Both of these critters were seen on the evening of summer solstice. Both are named for their “horns.” One has feathers; one has scales. Both are desert beauties.
Horned larks are one of the first birds I learned to identify. Lots of them seem to call Spring Creek Basin home. See his little “horn” tufts?
Same lark. Maybe it was the presence of the mustangs behind me that made him feel comfortable enough to land on nearby greasewood to check me out.
While following those same mustangs away from the road, this little fellow (fellarina?) caught my eye. (Much nicer to see a horned lizard scuttle away underfoot than the longer, more slithery kind!)
I didn’t realize it at first, but it was hunting around an ant hill.
I started to see it darting forward, and that’s what alerted me that it was going after something on the ground, presumably insects. Too bad it’s out of focus, but it helps the story!
You might think this one is out of focus – I did, too – but look at that little dirt ball in front of the lizard. See the bug? It didn’t last long!
Is it just me, or does that look like a satisfied little lizard? 🙂
Beautiful Temple, kissed by a tiny bit of light from above Spring Creek canyon’s rimrocks on a very smoky summer solstice evening in Spring Creek Basin.
Some scenes don’t need a whole heckuva lotta words.
Grateful.
Happy summer solstice!
AND happy Father’s Day, Dad and dads everywhere!!!!!! (Why I remembered yesterday, when I scheduled this post, that “tomorrow” was the 21st and the solstice but not that tomorrow was (is) Sunday and Father’s Day … argh, my brain!)
It’s always hard to put into words what my dad (and mom) mean to me, but when you think of a dad, mine is that dad – always loving, always supporting, always reminding me to “check the oil.” 🙂 Most and best of all, he (they) gave me a love for horses from birth that, clearly, has withstood the passing of years. Thank you, Dad. I love you!!!
Buckeye and his band have gone deep into the east (the McKenna Peak Wilderness Study Area part of Spring Creek Basin) to find water and forage without competition (smart), so I don’t see them nearly as often as I always have before. It’s always great to see them (Aiyanna above), no matter where they are or how long between sightings.
Are you folks seeing this planetary parade in your evening sky?
My phone says these were taken about 10 minutes till 10 p.m., and I took them Wednesday night. It still amazes me that my phone takes such decent pix of the night sky, though I’ll admit that it’s hard to tell that’s a waxing and very delicate crescent moon (setting).
I’ve been watching at least a couple of planets the last several evenings – enjoying, not photographing or even attempting to. Then I remembered that my phone isn’t too shabby at taking night-sky pix. And you have to know by now that I’m a sucker for the moon. 🙂
AI Google says this to explain the above:
You are witnessing a spectacular “mini planet parade” featuring a slender, waxing crescent Moon aligning with the brilliant planets Venus and Jupiter, along with Mercury. [1, 2]
The bright “stars” you are seeing are actually these inner and outer planets, which always shine exceptionally bright and steady compared to twinkling stars. The details of this cosmic alignment include: [1, 2, 3]
The Planets:Venus is by far the brightest, hanging lowest in the sky. Jupiter, the largest planet, is shining brightly nearby, while elusive Mercury sits lowest on the horizon, fading as twilight sets in. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The Moon: The delicate crescent is gliding near this trio and is beautifully illuminated by earthshine—sunlight reflecting off Earth’s oceans and clouds. [1, 2]
The Stars: If you have an unobstructed view and clear skies, you might also spot the twin stars of Gemini (Castor and Pollux) or the Beehive Star Cluster framing the scene higher up. [1, 2]
For the best viewing experience, find a location with a wide, flat, and dark western horizon right after sunset. Binoculars can help you spot Mercury before it slips below the horizon, and they will transform the crescent Moon’s backdrop into a glittering swarm of stars in the Beehive Cluster. [1, 2]
I don’t know about ya’ll, but I still don’t know which is which; is it Venus, “by far the brightest, hanging lowest in the sky” … or Mercury, sitting “lowest on the horizon”? I mean, if they’re both the lowest, which is the *lowest*? Ha. Venus must be the bright “star” just to the lower right of the moon? Expert stargazers, please help me!
It’s hot out there, folks. The temp yesterday in Disappointment Valley hit 101F, according to my vehicle. Ugh. So hot. So dry. Trying to be patient waiting for rain.
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 