Datura
The wash has been well scoured by rain, with evidence of serious flows, such as tumbled barrel cactus and prostrate brooms. The Hackberry bushes are covered with orange berries, and the floor is covered with desert marigolds, devil’s claws, and zinnias. Beautiful sighting of a Harris’s Hawk airing his wings on top of a saguaro cactus.
Cooper’s Hawk eating pigeon on our shed
Amy called me excitedly from the shower when she say this. We first took some photos from the bedroom window, then snuck outside and around the corner to take this shot.
Summer monsoon Zinnias
This is the result of the abundant rain the wash has had this monsoon season.
Rattlesnake on the Matt Davis trail
Amy and Tweety and I saw this on the way down.
Snowy Egret in flight
Stinson beach. Amy and I talk a walk starting up behind the town, down through a gully to a pumping station, then out to the road along the lagoon.
Gull eating sand-dab
Spotted by Amy while we were walking along Stinson Beach.
Western Banded Gecko
Coleonix variegatus.
Purple Martins feasting on saguaro
Didn’t do much working in the wash this summer, but it was nice to see the Martins back again at their usual spot.
Cholla flower
The Blue Paloverdes are covered with pods, flat, light-green with 3 or 4 pimply bumps where the seeds are, spaced well apart. Saw a White-crowned Sparrow, caught a brief glimpse of a Lucy’s Warbler, and heard the fly-catchers again. The lizards are out in force, including the big Desert Spiny Lizard that leaves near the hackberry bushes just north of Camino a Los Vientos. The chollas are blooming, from the wine-dark red in this photo to brighter crimson.
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