Horny Toad

Caught this guy in the mountains...

He has the same grumpy look that my cat gets.

He has red on him that you don't see on the ones down in the desert.  They are more grey brown to blend with dry, dusty, desert. He posed just long enough for the photo op.

Turtle 2

Well, look what was in the street.  Yep another turtle.  This one was by the truck this morning.  He is smaller than the other.  He looks like a two year old v. a 3 or 4 year old like the other.  He was quite active and insistant about being put down.  Maybe Speedy is a good name for this one.....

His markings are different on his shell.  The recent rains have brought them out.  I wouldn't want to see him squished in the street.  So...It looks as if we are becoming a turtle nursery.

Roadrunner

I spotted this guy this morning while stopped at a stop sign.

The Roadrunner or Chaparral is our state bird.  They eat all sorts of things, most notably, snakes.

He paused long enough for a couple of snaps.  I think they are gorgeous.

He has noticed me....

And off he goes...

A light dusting of dust

And what a lovely picture he paints... I know it is Christmas, but I wanted to toss this in to remind you all that we ARE in the desert and we refer to the dust as ENCHANTMENT.....  He goes out and rolls like a buffalo, clouds of dust kicking up... he is black by the way....

Not impressed being the subject.  Off to find fresh dirt...

Merry Christmas EVE!!