Thursday Morning Trek

Flowering Torrey Yucca west of Tortugas Mountain

In mileage our hike was shorter than usual, but in time spent in the desert it was longer.  As usual I got caught up photographing almost everything of interest while Becca reveled in the scents of critters found, apparently, in every nook and cranny of Chihuahuan flora.  She also spent a good deal of time relaxing in the sand during an extended respite.

I was hoping to spot some larger wildlife--foxes, coyotes or deer--but had to settle for some avian representatives of desert fauna.  No problem; I love birds as well.

We saw a few other outdoor enthusiasts on and about the mountain, including a biker who was enjoying a ride in our spectacular desert, but the area was definitely uncrowded for a beautiful Thursday morning.

Closer look at those flowers

Another Torrey Yucca

Mormon Tea

I believe this cactus is infected with something

Infected with cochineal bugs?

Bouquet of Velvety Nerisyrenia

A little respite

Mountain biking in the northern Chihuahuan Desert

One small step for Scott's Oriole, one giant leap for Icterus parisorum

Same Scott's Oriole

Not sure I've seen Torrey Yucca flowers open like this before

Closer look at those opened yucca flowers

This and the next 5:  Claret Cup Hedgehog Cacti

I quaked in my boots when this Black-throated Sparrow shot me this look

There it is looking all innocent

What does Becca see?