Ostriches

 We went to the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich ranch and had a blast feeding and petting the collection of animals.  The last time we went was at least five years ago.

One of these ostriches grabbed the back of Dave's eyeglass holders after this photo was taken.

Christmas in Tucson

Typical Christmas morning in Tucson!

And a Peppermint Cheesecake for the Christmas dinner finale!

 

Golf Cart Parade 2022

 Our first activity of season 9 - The Golf Cart Parade.  There were at least 70 entries.  It's so fun to walk amongst the carts, while it's still light, and see all the work put into the decorating.  Some even play Christmas songs, lights flash on others, and two women playing the accordians!  Very festive.

And the sunset was sensational, too.

Owlet season

Babies hatching and flowers blooming.  Our last two weeks here are full of activity at the "Brooke".

These babes are on a post that is sort of under an overpass.  This is how I am able to stand above the nest and see what's happening down below.

This is their mother nearby.

At the compound we know of two nests with babes.  This one is close to the clubhouse and I could see three owlets.  Too many branches and leaves make for not great photos.  I'll keep visiting to see if the owlets get big enough to wander onto some branches.

 

Morning bird activity

The next three days will be over 90 degrees so we started on a very early morning bird hunting walk.  We found all the usual suspects.

 

Catalina State Park

The hiking club had their annual picnic at this state park.  We went early and did about a two mile easy hike to see if any wildflowers were blooming.  Nothing much yet.  But the Saguaros still look great.

 

More birding

Went to a birding lecture yesterday.  There was some good information.  Now I may look into getting a stronger set of binoculars.  This afternoon I found some typical birds on a quick walk from my house.

Female Vermillion Flycatcher

Male Vermillion Flycatcher

Gambel's Quail