Monthly Archives: May 2012

Memorial Day Birdwatching

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A restful Memorial Day afternoon was highlighted watching a hawk in the neighbor’s tree.In this case Hawk happened to be watching a Bullock’s Oriole that joined him. The Oriole was flitting about different branches around Hawk. They didn’t seem terribly bothered by each others presence!

I think the two-legged inhabitants of this planet could learn a bit from the two….just live peacefully together.

Below is one of several crows that decided to hang out in the same tree. Most likely watching for Hawk to take off so they could dive bomb him more!

Blue jay ignored the Hawk-Crow adventures. He was having an easy time at finding bugs to eat.

Red Finch perched in a cedar tree to get a good view of the land and all the other birds in the area.

Red Sky in Morning

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Normally, one would say “Red sky in morning, Sailors take warning”.

However, this red sky reminds us there is a fire in the Gila which is in the southwest part of New Mexico. The winds blew in just the perfect direction to spread the smoke our way.

While a fire is destructive, it provides cleansing of the land for new healthy growth. The resulting smoke creates an amazing veil of color in front of the sun.

Thoughts and prayers for safety go out to those in the path as well as those fighting the blazes of the The Whitewater Baldy Complex Wildfire in the Gila National Forest. Several homes have already burned.

Critter Captures

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As the kids were leaving for work, they found this caterpillar hanging from the very center of the headboard above the front door. It looks like he wants us to be able to really watch his transformation.

Next, by mid-afternoon, you can see him totally wrapped in a cocoon. So amazing how these simple little creatures can, without assistance from others, peacefully wrap themselves up, knowing it is time for a change.

While out watching a hawk (no I didn’t get clear pictures of him) I heard what sounded like a hundred tap dancers. I looked and looked and finally saw this Cicada in a pinon tree. Clearly, he’s not the only one out there, just the only one my eyes adjusted to see.

Some call them 17 year bugs.

Nirnasha was hanging out on the patio again….scooping up stray sunflower seeds to take back to his hole. You can see he has a cheek full!And last but not least… George….one of several Georges that reside here. He was enjoying the cool straw in the shade of a lilac bush. He wasn’t necessarily humored by our presence, but he did allow us to look at him for a while.

This one looked like we were having a stand-off! He really seems to have a tolerant personality.

Bull Snakes are beautiful animals. Their detail, when you look up close, is amazing! I’m not interested in handling them, but they are handy to have around….allegedly they eat the rattlesnakes.

Morning Walk

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I couldn’t resist a morning walk when I saw the sun shining on the yucca pods in full bloom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They just glisten in the morning sun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love the delicate flowers beside the stout fence post.

The new growth on the Cholla Cactus appears rich and succulent.

Towee was sure enjoying the sunshine too!

Snapdragons prevail in the east field right now.

Red finch seem quite happy to perch on the cactus…it seems a safe place for them since nothing else is going to brave the thorns!Hummingbird takes time to get some breakfast while the sun shines on his back and warms his wings.Everything seems to thrive in the sunshine.

Challenge yourself to get out in the morning and see the gifts of nature put out before you! Chances are you won’t have to look far to see something beautiful and perfect. Where ever you are, you can count it your very own nature park just as I count this as my nature park!

Annular Solar Eclipse

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We arrived at and climbed the Spain dam. After an attempt to capture this amazing event using two pairs of sunglasses (yes, together….no-go!) I saw a couple with welding masks.

I introduced myself and asked if I could have a look. They were happy to share and were trilled to let me shoot through a mask when I told them I’d email images! The answer to my request to God and the universe for SOMEONE to have something I could use!

Almost there!

Everyone across the entire dam clapped and cheered (250-300 in attendance at that location.

INCREDIBLE!!! (No, I”m not sure how I got the trailing…)

Nearly perfect Ring of Fire!

What an amazing universe we have to dwell in!

On the way back out…

It looks more like a crescent moon! (And I realized there was a better setting for what I was doing.)

Alas, my welding mask source decided to call it a night….last shot…

Next chance….2023.

THANK YOU, Logans, for sharing with my kids and I, as well as those who helped hold the mask!!

Chipping Sparrows

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This little Chipping Sparrow was enjoying the feast of sunflower seeds and other birdseed that blew around on the ground.

Then he and his buddy perched on a nearby barbed wire fence to have a chat as they soaked the last of the rays of the setting sun.

They quietly remind us that we don’t have to worry…our needs will be met. We have only to have a good attitude and be what we are…beautiful creations.

Cinco de Mayo Luna

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Once the full moon of Cinco de Mayo emerged from the clouds, her light played with the clouds in the foreground.

Luna displays her brilliant aura, including a fine line of orange/red.

With a shorter shutter time many features of her face are more evident.

Her beauty lights up the entire horizon…she’s not afraid to shine. So can we be eager to allow our light to shine for the world.

Purple and White

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Purple and white iris adorn the labyrinth. Their rich colors quietly drink the sun.