Another Wednesday Walkabout

A male Gambel's Quail in a mesquite

We did our regular hike again today, adding distance by doing a short bushwhack out of the left branch arroyo.  On the way to the arroyo just west of the 4210 hill saddle we heard some bird squawking that I suspected might be from a young Swainson's Hawk.

There were no Swainsies atop their yucca nest at the time, but as we headed down the middle branch arroyo and up the right branch we saw two of the raptors sailing the sky; and a bit later one was perched atop the yucca nest.

I tried my best to get some photos of the flying raptors, but I just haven't improved on that particular skill very much.

Prickly Pear blossom

Willow

Ocotillo, hill, mountain

This & next:  Mama Swainsy on the nest

Three amigos

This & next 3:  Papa Swainsy hunting for breakfast

Tortugas and the Organs

This & next:  Bunny Ears Cactus

Desert Willow flower