Bracing for a Heatwave

I think it's a Black-chinned Hummingbird

Becca and I got an early start this morning in anticipation of the furnace-like heat coming our way beginning today.  Although it was only 62F when we hit the trail west of Tortugas Mountain the temperature rose quickly.  As a result I shortened the hike somewhat, making sure we took plenty of shade and water breaks to stay hydrated.  Becca drank a whole bottle of H2O, which she rarely does.  All of our precautions paid off, though, as we completed a successful trek before it became unbearable in the northern Chihuahuan Desert.

That sure looks like a black chin

Sleepy Cactus Wren

West of the mountain

East to Tortugas

Fruit of the Torrey Yucca

Cucumber-like Torrey Yucca fruit

Two new Soaptree Yucca flower stalks and one old

Closer look at the Soaptree Yucca stalks

Back to the mountain

Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) is not a true willow

This and the next four:  Cane Cholla blossoms

Blind Prickly Pear flowers

Bird feather on a Prickly Pear

Blooming prolifically

Red Yucca flowers