A morning at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary with Hummingbirds

June 19, 2022

I recently had the pleasure of joining the Indiana Audubon Society on a birdwalk at the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary in Fayette County. As an avid birdwatcher, I had been looking forward to this trip for weeks and was not disappointed. The sanctuary is a beautiful and peaceful place, and the staff and volunteers were incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about birdwatching.

As soon as we arrived, we were warmly greeted by Libby Keyes, the Operations Manager, who gave us a brief overview of the property and its history. It was clear from the start that this was a place dedicated to the conservation and protection of birds and their habitats.

We began our hike early in the morning, and the cool temperatures and calm atmosphere made for perfect birdwatching conditions. The sanctuary did not disappoint! As we walked through the woods and fields of the sanctuary, we saw a wide variety of bird species, including warblers, vireos, and woodpeckers. However, the highlight of the trip for me was undoubtedly the ruby-throated hummingbirds. These tiny, colorful birds are always a treat to see, and we were lucky enough to spot several of them. The light was just right, and I was able to snap some great pictures.

Overall, my visit to the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary was a wonderful experience. It's clear that the Indiana Audubon Society is doing important work in protecting the habitats of these beautiful creatures, and it was a privilege to be a part of it, even just for a morning. I highly recommend a visit to anyone interested in birdwatching or nature conservation.

Winter birding at Sax Zim Bog with IAS

February 25, 2022

In February of 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Sax Zim Bog with the Indiana Audobon Society (IAS). This vast birding area in northern Minnesota is renowned for its wide variety of bird species. Over the course of the trip, we were able to see an incredible multitude of birds, including the illusive Great gray owl, the Downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, black-billed magpie, common raven, black-capped chickadee, red-breasted Nuthatch, pine grosbeak, common redpoll and more. Despite the sub-zero temperatures and strong winds, the experience of spotting and identifying rare birds kept us warm throughout the trip.

Our IAS group guides, Sam, Shari, and Libby had extensive knowledge of the area and terrain. These guides traveling in the lead car were skilled in spotting and identifying birds from far away. This was extremely useful, as we could observe birds that we would have otherwise missed. They also shared their insights into the behavior and habitat of these birds, which enhanced our overall birding experience.

Our first stop was the Fringed Gentian Bog, where the group had the opportunity to witness the beauty of the surrounding environment, which was a combination of tall trees, shrubs, and boggy areas. The Fringed Gentian Bog is a habitat for a variety of bird species, and the group was able to spot several of them including the Downy and Hairy woodpeckers. It was fascinating to track the pecking sound till we would finally get to the bird. We also learnt how to differentiate the hairy woodpecker from a Downy woodpecker, which to an untrained eye like me looks the same- the hairy woodpecker is similar in appearance but much larger and has a longer beak. Black-billed Magpies, and Common Ravens. While at the bog, we also spotted Black-billed Magpies, Common Ravens Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Pine Grosbeaks, and Common Redpolls. The beauty of the area was incredible, and the sight of these birds in their habitat was awe-inspiring.

The Admiral Road feeding station was our next stop, where we were treated to the sight of Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers- which I could now differentiate between thanks to the earlier lesson, Blue Jays, Black-capped Chickadees, Pine Grosbeaks, Common Redpolls, Hoary Redpolls, and Brown Creepers. Trying to track the brown creeper which blends so fabulously with the tree bark with my camera was quite challenging as it kept running around the tree trunk foraging for insects. We watched in amazement as these birds ate from the feeders, and their colors and movements were breathtaking. Native squirrels were having a gala time feeding on the spilled feed on the ground from these feeders, but there was abundant grain for all.

Next, we visited Larry's Feeder, where we saw Black-capped Chickadees and Common Redpolls in abundance. The Winterberry Bog was another stop where we saw Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers again, but got to see a Pileated Woodpecker as well! We also got to see a Canada Jay soaking in the morning sunlight- maybe storing heat in the frigid cold. Each location was unique and showcased the different bird species in the area.

Having visited multiple feeders set up by the local residents of the bog, we made our way to the Sax Zim Bog Visitor Center where we learnt more about the vastness and biodiversity of the bog. Sax-Zim currently encompasses more than 300 square miles and is home to 3000 species and the list continues to grow. This " Bogdiversity " includes over 600 species of moth, over 430 species of plant, 117 species of ferns and mosses, nearly 130 species of spider, 87 species of dragonfly and damselfly, 82 species of butterfly… just to name a few! To get the guests excited at the visitor center, they had put out some feeding stations as well which attracted the plethora of birds we had been seeing in the area. We did a mile-long out-and-back walk behind the visitor center, traversing through about 2 feet of snow. But, in the end were blessed with the sighting of a boreal chickadee and a porcupine sheltering in a nearby tree!

