There is also a little House Finch perched atop the cactus. Taken with my Galaxy S23 this morning. Click on the image to enlarge.
Photography
Cactus Wren on Saguaro Buds
This is a throwback to the end of our May 2018 excursion to Northern California. We had been on the road for several weeks and upon returning to our home, this Cactus Wren posed on our big saguaro for this photo. Click on the image to enlarge.
White Sands
We took a short drive up Dunes Road at White Sands Nat’l Monument yesterday on our way to our present camping spot in Deming, NM. After a few miles, the pavement ended and we were driving on the white sand. In the photo below, you can see dunes and footprints on some of the softer gypsum sand.
Having seen this impressive natural sandpile, we asked “How did this get here?” The answer is it’s the sediment left behind by an ancient sea.
From NPS:
Geology of White Sands
The story of the world’s largest gypsum dunefield began 280 million years ago when the Permian Sea covered this area and gypsum settled on the sea floor. The formation of the dunefield continues today in an endless cycle of erosion and renewal.
We didn’t have time to get out and play in the sand this time. Maybe when we come through here next spring we will take the time to do so.
Photo Update
We’re still here. Verna and I were getting ready to go for our weekly grocery shopping and I set up the little camera for this shot out in the courtyard. Click to enlarge.
Fall Photos
We like to say when the autumnal equinox happens that we’re in “Second Spring.” The temperatures aren’t over 100 degrees like in the summertime, only reaching to 98 or 99. When the thermometer starts peaking at only in the 70’s, then Fall is finally here and second spring is over. That is likely to be around Halloween or after.
This time of year, we’re still seeing the Turkey Vultures (Buzzards to some) soaring overhead. I took this photo of a buzzard swooping low this morning.
Our “Devils Tongue” barrel cactus usually has its flower power in the fall. This is a close-up of one of the flowers surrounded by other flowers, flower buds and (below) cactus fruit ripening. Image courtesy of Cap’n Bob.
Click on either image to enlarge.
