Fiddlenecks and Globe Mallows

Here are a few more pictures from the White Tanks.

Fiddlenecks were very plentiful this year.

The breeze always seemed to pick up whenever I clicked the shutter! Of all the pictures I took, this was the sharpest of the flower detail.

Globe Mallow comes in orange and yellow, but I only saw orange ones at the White Tanks. They stood out against the Brittlebush and lupines.

We saw a number of hikers on the Black Rock Loop trail, many of them with cameras. But the area is so large that it never seemed crowded. The Black Rock trail is a very easy couple of miles. In fact, the first part of it is groomed enough for a wheelchair or stroller. It isn´t paved so it wouldn´t be easy, but it is do-able. The longer loop has some rolling spots, nothing too adventurous, and some rocky paths. But it is a very easy, enjoyable hike.

White Tanks Park Continues Its Show

Three weeks ago we went to the White Tanks and took photos of the wildflowers. Today Kent and I went out again. The Brittlebush was spectacular. The hillsides are awash with their yellow flowers. Kent took this photo of the saguaro surrounded by them.

The cactus in the center is a type of cholla. They look soft and harmless--but they´re not!

We saw four lizards today. This was one of the bigger ones. When we were here 3 weeks ago, we didn´t see any. They have come out around our house, too. They dart from shrub to shrub, taking care to not be too easy of a target for the Roadrunners and other large birds that eat them.

This is a hedgehog cactus. Beautiful!

For some reason Blogger didn´t want to upload more than 4 pictures today. I have lots more--but I will have to save the others for the next time.

The Desert in Bloom - White Tanks Park

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The wet weather in February has paid off in beautiful wildflowers. The desert is now green and lush.

These photos were taken at the White Tanks, a Maricopa County park near where I live. One of my favorite places for a Sunday visit, which this was. The pix were taken March 25. The blue Lupines were spectacular.

I´m not sure of the name of this cactus. Claret Hedgehog, perhaps? The color was too good to pass up. Had to get down on my knees to get a close up, too!

These are Mexican Gold Poppies. We also sawBrittlebush and lots of blooms, which means I must go back next weekend. The creosote bushes smelled so good, too. I love their scent, although I know it isn´t for everyone.

We didn´t see any wildlife other than a few birds. I said it was too early for rattlesnakes--but I was wrong! Someone told me her neighbor had gone for a family hike this week and saw one in the parking lot!