
Red continues to be the star of the show. What I noticed this week is that Mrs. and Red visit for birdseed at different times — no longer together. They take turns. Does that mean that one of them is in the nest? Does that mean there are babies or eggs?

Mrs. showing off her back and tail.

My new birdbath is seeing some appreciation.

It must be lizard season. I’m seeing them daily running across the yard.

We now have more quail families than I can count. From newbies to teens.

Quail always have a male on guard stationed above the others. This one is on a bench on a raised platform where he can watch over the clan.

Mrs. enjoying a snack.

Red flitting around the back yard from a cactus statue to the real thing.

Happy 249 birthday to our nation! What plans do you have to celebrate?

It does look like there is nesting going on if they are taking turns.
Is that a Gila Monster lizard?
They are taking turns to show up in our yard for birdseed. I hope you are correct and I get to see baby cardinals. I don’t know what type of lizard it is. I’ll have to investigate. We do have Gila Monsters here.
It will be interesting to see if they bring the fledglings to the yard and know if it is a Gila Monster
I hope the Cardinal do, too. I think their nest is on the other side of the fence in a cholla cactus. It’s not a Gila Monster. I looked through common lizards here and the Gila Monster has a bright yellow and brown pattern. It looks like a Desert Spiny Lizard according to the website I used.
Thanks for looking the lizard up for me, and you. It’s good that the native birds and animals enjoy your home
The lizard was on my to do list. You gave me a little push. I think the birds like my birdseed 😊
Today we’re going to go for it with a picnic of hot dogs and potato salad and baked beans and beer and strawberries on ice cream for dessert. Nothing demonstrates patriotism like eating foods of dubious nutritional value. 😜
That sounds perfect. We are going for wagyu burgers and tater tots. We’re deciding on dessert. Cherry pie and ice cream or watermelon?
Maybe a bite of each dessert! 😋
That’s the way to celebrate!
Lovely photos my friend. Your yard is a delightful sight
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed my photos.
You’re most welcome
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I think that’s a pretty common sign of a pair who have eggs. One is always sitting on or guarding the nest. I’m not a 4th of July person really so just staying close to home, doing a bit more packing and waiting for the large explosions to begin into the night. Oddly though this has been the first year that the locals haven’t been setting off fireworks for days leading up to today. Technically they aren’t supposed to, but that’s never stopped them before. It’s been really lovely but I imagine tonight will be a different story 😉
I do think that’s what is going on with Red and Mrs. Before they were together every day. I hope I get to see their babies. We don’t have any fireworks next to the preserve which is fine with me. They are a fire hazard. When we lived one block from the main drag in Palm Springs, we could watch the big show from our backyard.
I love how much activity you have in your yard, Elizabeth! Isn’t that amazing and wonderful?! Happy Fourth!
It sure has kept my spirits up while recovering from surgery. Lots of entertainment and the ability to continue with photography. Happy Fourth to you and your family!
The first few entries in your photography nature book or art show. Stunning shots Elizabeth.
Wow. Thank you. I live next to a very artsy town called Carefree than has art shows every month. Who knows what the future will bring? Thanks for the encouragement and idea!
Those are wonderful photos! You have big lizards. I find small geckos but that is about it. We did have an enormous turtle on our driveway the other day and I had to leave while Mike was directing it towards the other side of the street to the wooded area. We tend to be in a busy area lately but I needed to leave, much to my disappointment as I wanted to stay and take a few more pics.
We are happy to spend a quiet 4th at home.
We are too. It’s not like I can get out and do anything anyway. But I did spend more than an hour in my backyard writing in my journal and enjoying the birds, mild weather and plants.
Fabulous photos. I wonder where they would have their nest… Keep your eagle eye looking for it. Happy 4th.
I’ve seen them going in and out of a cholla cactus in the wash behind our house. It’s very protected. I’m not sure that’s where their nest is, but it could be.
This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing
I’m so glad you liked them! Thanks for your comment.
Wonderful 💯
Thank you!
Great photos!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed them.
Babies?!? That will be so much fun.
Great pics.
I sure hope we get to see the babies!
Beautiful photos! I love the lizard, and Red sure is handsome!
Thank you! 😊
You’re welcome, Elizabeth! 🥰
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