Jim Hoagland November marks the beginning of many migratory bird species visiting our pond at SaddleBrooke Ranch (SBR). Some species stay for short periods, and others for several days or even months, like the American Wigeons, which stay here through mid-March. Although a few species, such as Green-winged Teal and Cinnamon Teal, along with the…
Gerry Tietje The moon has fascinated humankind throughout history. It marks the seasons of the year, and its cycle of lunar phases defines our month and week. The gravitational pull of the moon is primarily responsible for ocean tides, which influence maritime activities like commercial fishing and water sports. Sending men to the moon was…
Gerald Tietje There are wonderful birding opportunities in the desert ecosystem surrounding SaddleBrooke Ranch (SBR), but different species of birds are found at different elevations, so birding on Mt. Lemmon provides an opportunity to see many different species of birds. Mt. Lemmon rises to 9,157 feet in elevation, the tallest peak in the Santa Catalina…
Jim Hoagland August is one of the best months for birding in Arizona. In normal years, migration picks up and diversity of species peaks during the summer monsoons. There is no better way to enjoy bird watching this time of year than by going to a birding festival. They are organized to get you to…
Jim Hoagland and Gerry Tietje Curious about the authors of the Nature’s Way articles that appear in the SaddleBrooke Ranch Roundup? The authors, Jim Hoagland and Gerry Tietje, both share a love of nature, but it doesn’t end there. Jim and Gerry were both born and raised in the Midwest, graduated from Purdue University, and…
Jim Hoagland As Karen and John Vanderwall were headed to Ed’s Dogs for lunch on April 6, Karen noticed a different-looking bird species on the Ranch pond. The spring migration of waterfowl and other bird species was in full swing, but this was unlike any other bird she had observed on or around the pond.…
Jim Hoagland It was another successful year for the SaddleBrooke Ranch (SBR) Cuckoos Birdathon. Later in May, after the submission date for this article, the Cuckoos would find out if they defended their title of “Best Bucks for Birds” at the Tucson Bird Alliance (TBA) wrap-up party. With the donations and pledges, thanks to friends,…
Gerry Tietje Ironwood Forest National Monument is located west of the Avra Valley, Marana, and I-10. It was established on June 9, 2000, so this year will be its 25th anniversary. The 190,000-acre preserve contains portions of four mountain ranges, including the Silver Bell Mountain range. Its most prominent peak is Ragged Top Mountain, with…
J im Hoagland The SaddleBrooke Ranch (SBR) Hiking Club and the Birding and Nature group conducted a “seed drive” to support the needs of Oracle State Park. SBR resident Laura Haslett, representing the Hiking Club, and Birdman of SBR Jim Hoagland, representing the Birding and Nature group, recently presented over 125 pounds of nyger seed,…
Jim Hoagland In April, the SaddleBrooke Ranch (SBR) Cuckoos will be conducting the annual Birdathon to raise funds to support the work of the Tucson Bird Alliance (TBA), formerly Tucson Audubon Society. TBA’s mission is “inspiring people to enjoy and protect birds through recreation, education, and restoration of our environment.” In the previous four Birdathons,…