C is for Cactus Wren

Southwestward Ho

Dr. K, Willow and I did our regular route this morning pausing a few times for shade breaks that weren't really necessary.  At the ancient Soaptree Yucca in the left branch arroyo we stopped for a water break and Willow deigned to take a sip or two.

I was pleased to get a few decent images of two Cactus Wrens who landed on ocotillo branches nearby and stayed in place long enough to be photographed.

At the start of our hike we spotted the Basset people far off to the west; they were on the way home after their outing.

Lady Anas

Down for the count

 

Wils on the short crossover trail between right and left arroyos

Southern section of the middle branch arroyo

Tortugas and the Organs

View from the right branch arroyo

This & next:  same Cactus Wren

Prickly Pear with ocotillo growing out of it

Different Cactus Wren

Bosom buddies

Hold Outs and Late Bloomers

1st 2:  looking back along LDR-A

Cloudy and overcast this morning when Dr. K, Willow and I did our daily trek.  It felt much cooler than it has in recent days.  We're headed for a high of only 84F this afternoon.

Did our regular route without additional yardage.  Saw no one else along the way, though there were vehicles parked at the Tellbrook/Sonoma Ranch lot.

We've had a few sprinkles this afternoon, but nothing to write home about.

Ridge east of LDR-A

 

Tortugas and the Organs

Hills southwest of LDR-A

Picacho

This & next:  Tortugas and the Organs

Cutleaf Globe Berry flowers

This & next:  stone heart

4210 hill west of the Organs

Artsy Land of Enchantment

Stinging Serpent plant

Picacho

Some ocotillos have all the fun

This & next:  barrel cacti with buds and flower hold outs

Our favorite yucca

This & next:  Wils at rest

Near the crest of the steep hill west of the right branch arroyo

Cutleaf Globe Berry flowers again

Barrel Cactus flower

Swainsy Photo-Op

1st 6:  Cooperative Swainson's Hawk along LDR-A

Sweet surprised as Dr. K, Willow and I were heading down LDR-A this morning:  a Swainson's Hawk was perched atop a small dead branch ahead to our left.  I was able to get some decent photos of it before the raptor took off.

I got some good photos, too, of a Curve-billed Thrasher far up into the left branch arroyo.  It seemed to be checking us out, hanging around where we stopped for shade and water.

After we finished our enjoyable hike we had to hurry home so Dr. K could do another fantasy football draft for the second league she belongs to.  Enough said.

 

Soaptree Yuccas and the Organ Mountains

Long view of Tortugas and the Organs

Curved Soaptree Yucca stalk

This & next:  Cutleaf Globe Berry

This & next 3:  Curve-billed Thrasher

Hanger-on

Willow in yucca shadow

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Last section of the right branch arroyo