Tag: Nature’s Way

Nature’s Way: Making a Difference for Oracle State Park

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,…

Nature’s Way: Cuckoos Flying High for 2025 Birdathon

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,…

Nature’s Way: ’Tis the Rattlesnake Season

Gerry Tietje Many of us who live in SaddleBrooke Ranch have been startled by seeing a rattlesnake on our patios, pickleball courts, or our Nature Trail. Few, if any, of these encounters resulted in a snakebite and emergency room visit, but it’s good to remember that March is the month when rattlesnakes become more active…

Nature’s Way: Talkin’ Turkey: A Wildlife Success Story

James Hoagland When you sit down to your Thanksgiving dinner this year, you might wonder where your domesticated turkey originated. We know there were wild turkeys when the pilgrims arrived, upwards of 11 million wild turkeys roamed the forests of eastern North America. How then did we go from wild turkeys to your Thanksgiving domesticated…

Nature’s Way: Fall Color in Our Own Backyard

Gerry Tietje The Sept. 22nd equinox ushered in a new season where longer days have given way to longer nights and thankfully much cooler temperatures. Monsoon rains have stopped, burgundy “apples” adorn prickly pear cacti, and pods on Soaptree yucas have dispersed their seeds. As the earth’s axis tilts further away from the sun in…

Nature’s Way: SBR Cuckoos Honored By Tucson Audubon Society

Jim Hoagland It was another successful year for the SaddleBrooke Ranch (SBR) Cuckoo’s Birdathon event. The SaddleBrooke Ranch Cuckoos, represented by Deb Sandin and Nancy and Ben Eisenstein, recently attended the wrap-up celebration party at Three Canyon Beer and Wine Gardens on a beautiful evening. The SBR Cuckoos, one of 29 teams, took home top…