I traded the desert floor for juniper-oak woodland, then pine-oak and montane conifer forest. I came to visit one of southern Arizona's mecca birding spots, located in the Santa Rita mountain range. This area is known as a sky island, which is basically an isolated lowland range that hosts a plethora of unique species otherwise not found in the desert basin.

Wandering off trail, I found Black-chinned Hummingbirds seeking shade in Alligator Junipers, saw Dusky-capped Flycatchers with bills crammed full of insects about to feed their young, enjoyed Bridled titmouse flit from tree to tree, listened to Western Scrub Jay's clack, Lesser Goldfinches and Red Cardinals sing, spied secretive Black-tailed Knatcatchers, Says phoebe, White-eyed Vireos, Gila and Hairy woodpeckers, and admired the extravagant colors of the male Elegant Trogon. Many more greeted me, yet my focus had been to seek out this fella.

Off trail, I went in search of him but little did I know, he was more than happy to meet me, as he flew directly towards me and perched above my head. For several minutes he welcomed my interest. In this enchanting place, I sat with a creek that spilled through the canyon and shared time with ancient Fremont Cottonwoods, feet in the water, thankful for its cold touch. Sun spilled through the trees and illuminated me, my heart welling in gratitude for the meeting of this special place and the promise of my return.

The places that seek you...