In the desert, it’s all about the sun, but two things can mitigate against it: trees and shade. Best of all is if the two are found together, the way we found them at Sweetwater Wetlands.
As we walked along the path, if we stepped down a few inches closer to the cattails, the temperature dropped dramatically. It was a fascinating phenomenon and a welcome one where it was already hot at 8:30 in the morning.
Just the appearance of water can make you feel cooler and more relaxed. For birds, insects, and other animals, it can be the difference between life and death. Of course, it’s the same for humans, although you wouldn’t want to drink the reclaimed water at the Wetlands.
Now if you like, sit on this bench in the shade with me and relax while enjoying our best find of the day…
…this vermilion flycatcher, spotted by my husband. Isn’t he stunning? (I meant the bird, although I’m rather fond of my husband as well.) 🙂 Vermilion flycatchers like to sit atop things in the open (good for photos) and enjoying dining on insects they snatch from the air. As you might guess from his coloring, the male is a bit of a showoff as well, singing, diving, and puffing up his brilliant feathers. But oh, he is handsome.
This, that and the other thing 
What an absolute beauty.
He was!
What a wonderful place. That flycatcher is spectacular. I love his colors. Our little flycatchers in Arkansas are just black and white, but I do like to watch their antics as they catch bugs.
I really love these wetland places. They’re very refreshing for me/us as well as for all the wildlife that live there or pass through.
So relaxing next to the water and in the deep shade. An oasis for sure!
And very much appreciated, as you can imagine.
Two handsome dudes in one morning – lucky, woman. 🙂
That I am. 🥳
How exciting to see this guy!! I’ve only seen one twice and I had to travel 5 hours one way to see it! I hope it’s a regular there and you get to see him for years to come. WOW! What a bird to see. A Lifer for you right?
Yes, I hadn’t seen one before, although I did get a shot of a scarlet tanager at the park in Illinois and just missed what I believe was in indigo bunting. 🙂 There was a long list of birds that can be found at these wetlands and I’m sure we’ll be visiting again. Of course I haven’t made it through a full year at the Preserve, so who knows what’s yet to be seen there. 🙂
Exciting discoveries await! 😊
Always.
Such a lovely trail. Greenery and water always seems to make a day better – and that is one beautiful accessory to the scene. Lucky to spot that one
My husband saw it and as I had my telephoto lens (and it sat there for a bit), I was able to get a decent shot. 🙂
What a beautiful bird! Lucky you. 🙂
Definitely some good luck and to see a hawk as well made it an even better day. I hope to be there in the early morning some time when there might be even more birds, but we’ll either have to get up about 4 am or stay overnight. I’m thinking overnight will be the ticket and then my husband can try out the bike path that runs by one side of the wetlands.
janet
Such an enjoyable hike and walk, Janet. He is handsome.
Glad you could come along, Amy. It was a great morning.
Fantastic flycatcher!
He’s quite handsome, isn’t he? And so colorful.
Very!
There is something about the sight of water that makes you feel cooler for sure. Lovely little birdie.
It really does and sometimes actually is cooler around it. That bird’s really eye-catching, isn’t he?
Oh, those blues! There are blues in each picture that simply nourish my soul today. Thank you for sharing the treasure! ❤
It was a treasure to me as well, Marian. Glad I could share the nourishment. ❤
I’ve oogled vermillion flycatchers in the field guide for years, Janet. Have never seen one. Truly one of our most stunning American birds. Enjoyed the relaxing hike too. You are embracing the beauties of your new home in AZ in an admirable way…thanks for sharing it.
Tucson is supposedly a great place for bird watching so perhaps on another visit we’ll see something else unusual. I’d not seen one before, either, so that was special.
Springtime is the best time, it’s the migration. I was there 23 years ago, always said I’d be back. Fortunately there’s still time, and still the migration. Cheers, Janet.
So very lovely, Janet. Great shot. 😍
Thanks, Sylvia. Wasn’t it thoughtful of him to perch in such a prominent spot and wait until I’d gotten some shots? 🙂
Absolutely. 🙂