Bud Eaters

Sky at start

A little later start this morning, perhaps because we knew there was a heavy cloud cover that would keep us cooler.  Dr. K, Willow, Frio and I did our usual hike up to Second Arroyo and back, varying our routine somewhat by using LDR-A on our return in order to check on the status of the large Barrel Cactus whose colorful buds are being eaten by critters--presumably birds.

We were all pretty comfortable during the trek--the humans a bit sweaty from high humidity--but I think we're only supposed to reach a high of 93F today, much closer to normal for this time of year here.

Back home, after showering and eating lunch, I had some fun trying to ID the wasp that appears below, at first wondering if it was a type of Tarantula Hawk, and then deciding it was a Blue-winged Wasp (Scolia dubia) before research convinced me it was a Scarab Hunter Wasp (Triscolia ardens).

Picacho Peak in sunlight

B&W X

Frio and Willow

Honey Mesquite in Second Arroyo

Tortugas and the Organs

This & the next:  been wondering which critters are eating Barrel Cactus buds

Allthorn flowers

This and the next 2:  Scarab Hunter Wasp (Triscolia ardens)

Soaptrees

LDR-A

Black-throated Sparrow

Yucca and Ocotillos

Sky at end