the thicket was amazed to find myself looking at a female Varied Thrush! A few moments later a bright male Varied Thrush ventured out of the shade to the edge of the lowest pool. I was sorry not to get to show Bobbie the bird we went there to find, but have to admit that even with the owls unspotted, it was one of the best days I’d ever had in one of the most beautiful canyons in the Hauchucas.