A Welcome Addition

Not the greatest photo, but this young Robin made herself known yesterday, taking advantage of some fresh rainwater which was pooled on some outdoor gym equipment.  Given the incredible number of insects we have this summer, I was glad to see her!

Other Cacti

The strange meandering silhouette of the large cactus is quite formidable. I think this is a cholla cactus. When it dries, it looks very cool, and many artists use the dried shapes in their work. The low profile prickly pear is New Mexico's version of "the weed." Trying to avoid these things while dog-walking is near impossible! They are tough to dig up and even though they look really cool, especially when they flower, I would prefer that they were not so abundant.

Unknown Flowering Plant

This is a strange plant which I have always liked. When it flowers, early in summer and/or late spring, it produces little purple flowers. It then shoots out a runner of sorts which has some little bean pod type thingies. No idea what the name of this plant is, but the bean pod things are rather nifty! If anyone knows what this is, please feel free to comment.

Indian Paintbrush Plant

This, I think, is a wildflower known as an Indian Paintbrush. This is the first one I have seen on the property and every time I go near it, very concerned hummingbirds go on the offensive!

Pinchushion Cactus?

I have had these little cacti all around my property for years... they are sort of annoying, as they are "hidden" and pose a threat to the dogs who are not aware that stepping on them might be a bad idea. The ones which dare to grow inside our fenced area are "re-homed" to a less trod area. In all the years I have seen these little suckers, I never knew they flowered! Yesterday, while tramping near the arroyo, I discovered this guy! Respect!

Needless to say, I am not as annoyed by them now that I know they are so adorable. After a little research, it seems that this is a pincushion cactus.

The top image is of another cactus which I believe is about to flower.

High Desert Findings!

Having grown up in Central Florida-- on an island, which was basically a SWAMP, no less -- it seems that every day I see a plant, animal or other naturally occurring object which causes me to gawk. Living in the High Desert of the Southwest, it seems that nearly everything is different here.

Back home, our plants were lush, green, leafy and abundant in the color department. Our birds were, likewise, colorful. Rocks were scarce and unimpressive in size. The land was flat, swampy and teeming with slimy critters. The wildlife was pretty basic-- mostly small, overfed, and not terribly dangerous with the exception of the gators, of course. I miss the gators most of all.

But I have lived in Northern New Mexico for about 8 years now, and I am happy to report that the critters and plants we have here are equally as interesting and sometimes as pretty as back home.

This blog is a tribute to some of the cool things I see around my property as well as some ramblings about my creations and life in general. I do not know much about many of the species of plant and animal life here, and I always welcome input. You are welcome to borrow my images so long as you give credit to this blog or link to this page.