Back on the road, we drove on Owl Avenue, where we spotted a Ruffed Grouse and White-winged Crossbill in the trees. We were able to get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures, and the sight was truly unforgettable. Another memorable stop was the Arkola Road feeders, where we saw Black-capped Chickadees, Boreal Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and Common Redpolls.

Finally, we visited Mary Lou's Feeding Station, where we saw Wild Turkeys, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Common Ravens, Black-capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, House Sparrows, and Common Redpolls. The variety of birds in the area was incredible, and the guides' knowledge and experience made the trip truly unforgettable.

The weather during the trip was incredibly cold, with daytime temperatures as low as -20F and winds. However, the excitement and experience kept us all warm, and we were able to enjoy the beauty of the area and the birds despite the harsh weather conditions. One of the most unforgettable experiences was from quite early in our trip when we stopped by a group of cars along the road. Someone had spotted the Great Gray Owl. To our surprise, the owl was on a tree branch, a mere few feet away from the road. I could hear the shutter from all cameras going as the owl graciously posed for each of us. After having spent some time with us, the owl silently flew right past us to the other side of the road, providing an up-close and personal experience of how stealthily these majestic predators fly. Up until then I had only read in journals and seen YouTube videos of how silent an owl can fly. Experiencing this firsthand gave me goosebumps!

In conclusion, my trip to Sax Zim Bog with the Indiana Audubon Society was an unforgettable experience. The expert guides, vast birding areas, and abundant bird species made it an enriching and exciting trip. I would highly recommend this trip to any birding enthusiasts looking for a unique and thrilling experience.

Enjoying the Beauty Of Zion National Park- Part II

November 13, 2021

If you’ve not read Part I, click here to start the journey at Zion…

As the sun began to set, we arrived at Watchman campground, nestled among the awe-inspiring scenery of Zion National Park. We quickly set up our camp and took a moment to appreciate the stunning beauty of our surroundings. The sky began to transform into a painting of oranges, pinks, and purples as the sun disappeared behind the towering sandstone cliffs. The Watchman campground is conveniently located within walking distance to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, which is also the first stop of the park shuttle service. This was a major advantage as the shuttle service regulated traffic on the Zion Canyon scenic drive from March through November and personal vehicles were prohibited during this time. We were able to take advantage of this shuttle service and explore the park without worrying about traffic and parking. As we settled in for the night, we took some time to prepare our gear for the next day's adventures. We carefully packed our backpacks with water, snacks and everything else we needed for our hikes. We then started a fire and enjoyed a hearty dinner under the twinkling stars, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature. As we chatted and laughed around the campfire, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to explore such a stunning place. The tranquility of the night was only interrupted by the occasional hoot of an owl or the rustling of leaves in the cool evening breeze. It was a perfect end to a wonderful day of hiking and exploring.

The excitement of the previous day's adventures had not yet dissipated, and we were brimming with enthusiasm as we rose early to begin our hike up to Angel's Landing. We arrived at the shuttle stop, and it was evident that we were not the only ones eager to explore the majestic beauty of Zion National Park. The atmosphere was charged with a palpable sense of excitement, and we found ourselves surrounded by like-minded adventurers, including a group of trail runners who were planning a 40-mile run along the rim trail! As we hopped on the shuttle and made our way to The Grotto, we could feel our anticipation building. The weather was mild and pleasant, and since it was the last day of daylight savings time, we had an extra hour before sunrise. The early morning sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the beautiful canyon landscape. We started on the trail, taking in the breathtaking views and the cool morning breeze. As we climbed higher, we were rewarded with an awe-inspiring sight- the first rays of sunlight illuminating the canyon and bringing out the vibrant colors of the rocks and trees. We paused for a moment to savor the beauty before us before continuing our ascent.

After about half an hour of hiking, we reached Scout Lookout, a vantage point from where you can see the other side of the canyon. This is where many hikers choose to turn back due to the trail's challenging nature, but we were determined to press on. We refueled with some snacks and geared ourselves up for the final climb, including a rope section. The sheer cliffs on either side of the trail provided an adrenaline rush, but we felt confident and in control. In fact, having watched multiple videos while researching the hike, we felt that the hike had been unnecessarily portrayed as treacherous. Finally, after pushing ourselves to our limits, we made it to the top! We spent a considerable amount of time up there, basking in the sun, taking in the breathtaking views, and of course, clicking pictures. It was a feeling of accomplishment and awe to be surrounded by such natural beauty.

