Overcast and Cool

Sacramentos

Very cool and cloudy when Dr. K, Willow and I got started on our hike.  We took a different route to the top of our "mountain," but we couldn't stay long because thunder convinced Willow that we should head down immediately--which we did.  Going straight down was a bit hard on my gimpy knees, but we made to the bottom without any further auditory disruptions.

 

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jays (juveniles)

Heavy overcast

Turning her back on us

Living in the high country

Sacramentos vista

New growth

A look into Karr Canyon

Right before Willow heard thunder

Willow and Dr. K

 

Mountain Morning

Side yard in orange

It was cooler this morning for our forest hike; a little breeze and fewer flies made the trek more bearable.  We did our regular route, seeing few noteworthy subjects to photograph.  Only saw a bird or two on the wing.  We enjoyed our excursion nonetheless.

Haynes Canyon

B&W forest

This & next:  looking down

Lay down juniper

Willow on break in the forest

Taking a breather

What a trio:  yucca, pine, prickly pear

Willow and Dr. K

Mountain doggy

 

Thanks to Shade and Wind

Sacramentos early

This morning's hike in the forest behind the cabin was surprisingly good; Dr. K, Willow and I had the benefit of the shade from junipers and pines, and a steady light wind that provided decent evaporative cooling.  We did our regular route, my gimpy knees not complaining too much.  We delighted in seeing a Flame Skimmer dragonfly or two during the outing, and I got a photo of a New Mexico Whiptail.  All in all a very good outing.

Mountain dog

This way

Come what may

All dragonflies are Flame Skimmers

New Mexico Whiptail

This & next:  Willow catching flies

Sun through huge juniper

 

Lo 2 Hi

Just getting started down low

Dr. K, Willow and I took a morning hike in the lower desert before returning home to finish packing for a trip to the high country, where we are now.  Cooler than down there, but still quite toasty for up here.

Clouds to the southwest

One of two cactus wrens squabbling like Heckle and Jeckle

Tortugas and the Organs

Four O'Clocks

Two in the bush (Ash-throated Flycatchers)

In the high country

Willow in the shade of the cabin

 

Partly Cloudy with Wind and Sprinkles

Early light

Intermittent clouds gave us a respite from bright sunshine during our morning trek; Dr. K, Willow and I appreciated the break.  Also, a slight breeze helped keep us cooler.  And then--much to our surprise--we got sprinkled on a bit (a very little bit).  Best part of this morning's hike was spotting and photographing a male Scott's Oriole.

What caused the sprinkles

15-foot White-thorn Acacia

The long view

Tippy tops of the Doña Ana Mountains

A male Scott's Oriole on a creosote bush

Sand potato

Pointed my camera where I heard chirping

Ocotillo with sunny disposition

Allthorn budding

Barrel cacti are budding