Tucson, AZ
April 13, 2014
That's right...we are moving on!
But not before one more post from Tucson. There is an overflow "pond" here on the KOA property. On one of our walks with Sally and Dover, I just happened to notice this pair of Neotropic Cormorants. I sure enjoyed watching them.
Don't they have beautiful eyes?
The turtles were enjoying the warm sunshine.
And this morning, we saw a pair of Mallards.
And if that wasn't enough, a Giant Swallowtail visited the orange tree beside our patio...this is the largest species of butterfly in North America.
The mama and daddy dove don't have babies yet...they are still patiently waiting. I think they will be glad when I leave!
The orange blossoms that smelled so nice when we arrived are now green oranges...
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This has been our patio view for the last 3 weeks. This is one busy office!
We did manage one last ride through the desert...the Bajada Loop drive in the Saguaro West NP. Its a short 6 mile drive on an unpaved road through the foothills of the Tucson Mountains.
I hope the following pictures show why we fell in love with the desert last year.
During the day the Saguaro flowers are pollinated by bees and birds. This Curve-billed Thrasher was sure doing his part.
The cholla were just beginning to bloom...I would have a hard time picking a favorite color!
Bajada Loop Road...
We saw lots of Gila Woodpeckers. They were also very busy!
And these cute little guys...I am not sure what they are. I really get sparrows and wrens mixed up. Maybe it is a Song Sparrow?
Tomorrow is moving day. We are so excited to be going somewhere we have never been before...Sedona, AZ. We have a month planned there before heading on to Moab. We already have hikes planned for this week! It will take a few hikes to get ourselves back in shape!
Until next time, take care and...
enjoy!
Beautiful beautiful pictures. We almost decided to live in the Tucson area when we retired and one reason was the saguaro ….. truly magnificent. Especially in bloom. Safe travels and can't wait for the views of Sedona. S
ReplyDeleteHi Sue! It's so good to hear from you. The saguaro blooms are magnificent and I especially like all the birds they attract.
DeleteLovely, lovely! I can't pick a favorite they are all great. I think being in the desert when the saguaros are in bloom is a treat.
ReplyDeleteI love that photo sequence of the Curve billed Trasher waiting for its prey. Well done Gay.
I can say its a sparrow but not sure which kind.
Safe travel to Sedona. So I guess Joe is mending fast.
Thank you MonaLiza. I had no idea that little insect was even in the picture until I downloaded on the computer.....nice surprise! And isn't he just so cute with his whole head stuck in the bloom!
DeleteYes, Joe had stitches out last Friday....all is good! I can't believe I forgot to mention that. Thanks for asking!
Love your pictures. The cormorants are just incredible. Sure am looking forward to your pictures from the red rock area. Sedona is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandie....the cormorants were fun to watch! I am so excited about going to Sedona.
DeleteCan't believe how awesome the saguaro are with those blooms!! I WILL see them one day. You got some amazing photos. I love the one with the bird's head stuck in the flower:)
ReplyDeleteYou will love Sedona with your Jeep. A 4x4 is necessary to see most of the best views. Make sure you drive the Broken Arrow Road. We only saw Pink Jeeps and rental Jeeps back there. Once you get to Chicken Point, you can hike down and take a trail to the chapel...very cool. Check out our blog on our trip to Sedona last year. It was our first trip with our brand new Jeep which filled with red dust in no time:) Enjoy!!!
You really do need to plan a stay here in Tucson in April one year....the desert is beautiful Pam! And the weather has been awesome!
DeleteOnce we get settled in, I will go back and check your post on Sedona. I can't believe how excited I am about going there....so silly! We have a great 4X4 book for Moab...do you know if there is one for Sedona?
P.S. Did you notice the USA Today paper? It's at the office here.
Your pictures sure do show the beauty of the desert. Never thought I'd love it so much. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joan...it has been especially pretty this year! We love it too......
DeleteWhat great photos! The saguaros in bloom are really a treat. We're heading back that way so hopefully we'll be able to enjoy many of them too. Enjoy you next stop along the way.
ReplyDeleteI sure hope you get here to enjoy these beauties! The springtime desert is a treat to see and offers a lot of "WOW" moments!
DeleteAbsolutely gorgeous photos in today's log! I never imagined the desert being so green, so full of life & so pretty in bloom. You must have plenty of patience to take such great bird photos too. Either I don't have that kind of patience or I get all the uncooperative birds in my photo shoots. Safe travels to Sedona. I've heard that part of AZ is breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gayle...I think I just get lucky sometime. For every picture I post there are dozens deleted! We are so excited to be I a new area...and are certainly looking forward to some good hikes!
DeleteYou outdid yourself with the blooming cactus and priceless photos of the birds. Springtime in the desert is sure special.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your Sedona adventures. Be sure to read about the vortexes.
Thanks Pam...I just looked up the vortexes and cant wait to read more. I appreciate your mentioning it
DeleteGay, great post and gorgeous photos! Travel safe and enjoy your hikes!
ReplyDeleteForgot, sparrows are Chipping I believe.
ReplyDelete