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Passion, Freedom, Adventure, Fulfillment, and Joy. That is just some of what photography offers. Sharing the experience with others is the reward. This blog is a collection of stories, tutorials, and insights I have gained in my exploration of light.

Feeding Calliope

April 12, 2019 • Leave a Comment

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In the tiny enclave of the human population that calls themselves birders it is well known that the Southern Arizona high desert provides some of the most numerous and diverse species in the United States. Sierra Vista, the largest of the impossibly small towns in this region that make up Cochise County, is often credited as the Hummingbird Capital of the USA. However, birders are sticklers for facts, and it is time that this classification is clarified. The truth is that the real Hummingbird Capital of the United States is the unincorporated community of Hereford, AZ. Like the birds that frequent this enclave near the Mexican border, it is preposterously small and wonderfully beautiful.

Within its borders reside the hummingbird meccas that avian aficionados make a pilgrimage to each year. Here is where you will find the Ramsey Canyon Preserve, a mountainside conservatory with a persistent running stream that is a sanctuary for migrating Hummingbirds, such as the Violet-crowned, and other rare species. The conservatory is often the temporary home to summering Flame-coloured Tanger, Elegant Trogon, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher and other rarities.

It is in this small geographic arena where you can visit the Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (formerly Ash Canyon B&B). Nestled in the Madrean Oak Woodland of the Huachuca mountains proprietor Mary Jo Ballator has created an oasis for rare birds, including the elusive Lucifer Hummingingbird which can be found feeding and foraging in the picturesque native plant garden. Montezuma Quail have also taken to stopping by the Sanctuary daily.

Hereford is home to Beatty's Guest Ranch and Orchard, one of the most reliable places in the country to find the Blue-throated and White-eared Hummingbirds. The Guest Ranch is a great base camp to begin an adventurous hike up Miller Mountain to see Spotted Owls and Red-faced Warblers. It is also home to a Northern Goshawk. Visitors can come for the day or, with its numerous cabins to rent, stay for a few.

And, it is in Hereford where one can find my favorite Hummingbird refuge; Battiste Bed, Breakfast and Birds. Located on a small private road, proprietors Tony and Julie Battiste have created here a hillside sanctum for both humans and birds. With its comfortable rooms, knowledgeable hosts and serene bubbling pond the B&B is a destination where a nature lover can unwind and relax while viewing a constant stream of winged wonders. At any time during migration any of the above-referenced species may stop by here, as well as Calliope, Rivoli and other montane favoring hummers. It is at the B&B where one can also see the worlds smallest owl, the Elf Owl.

I shot this image of a female Calliope Hummingbird feeding on a local plant at Battiste Bed, Breakfast and Birds. I was amazed at how tolerant the hummingbirds here are of viewers. Although I was using an 800mm lens, I was afforded a close range to view and shoot from.

My goal is not to start a controversy with this post. Instead, it is to promote the truth about the town of Hereford, a great places to bird in Southern Arizona AZ.

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Shot date: April 11, 2019
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
¹⁄₂₀₀₀ sec at f/8.0 Bias:0 EV
Lens: EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM
ISO: 320

In the tiny enclave of the human population that calls themselves birders it is well known that the Southern Arizona high desert provides some of the most numerous and diverse species in the United States. Sierra Vista, the largest of the impossibly small towns in this region that make up Cochise County, is often credited as the Hummingbird Capital of the USA. However, birders are sticklers for facts, and it is time that this classification is clarified. The truth is that the real Hummingbird Capital of the United States is the unincorporated community of Hereford, AZ. Like the birds that frequent this enclave near the Mexican border, it is preposterously small and wonderfully beautiful.

Within its borders reside the hummingbird meccas that avian aficionados make a pilgrimage to each year. Here is where you will find the Ramsey Canyon Preserve, a mountainside conservatory with a persistent running stream that is a sanctuary for migrating Hummingbirds, such as the Violet-crowned, and other rare species. The conservatory is often the temporary home to summering Flame-coloured Tanger, Elegant Trogon, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher and other rarities.

