Abbreviation

I'm going to say "Lesser Goldfinch" (Spinus psaltria)

Shortened the hike a bit this morning so I could run some fairly early errands, shopping at both Target and Albertsons in order to get home at about noon.  Earlier in the desert Becca and I saw a few outdoor enthusiasts including our friend Raymond (Ramon) who was finishing up his hike behind us; he and I shared a long-distance wave.  We're still running about ten degrees above normal here in the Chihuahuan Desert, all set to graze 80 degrees Fahrenheit today.  

Plying the single-track

High overcast during much of our hike

South to the Organs

Black-and-white desert

South to the Franklin Mountains, El Paso, Texas

Similar view, closer up

Northwest of Tortugas Mountain

On the road heading north

Northern Chihuahuan Desert a few miles east of Las Cruces, New Mexico

When it's near 80F on Nov. 7th the Desert Marigolds don't want to stop

Desert Marigolds

At least the Ocotillos are in the autumn mood

Former flowers