Corona de Tucson
August 6, 2022
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August 1...first sunrise for the month |
Living in the desert and writing we had some really good storms with lots of rain is always a good thing...unless you have an appointment and have to be heading to the city during one of those monsoon storms. Flash flood warning signs along the roads should not be taken lightly.
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Lots of rushing water, mud and debris |
We have also had some beautiful blue skies with big puffy white clouds this week and some really decent temps for this time of year...cool mornings with highs in the low 90s. Jack has taken advantage of the weather to enjoy some early morning ball play outside.
On one of those blue sky kind of days, we headed to REI in search for Joe a pair of shoes. These palm trees are so tall and so neatly manicured outside their store. We have a palm tree just on the other side of the fence. We can only assume it was planted when the area was a fairway in years gone by. You can see in the first photo of the sunrise...it is tall, but not manicured like these. At first, I thought the dead fronds (yes, I had to look that up) were quite ugly and should be removed. But the tree is too tall and since it's not in our yard, we have no plans to pay to have it done. And then, I realized the birds love those dead fronds.
I have had a change of heart during the past year or so and can honestly say I am not so bothered by the fronds anymore. I do enjoy watching the birds go in and out and in-between them. The Cactus Wrens are particularly fond of the old palm tree with its fronds. Maybe it is because all kinds of insects and spiders make their home in there.
I was excited to find Vidalia onions at the grocery store this week. As far as onions go, they are crunchy and sweet and a yummy reminder of my home state.
We are counting down the days...three more til Joe's stitches are removed. Lots of time has been spent enjoying the patio and I am happy to report the Cardinal is all dried out and back to his handsome self.
He has visited often this week and has even brought along one of his own...a younger Northern Cardinal.
The mornings and early evenings are usually the busiest times of the day for bird visitors. This week it has been all about the Gamble's Quails. Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins have all joined in the party at the oasis this week. I may have even seen a few grandmas and grandpas too.
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female Lesser Goldfinch |
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female Oriole |
The White-winged Dove spend most of their time pecking at the ground for seeds and tiny grains of rocks (which help with digestion). I was surprised to see them on the feeder enjoying the goodies.
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The Gamble's Quail and White-winged Dove are the two largest birds that visit the yard...both are ground feeders, but have decided they like the butter bites too. |
I think the White-winged Dove is quite a distinguished looking bird.
While I spend time clicking away, Jack spends time napping...
but not Sally. She is always on guard.
Joe asked me yesterday morning if I was tired of our yard yet. I answered with a great big no and the puppies followed with a great big amen !
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August 3...mid morning...a gathering of Gila Woodpeckers (do you see the two that are hiding in the fronds?) |
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August 5...afternoon...not sure what this Cactus Wren was doing, but he was doing it for quite a few minutes |
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And today, August 6 @ 6:00 am |