While we didn't see any new species, we did encounter a lot of Lesser Goldfinches, Dark-eyed Juncos, American Robins, Gila Woodpeckers, Abert's Towhees, and a beautiful Anna's Hummingbird. We also got a chance to watch a pocket gopher excavating mouthfuls of dirt out of one of its elaborate tunnels. That was a first for both of us.
Sonja needed to run into town for a few errands so I decided to go grab our camera and see what I could capture while the morning light was still good.
First up was a beautiful Red-tailed Hawk perched at the top of a sycamore. I watched it for about five minutes before it took off, diving out of view beyond Beaver Creek. I didn't see it again, so I can only assume it was busy devouring whatever unfortunate critter found itself getting pounced on by a fistful of talons.
Next was a very vocal Northern Cardinal in our backyard. Spring is definitely in the air as every single male bird is busy singing like he's got a pair. Sorry, I couldn't resist. Bet you didn't know I was such a good rhymer.
I'm planning to grow my hair out like this. Fortunately, this is still a viable option for me since, unlike some of my brothers, I still have a full head of hair.
And I just couldn't resist spending a little time with my new pal, Clarence the Shiny Black Beetle. Not quite sure what species it is, yet. My preliminary guess is that it may be a Psydrus piceus, a species of ground beetle. But I haven't taken the time to key it out, so chances are I'm way off. I've seen quite a few of these rather large beetles, always on the ground (hence my assumption that it is a "ground beetle"). Pretty smart guess, huh? Anyway, I thought he was cool. He even cooperated with me to perform this little high-wire acrobatic stunt (click on the picture to watch Clarence in action!).
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