Do you ever feel like you’re missing out on the incredible sights and natural wonders close to home while planning elaborate trips to far-off destinations? This common irony is a sentiment many of us can relate to. Just as a young man in the 1950s or 60s, who lived mere hours from the Grand Canyon, had never visited it, instead claiming to have seen the Statue of Liberty, we too can overlook the splendors in our own “backyard.” This narrative highlights a valuable lesson: the importance of exploring and appreciating the beauty that surrounds us. For instance, while I’ve traveled to distant continents, I’ve also realized I haven’t explored many national treasures within the United States, like the majestic Redwoods or the stunning Yosemite. It was only recently that I truly started to appreciate the natural beauty of Flagstaff, Arizona, despite my regular commute there for work.
The daily routine of commuting to work can often turn into a “mad dash,” leaving little time to soak in the local environment. My own experience driving to Flagstaff each week for work at Jay’s Bird Barn (now The Lookout) often consists of an early start, a full workday, and a direct drive home. This realization prompted me to question why I wasn’t taking more time to enjoy the natural beauty of this incredibly scenic part of Arizona. It’s a sentiment many bird watchers and nature enthusiasts might share.
My first real introduction to birding in the Flagstaff area dates back to June 1973, when I was just 13 years old. As a Boy Scout, my father and I accompanied our Scoutmaster to meet a troop from Minnesota. Our shared adventure was a hike in the Grand Canyon. At that time, living in Tucson, we drove through northern Arizona, visiting places like Sedona, Jerome, Williams, Flagstaff, Sunset Crater, and, of course, the Grand Canyon. My handwritten notes from that trip meticulously recorded my initial sightings of several bird species, including the violet-green swallow, western and hepatic tanagers, Steller’s jay, common nighthawk, white-breasted nuthatch, western bluebird, rufous-sided towhee (now known as a spotted towhee), and common crow. These early experiences underscore the rich biodiversity that can be found with a little exploration.
Recently, I decided to break away from the usual “mad dash” routine. Instead, I opted to camp on the Peaks and dedicate time to birdwatching. After finishing work, I drove up Snow Bowl road, set up camp off of Forest Road 522, and spent the following morning birding at the Lamar Haines Memorial Wildlife Area. I hiked a portion of the Humphrey’s Trail, venturing over 10,000 feet in elevation. My focus was entirely on bird watching, leading me to wonder why I don’t engage in such fulfilling activities more frequently. This experience serves as a powerful reminder for anyone, like myself, who might travel extensively to distant locales while neglecting the wonders closer to home. Arizona, in particular, offers a world of discovery, beauty, and diversity right in our own state.
The rewards of exploring local natural areas are significant. On this particular trip, I was thrilled to observe a variety of remarkable birds, including the American three-toed woodpecker, Williamson’s sapsucker, red crossbills, red-faced warbler, northern goshawk, Swainson’s thrush, and many others. These sightings reinforced the idea that adventure and discovery are not limited by distance. Embracing the natural beauty of Arizona can be as rewarding as any international expedition.
So, if you find yourself prioritizing distant travels over local exploration, I wholeheartedly invite you to discover the wonder, the beauty, and the incredible diversity that Arizona has to offer. We live in an amazing place, and there is a whole world out there waiting to be explored, perhaps even just a short drive away. The joy of finding unique bird species or simply enjoying a peaceful hike can be profound.
Until next week, Happy Birding!
