In partnership with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, Pima County Conservation Lands & Resources is proud to offer regular stargazing events, designed to provide a wonderful introduction to the night sky. There is a stargazing session scheduled at the ranch on Oct. 31 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event is free, but those interested should register online. 

If you can't make it to this one, you may want to check out one of these other upcoming stargazing events: 

• Tucson Mountain Park, 2000 N. Kinney Road, 7-9 p.m., Oct. 11
• Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Road, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Nov. 21

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The pond and cienega at Historic Canoa Ranch are a magnet for wildlife, from the javelina who visit for a drink to the dragonflies and birds that use the area as their hunting grounds. One of the many birds that can be found around the pond is the Belted Kingfisher, the most widespread member of its family in North America. 

Belted Kingfishers are clad in steely blue above and white below, with the same blue of the upper parts forming a band across the breast. Females have a rusty band on the upper belly that is absent in males. They have large heads with a shaggy crest and an oversized black bill. These birds measure about 13 inches in length.

Belted Kingfishers are not subtle birds, often announcing their presence with a rattling call. They give the call in flight but can be overlooked when they perch as they are far less vocal. It seems to be impossible for these birds to resist calling when in flight, as it is a sound heard often around ponds and streams. 

As their name suggests, these birds feed mostly on fish that they obtain by plunge-diving into the water. They can be seen hovering in the air assessing their chances for a successful dive, showing off white wing patches. If the bird determines it has a good chance for success, it dives head-first into the water, completely submerging itself. Witnessing Kingfishers on the hunt is an incredible spectacle.

The Belted Kingfisher is mostly seen on spring and fall migration and in winter in southern Arizona. The cooler temperatures of fall are a harbinger of Belted Kingfisher season in the area. A recent visit to Historic Canoa Ranch produced a sighting of a female at the pond, so be on the lookout for these magnificent birds. 

Last Month's Trivia Question: What is the most common flower color of composites? 

Answer: Flowers of composites, members of the sunflower or daisy family (Asteraceae), come in a variety of colors.  But the most common flower color is yellow, leading to them being called DYCs – short for "darn yellow composites," because many of these plants are similar in appearance. 

This Month's Trivia Question: Where did the ancient Greeks believe kingfishers nest? 

Photo courtesy of Amanda Pfannenstiel. 

Help Pima County and the City of Tucson protect our night skies! We are updating the outdoor lighting code, and we want to hear from you. The code is designed to minimize light pollution, reduce energy waste, and protect access to the dark night sky for everyone.

You may review the proposed changes to the code at the link below and provide your comments in the space provided. All comments must be received by Oct. 15, 2025. 

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Southern Arizona’s longest river is thriving.

That’s the takeaway from the 12th annual Living River Report, which provides an in-depth look at the flowing stretches of the Santa Cruz River that wind through Pima County.

The report highlights the County’s role in serving as a responsible steward of the river ecosystem, from discharging high-quality reclaimed water into the river to protecting the animals that call the river home. It also puts a spotlight on the year's accomplishments, including the removal of 10 tons of trash from the riverbed by volunteers. 

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