It is in this small geographic arena where you can visit the Ash Canyon Bird Sanctuary (formerly Ash Canyon B&B). Nestled in the Madrean Oak Woodland of the Huachuca mountains proprietor Mary Jo Ballator has created an oasis for rare birds, including the elusive Lucifer Hummingingbird which can be found feeding and foraging in the picturesque native plant garden. Montezuma Quail have also taken to stopping by the Sanctuary daily.

Hereford is home to Beatty's Guest Ranch and Orchard, one of the most reliable places in the country to find the Blue-throated and White-eared Hummingbirds. The Guest Ranch is a great base camp to begin an adventurous hike up Miller Mountain to see Spotted Owls and Red-faced Warblers. It is also home to a Northern Goshawk. Visitors can come for the day or, with its numerous cabins to rent, stay for a few.

And, it is in Hereford where one can find my favorite Hummingbird refuge; Battiste Bed, Breakfast and Birds. Located on a small private road, proprietors Tony and Julie Battiste have created here a hillside sanctum for both humans and birds. With its comfortable rooms, knowledgeable hosts and serene bubbling pond the B&B is a destination where a nature lover can unwind and relax while viewing a constant stream of winged wonders. At any time during migration any of the above-referenced species may stop by here, as well as Calliope, Rivoli and other montane favoring hummers. It is at the B&B where one can also see the worlds smallest owl, the Elf Owl.

I shot this image of a female Calliope Hummingbird feeding on a local plant at Battiste Bed, Breakfast and Birds. I was amazed at how tolerant the hummingbirds here are of viewers. Although I was using an 800mm lens, I was afforded a close range to view and shoot from.

My goal is not to start a controversy with this post. Instead, it is to promote the truth about the town of Hereford, a great places to bird in Southern Arizona AZ.

Feeding Calliope
©RGallucci Photography
www.rgallucci.com
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Shot date: April 11, 2019
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
¹⁄2000 sec at f/8.0 Bias:0 EV
Lens: EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM
ISO: 320

Cactus Sunset

March 05, 2019 • Leave a Comment

Life in the Southern Arizona High Deseret is hard. In this harsh and arid landscape, the struggle to survive is an ongoing fight of adaptation, tenacious will to outsmart its dangers and a persistent attitude of perseverance during its trials. It is a call to be ever vigilant with the rewards of life amongst incredible beauty. At sunset, during the brief and fleeting respite of the gloaming, one can receive those rewards.

Sunset brings a surreal radiance and peace to the landscape. It transforms the exotically beautiful and pointedly threatening cactus gardens that carpet the mountainsides into shimmering prisms of light and shadow. It manifests an illusion that the harsh barbs of their prickly maze are soft and safe. Sunset in the desert illustrates life. It allows one to see that even amidst the most hazardous and dangerous times there can be beauty and serenity if we stop the struggle and allow the glory to be seen.

This truth was demonstrated to me while creating this shot. As I walked from the trail into a dense field of cactus I was introduced, a couple of times, to one of the deserts most aggressive predators - the Jumping Cholla. While it does not actually jump, the slightest touch of this brittle fiends thorns will cause a barbed bulb to release from the plant, its spiked needles immediately puncturing your skin. My calves became a Cholla pincushion. While I did not enjoy that part of the experience, it was worth it to witness and share the miracle of this sunsets majesty. I humbly and blessedly remain His scribe.

Cactus Sunset
©RGallucci Photography
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Shoot Date: March 4, 2019
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority f/11
Lens: EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM @ 16 mm
ISO: 100

Falls from the Ledge

February 27, 2019 • Leave a Comment

There is something about a violent cascading flow of water snaking down a steep mountain pass that inspires a hunger to explore while evoking a sense of wonder I have always loved climbing waterfalls. The adrenalin heightening challenge of finding purchase along the slippery rocks, tempered by the soothing sound of the falling water, combine and balance each other, making the experience sublimely rewarding. There are other advantages to climbing against waters downward flow. It is one of the best ways to find a unique angle to capture the cascading waters magic.