Descending the trail proved to be a bit challenging as the crowds had begun to build up. The narrow rope sections meant longer wait times for hikers to pass each other, and we had to navigate the trail carefully. However, we eventually made it back to Scout's lookout, where the trail widened, and we could make our way back to the trailhead comfortably.

Zion Canyon viewed from Angel’s landing trail

After completing the Angel's Landing hike, we embarked on the Emerald pool trail to reach the Zion Lodge. The trail was ablaze with fall colors, even though it was early November. The trees had turned a vibrant yellow, which was accentuated by the warm sunlight. We reached the Zion Lodge and treated ourselves to some delicious brunch. We rested in the picnic area, soaking in the heat and taking some time to appreciate the morning cold. The picturesque surroundings and the feeling of having accomplished our hike added to our enjoyment of the moment.

From here, we started making our way back to the campsite. We made a quick stop at the Court of the Patriarchs-a magnificent sight just a few steps from the shuttle stop, making it easily accessible to anyone visiting Zion National Park. We took a moment to learn about the history and origins of the name before marveling at the towering sandstone cliffs that make up the court. The three patriarchs - Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - stand majestically, watching over the park with their towering presence. The colors of the rock change throughout the day, from a warm orange hue in the morning to a deep red in the afternoon and evening, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers alike. After taking in the beauty of the Court of the Patriarchs, we made our way back to the Canyon Junction bridge to watch the sunset.

As the sun began to set over the mountains, the colors of the sky changed from a brilliant orange to a deep red, casting a warm glow over the park. We stayed on the bridge until the last light faded away, soaking in the peaceful serenity of the moment. It was a perfect way to end the day at Zion National Park. With our hearts and minds filled with the beauty and majesty of this natural wonder, we boarded the last shuttle back to our campsite, eagerly looking forward to our next adventure in the morning.

The Narrows

The Narrows is one of the most popular and exciting hikes in Zion National Park. It's not just a hike, it's an adventure, and it requires a sense of adventure, a willingness to get wet, and a lot of stamina. Today was the day, the day we were going to explore The Narrows, a hike that is on every nature lover's bucket list. With rented water boots and pants from Zion Outfitters, we were prepared for the chilly water and slippery rocks. We boarded the shuttle from the Visitor Center and enjoyed the views of the canyon as we made our way to the last stop on the shuttle route- Temple of Sinawava. As we started walking along the river on a paved trail for about a mile, we could feel the anticipation building up.

As we entered the Narrows, we were immediately struck by the sheer beauty and awe-inspiring surroundings. The towering cliffs above us seemed to touch the sky, and the river below us was crystal clear, reflecting the stunning landscape. We took our time exploring the Narrows, marveling at the beauty of the canyon walls. The sunlight would occasionally make its way down into the canyon, casting light and shadow on the walls, making it seem like a living and breathing entity. The feeling of walking through the water, with the sound of the river and the silence of the canyon, was like nothing else.

The cliffs on either side of the river made us feel small and insignificant, and yet, we were filled with a sense of adventure and wonder. We walked through the river, and could feel the current pushing against our legs. It was exhilarating!

As we hiked deeper into the Narrows, the meandering slot canyons became narrower and prevented any sunlight from reaching the bottom. However, there were also wide areas where we could bask in the sun's warmth and relax in the cold water. We continued walking through the water, taking in the beauty and grandeur of the towering cliffs. As we continued walking through the river, we came across a spot where the water was shoulder-height, and we had to carefully navigate through it to avoid getting our cameras wet. It was a challenging section of the hike, but it added to the adventure. We continued walking through the river, eager to reach Big Springs, the furthest point we could go without a permit.

We had started our day a little later than we would have liked today. We knew that The Narrows was going to be a demanding hike and we wanted to make sure we had enough rest to fully enjoy it. But we were already halfway through our time and were still a bit away from our destination. We knew that we could not afford to miss the last shuttle, or we would have to walk all the way back to our campsites. So, we asked other hikers how far away the falls were. We received mixed responses, some saying it was only 15-20 minutes away, while others said it would take more than an hour. Without any means of checking our location, we decided that I would take a short break and continue in a bit while Jeff went ahead to check out the falls.

