King of the Cactii

The Barrel Cactus is wearing a magnificent crown.

Spines and Spears

Equally formidable, the Cholla's spines and the Thrashers beak.

You are cleared for landing

And ready for refueling!

Summer Bounty

If I had had a little time I would have been harvesting the Prickly Pear fruit but sadly it was not to be. However I can take consolation in knowing that the fruit will not go to waste as there are many appreciative animals around to reap this plentiful harvest.

Meet Stumpy

Our beautiful resident Gopher Snake. She does a regular, thorough round of our patio to check for trespassers


Before slipping into her favourite hiding spot under the steps to keep a look-out. Pack-rats beware!


And why Stumpy? She has an old injury on the tip of her tail. I was a little concerned but it does seem to be healed and dry.

Steppin' Out

Gambel's Quail on the run.

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.