Sunday in the Outback

Organ Mountains from the Monte Vista side of Tortugas Mountain

It's always nice to see snow on the Organ Mountains, and there was quite a bit left in some spots on the rugged peaks this morning.  Naturally I had to get as many pictures of the weather phenomenon as I could--many more than are pictured here.  We were fortunate enough to spot an American Kestrel hunting for prey in the outback, and I got a fairly good image of it even though it was slightly beyond the point of optimal resolution for my 10X optical zoom.  American Kestral's (aka "sparrow hawks") are the smallest falcon in the United States.

Rugged upper reaches of the Organs

The village of Talavera at base of the Organs

Highest peaks

Yuccas standing at attention

American Kestral (the smallest falcon in the U.S.)

Heading away from the mountains

Heading back toward the peaks

The entrance to the monument

The road to Dripping Springs

Rain and snow visited us yesterday

Warm sun, but cold wind this morning

Becca in the backyard