27-JUN-2008
Coral Bean
Growing along the Mount Lemmon Highway in Tucson, this plant is unusual because it flowers first before showing its leaves. They bloom from mid-June to late July with brilliant red flowers. Black-chinned hummingbirds are frequent pollinators and they can be found in the 3000 to 5000 foot range in desert grasslands and oak-pine woodlands.
22 May 2008
Gila Monster
Driving along Redington Road between San Manuel and Benson (still looks like old Arizona Territory must have looked long ago), I spotted this guy moving across the road. I stopped the car and grabbed my camera (landscape lens on it, unfortunately) and trailed him as he scurried along. He stopped once and swung his head around as if to say, "Stop bothering me." I stopped and watched him walk up the side of the hill and nestle in among some rocks. Happy at last.
The Gila Monster (pronounced heela) is the only venomous lizard (12-18 inches in length) that is native to Arizona and the USA. Its bite isn't fatal to humans but if it gets a hold of you, you'll need a stick to pry his jaws loose. He injects a poison into you as he holds on and chews.
They are protected in Arizona as their numbers are diminishing due to accidents and loss of habitat.
What a treat to have seen him in the wild.
13 April 2008
Kath and the Giant Saguaro
Definitely one of the biggest and oldest saguaros we've seen! And "fat" with water from all the rains. The beautiful white blossoms will start appearing in late May and early June.
We saw this one on the Cactus Forest Trail which was loaded with blooming hedgehogs.
16 March 2008
King Canyon Petroglyphs
Etched in the varnish of the rock walls of the wash by the ancient Hohokams, these petroglyphs date anywhere from 300 A.D. to 1450 A.D.
A great hike, lined with gorgeous wildflowers, along the King Canyon Trail just across from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. You start out walking on an old mining road and then descend to the wash for a round-trip hike.
Highly recommended
8 March 2008
Screech Owl
Greeting visitors to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
8 March 2008
Fields of Gold
Thanks to timely winter rains, the Tucson area is enjoying a spectacular wildflower show.
This particular field of Mexican Goldpoppies is located near Saguaro National Park.
20 February 2008
Ichiro
Spring Training is now in full swing here in Arizona and Florida.
For more baseball photos you can visit my 2008 Seattle Mariners Spring Training gallery.
16 February 2008
Time for a Nap
This little guy was all tuckered out after a big day at the Animal Fair.
The volunteer holding the little pup was a member of one of the many rescue organizations at the fair.
16 February 2008
The Parrot Meets the Boxer
17 February 2008
Rillito Races
Due to be demolished by 2010, this historic racetrack in Tucson is winding down its 4 week quarter horse racing season.
