Another Really Early Hike

Becca spotted these guys crossing the west flank of the mountain above us

As we were hiking along the western flank of Tortugas Mountain early this morning Becca called my attention to a small herd of Mule Deer crossing the mountain above us.  As the light was still low I did the best I could with my FujiFilm 10X optical lens to capture images of these beautiful creatures.  There were some older does and a few adolescents.  They probably were coming back from a trip to the NMSU golf course where they often go for water.

A small herd of Mule Deer, perhaps seven or eight

About to cross through a deep ravine

Shadow of the Tortoise

We still haven't reached the sun

View across a huge arroyo

Acacia is still blooming all over the mountain

Acacia smells like sweet perfume in the desert

Bishop Cap on the far horizon

Almost into the light

Brown-crested Flycatcher

Brown-crested Flycatcher and White-winged Dove

Becca in morning sunshine