Welcome to the bustling critter ponds of the Catalina Foothills, where each day brings a new and delightful show of wildlife antics. From the mesmerizing slo-mo sips of a tiny hummingbird at dawn, to the midnight drama of an owl’s close call with an acrobatic mouse, these ponds are a stage for nature’s comedy and drama. Watch as a roadrunner snags its breakfast, while a turkey vulture enjoys a midday carrion brunch. Cactus wrens and quail chicks splash and sip, joined by an ensemble of doves, finches, and orioles in a lively bird bath party. Even a prankster Gila woodpecker and a curve-billed thrasher can’t resist the allure of these desert waters. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the whimsical world of the critter pond bird residents.
Hummingbird Drinks in Slo-Mo (0:00)
As dawn broke over the Catalina Foothills, a tiny hummingbird zipped into view, its green iridescent feathers glistening in the early light. Hovering above the critter pond, it dipped its beak into the water. Thanks to the magic of slow motion, we could see its wings beating so fast they were nearly invisible to the naked eye. The hummingbird took a dainty sip, paused, and zipped away, leaving only ripples in the water and awe in its wake.
Owl's Close Call with a Mouse (0:28)
Late at night, the silence was shattered by the silent swoop of a hungry owl. Spotting a mouse scurrying by the pond, the owl dove with talons outstretched. But the mouse, channeling its inner superhero, launched itself into the air at the last second, leaving the owl clutching at empty air. The owl, momentarily stunned by the mouse’s impressive acrobatics, flapped off in search of less springy prey.
Roadrunner's Successful Hunt (1:02)
Just after sunrise, a roadrunner, ever the opportunist, appeared at the pond. Spying an already dead mouse, unnecessarily pounced with lightning speed. The roadrunner grabbed its meal and, with a triumphant flick of its tail, dashed off into the desert, leaving no time for farewells.
Turkey Vulture's Carrion Brunch (13:85)
Midday brought a turkey vulture gliding gracefully down to the pond, it’s outstretched wings making a huge shadow over the ground. It had smelled a delectable carrion snack in the area and, after enjoying its meal, approached the water for a drink.
Cactus Wren's Refreshing Drink (2:27)
In the late afternoon, a cactus wren hopped energetically to the water’s edge. It took a few cautious sips, head bobbing up and down as if to a rhythm only it could hear. Refreshed, it flitted away into the scrub, chattering merrily about its afternoon adventure.
Quail Chicks' Swimming Lesson (2:35)
As the sun rose higher in the early morning, a family of quail arrived. The tiny chicks, full of curiosity, splashed into the water, paddling around while their vigilant father stood guard. The chicks' tiny splashes and chirps filled the air, creating a scene of pure, fluffy joy before they waddled back to the safety of the bushes.
Gila Woodpecker's Prank (2:49)
A Gila woodpecker decided to play dead among the rocks next to the pond. As a dove strolled by, it did a double-take, puzzled by the motionless bird. Just as the dove decided the woodpecker might be a goner, the woodpecker sprang up with a squawk, startling the dove into the air. Both birds flew off in a flurry of feathers, one amused, the other less so.
Curve-Billed Thrasher's Bath (4:17)
A curve-billed thrasher strutted to the pond, its movements comically exaggerated. It hopped into the water and began splashing about with wild abandon, sending droplets flying. Its bath complete, the thrasher shook off the excess water and scurried off, looking quite pleased with its impromptu spa session.
Bird Bath Party (5:14)
As the evening approached, a motley crew of a dove, a finch, an oriole, and a quail gathered at the pond. They each took turns drinking, but it was the bright yellow oriole that decided a bath was in order. While the others watched, the oriole splashed around joyfully, turning the pond into a bird bath party.
Morning Dove's Sip (5:36)
A morning dove arrived for a drink, dipping its beak into the water and sipping delicately. Unlike its avian companions who gulp and raise their heads, the dove simply sipped quietly, enjoying the cool water in the stillness of the desert evening.
Woodpecker and Cardinal Bath Time (5:48)
A Gila woodpecker was prepared for a solo bath, enjoying the solitude until a vibrant cardinal showed up. When the woodpecker flew off, it came back to find its spot taken by a pair of doves, one white-winged and the other a morning dove. Deciding not to contest the new occupants, the woodpecker flew off once more, leaving the doves to their aquatic amusement.
Thanks for watching.
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