Hawk and Moth

Moth with skull head (see next photo)

Despite it feeling somewhat cool before we left the house this morning when Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I got out to the trailhead and began our hike conditions felt pretty brutal.  Only occasionally did a slight breeze pick up to somewhat ameliorate the heat.

Big bonus on today's trek:  a Swainson's Hawk posed nicely for a set of photos before taking off; fortunately his front side was in full sunlight, unlike the backlit hawk I photographed yesterday.

All I can say is we were thankful to get back to the air-conditioned comfort of the CR-V after we finished our outing.

Five Spotted Hawk Moth

This & next 2:  Swainson's Hawk

Barrel with buds

Buds

This & next:  closeup of buds

Ripening fruit on a Prickly Pear Cactus

This & next:  Desert Spiny Lizard on yucca trunk

This & next:  Creosote flower

Ocotillo & the Organs (two hawks flying at right)