Ocotillo

Had another quick lunch-time trip to the community ponds in Ocotillo. There are still huge numbers of Neotropic Cormorants, and a surprisingly high number of Common Mergansers, in addition to the usual heron and egrets.

Neotropic Cormorants Lined Up on the Shore


A few of the Common Mergansers, with a couple American Wigeons


Great-Blue Heron

Short Update - Hawks and Says Phoebe

We've had occasional backyard visits from a Sharp-Shinned Hawk (pictured) and a Northern Harrier. The Sharp-Shinned actually landed in our yard, and then the Mesquite tree.

At lunch on Friday, I took a very brief walk at the perimeter of South Mountain. I saw Says Phoebe (pictured), Gila Woodpecker, Cactus Wren, and a few other common birds. It's still a little early for lizard activity - none were seen.


Sharp-Shinned Hawk


Sharp-Shinned Hawk through window


Say's Phoebe