Tag: Arizona

Arizona, located in the southwestern region of the United States, is renowned for its diverse landscapes and cultural richness. Home to iconic natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona offers a dramatic and varied terrain that ranges from arid deserts to pine-covered mountains. The state’s climate is typically characterized by hot summers and mild winters, with the southern parts being desert-like while the northern regions experience a more temperate climate. Arizona is also rich in Native American history, with numerous tribes such as the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache having deep roots in the region. The state’s cities, including Phoenix and Tucson, blend modern urban life with a strong appreciation for the natural environment and cultural heritage. Arizona’s economy thrives on tourism, technology, and agriculture, making it a dynamic and multifaceted state.

Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)

Posted on by


The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a medium-sized woodpecker found across North America. It belongs to the family Picidae, which includes woodpeckers, sapsuckers, and flickers. This species is known for its distinctive sharp bill, behavior, and widespread distribution.

Northern Flicker nesting in the cedar siding of a Big Bear mountain cabin.
Northern Flicker nesting in the cedar siding of a Big Bear mountain cabin.

Description

The Northern Flicker exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males and females displaying different coloration. They have a length ranging from 28 to 36 centimeters (11 to 14 inches) and a wingspan of approximately 42 to 54 centimeters (16.5 to 21.3 inches).

  • Plumage: The upperparts of the Northern Flicker are brown with black barring, while the underparts are beige or tan with black spots. They have a black bib on their chest and a prominent black crescent on the breast. The undersides of their wings and tails are a vibrant yellow or red, depending on the subspecies.
  • Head: Their head is distinctive, with a gray face, a long, slightly curved bill, and a black malar stripe extending from the base of the bill to the neck.
  • Behavior: Northern Flickers are primarily ground foragers, often seen hopping on lawns or probing the soil for insects with their long, barbed tongues. They also feed on ants, beetles, termites, and fruits.

Habitat

Northern Flickers inhabit a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, forest edges, parks, suburban areas, and occasionally urban environments. They prefer areas with scattered trees and ample open ground for foraging.

Breeding and Nesting

Breeding season for Northern Flickers typically begins in late April and extends into August. They are cavity nesters and will excavate their own nest holes in dead or decaying trees, fence posts, or even buildings.

  • Eggs: Clutch sizes usually range from 3 to 8 eggs, which are white and elongated.
  • Incubation: Both parents participate in incubating the eggs, which lasts for about 11 to 14 days.
  • Fledging: The young birds fledge after approximately 25 to 28 days and remain dependent on their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.

Migration

Approximate range/distribution map of the Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus). In keeping with WikiProject: Birds guidelines, yellow indicates the summer-only range, blue indicates the winter-only range, and green indicates the year-round range of the species.
Approximate range/distribution map of the Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus). In keeping with WikiProject: Birds guidelines, yellow indicates the summer-only range, blue indicates the winter-only range, and green indicates the year-round range of the species.

While some Northern Flicker populations are migratory, others are year-round residents. Migratory populations breed in northern regions and winter in southern areas, while non-migratory populations may remain in the same area throughout the year.

Conservation Status

The Northern Flicker is widespread and generally considered to be of least concern in terms of conservation status, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as competition for nest sites with invasive species such as European Starlings, pose localized threats.

The Northern Flicker is a fascinating species with its distinctive appearance, behavior, and adaptability to various habitats. Understanding its ecology and conservation needs is crucial for ensuring the continued well-being of this iconic woodpecker across its range. Further research into its nesting habits, population dynamics, and response to environmental changes can aid in effective conservation strategies.

Field Guide Description

“Two distinct groups occur: “Yellow-shafted Flicker” in the east and far north, and the “Red-shafted Flicker” in the west. These flickers have brown, barred back; spotted underparts, with black crescent bib. White rump is conspicuous in flight; no white wing patches. Intergrades are regularly seen in the Great Plains. “Yellow-shafted Flicker” has yellow wing lining and undertail color, gray crown, and tan face with a red crescent on nape. “Red-shafter Flicker” has brown crown and gray face, with no red crescent.”

Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Third Edition, pg 318

Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderPiciformes
FamilyPicidae
GenusColaptes
Speciescauratus

References

Western Gray Squirrel  (Sciurus griseus)

Posted on by

The Western Gray Squirrel (Sciurus griseus), also known as the western grey squirrel, is a large, arboreal rodent native to the western United States. Renowned for its bushy tail and agile tree-climbing abilities, this species plays a key role in forest ecosystems through seed dispersal. While primarily associated with forested regions, its range touches on areas bordering the desert southwest, such as western Nevada and southern California mountains, though it avoids open arid deserts in favor of wooded habitats. This description focuses on its biology, with notes on relevance to the desert southwest where applicable.

