I just love taking walks in the desert in the spring. It's not too hot and there is so much going on! Here's a sampling from one of my recent walks near EskDale. Above is a clouded sulphur butterfly munching on some blue mustard. On calm days, it is easy to see hundreds, if not thousands, of sulphurs around alfalfa fields, and apparently they occasionally want the taste of something a little different.
This is a very large western fence lizard. It was hanging out on the dark rock, sunbathing. It looked like a pretty good idea. He wouldn't let me join him, though, he kept darting away.
Here's another view of the western fence lizard. You can see the faint horizontal bands going across the lizard's body and tail.
Hiding under a bush was a baby horned lizard, just a few inches long. They blend in so well with their surroundings that it's nearly impossible to find one unless it races from one bush to another.
The Western kingbirds were having fun flitting around on the greasewood, but they sat still long enough for me to snap this photo, with the Deep Creek Range in the background. I am really thankful I live in such a beautiful place. Just looking at these photos makes me ready to go back out for another desert walk!
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This is the way to live. You probably know how fortunate you are for this style of living. I was raised on a ranch in Saskatchewan, and it was the highlight of my day when I could saddle up my horse and go check the cows. There was more life in the pastures than most cities have these days. I'm a patient person when it comes to watching animals and their behaviour. I suspect you are of that personality. Your website if great, and all the best for you and your family with your ranch.
Best regards,
Bonnie A
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