Arizona Trails and Tales with Rich Fuhrmann

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.

Episode 83: Rich discusses the importance of making preparations for the upcoming season’s adventures during the slower pace of August in the Sonoran Desert. He breaks down planning strategies, research, and other preparation for upcoming fall adventures on Mount Ord and in Madera Canyon.
Also included is a discussion of the Santa Rita Lodge and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, two additional destinations planned for visits this fall. The “Tales” portion of the episode focuses on William “Bill” Carr, one of the founders of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
Music composed and performed by Mike Myers.
Note: Next week’s episode will likely be recorded on Monday due to a course.

In episode 82, Rich explores some ways of coping with the Extreme Heat Warnings that Maricopa has been under for the past week including exercises from home and in indoor spaces. This episode touches on how the Palo Verde and Talus Snail adapt to the extreme heat and thrive during the monsoon. The tales portion reviews the survival story of Ann Rodgers and how she and her dog survived for 9 days lost in the desert.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 81 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich shares direct lessons the desert taught him since living in Arizona since 2001. The tales portion features a recent story of a father and son getting stuck out in the desert off roading.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In episode 80 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich shares some ideas on how identifying female birds will improve your overall birding experience and expand your birding skills. This episode shares a bit about road cruising for snakes and how even a night without anything being spotted can still be a learning experience. The tales portion focuses on Dr. Earyn McGee an active herpetologist, birder, naturalist who is continuing efforts to encourage others to become involved in conservation efforts.
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

In Episode 79 of Arizona Trails and Tales, Rich explores snake week 2026 and some of the programs about our snakes. Two snakes are highlighted for their benefits to the residents on Arizona: the California Kingsnake and the Sonoran Gopher snake. 
The tales portion highlights the contributions to herpetology from Rom Whittaker.
 
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.

Episode 78 is a reflection on the outdoor experiences I had while on summer break. The episode highlights: volunteering, spending time with nature, seeking experiences and the Sonoran Desert Toad. I also provide some context and reflections on letting a hobby turn into an unpleasant hustle and how to take it back.
The tales portion focuses on Joseph Wood Krutch.
 
Theme song composed and performed by Mike Myers.