Western Gray Squirrel  (Sciurus griseus) enjoying a peanut in the San Bernardino Mountains, California
Western Gray Squirrel  (Sciurus griseus) enjoying a peanut in the San Bernardino Mountains, California

Classification

The Western Gray Squirrel belongs to the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Rodentia, family Sciuridae, genus Sciurus, and species griseus. It is divided into three subspecies: S. g. griseus (from central Washington to the western Sierra Nevada in central California), S. g. nigripes (from south of San Francisco Bay to San Luis Obispo County, California), and S. g. anthonyi (from San Luis Obispo County to northern Baja California, Mexico). This species is part of the tree squirrel group, distinguished by its arboreal adaptations. It is native to the Nearctic biogeographic region and is sometimes referred to as the silver-gray squirrel, California gray squirrel, or Oregon gray squirrel. Note that it should not be confused with the closely related Arizona Gray Squirrel (Sciurus arizonensis), which inhabits more southern southwestern regions like Arizona and New Mexico.

Physical Description

Western Gray Squirrels are the largest native tree squirrels in their range, with a total length of 43–61 cm (17–24 in), including a long, bushy tail that accounts for about half their body length. They weigh 0.35–1 kg (0.77–2.2 lb). Their fur exhibits countershading: dorsal surfaces are silver-gunmetal gray with possible black flecks, while the underside is pure white. The tail is often curved in an “S” shape and may have a white fringe. Ears are large and tuftless, turning reddish-brown on the back in winter. They have plantigrade, pentadactyl feet with sharp claws for climbing, and a dental formula of I 1/1, C 0/0, P 2/1, M 3/3 = 22. Juveniles have furled tails that fully bush out in adulthood. Molting occurs twice yearly: a complete molt in spring and a partial one in fall. Sexual dimorphism is minimal, though males tend to be slightly larger.

Behavior

Western Gray Squirrels are strictly diurnal and primarily arboreal, preferring to travel via interconnected tree canopies but foraging on the ground. They are scatter-hoarders, burying food caches for later retrieval using scent, which aids in seed dispersion as unrecovered items germinate. Home ranges span 0.5–7 hectares, larger for males, and are non-territorial except during female estrus. They do not hibernate but reduce activity in winter, relying on caches. Alarm behaviors include spreading the tail like an umbrella for camouflage, barking calls, tail flicking, and foot stamping. They are shy around humans, often fleeing up trees with hoarse chirps. Grooming occupies 3–15 minutes daily, focused on the head. In hot weather, they sprawl on branches to cool.

Food Sources

As omnivores, Western Gray Squirrels have a diet varying by habitat. In coniferous forests, they primarily consume pine seeds and cones; in oak woodlands, acorns and nuts dominate. They also eat berries, fruits, fungi (including hypogeous types like truffles), bark, sap, tender shoots, leaves, forbs, insects, bird eggs, and small vertebrates. High-oil foods like pine nuts and acorns help build fat reserves for winter. They forage in trees and on the ground, using incisors to crack hard shells, typically in morning and late afternoon.

Breeding

Western Gray Squirrels reach sexual maturity at 10–11 months and breed starting around one year old. Mating season extends from December to June, with peaks in late winter to early spring. Gestation lasts about 43–44 days, resulting in litters of 1–5 young (average 3–5, smaller for young females). Kits are born blind, hairless, and helpless between March and mid-August, developing slowly and remaining in the nest for up to six months. Weaning occurs at 10–12 weeks. Females are territorial during breeding, chasing rivals and engaging in aggressive encounters; mating can be violent. They are gonochoristic, with separate sexes. Typically one litter per year.

Range

Western Gray Squirrels inhabit woodlands, mixed coniferous forests, oak-dominated areas, and riparian zones with sufficient tree cover for arboreal movement. They occur at elevations from sea level to 2,500 m (8,200 ft), preferring transitional zones with hardwoods like oaks for mast production. Nests (dreys) are built high in trees from sticks, leaves, moss, and bark, with winter nests being larger and covered. Their geographic range spans the western United States, primarily along the Pacific coast from central Washington through Oregon and California to northern Baja California, Mexico, with a small extension into western Nevada. In the desert southwest, populations are limited to forested mountain and foothill areas bordering arid regions, such as the Sierra Nevada in eastern California and the Carson Range in western Nevada; they do not inhabit open deserts like the Mojave or Great Basin but may be found in adjacent wooded transitions. The species is absent from core desert southwest states like Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico, where the similar Arizona Gray Squirrel resides instead.

Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassChordata
OrderMammalia
FamilyRodentia
GenusSciurus
Speciesgriseus

References

The Saturday Review, November 17, 1894

Posted on by
A Mythical Mine Headline in The Saturday Review, November 17, 1894
A Mythical Mine Headline in The Saturday Review, November 17, 1894

J.C. Bicknell’s newspaper articles on the Lost Dutchman Mine, published in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, played a significant role in popularizing the legend of the elusive gold mine hidden in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona. Bicknell, an editor and writer with a flair for storytelling, often blended facts with folklore in his accounts, creating a captivating narrative that drew readers into the mystery of the mine.

His articles typically described the treacherous terrain of the Superstition Mountains, the dangers faced by treasure hunters, and the various claims made by those who sought the mine. Bicknell’s writing often emphasized the drama and intrigue surrounding the mine’s supposed discovery by Jacob Waltz, the “Dutchman” for whom the mine is named, and the subsequent disappearances and deaths of those who tried to locate it after his death.

Bicknell’s stories were filled with colorful characters, dramatic encounters, and mysterious clues, contributing to the enduring allure of the Lost Dutchman Mine legend. His work not only kept the legend alive but also inspired countless adventurers and treasure hunters to search for the fabled gold, ensuring that the tale of the Lost Dutchman Mine would become a permanent fixture in American folklore.

The following article by P. C Bicknell is posted the The Saturday Review, November 17, 1894.

Mythical Mine

Story of a Lost Claim in the Superstition Mountains

‘DUTCH JACOB’S” SECRET

Phoenix People Now Hunting for the Treasure With Prospects of Success.

Saturday Reviews.

Fifty-six miles a little south of east of Phoenix, or 6ome eighteen miles from Goldfield, in the Superstition mountains, is a mythical mine that may some day prove a reality. More than thirty years ago, or in the early sixties, so the story goes, two German prospectors came to Arizona, and in the secluded spot a above mentioned they found six Mexican working a rich gold mine They were mining by the crude Spanish method, but the ore was to rich and the gold so plentiful that the Dutch prospectoss were determined to get possession of the claim. They did so by the speediest method, by killing the Mexican, dead men tell no tales,

As civilization drifted into this valley Dutch Jacob and his partner, both with plenty of gold, became familiar to the people. Later the partner disappeared, and it is generally supposed he left by the same route as did the half dozen Mexicans a few years before.

Finally the now aged Ditch Jacob moved to the vicinity of Phoenix, but he made frequent trips the Superstition mountains, going alone, and each time he brought back bountiful riches. Finally old Jacob, along in the seventies lived the life of a recluse, and was seen in Phoenix but once in a year or two. Ha a ways turned up at election time and his only mission on earth seemed to be to vote the Republican ticker; during the remainder of the time few knew he was on earth. He made his last trip to the mine in ’84. This time he brought $500 of gold in two small sacks.

He was now approaching the age of four score, and he became quite feeble. During his declining years a sympathetic Ruth ministered to the tottering Jacob, and in 90 he quit this earth. To this woman, who is now a well known married woman of Phoenix, he left his little property here. He also divulged the secret of the mine, which she tells as follows:

In a gulch in the Superstition Mountains, the location of which is described by certain landmarks, there is a two room house in the mouth of a cave, on the wide of the slope near the gulch. Just across the gulch, about 20o yards, opposite this house in the cave, is a tunnel, well covered up and concealed n the bushes. Here is the mine, the richest in the world, according to Dutch Jacob. Some distance above the tunnel on the a shaft of incline that is not so steep but one can climb down. This too, Is covered carefully, The shaft goes right down in the midst of the rich gold ledge, where it can be picked off in big flakes of almost pure gold.

After Dutch Jacob had been buried the woman took a miner with her and spent an entire summer hunting for the mine, but she was unable to find even the ruins of the house. She tried again next year, but failed, owning perhaps to changes wrought by the heavy rains that annually fall in that section.

Many had hunted for the mine even twenty years ago, and since the death of Dutch Jacob, J. E. Bark, P. C. Bicknell the journalistic prospector, and many others have made frequent trips in that locality.

