So there are a lot of birds showing up at the Casa and in the area.  So come on down and enjoy the show!

Saturday, April 21:  Mexican Fiesta with Chef Donna Londot:

     Appetizer:

• Shrimp Ceviche shooters and
• Roasted Tomatillo and Mango Salsa with Chips

     Entree: 

• Chicken Mole

     Sides:  

• Sweet Corn Tomalito ( Steamed corn pudding)
• Calabacitas ( Zucchini, black bean and pablano)

     Dessert:

• Carmel Flan

NOTE:  The Cooking Class starts ar 4:00 pm, and Dinner will be served at about 7:00 pm (when the cooks have worked their magic!)

RECOMMENDED Wines:   Bring your own wine – whatever you like – but a nice red wine to match the mole (chocolate and chilis) would be good, or a white wine with character.

We are noting the early arrival of some of the sentinel migrants (and the departure of some of our winter birds) somewhat early this year.  Of course migrations can start and stop abruptly with changes in storm systems – but it is beginning to feel as though the birds are pushing northward a bit on the early side this year.  Our Vermilion Flycatchers are back on the river, the Sandhill Cranes at Whitewater Draw seem to be filtering out a couple of weeks early this year.  So will it be an early Spring Migration?  Only the birds will tell us for sure!

Many people have asked whether the Monument Fire last June will significantly affect the number of birds in SE Arizona this year.  Of course some specific locations that suffered the worst of the fires and ensuing mud slides have been negatively impacted by the fires – as their unique habitats were decimated.  But those are very localized impacts.  For instance, Mary Jo Ballitor’s yard was in the middle of significant fire damage all around her  – but her own yard survived essentially intact resulting in a haven of habitat for the birds and other wildlife.  Meanwhile, the Beatty’s Ranch in Miller Canyon was decimated by both fire and mud slides – taking out valuable habitat.  One site may then become a haven for wildlife and the other needs to be rehabilitated.  But it is amazing how fast the habitats recover and how fast the birds return to locations that humans would consider to be decimated.  Rumors of the destruction of the Huachuca Mountain wildlife habitats have been wildly overstated.  A few locations still have years of recovery in front of them.  Others were skipped over or never touched by the fires and floods.  Ramsey Canyon, Garden Canyon, Huachuca Canyon all were spared as the fires were confined mostly to the south of Carr Canyon.  While the road up Carr Canyon is still closed (for the winter) the picnic ground at the top of the road is still intact as are the pines and overall habitat.

And just as noteworthy, the San Pedro River was not touched by the fires so our critical habitat for birds and other wildlife is now supporting a wider array of species and unprecedented numbers of birds.  When one considers the overall habitat of the San Pedro River and the surrounding mountain canyons you will find seven distinct environmental zones, each with its own unique habitat and unique species of birds and other wildlife.  Most of these environmental zones were not touched by the fires and they provide ample opportunities for wildlife from the affected zones/locations to relocate and to thrive.

Did we lose important sites and were some of the birding sites negatively affected?  Yes.  But those sites are limited, and the birds (who can fly over those sites) just go on to the areas that were not affected.  So the bottom line is that SE Arizona, the San Pedro River Valley, and all the environmental zones from the river to the top of the Huachucas still provide habitat for our normal mix of species of wildlife and birds.  And birdwatchers and naturalists may still find ample opportunities to view incredible and unique species throughout the area.

Spring is Springing and we are looking forward to another excellent year of some of the best birding and nature experiences in the US.

Chef Donna Londot will join us again for a fabulous Italian Cooking Class and Dinner on Saturday, March 24.  Be sure to join us for another fun filled gourmet event.

The Menu:

     Anti pasti

• Crostoni ai funghi (Mushrooms crostini)

    Prima

• Lasagne di magro (vegetarian lasagne)

    Secondi

• Filetto di maiale in crosta (Pork tenderloin in bread case)

    Cortorni

• Fagiolini in bandiera (Three-coloured green beans)

    Dolci

• Delizia al cioccolato (Chocolate delight)

Notes:  The Cooking Class will start at 4:00 pm and Dinner will be served at about 7:00 pm.

RECOMMENDED WINES:  Bring your own wine:  Sauvignon Blanc, Pino Grigio or a light red such as an Oregon Pinot Noir or Italian Valpolicella

Saturday, February 25:  Italian Dinner with Chef Donna Londot:

     Anti pasti

• Pere al formagio (Pear Stuffed with Cheese)

    Prima

• Risotto alla Milanese (Arborio Rice with Mushrooms)

    Secondi

• Chicken fricassee

    Cortorni

• Piselli all lattuga (Peas and Lettuce)

    Dolci

• Tiramisu

Call now for reservations for the cooking class or just to join this fun and festive evening’s dinner at the Casa!

• Tuesday Walks:  March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15 and 22.

•  Friday Walks: March 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, and 18.

We will celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend with a Romantic Dinner on Saturday, February 11. Our French/Swiss chef, Gratien Torrione will prepare a special romantic dinner to help you fete your Valentine to a great weekend and romantic dinner at the Casa. A minimum two night stay is required. ($45 per person including tax and gratuity). Bring your own wine (recommended wines include a nice Champaigne, Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir). The menu:

• Avocat aux crevettes Calypso (Avocado filled with boiled shelled prawns in mayonnaise, tomato, Brandy and lemon sauce, heart-shaped beets in olive oil and balsamic vinegar)
• Filet mignon de porc en croûte (Puff pastry and bacon wrapped pork tenderloin)
• with a Cognac marinated fig, apricot and raisin sauce
• Red Potatoes Gratin Savoyard
• Olive oil sautéed Brussels sprouts
• Fantaisie de framboises au chocolat noir (Raspberry jelly on dark chocolate, Rasperry chips, Blackberry, Blueberries, Strawberry and white chocolate mousse)

• February 25
• May 12

Also a special Valentine’s Day Romantic Dinner (without the cooking class) will be held on February 11. 

The cooking classes are a great opportunity to enjoy the hospitality of the Casa, savor a great dinner (you don’t have to do the cooking class part), and even have fun helping to reare the dinner while learning new techniques and recipes.