After a few minutes of rest, I resumed the trail at a slower pace, hoping that Jeff would return with good news. However, after half an hour, I reached the falls, and Jeff was nowhere to be found. I decided to spend some time taking long-exposure photos of the falls and drying off in the warmth of the sun. I hoped Jeff would find his way back to me soon. After waiting for nearly an hour, I decided to head back, assuming Jeff was probably already on his way back to the shuttle looking for me. It was another 40 minutes before I heard Jeff calling out to me from behind. Apparently, he had missed the falls entirely as he was expecting a more impressive waterfall given the description by other hikers we met on the way.

Despite the mini scare, we managed to make it back to the shuttle on time and return the rented gear to Zion Outfitters. We decided to celebrate our success by heading to feast on to the best pizza in town at Zion Pizza & Noodle. I don’t think either of us spoke before devouring a few slices. Having filled our tanks we decided to call it a day and returned to our campsite to rest before another fun-packed day.

Exploring East Zion

After having spent a few days amidst the scenic landscapes along the Zion Canyon Road, we were excited to explore the other side of Zion National Park. As we approached the famous Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, we were awed by the splendid views of the majestic mountains, and the tunnel that were built through them. As we approached the Tunnel, we made several stops at various viewpoints to take in the magnificent scenery and view The Great Arch. We felt a sense of wonder as we were surrounded by gigantic red rocks, which stood as a testament to the incredible power of nature.

Our next stop was the Checkered Mesa, and on the way, we spotted a group of mountain goats on the side of the road. It was a rare sight, and we quickly took out our cameras to snap some photos of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. We felt privileged to have witnessed this unique moment and spent some time observing them before moving on.

When we reached the Checkered Mesa, we were amazed by its unique geography, which we read about in the nearby information boards. Jeff attempted to climb up to see how far he could get, but the steep incline proved to be too much for him, and he had to return. We sat there, enjoying the peace and quiet of the place, savoring the leftover pizza from the previous night. The moment was serene, and we both felt grateful for the opportunity to experience such breathtaking beauty.

After fueling up, we decided to embark on a sunset hike to Observation Point, our last hiking trail at Zion National Park. After the challenging hikes of the last few days, this trail felt like a relatively easy one, and we made good progress. The hike started off smoothly, and we enjoyed the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains. Reaching the end of the trail, we were spellbound by the panoramic view of Zion Canyon. It was as if we were seeing a painting of nature in its most magnificent form. We could identify all the places we had been to in the last two days from here, and it felt surreal to see them all from one spot. On the opposite side of the canyon, we saw a group of climbers scaling the vertical cliffs. It was fascinating to watch them, and we marveled at their courage and skill.

We waited here to enjoy the sunset one final time on this trip and to take in the beauty of the spot. I set up my camera to take some time-lapse photos, which I was later able to blend to create a stunning image of the sunset with light trails from the shuttle operating below. It was a magical moment, and we were grateful to be able to capture it digitally and save it as a memory forever. As it got dark, we packed up and started to make our way back to the car. We were both on high alert as we had heard of cougars in the area. We talked to each other at the top of our voices, making sure we didn't startle any wild animals. We made it safely back to our car and drove back to our campsite at Watchmen campground, filled with the memories of the past few days. It was a journey that we would cherish for a lifetime, a journey that reminded us of the power and beauty of nature.

Overall, our last few days in Zion National Park were an unforgettable experience, and we were grateful for the opportunity to explore the beauty of nature at a time when the world was still recovering from the pandemic. Our journey reminded us of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of nature to heal and rejuvenate. As we packed our bags to head back to Las Vegas the following morning, we knew that the memories of our trip would stay with us forever.

Enjoying the Beauty of Zion National Park- Part I

November 12, 2021

In early November of 2021, the world was still grappling with the after-effects of COVID-19. As travel restrictions began to ease, my friend Jeff and I embarked on a journey to Zion National Park, eager to explore the rugged beauty of one of America's most breathtaking natural wonders. With COVID-19 still a looming concern, we were cautious yet excited to see how the world of travel had adapted to the ongoing pandemic.

After flying into Las Vegas, we made our way to Hurricane KOA, a picturesque campground nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of southern Utah. As we set up camp for the night, we marveled at the starry skies overhead, feeling grateful for the opportunity to escape the chaos of city life and immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature.

