Still Dusty

Moon and Yucca

Wind was in the forecast for yesterday, but none of our local meteorologists predicted how bad it was going to be.  Yesterday's winds howled all day and well into the night, not subsiding somewhat until 9:00 p.m.  This morning there was still a lot of dust in the air when Becca and I headed out for our daily hike west of Tortugas Mountain.  There were a lot of birds about this morning, perhaps because they had to lay low all day yesterday; frankly I don't know how any bird--large or small--could have navigated through the sky during those incredibly bad gusts.

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Mormon Tea flower

Does she see something on the mountain?

Ever try sneaking up on a Bullock's Oriole?

Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullockii)

Scott's Oriole

Scott's Oriole

Scott's Oriole (female)

Becca headed for the mountain

Ocotillo flower detritus