A few weeks ago Mr. Bicknell accidentally stumbled onto the stone house with two rooms in the mouth of a cave. He felt as though he now had the secret but the grubstake was about played out and he returned to Phoenix. As an evidence he brought a hand-made shovel pounded out of an iron rod. This crude implement looked as though it had been used in the work of reducing ore, as it is yet covered with slag and some signs of silver. An old drill rag was also picked up in the cabin.

Bicknell has again gone, and the last week Frank Luke and Frank Kirkland armed with the full story of the mythical mine started for the Superstitions. They reached Goldfield, which is some eighteen miles from the spot, but the rough country makes the distance twenty-six miles. Here they chartered a horse and a mule and started out in search of the bidden fortune. The day was hot and the in mule lazy, so that after going thirteen miles, or half way, Kirkland weakened. His legs grew tired kicking the mule, and they feared as he grew slower they would not be able to return. Frank would not chance walking, so a council was held and they returned to Goldfield, and next day returned to Phoenix, having gone to within thirteen miles of the place and been absent four days.

The secret of the mice is still unsolved and it may remain so for years, or even forever, but one thing is certain, of all the bidden mines of Arizona there is a present the best evidence that the one operated by Dutch Jacob did exist and that it is an unusually rich claim. The old man in his dying hour made the location so plain to the woman that she never doubted him. If Bicknell does not now solve the problem the precaution taken by Dutch Jacob will ba the only reason.

References

Robert Findley McLaury

Posted on by
The only known portrait photo of Frank McLaury of Tombstone.
The only known portrait photo of Frank McLaury of Tombstone.

Robert Findley McLaury, known as Frank McLaury (1857–1881) was a notable figure in the American Old West, primarily remembered for his involvement in the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. Born in 1857 in the town of Belton, Texas, McLaury, whose birth name was Frank McLowery, was the youngest of four siblings. His family moved to Arizona Territory in the early 1870s, seeking new opportunities.

In Tombstone, Frank, along with his brothers Tom and an associate, Ike Clanton, became known for their involvement in various outlaw activities. The McLaury brothers were cattle ranchers and occasionally engaged in rustling, which contributed to their controversial reputation.

The most notable event in Frank McLaury’s life was the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, which occurred on October 26, 1881. This 30-second shootout between the Earp brothers (Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan) and their ally Doc Holliday against the Clanton-McLaury faction is one of the most famous confrontations in Western history. The clash was fueled by longstanding tensions between the two groups, primarily over control of the town and its surrounding cattle interests.

During the gunfight, Frank McLaury, who was armed and prepared for confrontation, was killed alongside his brother Tom McLaury. Frank’s death, along with the broader context of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, played a significant role in shaping the legendary status of Tombstone and its associated figures.

Frank McLaury’s legacy is largely defined by this dramatic episode in Western history, contributing to the enduring mythology of the American frontier. His life and death continue to be subjects of fascination and speculation in both historical accounts and popular culture.

References

William Harrison Clanton 

Posted on by

William Harrison Clanton also known as Billy Clanton was an American outlaw known for his involvement in the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Born in 1856 in the Arizona Territory, he was the son of a Confederate veteran, which shaped much of his early life and affiliations.

Clanton’s family, including his brothers Frank and Ike, were cattle ranchers and became involved in various conflicts with local law enforcement and other groups. Billy Clanton, along with his brothers and their associates, became entangled in the intense and often violent disputes that characterized the lawless frontier era of the American West.

The most notable event in Clanton’s life was his participation in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881, in Tombstone, Arizona. This legendary shootout was a pivotal confrontation between the Clanton gang and the Earp brothers, along with Doc Holliday. The conflict emerged from longstanding tensions between the two groups, who clashed over issues of law and order and local influence.

During the gunfight, Billy Clanton, Frank Clanton, and Tom McLaury, who were associated with the Clanton faction, faced off against the Earp brothers and Holliday. The shootout lasted only about 30 seconds but resulted in the deaths of Billy Clanton, Tom McLaury, and Frank McLaury. The incident cemented the Earps’ and Holliday’s reputations as legendary figures in the Old West and marked a significant moment in the history of law enforcement in the region.

The bodies of Tom & Frank McLaury and Bill Clanton after the shoot-out in Tombstone
The bodies of Tom & Frank McLaury and Bill Clanton after the shoot-out in Tombstone

Billy Clanton’s life was cut short at the age of 25, but his legacy lives on as a symbol of the tumultuous and often violent nature of frontier life in the American West. The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral remains one of the most famous events in Western history, and Clanton’s role in it continues to be a subject of interest and debate among historians and enthusiasts.

References