Fahrenheit 85

A trail up the mountain

This morning I didn't even need a light jacket for our hike--it was that warm.  We're headed for a high temperature of 85F today.  This is at least ten degrees above normal for this time of year.  People who live in deserts don't want an early start to the season of heat because we have a long, hot summer to slog through, and we want to enjoy cooler temperatures for as long as possible.  Fortunately we're supposed to be in the mid-70s tomorrow, but there are mid-80s in the forecast for next week.  Please climate gods let us have a cold snap before we have to suffer through summer heat.

Say's Phoebe

Velvety nerisyrenia

White-winged Dove

Bicolor fanmustard

Another Bicolor fanmustard

Break!

Imagine a scorpion's curled stinger and you see why this is Scorpionweed

Closeup of Wild Rhubarb flowers

Another Say's Phoebe

Carpenter Bee, male

Male Carpenter Bee (aka "Teddy Bear" bee)

Yuccas in bloom everywhere

Flower stalks rising

Closeup of yucca flower heads

Flowering all over the Chihuahuan Desert (presumably)

Ocotillos and sky

Loggerhead Shrike prefers cable rather than dish

I've photographed a Loggerhead Shrike in this area before

Looking for insect breakfast

Large flower head