Phoenix's Peach-Faced Lovebirds

It was just about ten years ago when I first noticed a couple of peach-faced lovebirds sitting on the telephone line in my east-central Phoenix backyard. I thought at that time (these unknown parrots) must have escaped from a neighbors cage and wouldn't make it through the winter.

Also at that time, I didn't know what these type of "parrots" were until I researched them further on the Internet. Other people were beginning to see them in their yards too and shared their sightings.

But, as time went on, I kept noticing more of these lovebirds over the years. I've even seen a flock of them roosting in the trees along the canal located just north of Camelback Rd, between 32nd Street and 40th Street. It looks like they've adjusted well to living around here.

They're beautiful birds, very colorful and lovely to watch, but can be irritably noisy, especially in a big flock. You know, like some women. They don't sing the beautiful songs like my treasured friends, the Mockingbirds. But still nice to have around. You know, like some women. ;-)

Hopefully, they'll soon spread to my new neighborhood in west-central Phoenix.

Hiking In Phoenix

Did you know that, according to National Geographic, the City of Phoenix is one of the top cities in the country for hiking? Phoenix’s desert preserve system contains more than 30,000 acres and has close to 200 miles of trails located within the city limits.

Here's Part 1/5 of a DiverseCity video presentation describing the various trails.


Watch the entire video series: [Part 2][Part 3][Part 4][Part 5]

Safe Hiking For The Holidays

Folks, let's use some common sense while hiking during the holidays. Get out, enjoy the weather and get some exercise. But please, remember your limitations. The Sonoran Desert is a beautiful place to recreate, not wreck create.

The Phoenix Community Mural

Via the Downtown Devil, the first Phoenix Festival of the Arts, which took place this past weekend at Margaret T. Hance Park, was vibrant with art vendors, live music and Mayor Greg Stanton presenting awards to local artists.

A successful event, it was the winding figure of plywood boards snaking around the fenced-in festival, however, that displayed some of Phoenix’s best art. By the end of the festival, more than 80 Phoenix artists had added their unique style to one of the longest murals painted in Arizona.


The Phoenix Mural Project from Downtown Devil on Vimeo.

Wipe It Out Phoenix

Phoenix 20/20: Councilman Michael Nowakowski checks out the Wipe it Out Day presented by the Neighborhood Services Department.


Source: City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department

The Demon Fighters From Arizona

Folks, I couldn't even invent stories this good. Welcome to Arizona.


Source: ABC News

Melrose on 7th Avenue Street Fair and Classic Car Show

Classic cars will mix with vintage furnishings and clothing, as well as plenty of food and fun linked to modern times, on Saturday, March 3, at the 11th annual Melrose on 7th Avenue Street Fair and Classic Car Show. Be there or be square.

Phoenix Graffiti Busters

Graffiti is costly and destructive, and sends a message that the community is not concerned about the appearance of its neighborhoods. You can take control of your neighborhood by quickly removing graffiti. Prompt removal reduces the chance of graffiti reappearing and helps maintain a safe, secure and attractive environment.

Graffiti is a crime – to report graffiti vandalism in progress, call 9-1-1.

To report graffiti that you want to see removed, call the Graffiti Busters 24-Hour Removal Hotline at 602-495-7014 or email graffitibusters.nsd@phoenix.gov. You also can report graffiti using a free application on your iPhone or Android smartphone (myPhxAZ).

The Phoenix Police Department also has a special graffiti hotline.

If you believe you can provide information leading to the arrest of a graffiti vandal, call 602-262-7327 to make a report. You don't have to give your name or any other identification, and you could receive an award up to $250. For more information on this program visit the Police Graffiti Hotline site.

Neigborhood Revitalization | Phoenix

Your neighbors making urban eyesores a better place to live.


Source: Valley of the Sunflowers Project