Fourth Kind

Morning sky

Although it was 78F when Dr. K, Willow and I started our morning hike it felt cooler due to intermittent high clouds; also there was a light breeze at times.  We saw no other human nature enthusiasts out in our section of northern Chihuahuan Desert, but we did encounter several arid country denizens:  a mockingbird, a Gambel's Quail and a young Western Diamondback rattler, the latter of whom we walked past at a distance of one foot; fortunately the snake wasn't aggressive.  It did flick its tongue out at me while I took several different photos.  All told, a pretty good trek today.

Mockingbird

Desert Marigold bouquet

Who's hiding in the desert willow?

Hundreds of blooming creosote bushes

Desert Dog

This & next 4:  young Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Happy ocotillo