At 9,200 feet Carr Canyon is the second highest peak in the Huachuca Mountains and the third highest in Cochise County. It is first in having its own waterfall. Temperamental in nature, it will only flow during snowmelt and monsoon runoff. As temps reached the 70's yesterday the snowmelt began and the waterfalls channel filled. This was my opportunity to explore. About a quarter of a mile up I found a dry rock under an overhanging boulder where the water fell and filled a small pool. Carefully navigating across the water and under the boulder, I squeezed into the small space and set up my gear. This shot is the result.

There is a special magic in the Southern Arizona high desert. It is the mystical blessing of a supreme being that has touched this land with a bit of everything, and an abundance of nothing. It is a land that calls out to be explored to see its beauty. It is not a place where you get to drive up to a national monument and score a beautiful scene. You have to work for it here. That is what makes it so much more worthwhile.

I am blessed to witness and share the glory of His creation and humbly remain His scribe.

Falls from the Ledge
©RGallucci Photography
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Shoot Date: February 26, 2019
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Aperture priority 2.0 sec at f/16
Lens: EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM @ 35 mm
ISO: 100

Pyrrhuloxia

February 25, 2019 • Leave a Comment

The mountains are still covered in snow and the temperatures freezing, but that doesn't change the inevitable signs of spring from showing up in the yard. For example, this male Pyrrhuloxia showed up this morning in full breeding plumage.

My body is still be recovering from the flu. I am allowed but a few short hours of activity before fatigue overcomes me. I am so blessed that in those hours I can watch the miracle of God's creation around me. I remain his scribe.

Pyrrhuloxia
©RGallucci Photography
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Shoot Date: February 25, 2019
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Manual ¹⁄1250 sec at f/8.0 0 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 600 mm
ISO: 400

Supermoon 2019

February 20, 2019 • Leave a Comment

Advance notice - long story today.

Perseverance in the face of adversity is lauded widely as a virtue. It is the character strength found in heroism as well as a pillar of American exceptionalism. More than any other attribute, it is what our stories and movies promote. Perseverance in the face of adversity truly is an admirable and lofty goal.

It is, or can be, a fool's errand as well. When not tempered with an accurate and realistic understanding of the results to be gained versus the price to be paid it can be a trap that leads to pain and ruin. It can be the alluring nectar of Dionaea muscipula; a promise of fulfillment that ends in despair.

Sometimes instead of persevering on a fools journey, it makes more sense to accept the reality and make the best of it. That is how this image came to be. I have been planning a supermoon shot for over six months. I had the location mapped, the angle calculated, the timing locked in and the settings completely covered. It was to be my shot of the year. It was to be epic! An extraordinary testament to my talent that paid homage to God.

It was not this shot.

Four days before the supermoon I got the flu. The fever broke the day before, leaving me weak and unable to sustain long periods of activity. But, I would persevere, I told my wife. I was going to go for the shot. I couldn't pass up this once in a lifetime image.

Reality soon set in. I might have made the two and a half hour drive without incident. I might have got set up and captured the image as well. But it would have taken everything out of me and, most probably, incited a relapse whose outcome could be crippling. I love my life, my family, the stunning beauty of the southern Arizona High Desert and the wildlife that lives here too much to take that risk.

So this is my Supermoon 2019 shot. It was taken from right outside my front door. Is it the shot I dreamed of? No. Is it the shot that allowed me to capture and share the miracle of Gods world with others? Yes. And, it is a shot I will look at in the future to remind me to be humble and understand my limitations. It took fifty-eight years to learn that lesson. I guess that result is sort of epic when you think about it.

Today's story was written to myself as much as to those whom I am sharing it with. It is long (my apologies) and, for me, somewhat cathartic. I pray it is a reminder in future times that God's grace does not always mean we will get what we want, but instead we should be grateful for the Glory of getting what we need.

I remain His scribe

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