John and I have spent the last two Saturday mornings exploring the trails, trees and gardens of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, a local destination new to both of us. It's a little over an hour's drive from home, out east of Phoenix near the old mining town of Superior.
We went primarily to do some birding (full disclosure: John doesn't consider himself a birder -- I'm working on that) but the varied habitats and dramatic scenery provide a peaceful escape into nature, even minus the birds aspect.
One half of the main trail loop is through steeper open desert canyon, while the other half is a gentle wooded meander along mostly dry Queen Creek.
We've been lucky to see a number of birds that were new to me, including this female Broad-billed Hummingbird. The birds at BTA don't let humans get as close as they do at the DBG, so the photography is a bit more challenging.
Birders tend to be generous with their sightings, like the woman who clued me in to this Yellow Warblers' nest about 30 feet up in a huge old eucalyptus tree. While I watched, both warbler parents took turns visiting the nest, and once there was even a glimpse of a tiny open beak visible above the nest's edge.
Birder bliss!
Must go back to BTA again soon.
Meanwhile, I've started a BTA Flickr set -- slideshow version here, or click through it yourself here. Enjoy!
Lovely! Another delightful desert destination to enjoy in the hands of a capable tour guide. I'll check out your slide show now. Thanks for sharing the view through your lens, LuAnne!
Posted by: susan m hinckley | Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 07:30 AM
Between DBG and Boyce Thompson, we could spend a few days walking & talking till we drop. But it'd be more fun when temps are cooler again.
So consult your calendar & pencil PHX in!
Posted by: luanne | Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 08:30 AM