The Greening

Here we go on a steamy hot morning

It's amazing what rain will do for the northern Chihuahuan Desert; things are really greening up after a good soaking a few days ago.  Many of the Ocotillos that have gone leafless for so long are now sporting bright-green foilage.  Rain Lilies have appeared in the sandy sections of the desert.  Even a few Ocotillo flowers are showing up again.  The only drawback to the situation:  this morning was the hottest and steamiest Becca and I have experienced so far this season.  Yuck.

The tallest Soaptree Yucca around

Amazing what a little rain can do (compare to yesterday's photo)

Shade break numero dos

Funky Ocotillo

Rain Lily (Zephyranthes longifolia)

Zephyranthes means "flower of the west wind"

On the outer loop road heading south

Ocotillos greening out

Starting to see a sea of green

Flower of the Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens)

Tall Ocotillos

More and more greenery each day

Shade break numero tres

Young Ash-throated Flycatcher

Mama, give me a fly