The Holler has the best neighbors. (click/tap to enlarge)
Check out the marvelous modeling mama,
grosbeak!
She is photogenic from every angle,
and loves having her picture taken.
She is a very friendly neighbor.
The orioles,
and acorn woodpeckers add a splash of color to the scene.
Cheers to you from our Holler neighbors~
This is the first time I have ever seen Joshua Trees in bloom!
These trees were recently designated an endangered species by The California Fish & Game Commission.
They are vulnerable because they exist in a limited area in The Southwestern US and Baja California. Their range is mostly contained by the boundaries of the Mojave Desert. This habitat is under pressure from development and climate change.
Joshua Trees are pollinated by Yucca Moths. Desert habitat is sensitive and species are interdependent.
Interestingly, in the distant past, Joshua’s were pollinated by Giant Sloths!
Humans have lived in The Mojave Desert for about 12,000 years.
Pictographs, cryptic messages from the past, can be found throughout this region.
Cheers to you from the fascinating Mojave~
These gorgeous huge poppies are bloomin’ up The Holler!
Also known as the Matilija Poppy, these are the largest flowers in the poppy family,
and they are the largest native California flower.
The blooms are 8 inches in diameter,
and the bushes grow to about 10 feet in height,
They are a challenge to grow, but so worth the effort!
Cheers to you & Happy Mother’s Day from The Holler’s Romneya~
Close up wonder of a hummer’s tail. (Tap to enlarge all photos).
Hummers can hover and fly backwards.
Their tongue is longer than their body and rolls up when not in use!
They can flash their colors at will.
Hummers are joy in the garden!
The world’s smallest bird,
is quite brave,
and not afraid of humans.
Cheers to you from The Holler Hummers~
Meet mommy grosbeak.
She is not as flashy,
as her hubby.
But she has a subtle, more delicate beauty.
Here is her dashing Romeo.
You have to admit he is, quite the looker, and eater!
He is shy, hesitant around humans,
smart birdie.
Cheers to you from the happy Holler honeys~
Meet the Lazuli Bunting!
He’s the new bird,
on the block!
I had never heard of a Lazuli Bunting,
until this guy showed at one of The Holler feeders.
Now he is a Holler local.
Happy Easter to you from the beauteous blue bunting~
are back,
at The Holler!
The golden girls are too.
This guy is a Bullocks Oriole.
All the rest are Hooded Orioles.
They are amazingly fun birds to have around,
because they have such comical personalities.
They head-bob, bicker, play and people watch.
Cheers to you from the handsome Holler orioles~
Sedona,
sunsets,
stun.
The cliffs,
glow,
when lit,
by the setting sun.
Cheers to you from sunkissed Sedona~
Monet,
could have traveled,
from Giverny,
to paint Arizona’s Superstition Mountains.
The place is an impressionistic,
dream.
Cheers to you from The Superstitions~
Flamingos?
Apparently.
Because here they are!
Hanging out with their very outgoing chicks.
There were Australian swans,
snoozing with Canadian Geese.
in ponds,
in Nevada and California.
Cheers to you from the happy birdies~
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