Barrel Cactus

We Like This Easy Meal Stuff Two, Errr, Too

Mesquite, The Flower, Not the Smoke

Now, I never professed to be a expert at identifying plants or animals that are new to me.  So, imagine my surprise (I hear you laughing heartily, those of you who live in the southwest USA), when when attempting to figure out what what tree these lovely little yellow fuzzballs belong to, that I discovered it was some kind of mesquite.  Yep, our favorite bar-b-que smoking wood, also a delightful spring bloomer.  But be careful, there are thorns there, check out the second photo, left side of photo.

POST SCRIPT, I have since found this page on the whitethorn acacia, and believe I may have identified this plant incorrectly.

Date Palm

Hiding in the Bougainvillea

As Man and I were walking around Old Town La Quinta, I was taking photos, mostly of flora.  Then, I heard several of these little fellows flitting around in the leaves of a bougainvillea.  I had to work hard to get a photo, and truth is, I did not think I had anything worth sharing till I uploaded them to the computer, well, lookie here, who is this hiding in the bougainvillea?  Identification has not been attempted.

Hibiscus

Bougainvillea, Queen of Color??

One of the first plants we found bursting with color when we entered the Palm Springs/La Quinta area, bougainvillea, is everywhere, abundant and in full bloom.

Oleader in Pink

Just before we left La Quinta, the oleander began to bloom.  Sign that spring is springing in the extreme warm climes.

Is There Anything More Charming Than Hummers??

One of the work campers (they work for their camp site) in La Quinta had 3 or 4 hummingbird feeders.  The other afternoon I shot off 20 quick photos.  The hummers let me get quite close.  They are so much fun and so charming.

Pine Fire and Ice, A Study in Contrasts

Let There Be Pink and More Pink!

If God Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade, Got Sugar??

Here in LaQuinta we found color, flowers, oranges and this lemon tree (growing on the corner).  Note, both photos taken from Big Butt with zoom lens.

And, if you look close, there are new blooms, the next crop.
These lemons looked to be about 4 to 5 inches tall, no kiddin!

Snap Goes the Pink Dragon

Trash Pickin

Hey, Dude, is there any thing good to eat in there??

Not sure Partner, let me have a look - - 

A Rose for my Valentine(s)

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY 

TO ALL OF REFLECTION'S READERS

* From the archives, taken in late November 2009 in Fairhope Alabama at the pier.

Shades of Purple/Pink at the Salton Sea

Above:  Still working on the identification. Each rosette/flower was about 2 inches in diameter, there are 2 here.

And, above, here is just one rosette/flower.

Swimming in the Salton Sea, California

Believe this is a California gull, in the breeding year.  Disclaimer, I first thought it was the Ring-billed Gull, but the ring-billed does not have that little red spot on the bill.

Photographed at the Salton Sea Recreation Area.

The Joshua Tree

Man and I, along with friends Bob and Mina, took a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park.

Above: Lots and lots of Joshua Trees - -

Above, MORE Joshua Trees, the one in the front, has never bloomed.  According to literature we picked up at the Visitor's Center. that is why there are no "arms" on it.

Joshua Trees have no rings, so aging them is difficult.  After the first 5 years of growth, they grow at about 1/2 inch per year.  In the park there is one tree that is about 40 years old, estimated to be over 100 years of age (sorry we did not find that beaut!)

The park is also known for the rock formations.  More photos will appear on Reflections From the Fence in the next few days, focusing on the rocks.