The next morning, we set out early to explore Kolob Canyon, a lesser-known but equally stunning section of Zion National Park. Starting at the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center, we spoke to the rangers to get more information about the hiking trails we planned to explore along with getting my travel passport stamps. The rangers were extremely helpful and provided us with detailed information about the area, including the various trails available, the level of difficulty, and the time required to complete each hike. Our plan for the day was ambitious - to hike the Middle Fork and South Fork Taylor Creek trails, followed by the famous Timber Creek Overlook trail.

After having left the visitor center, we head to the Middle fork trail parking lot. As we started the trail, we immediately realized that we would be crossing the creek multiple times throughout the hike. We couldn't help but turn this into a fun game, so we kept track of how many times we crossed the creek, which came out to almost 48 times. This added a playful element to our hike, and we found ourselves eagerly anticipating each crossing as we traversed through the stunning landscape. As we continued the trail, we were struck by the natural beauty of our surroundings. The towering sandstone walls of the canyon loomed above us, their majestic presence almost otherworldly in its grandeur. We walked through a dense forest of pine, juniper, pinyon, and cottonwood, taking in the fresh scent of the wilderness and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze.

Along the trail, we came upon two log cabins - the Larson Cabin and the Fife Cabin - that were used by homesteaders in the 1930s, before the Kolob section was included in the national park area. These cabins were a fascinating insight into the history of the area, and we marveled at their rustic charm and simplicity. Despite being over 90 years old, the cabins still stood strong, casting an air of old west Utah upon the forest.

As we continued along the trail, our anticipation grew as we knew we were getting closer to the end - the famous Double Arch Alcove. And finally, we reached our destination, greeted by the majestic sight of the towering arches that loomed above us. We took a moment to refresh ourselves and bask in the glory of the natural wonder that lay before us. We clicked some pictures, capturing the moment for posterity, and marveled at how lucky we were to be experiencing this in such a unique time. The weather was perfect, and we didn't encounter many other hikers, allowing us to enjoy the scenery at our own pace. We had the alcove to ourselves for a while, basking in the stillness and serenity of the place.

But as all good things must come to an end, we eventually had to make our way back to the parking lot. As we headed back, we were fortunate enough to run into a ranger, with whom we chatted at length about the area and the efforts they take to preserve the pristine environment for future generations to enjoy. We were impressed by their dedication to protecting the land and wildlife and ensuring that the park remained a haven of natural beauty and tranquility.

After a satisfying hike at Middle Fork Taylor creek trail, we headed towards the parking lot for the south fork Taylor creek trail. The trail is known for its diverse landscape and striking views. We took a short break to refuel with a quick lunch before embarking on the next adventure. The sun was high up in the sky, casting its scorching rays on us. However, we were grateful for the trees that provided us with a much-needed respite from the heat. The trail meandered through lush greenery and rugged terrain, giving us a taste of the wild beauty of Zion National Park. As we walked, the sound of the gushing creek could be heard in the distance. Soon enough, we found ourselves hiking right next to a towering vertical sandstone face, a sight that left us in awe. The cool breeze of the canyon and the shade provided by the tall cliffs were a welcome relief from the heat.

As we progressed further, we came across a group of climbers who were scaling the towering cliffs. Jeff, being an avid climber himself, was disappointed that he had not packed his climbing gear for the trip. However, he was fascinated by the sight of these expert climbers maneuvering their way up the steep rock faces. We spent some time talking to the group and admiring their courage and skill.

After learning that the trail from thereon would require climbing equipment, we decided to head back toward the parking lot. The hike was an exhilarating experience, and we were grateful for the opportunity to witness the beauty of the South Fork Taylor Creek Trail. We got back to our car and set out towards the Timber Creek Overlook. The road to the overlook was lined with numerous other viewpoints, each providing a unique vantage point of the stunning canyons that stretched out before us. We stopped at a few of these viewpoints to take in the breathtaking scenery and snap some pictures.

As we finally arrived at the Timber Creek Overlook, we were met with a breathtaking sight. The panoramic view from the overlook was absolutely spectacular, showcasing the natural beauty of the canyons in all their glory. From this high vantage point, we could even see the Grand Canyon at the edge of the horizon, appearing as a hazy blue line in the distance. We were both in awe of the magnificent views that surrounded us. We spent some time soaking in the sights, allowing ourselves to be fully present in the moment and taking in the natural wonder that lay before us. The peacefulness and tranquility of the area was a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. After soaking in the views for a bit, we decided to head to our next destination- one that we would call home for the remainder of this trip- the Watchman Campground at Zion National Park.

Click here to read on for the rest of the journey…