Birds, landscape, bugs, and flowers, the state of Arizona has it all. I am writing from the NANPA Summit, an event where Nature Photographers from all walks of life get together to celebrate our fine feathered friends, four legged creatures, the Great American Landscape, and the effort underway by scientists to save it all. It is my first time attending and will definitely not be my last. This post is to serve as a celebration of all things Arizona.
If you made me pick a favorite, I have to say witnessing the Vermilion Flycatcher for the first time was an experience. There is nothing like being so used to photographing Texas commons day in and day out only to be transplanted to a completely different ecological region where everything is not as it seems.
Arizona takes pride in its state and national parks. Note: You need a park pass to enter. I refused to go to a larger park where I know nothing about the ecology of the region, so I googled a place to bird and the Tucson Audubon Mason Center popped up. I highly recommend birding in a small area dedicated to local plant and bird life. You’ll save money and headache understanding, for free, what a state has to offer so when you do decide to splurge on that parks pass, you’ll know exactly what and where to see the nature diversity you intend to see!
Once I arrived to my hotel, I continued to see the diversity I had encountered at the Tucson Audubon Mason Center which is a great sign that you’ll see A LOT of those same birds. And as a photographer, taking a mental note of where, how, and when you saw the bird, and especially by which kind of flower is super important if you want to get up close and personal for that awesome shot. For me, I just had to look outside my backdoor. The birds just came to me!
Word spread of a Vermilion Flycatcher nest close by upon arriving to the conference. You can imagine how interested a bunch of birders were with long telephoto lenses to learn of such news. For me, the male Vermilion Flycatcher hung out at my back yard, gifting me with unfettered access to the brilliant red feathers against the sun light. I did breakdown to photograph the infants, however. This could be the last time I see a Vermilion Flycatcher afterall.
Also outside my hotel door, a common theme, was a Great Horned Owl nest where a baby and adult hung out.
If you are a birder, wanting to visit Tucson, and can find a pretty descent discount at The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa, then I highly recommend you do it…especially in early May. Arizona is cool this time of year and the birds are just starting to fledge giving you plenty of candid opportunities to enjoy nature in all its glory.
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