We were treated to two more blooms yesterday. This time from our Argentine Giant (Echinopsis candicans).
I just relocated our specimen because it didn’t seem happy where it was. So far so good and we’re hoping it becomes a monster bloomer like the one next door. It took our breath away the first time we saw it!
So far our Mammillaria grahammii have been blooming twice a year (July and October) so I’ve learned to hunt for them at those times. This shot was late yesterday so they are right on time. The tiny cactus typically grows at the base of other shrubs and since the flowers only last one day, they are very easy to miss.
The red spines of this Barrel Cactus are an indication of the great soaking rain we had last night.
This may be a warning for sailors but a morning red sky is good news for the desert!
Some cool clouds this morning and a promise of rain. We can hope!
(Canon 5D-IR, Canon 50mm 1.8 lens)
Gambels Quail chicks responding to the sound of birdseed.
I had a very early errand this morning so I grabbed this shot from my car window.
What you’re looking at is a sandy wash with some debris and small shrubs.
(ISO 100, 1/4th sec at f/27, 200mm)
When I’m stuck for a photo of the day, I head for a cat or a cactus. Here are both in this photo of Chris walking Cleo. Walking him usually means a lot of waiting as you can see.
The majority of the time, Ocotillo look as if they are dead. Given even the slightest moisture, though, and they respond by sprouting leaves. We’ve had rain two nights in a row now so this Ocotillo will be full of leaves in no time.
Happy 4th of July! I’m posting from my archives today. This water drop technique was something I always wanted to try and it turned out pretty well considering I didn’t put much time into it.
Below is my setup which includes a flag graphic from the local newspaper, a window screen, a spray bottle with water, window light, camera, tripod, cable release and most important (of course), a macro lens. All in all, it was a fun (but messy) project 🙂
