Now I Understand

As I mentioned in the previous post, I couldn't understand why a certain Cactus Wren had taken to perching close by when I was in my usual sundown spot. I decided to investigate and after a while I spotted what I suspected to be the reason, tucked away amongst the spines of a cholla. I moved away but stopped to watch and sure enough, as soon as she felt I was a safe distance away the Cactus Wren slipped quietly into her nest, mystery solved.

Twilight

Usually the cantankerous Cactus Wren is not exactly a companionable bird but recently I have noticed one that always seems to come to perch close by when I am in my special sundown spot in the yard. I will reveal why in the next post.......................... 

My Photographic Nemesis

I don't know what it is about the Cactus Wren but somehow I never quite manage to get a decent photo of them. I have tried repeatedly and occasionally come close but somehow I just don't quite seem to capture the essence of this spiky, strident character. I mean look at this one bathed in the soft evening light, he looks quite, dare I say it, friendly and we all know how much he would hate that!

Hot!

We managed to get all the way through May without a 100 degree day but as soon as June 1st clicked round the heat was on. Of course all the native species are more than capable of dealing with the desert environment but some are just a lot more expressive about it than others. None more so than the wonderful Antelope Ground Squirrel who sprawls as flat as possible against any remotely cool surface, in this instance, a shady spot of my patio. Maybe I should offer him a cocktail?

Family Time

Usually my wildlife camera takes so many quail photos that I end up deleting most of them. It is motion triggered so you can imagine how many times these busy little birds get snapped. But even I couldn't resist this charming little family outing, all they need to complete the image is a little picnic hamper!

A Beautiful Villain

I have yet to hear anyone say anything positive about White-winged Doves. These migrants from the south descend on us in late April and everyone begins muttering through gritted teeth about them. The problem is, despite their beautiful looks, they are total thugs. Monopolising feeders and beating up on any other birds that try to come near. Luckily for us all, by September they will move on again and peace will return to the area.

Resplendant Cholla

Apart from their fearsome spiny reputation the various cholla species are not the most flamboyant of plants, that is until they burst into flower. This one was smothered in blooms and the hummingbirds were loving it.

Worn Out

The baby Rock Squirrels I mentioned in the previous post play very hard but just like most babies, when it comes to nap time everything stops. This little guy tried briefly to keep his eyes open when he saw me pointing a camera at him but very soon zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Babies Galore!

The transformation in the character of the Rock Squirrels over the years is quite remarkable. They have gone from creatures we rarely saw to being super cheeky. We currently have three young ones living under the bird feeders in the back garden and apart from being ridiculously cute, their antics and games keep me entertained for hours.