10/2021

The Longleaf False Goldeneye was spectacular this fall in central Arizona. The showy daisy-like flowers spread for miles across the rocky flats and slopes into dry arroyos. Goldeneye is a native plant of the southwest and benefits from summer monsoon rains.

9/2021

The monsoon season brought much needed rain to central Arizona. And with it came the most beautiful butterflies. My garden zinnias have been a main attraction for many different types.

8/2120

It has been a busy summer for us but there is always time to enjoy our backyard visitors. From top to bottom: Black-chinned Hummingbird, a juvenile Black-headed Grosbeak, Calliope Hummingbird, bee on morning glory, Skipper butterfly on a ladybird cosmo, hummingbird moth and a different perspective of a White-winged Dove.

6/2021

The brilliant Hooded Orioles (along with the Bullocks Orioles) visited our feeders this spring. These southwestern birds are very secretive so it was truly delightful to have them stop by for a few days.

5/2021

Migration is in full swing and the Lazuli Buntings have been at our feeders for at least 2 weeks! And the Western Tanagers have just shown up.

4/2021

A place well worth visiting is Tuzigoot National Monument. This ancient ruin was built approximately 1000 years ago on a limestone hilltop in Arizona’s Verde Valley. The Verde River runs 120 feet below and provided year round water for the Sinagua pueblo culture. Tuzigoot has been designated an Important Bird Area.

2/2021

The Western Bluebirds will spend the winter in the desert. Flocks of these beauties visit our yard, hunting for insects. They gather at the bird water bowl to drink and take baths. And they just keep getting bluer and bluer!

1/2021

The tiny Verdin is showcased for the first month of 2021. This fast moving bird tolerates the heat of the desert, always searching for hidden insects among the foliage. During the winter months it visits our backyard and eats the fruit of leftover apples still hanging on the tree.