Early Spring in 2012

What a difference a year makes!

It seems as if we just took down the Christmas decorations, but no one is complaining about the blue skies and warm sunshine.  Last year, we were experiencing record breaking low temperatures.  This year, spring seems to have arrived a month early.

Here are a few quick shots, taken before setting out on a bicycle ride, to show the happy response of the wild flowers in the yard.

Salvia crowding the front patio.

 

A happy Brittle Bush bursting with flowers.

 

More Salvia on the far side of the driveway.

 

Parry's Penstamon are also very happy.

More Penstemon next to the Organ Pipe cactus.

 

A closer view.

Lazuli Bunting Visit

Sunday morning, we just had the most fascinating birds “drop in” for a visit during their trip north.  They seem shy and very quiet.  Their enthusiasm for the Palo Verde blossoms carpeting the back yard was obvious, as you can see in the pictures my wife captured below.

Pretty Boy!

Lovely Lady

Front

Back

Lady Facing the Camera

Younger Male

They have been back once again rather late in the afternoon today, but the few pictures I snapped were not well lit nor particularly impressive.  We will keep watching for them.

Quail at Easter 2011

First Mother Quail of the 2011 Season Arrives

Each year we look forward eagerly to the return of nesting quail, who frequently bring their young to the back yard for food and water.  This year a small family appeared very early.

"Mom" and chicks in their first appearance

We will now just [...]