Thursday, January 12/2012

One of several pathways  at the Hassayampa River Preserve

The Hassayampa River flows through the Preserve year round.

Charlotte - camera in hand

Pathway leading to one of the highest point in the Preserve

Palm trees at the Preserve.  These are transplanted from California as
palm trees are not native to Arizona

A "hole" in an ancient cottonwood

Not sure what this plant was but took a pic because it was so unique

Bridge over the river.  There were tons of little fish in the water.  Last time I was here, this
bridge was not in use as the river was deep and raging at this point.  This year, is is merely a
gentle meandering stream

Another pathway through this ecosystem.  Loved the green grass!!

Unique texture from an fallen dead cottonwood tree

It is hard to see them but there is little fish in this water!!

The River Preserve is a bird sanctuary and we saw this Great Egret along the Lake.

Another "hard to see" pic but this American Coot was busy splashing in the water
preening like a girl!!

Eventually, these American Coots,  over came their shyness and got
close enough for a decent picture

These berries were hanging from a fan palm.  They look like grapes!!

This little ground squirrel was very busy moving dirt out of his new  home.
He so looked like one of our gophers

One of our little hummingbirds back at camp

I caught this one as it was taking flight.  His little wings are nothing but a blur!!

This little guy is sitting guarding the feeder.   They hate to share!!

Because they hate to share,  two hummers at the feeder at once is  rather special

One hummingbird and two house finches sitting it the same tree

Tonight's sunset

It is very cloudy today and Charlotte and I are planning on hiking at the Hassayampa River Preserve.  We will leave around ten and do the trails.  Hopefully, we see some interesting things while we are there.
We headed out at 10 o'clock and did not get back to the camp until 3:30!!  What a great day we had.  When we first got there, we walked around their garden.  They have the names of all their plants and trees on free standing plaques beside them so it was nice to know that some of the trees and plants we see in our part of the desert are actually what we thought they were!!
We marvelled at the little hummingbirds as we walked in to pay the $5.00 admission fee.  They had three feeders on the go.
We wandered around the lobby for a while looking at all the articles they have on display then headed out onto the trails.
We walked everyone of the trails and I thoroughly enjoyed everyone of them.  We saw several species of birds with the Great Egret being the best of the bunch.  He was minding his own business wandering along the shore of Palm Lake until we came along and disturbed him.  I managed to get only one pic of him before he took flight and landed behind a bunch of cattails, out of sight.  Obviously a rather camera shy fellow!!   We also managed to catch several glimpses of a rather curious mule deer along one of the pathways.  He must have wondered what these two noisy women were doing invading his territory!!  I don't believe he was too terribly worried about us though as he was in no real hurry to get away.
We crossed the river (which this year was no more than a gentle meandering stream) and saw several little fish swimming around enjoying life.  The last time I was here, this little stream was impassable as it was a raging river and the bridge had to be removed.  Although the Hassayampa remains above ground throughout the Preserve, each year is different with this year being a quiet meandering stream, and last year being a deadly raging river!!  As we wandered the pathways along the river, we could see debris at least 20 feet up in the trees where a "flood event" occurred and left its calling card.  It certainly would be something to witness!!
As we finished the trails and were heading back to the office, we saw a very industrious ground squirrel busy moving dirt out of his recently constructed hole.  He was not too worried about us as he continues his labours as we watched and managed to snap a few pics of him.
As we headed to the jeep, we noted that it was 3 o'clock and were both surprised that we had managed to hike away the day here at the Preserve.  It did not seem like we had been gone all that long.  Driving out of the Preserve we saw a roadrunner and had we been quick enough, would have managed to get a picture of him.  He however, had different ideas and did not hang around - another camera shy creature!!
Back in town, we stopped at Quik Print and picked up the hikers version of a bird book so that we could easily identify some of the birds we have out here in camp.

We had the privilege of seeing the hummingbirds again tonight and while John was sitting under the feeder, one little fellow came so close to him that he actually felt the wind from his wings!!  I managed to get a pic of two sitting at the feeder which around here is rather unique being that they are so territorial and really hate to share.
The sunset was lovely again tonight but it turned chilly as soon as it set.
Time for a quick game of Yahtzee then supper and bed and more Advil and snake oil for John and his back.  Maybe it will be better in the morning.