Arizona Trails and Tales with Rich Fuhrmann

In episode 93 of Arizona Trails and Tales, I share a few October updates, reflect on a recent bird walk at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, and look ahead to some upcoming opportunities to explore Arizona’s natural world.
I also take a moment to address a growing frustration on our trails: rock cairns and painted rocks. While they may seem like harmless ways to leave a mark or create something artistic, these activities can disturb fragile desert habitats and affect the natural places we come to enjoy. Sometimes, the best way to appreciate nature is to leave it exactly as we found it.
We’ll briefly meet one of the desert’s fascinating little survivors, the death-feigning beetle, and I’ll share an early look at an upcoming program exploring how native plants support native wildlife and help sustain healthy desert ecosystems.
Finally, I’ll talk about the upcoming November 6 Bird Crawl and encourage everyone to take advantage of Arizona’s cooler weather by seeking out local bird walks, nature programs, and other opportunities to get outside and discover something new.
The desert has plenty to offer this time of year. Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply looking for a reason to spend more time outdoors, there’s always something worth discovering along the trail.
 
I did not record this on the computer and didn't play the theme song which was composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In Episode 92 of Arizona Trails and Tales, I reflect on a busy fall break spent volunteering, a recent bird walk, and the satisfaction of carving a walking stick. I explore Quitobaquito Springs, a place I hope to visit someday but whose ecological and cultural significance faces growing challenges. The tales portion focuses on the story of the Grandmother Tree in Lochiel, Arizona, an old cottonwood cut down for border-wall construction despite efforts to save it. 
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers

A morning of birding at Glendale Recharge Ponds and Arrowhead Lakes leads to bigger questions about conservation, park development, and what it means to truly appreciate a place. From concerns about the changes taking place at Thunderbird Conservation Park to volunteering alongside Ranger Eric at Hassayampa River Preserve, this episode explores the balance between improving our outdoor spaces and preserving what makes them special. Sometimes, though, appreciating nature doesn't require a hike, a checklist, or a destination. Sometimes it simply means finding a shaded spot at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, sitting quietly, and letting the desert be what it is.
What if the greatest value of a place isn't what we do there, but the opportunity it gives us to simply be?
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers

In this episode of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich takes listeners behind the scenes of a new approach to the conventional bird walk. From the initial brainstorming and design to scouting, implementation, and reflection afterward, Rich walks through the entire process of turning an idea into an actual outdoor experience.
Whether you're planning a bird walk, nature outing, hike, or another type of outdoor excursion, the process discussed in this episode can provide ideas and a useful framework for developing and refining your own adventures. It also offers a chance to reflect on what worked, what didn't, and what might be done differently the next time.
Have an idea you'd like to brainstorm? Rich would love to hear from you at Arizonatrailsandtales@gmail.com.
 
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In Episode 89, Rich takes us to Wickenburg, Arizona, for a day filled with birds, bats, and the unique character of a historic Arizona town.
The episode begins with the search for the rare Louisiana Waterthrush spotted at Hassayampa River Preserve. From there, Rich heads to the Bats and Buzzards on the Bridge event, hosted by Arizona Game and Fish and Maricopa County Parks, where birds, bats, and the people who love them come together.
For the Tales portion, Rich explores the town of Wickenburg and reflects on the simple joy of spending an entire day wandering, observing, and enjoying a place without having to rush through it.
Sometimes the best adventures aren't about how far you travel—they're about taking the time to really experience where you are.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In Episode 88, Rich takes a break from the trails after a relentlessly difficult workweek left him too burned out to get outside. Instead of forcing an adventure, he reflects on the importance of stepping back, recharging, and remembering that the wild will still be there when you’re ready to return. He then looks ahead to an exciting weekend of bats, buzzards, and birding, including Bats and Buzzards on the Bridge in Wickenburg and a bird walk with Tom L. Rich also discusses his proposal for the Feathers & Fangs Festival and the partnerships and logistics involved in turning a nature-festival idea into reality.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In Episode 87, A Big Year in Arizona, Rich talks about some of the recent rare bird sightings that have captured the attention of Arizona birders. He shares what it’s like to find these unexpected birds, the excitement of seeing them, and the connections that develop with fellow birders along the way.
Rich also discusses how you can have your own Big Year right where you live, without traveling across the country—or around the world—to compete. He shares an article that explores the idea of focusing your Big Year on your own local area and discovering just how much birding adventure can be found close to home.
The episode concludes with the Tales portion, featuring Janie Stewart and her remarkable 2021 Big Year in Yavapai County.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In this 86th episode, Rich explores the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, also known as the Gilbert Recharge Ponds. He discusses the history and purpose behind the area’s reclamation efforts and looks at the remarkable habitat they have created for birds and other wildlife. Rich also explores some of the birding and recreational opportunities that make the preserve such a unique place in the Valley.
In the Tales portion, Rich turns his attention north to the Grand Canyon and examines the factors that contributed to the recent flash-flood damage. He also offers a glimpse into what the experience was like through a news report featuring the firsthand accounts of three survivors.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers-Thank you Mike!

In Episode 85, Rich discusses a return to a few favorite birding locations and the surprise of seeing several juvenile Cooper’s Hawks. He explores the joy of returning to a familiar place and simply being there with a loved family member. Using Cornell Lab’s Birds of the World, Rich shares some field marks and behaviors of the Cooper’s Hawk.
The Tales portion closes with a brief reflection on falconer Harry McElroy.
The theme song was written and performed by Mike Myers. Thank you, Mike!

In episode 84: Rich discusses his recent experience at Rattlesnake Ranch in Cave Creek, Arizona, where he completed the Level 1 Venomous Snake Handling course through the Rattlesnake Conservancy (Save the Buzztales). In this episode, we examine common rattlesnake myths, safety protocols, and how lessons from working with rattlesnakes can be applied to our everyday interactions with people.
The Tales portion explores the tragic hit-and-run death of Florida herper Ed Cassano, who was visiting Arizona.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.