On my trip to southern Arizona, got a glimpse of a ring-tailed cat living inside a hollow sycamore tree, and had a video camera handy. Not a close-up view, but these guys are hard to find (unless they are ones fed by tourists).
Some Mexican jays gave him away.
More on ring-tailed cats -- the state mammal of Arizona -- here. Hint: They aren't cats.
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Arizona
May 18, 2008
May 16, 2008
Southern Arizona
Had a great trip to southern Arizona to visit friends last week, where I saw a bunch of new species and brought my life list up to 15 birds (at least) and three types of raccoons.
Highlights included a spotted owl (I did not take a photo because it was near its nest), a flame-colored tanager and an elegant trogon (above). Plus bear tracks, a lizard, a mountain lion (confined, but that's the only way you'll ever photograph one), and a ring-tailed cat.
I also learned that the adjective "plumbeous" means "do not bother craning your neck."
(Click "continue reading..." for more photos)
Directions
- Directions to The Fell House
Look for white house with pillars, white barn, on west side of Franklin Turnpike, just north of Cottage Place. - Directions to Green Way entrance to the Celery Farm
Green Way is off the Franklin Turnpike, the second right heading north after the Celery Farm parking lot on the Franklin Turnpike - Directions To Celery Farm Main Parking Lot
Parking lot is on your right, north of Cottage Place, past three houses.
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My Books
- Jim Wright and Jerry Barrack: Swan Babies
This children's book, photographed at the Celery Farm, is the heart-warming true story of a pair of mute swans who overcame a nor'easter to save their nest. All profits go to the Lillian and Stiles Thomas Scholarship Fund at Northern Highlands, and to the restoration of the historic Fell House. Available at Rohsler's Nursery in Allendale, Wild Birds Unlimited in Paramus and Wild Bird Emporium in Midland Park. - Wright, Barrack & Friends of the Celery Farm: Survival: The Red-shouldered Hawks of Allendale
This book is now avaialble as a download for iPads. Via Blurb.com: http://www.blurb.com/my/book/detail/2677163 - Jim Wright, Doug Goodell and Jerry Barrack: Jungle of the Maya
The definitive coffee-table book about Central America's largest -- and threatened -- rainforest. With sections on rare birds, howler monkeys and spider monkeys, Maya history, butterflies and more. Available on line. Wild Birds Unlimited may have a few copies. - Jim Wright and Jerry Barrack, with Doug Goodell: In the Presence of Nature
This is the coffee table book about the Celery Farm Natural Area in Allendale, published in 2002 and now out of print. It tells the history of the farm and features great photography, Foreword by David Allen Sibley. Copies are available at Rohsler's Nursery in Allendale, Wild Birds Unlimited in Paramus and Wild Bird Emporium in Midland Park. - Jim Wright and Jerry Barrack: Icky the Hungry Heron
A children's book about an amazing Great Blue Heron's quest for a gigantic carp at the Celery Farm, featuring photographs taken at the natural area. All profits go to the Lillian and Stiles Thomas Scholarship Fund at Northern Highlands, and to the restoration of the historic Fell House. Available at Rohsler's Nursery in Allendale, Wild Birds Unlimited in Paramus and Wild Bird Emporium in Midland Park. - Jim Wright and Kevin Watson: Hawk Mountain
This coffee-table book was published in 2009 as part of the world-famous raptor sanctuary's 75th anniversary. Features great photos by Kevin Watson, thoughtful prose, and some neat archival photos as well. Available at Wild Birds Unlimited in Paramus and online. - Jim Wright and the Artists of Northern Highlands: Ghosts of Allendale
A ghost story featuring Founding Father John Fell and the Celery Farm Natural Area. All profits go to the Lillian and Stiles Thomas Scholarship Fund at Northern Highlands, and to the restoration of the historic Fell House. Now on sale at the Lee Memorial Library in Allendale, Rohsler's Nursery in Allendale, Wild Birds Unlimited in Paramus It tells the history of the farm and features great photography, Foreword by David Allen Sibley. While supplies last. - Jim Wright, Jerry Barrack, Doug Goodell: Duck Enough To Fly
The classic children's book is now back in print. Photographed at the Celery Farm. The book is for sale as Nov. 29 at Rohsler's Nursery in Allendale and Wild Birds Unlimited in Paramus. - Photography by Jerry Barrack, Text by Jim Wright: Birds of the Celery Farm
This is a collection of Jerry Barrack's classic bird photography taken at the Celery Farm -- where else? Available at Rohsler's Nursery in Allendale, Wild Birds Unlimited in Paramus, and Wild Bird Emporium in Midland Park.
