Paton's in Patagonia, Arizona - Marian R.I.P. - BirdForum

Through a bird forum we hear about the passing of Marian Paton

Paton's in Patagonia, Arizona - Marian R.I.P. - BirdForum

American Public Media Spotlights Patagonia

Your blogger wanted to bring to your attention a Public Radio segment about the research farm here in Patagonia for NATIVE SEEDS and their mission maintaining, conserving and propagating heritage seeds for future generations.
You can read and see one of "the small wonders" in Patagonia by going to this link
Sowing seeds that will take the heat | Marketplace From American Public Media

I would, however, disagree with the host Sam Eaton when he says he's looking around at hills that are "parched" and "brown" ... to my wondering eyes they appear to be greening

Please see earlier postings here for other backgound information, as well as how to participate in the annual fundraiser.

Regenerating Patagonia: Land as A Resource for Leadership

One Small Wonder Sets Birdwatchers Humming

This one The Plain-Capped Star Throat shown to the left thanks to a rendering by local artist Gary Romig: recently sighted in a feeder at The Spirit Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast on Harshaw Road www.spirittreeinn.com
Those staying overnight have the opportunity to wake up to rare sightings like this, while other birdwatchers just show up with excitement to catch the opportunity to see this avian hummer.
Go to the link at the left for more details on rare bird sightings and their locations as well as directions and some advice.
You can catch a sighting yourself and click an image, or you're welcome to see an image of this flying jewel in town.
One matted print is available at Creative Spirit Artists Gallery here on McKeown Avenue, along with a veritable wall of other bird images in the artist space for Gary Romig [ask the gallery attendant when you visit between the hours of 10:00-4:00 p.m. or call 520-394-2100
Others can be ordered online by going to: http://personal.riverusers.com/~gromig/sub-indx/hummingbirds.html

Small Wonders of Patagonia: Tarantulas

Yes, dear readers, you can find a good reason for all seasons in Patagonia . . . like a group in an 11-vehicle caravan did during the weekend of July 23-26 as part of their annual conference held by The American Tarantula Society www.atshq.org/
at The Esplendor Resort in Rio Rico this year.
While we're pleased to welcome birdwatchers here, it came as a big surprise to this blogger when members of the traveling caravan walked into the visitor information center sporting one of the organization's T-shirts and asking about locations down Harshaw Road where we usually suggest travelers take a scenic drive through the "Ghost Towns" or The San Rafael Valley.
Wade Harrell, the President of the non-profit organization dedicated to furthering education about tarantulas, scorpions and other arachnids, came in later to say they had a successful outing and field trip here.
You can contact him by email at Phylum42@cavtel.net or by phone at (804) 553-0954.