Blooms

Morning mountains

Mostly overcast this morning when Dr. K, Willow and I did the entire regular route.  Lots of interesting things to see, many of which appear here.  Later, at home, I spotted a Western Tanager land in the mesquite tree outside of our front window; so disappointed not to get a decent photo of this visitor.  They only spend a few days in the Chihuahuan Desert during their migration south to Mexico.  Perhaps he'll be around a few days and I can get a better image of him.

This & next 2:  large mass of Sacred Datura

What are we looking at here?

Find the White-winged Dove

Here's the dove

Looking west

Barrel cactus

Barrel cactus in front of Desert Marigolds

 

Northward down the right branch arroyo

Nerisyrenia (white); 4 O'Clocks (purple); senna (yellow)

Willow taking a break

Disappointed not to get a good pic of this Western Tanager

Mostly Cloudy

At the trailhead

Even though it was cloudy this morning Willow didn't seem much into the daily hike.  At the junction where we usually make a decision about doing a full or half trek we let her choose; she chose the shorter outing today.  Even though we cut the hike short I got a few good photos to post on the blog.

So many yellow flowers in bloom

Soaptree Yuccas with new growth

This & next:  distant view of Tortugas and the Organs

Black-chinned hummer in bad light

Southwest of Tortugas Mountain

Willow on-lead leading the way

Blackfoot Daisies and Four O'Clock

Visitor on Desert Marigold

 

More Pics

Headed down LDR-A

It was a tad cooler this morning with some clouds and a semi-persistent breeze.  We all felt perfectly fine about doing the entire hike today.  Nothing of particular note to see, but I took more pics than I thought possible during our exploration.  The two I took (at distance) of a Pyrrhuloxia both came out slightly unfocused, so I made art of one; it didn't translate well.  At least we all got in our desert steps this morning.

Desert Marigold

Chinchweed

Willow was into the hike this morning

House finch and White-winged Dove

Had to make artwork of this out-of-focus pic

Jewel Beetle in White-thorn Acacia

Chinchweed and Trailing Four O'Clocks

Barrel with flowering buds

 

Nothing Extraordinary

1st 2:  Cinchweed

Even though it wasn't quite as hot as it's been on recent mornings Ms. Willow was not into the hike.  Because she was taking too many breaks in the shade--and didn't drink much water when we offered it--Dr. K and I decided to cut the outing in half.  Willow appreciated it.

Twin-leaf Senna

Wils ain't into it

This & next 2:  Cutleaf Globe Berry

Cucurbitaceae (Cucumber family)

Aka "deer-apples"

Cinchweed again

Guess those three aren't worried about hawks

 

Aviators

View from LDR-A

Just Willow and me on today's outing; Dr. K had a meeting to attend.  We hiked the regular route, seeing, along the way several birds worth noting:  White-winged Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, and, most interestingly, some Lark Buntings, which I've only photographed once before many years ago.  It was hot out there, but Willow and I made many stops in the shade.

White-winged Dove

This & next 2:  Lark Bunting

Willow in the sandbox

This & next: perhaps the same Red-tailed Hawk as before

Variegated Meadowhawk dragonfly

Lark Bunting