Chance Meeting

Got milk?

Becca and I hit the trail west of Tortugas Mountains somewhat early this morning because today is shopping day at Target and Albertsons for me.  There were so many interesting things to photograph out in the desert, however, I extended the hike (time wise) quite a bit more than I'd planned.  Additionally we ran into Don and his 14-month old dog Clover, and he and I stood talking for a bit while the dogs played.  Clover was a tad rambunctious at first, but she settled down after a spell.  Both she and Becca get along well, which is a really nice thing.

Desert Cottontail

Curious about Becca and me

Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus) in bad light

Same bird, aka cocky "Desert Cardinal)

Doña Ana Mountains

Easter Bunny?

No--Desert Hare

Pincushion Cactus (about the size of a baseball)

Anyone coming up behind us?

That looks like a Torrey Yucca in bloom

White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)

Same White-winged Dove

Ocotillos, two different types of Hedgehog Cactus and Prickly Pear Cactus

Torrey Yucca buds are colloquially referred to as "red heads"

The tallest head on this Torrey Yucca has a bud

Closer look at the "red head"

This Torrey Yucca is also starting to bloom

We ran into Don and his pup Clover, Becca's doggelgänger

Clover was a bit more interested in playing than Becca was

Ocotillo flower buds

These two Torrey Yucca heads will both have flower stalks

Going up

This Torrey Yucca already has blossoms

Closer look

Even closer still

Closeup

Different angle on the same Torrey Yucca

Slightly different perspective