Enjoying Nature

 

Sunday morning was perfect for a long walk at the Desert Botanical Garden.  I started at 7:00 AM for the members only hour but I stayed until after 10:00.  I'm so glad I did because temperatures are predicted to warm up by the end of this week.  I was lucky to see this gorgeous cactus bloom before it fades during the day.  

I also saw lots and lots of desert creatures who were also out enjoying the perfect weather.  This little hummingbird was watching everything from his perch in a Palo Verde tree.

This desert spiny lizard looks like he's hanging on to a cliff but it was just a small rock.  He stayed there and watched me taking his photo from different angles.  He was most cooperative.

This Gila Woodpecker was calling out to a friend who was sitting on another saguaro down the trail a little way.  He soon flew off to join his friend.

I once saw a great horned owl in this tree so I always make a point of looking to see if it has returned.  I was surprised to find this heron sitting in the same place the owl sometimes sits.  That was a totally unexpected sight.

There was a lot to see, the weather was perfect and the garden was quiet.  What more could I ask for?