Spring Break

Sandhill Cranes, probably migrating away from Bosque del Apache

Becca and I did a fairly long hike in the desert west of Tortugas Mountain this morning, lingering in the high foothills to take photos of the Parry Agave with a new center stalk.  It was chilly at the start of our trek, but soon heated up nicely.  There were many outdoor enthusiasts on and about the mountain today owing to the beginning of New Mexico State University's spring break.  That means the area will be crowded for five days this week.  Drat!

On the upper foothills trail

I am one with the desert flora

Black-tailed Jackrabbit (a true hare)

Agave parryi putting up a stalk

3-foot stalk of Parry's Agave

Becca monitoring two hikers in the desert below

Closeup of Parry's Agave

One last look at this one

Blue-green rosettes of Parry's Agave

A different perspective of the rosettes

Mormon Tea beginning to flower

Dried flowers of Wild Rhubarb

Black-throated Sparrow

Desert Evening Primrose

Break at the edge of an arroyo

Here we go with the Claret Cups again

Cactus Wren on a yucca flower stalk

Same image treated differently

Ocotillo beginning to leaf out

Claret Cup Hedgehog Cactus

The massive Claret Cup I've been monitoring

Claret Cups and Spectaclepod

Cabbage White?

Where does the butterfly end and the flower begin?