On a trip this week to Phoenix, Mike spent a few hours hiking in Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona.

 The Rincon Mountains

 Barrel Cactus flowers

 Saguaro Cactuses

 Cholla Cactus

  A young Saguaro Cactus and a Palo Verde Tree

 The largest Barrel Cactus that I have ever seen

  Javelina Hills

 Gila Woodpecker on Saguaro Cactus
(Does this picture remind anyone else of the cover of Wilco's album "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot"?)

We had a very nice light snow in Las Cruces overnight. By this evening, it's pretty much gone, but it was great to wander around in it. And it was heavier in the mountains, so it should last another day higher up. Anyhow, here are some photos from the "Snow Day."



Our front yard and Buena Vida Park across the street, at dawn.

Cactus in Buena Vida park

House Finch in the park

Buena Vida Park

La Cueva and the Organ Mountains in Dripping Springs National Recreation Area.

Cactus at the Dripping Springs Visitor Center.

Red Twigs in the snow.

Clouds in Organ Mountains.

Ocotillo spines with snow.

Along the Dripping Springs trail.

Dennis on the Dripping Spring trail.

Mike at the Dripping Springs Visitor Center

Our neighbor's Cedars of Lebanon with snow.  

Red berries in our yard. 

During our Christmas trip, we spent a few days at Brazos Bend State Park south of Houston. It is mostly swampland near the Gulf of Mexico and so it is full of wildlife.


Sunset

9 Banded Armadillo 

 Swamp Vegetation

Turkey Vulture

Cormorant, Snowy Egret and three Black Bellied Whistling Ducks

Dennis

Turkey Vulture Roost

White Ibis surrounded by Black Bellied Whistling Ducks

Great Egret

Ruby Crowned Kinglet

 Blue Winged Teals

Reflection of fishing tackle caught in tree above the water with algae

Black Bellied Whistling Ducks

White Ibis

American Alligator and brave (foolish?) Marsh Hen

Little Blue Heron

American Mike and Spanish Moss

Great Egret in flight

 Great Egret landing in front of Mike

Swamp colors