birds

I noticed today that the small birds at work were hiding in the shade of trees during the day. This is landscaping up on the desert mesa side of Rio Rancho. The day time temperature was a record high and am cover was likely welcome. It also meant the birds wanted to hold still and it was easier to take their pictures taken.Shade trees and access to water with irrigation is more important. I wonder if those small birds would even be found out in the semi desert if it wasn't for humans changing the habitat?

Of course, other animals also like the changes humans make. This jack-rabbits and his bro's have moved in to take advantage of new sprouts from the brief rain flurry. The presence of humans also keeps coyotes away; at least for a bit. I hear there are also raccoons moving in.

The grasshoppers are always around, of course. However, their abundance and size varies according to green growth and they will often explode in numbers when there is bright sun and some moisture.

Some species get pretty big, but most are of moderate size.

They also supply abundant, easy food for birds and their young.

The monsoon downpours are unpredictable, but the conditions for the the downpours are currently getting here. The nuances are beyond me, but I can often tell when the storms are forming. So far, they are small and spotty, but I stay hopeful for the tadpoles to come...

Found this little guy on a ditch walk today. A little trick is to hold a thumb near it's nose, which can stop it from jumping just long enough to get a quick picture.