Crowd Noise

Barrel Cactus buds

I should have known better than to do a morning hike on the west side of Tortugas today; it was already pretty crowded when I got there just before 7:10; and though I didn't run into too many outdoor enthusiasts during my extended trek I sure could hear plenty of noisy people on and about the mountain.

I don't want to come off as a curmudgeon, but why do people have to scream and yell when they're out "enjoying" nature?  Young kids I can understand, but young adults who call to one another at the top of their lungs really get my goat.

 If Dr. K and I do a hike tomorrow it will definitely be on the Monte Vista side of the mountain.

Upper foothills trail

Flank of Tortugas and the distant Organ Mountains

Ocotillos close up

Hello

Can't positively ID these very small birds

House Finch at far left

House Finches

No ID

House Finches

House Finches

Can you ID this hawk?

This and the next:  Barrel Cactus buds

The long view