Day of the Hummer

Hummer and Ocotillo blossom

Becca and I got a bit later start on a cool, but humid morning here in the northern Chihuahuan Desert, and we enjoyed an hour-long trek west of Tortugas Mountain.  For me the most pleasing thing about today's hike was first discovering a late-blooming Ocotillo, and then being able to photograph two hummingbirds who were battling over the rights to the nectar.  Most of the time I couldn't determine which one I was photographing.  From the way they were fighting I'd say they were probably Rufous Hummingbirds--either young males or females.  I'm not positive, though.  They provided ten or fifteen minutes of entertainment before they disappeared from view.

Incoming

This is one of two hummers fighting over this nectar

#1

Becca on break

Rosy Palafox (Palafoxia rosea)

Rosy Palafox

In a sandy section of desert west of Tortugas Mountain

Soaptree Yuccas

This and the next two:  Rosy Palafox

Looking northwest

Trail across the flank

Trail alongside a deep arroyo

Making for higher ground

Early morning sky to the south

Sky to the east

Northeastern sky

This Ocotillo signals fall is on its way

Sky over Tortugas

Happy hiker

This and the rest:  either Hummer #1 or Hummer #2

Headed back

One last look at the yellowing desert