What's In a Name?

Cactus Wren

Becca and I got a nice early start west of Tortugas Mountain this morning, and although we encountered a hiker at both the beginning and end of our trek the area was decidedly less crowded than yesterday; and it felt even hotter out there.  We're supposed to hit 95F today, which is quite a bit above our normal temperatures for mid-September.  Can't complain about lack of precipitation, though, because we've had our fair share of rain in the past few weeks; that's why things are greener than usual for this time of year.

Female American Kestrel

Loggerhead Shrike

Same Shrike

Just west of Tortugas

Looking for a shady spot to lie down

On the horizon:  Franklin Mountains near El Paso

Have a sit-down

Hairy False Goldenasters (Heterotheca villosa)

Hairy False Goldenasters

Ripe fruit of the Fishhook Barrel Cactus

A Hairy False Goldenaster by any other name would smell as sweet