Sunday Stroll

Research Associate Becca, Dr. K and I did a Sunday morning hike on the Monte Vista side of Tortugas. We ran across this spiny Hedgehog Cactus.

This Sotol stalk appears to be devoid of all foliage.

A little cloud over a rocky slope.

Décolleté or Decactusage?

Cool Start

It was 70 when Research Associate Becca and I started off on the west side of Tortugas Mountain this morning. We immediately ran into a wild rabbit that threatened our safety.

Although it was sunny, the breeze kept things bearable.

The Ocotillo are still verdant.

Becca took her customary break in the shade of a Yucca.

A Little Cloud Cover

The Organ Mountains and part of the eastern sky were shaded by clouds this morning, and it made the first section of the hike cool.

An occasional patch of sun broke through.

By the time we reached the rock shelter the sun was becoming an issue.

Blue sky on the western horizon.

Nonce Post

Because of a business trip to High Rolls, New Mexico, there was no research outing today. Instead, I photographed a Hooded Oriole in one of the Desert Willow trees here at the Chihuahuan Observation Center.

These Orioles are really attracted to the Desert Willows; I think the birds eat the seed pods.

Hot Morning

It's amazing that flowers as lovely as the Desert Zinnia can grow in a hot, dry climate.

Becca indulging in one of her favorite activities--sniffing.

A healthy Ocotillo thriving in the Chihuahuan Desert.

A tangle of Ocotillos.

These two Cactus Wrens reminded us of Heckle and Jeckle the way they were cackling and cavorting on the NMSU experimental tower.

Hot and Hazy

What difference does altitude make in the desert? Cloudcroft--at 8600 feet--is predicted to be 82 degrees today; Las Cruces--at 3908 feet--is predicted to be 96. Being in the mountains would be nice, but the desert is good, too.

Here's the NMSU experimental station at the base of Tortugas Mountain.

This is quite green for the Chihuahuan Desert.

The Franklin Mountains near El Paso on the horizon.

A closeup of the Franklins reveals the hazy heat present this morning.

Back in the Desert

Dr. K, Research Associate Becca and I are back in the Chihuahuan Desert again, sweating our butts off in the name of research. For instance, we have to do some research to determine what plant this is, and if the little globules are fruit or flower buds.

Dr. K enjoying a brief respite in the shade.

More research is necessary to identify this tiny purple flower.

This tripartite Barrel Cactus is starting to bloom.

Closeup of the flowers.