Researchers recently discovered that the elaborate and vibrant peacock tail is not just a dazzling display, it can also emit low frequency infrasound when shaking. While human ears can’t pick up the rumbling other pea fowl can. Fascinating!

Nandi celebrated her 6 month birthday this morning. She is such a happy, active young lady. She sure smiles a lot! Mom is always nearby in case Nandi runs into trouble. Dad, with the capped tusk, is mainly concerned with finding the treats that are hidden throughout their habitat. After a busy morning, which included a dust bath, Mom took Nandi to the back for her afternoon nap.

Cruz is a two-year old male mountain lion, residing at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. When he was about four months old he was found in a backyard in southern California, scared and emaciated. After California Game & Fish rescued him they knew he wouldn’t be able to fend for himself in the wild (he hadn’t learned any of the needed skills) so they started looking for a permanent home. Thankfully, ASDM had space available and Cruz came to Tucson.

Cruz was very lively today, I wonder if it was the lovely weather or a case of spring fever that riled him up?

The first poppy blooms of the season opened in my yard today – coincidence? I think not…

Four different poppy flowers and a globemallow for good measure.

Beautiful fall colors, a rare treat here in the Sonoran Desert. Which means we are stuck deep in the throes of winter (with temps dipping well below 70 during the day – brrrr!) for another two whole months. Sigh. We’ll suffer through somehow…

This walked through my yard this morning. Only the second mule deer I’ve seen on the property in the 5+ years that I’ve lived here. I know it is a fuzzy shot but it was the best view of his head and rack. What a handsome animal!

Ice on the birds’ water:

Glittery spider webs, red Desert Christmas Cactus fruits, colorful blooms, and star-shaped seed pods – my yard is ready for the holidays!