Ophidian Beauty

We were having a desk delivered but because nothing is that simple in life it wouldn't fit through the door so we had to take the insect screen off and bring it in through the window. Before we popped the screen back in, this little beauty decided to pay us a visit and was duly spotted half way through the window. After having ascertained that I wasn't dealing with a rattlesnake, I donned very thick gloves and lifted him gently down. When it became apparent that he wasn't the remotest bit interested in biting me I dispensed with the gloves and indulged in some photos before releasing him carefully back into the yard. So thrilled - a snake at last :)

An Evening Visitor

At least this one stayed outside on the wall of the yard.

Cholla Flower

Best to look but not touch :)

How You Feelin'?

Hot, hot, hot!
In this weather it is important to keep well hydrated.

Mr and Mrs

Cuddling quails sitting in the sun.

A Shy Visitor

It has taken me a long time to finally catch a photo of the Round-tailed Ground Squirrel


Looking at her belly, I think this little one has just had or is about to have, some babies.

Strike the pose

The last post was 'spines in the sunlight', this one is 'ears in the sunlight' :)

Sunny Spines

This Barrel Cactus was catching the early morning sun just perfectly.

Maternity

The White-winged Dove may be a menace at the bird feeder but this one just looked so beautiful perched on her nest in the Palo Verde tree.

Phew!

I guess it has been a little warm here today..................

Mothers Pride and Joy

It's baby quail time and this little guy has been very busy running after Mom in the yard.

A Rare Gem

A Gila Monster in my back yard really? Yes really. The only snag was, I wasn't there! My husband was sitting in the yard talking to me on the phone and this guy strolled in large as life. To say that I am ever so slightly jealous would be an understatement. Thankfully my husband got some photographic proof of this very rare (and venomous) reptile.

Knock, knock!

Is there anybody in there?

An Early Morning Visitor

The gentle, shy Mule Deer, ever watchful.

The Watcher

This beautiful Kestrel seems to have taken up residence, her mate is much less willing to be photographed.

Everything is Coming Up Roses!

Another reason that I love cactii - they have the most extravagant blossoms.

A Rose Amongst The Thorns

So tiny and yet so perfect.

A Rare Fruit

Who is that sprouting out of my aloe?

Small but Fierce

I saw this feisty little Kestrel chasing off a Red-tailed Hawk which was three or four times her size. I wonder if she has a nest nearby?

An Arizona Icon

Reaching for the sky.