Vince Pinto

What other northern parts of the globe have weather patterns similar to our monsoon and how does our resulting flora and fauna compare to theirs? 

One fine April day, binoculars in tow, I set out with the aim of finding, identifying, and appreciating as many species as I could.

Though our Raven’s Nest Nature Sanctuary hosts many raptors, it is the 18-ounce gray hawks that capture my imagination the most. Their characteristic call is a lilting, haunting whistle.

Sexual dimorphism abounds in the Sky Islands, from deer and jackrabbits to raptors, songbirds and rattlesnakes.

The dead of winter in Arizona’s Sky Islands can be an exciting time for those who watch birds — especially this year.

Our summer rains were well-spaced and deep reaching. But yesterday’s green carpets and walls of vegetation are tomorrow’s fire hazards. What to do?

Hardly a day goes by when I fail to encounter a Sky Island invertebrate mimic, from the animated jumping spider to the zone-tailed hawk.

We have a good number of large species in our area, from tarantula hawks and wild turkeys to the giant saguaro and elusive jaguar.

Texas mulberry fruit. Photo courtesy Western New Mexico University  Our much-anticipated monsoon season has at long last arrived. With excellent early July rainfall totals in many Sky Island locations come […]