Here and There Hawk

Desert Marigolds

Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I did our usual hike this morning.  Of note on today's trek was the Swainson's Hawk that sat still while I snapped many photos of it.  When it finally departed its perch I believe it flew to the distant yucca on the ridge west of the Organs where at least several different hawks have sat this spring and summer.  That image is also posted here.

The only unsettling aspect of our outing came when a guy parked his SUV on LDR, stepped out of the vehicle and shot off a loud blast from what sounded like a shotgun.  That was the only retort from his weapon while we were ascending the right branch, climbing the hill to its west and departing in the CR-V.

We enjoyed our hike because--aside from the light smoke from the Idaho forest fires--the weather was cooperative.

White-winged Dove

Amaranth and Soaptree Yucca

What kind of grasses?

Deadwood

This & next:  Swainson's Hawk

Prickly Pear X

Same Swainson's Hawk?

More deadwood

Doves on Ocotillo branch

Willow and Frio

This & next:  same Barrel Cactus

Yellow leaf with red border

White-winged Dove