Normal Hike

Descending the single-track west of Tortugas Mountain

Since we did such an extended trek yesterday I decided Becca and I should do a normal hike west of Tortugas Mountain this morning.  We followed the trail just west of the mountain into the upper foothills, dropped down on the single-track that strikes west into the lower desert, headed south along the dirt road that loops around the mountain, then climbed back into the upper foothills to reconnect with the trail we were following from the start.  All in all a very pleasant trek:  cool temperature, sun, some wildlife sightings and only two encounters with a couple of friendly human beings.

Oasis

Hangers-on

A drowsy dove . . .

. . . suddenly becomes alert

Waning Gibbous

Chihuahuan Desert flora in the high foothills

Who's that?  Why it's a Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Picoides scalaris)

Ocotillo tangle

Sleepy Orange?

I'm guessing Sleepy Orange (Abaeis nicippe)