Invisible Woman

they're back!

  
Our flowerpot doves have returned.

A sparse new nest of dried grass & twigs was stealthily laid into the clay pot (plantless, but dirt-filled) over the last few weeks.

Then a few days ago, the mourning doves had taken up residence again.

 
I accidentally startled the dove that first evening, and when it flew off, I was able to see that one egg was already laid. There may be another by now (doves usually lay two) but I'm trying not to disturb the expectant parents until they get used to us being around again.

After all, the doves raised 3 sets of babies in the clay pot nest in our front entry last year. So I expect we may be neighbors again for quite awhile.

 

DBG: it keeps on blooming...

  
and the hummingbirds aren't complaining!

More photos (taken with my new camera!) have been added to my Flickr set:

see the slideshow here, or click through it yourself here.

Happy weekend!

 

seen out & about lately...

   
Over the weekend, Harry the DBG Gift Shop cat, drinking from the entry courtyard fountain.

 

A kingsnake, looking for a sunny spot in the succulent garden. In 4+ years of frequent garden visits, this was my first snake sighting there. No worries, it's non-venomous -- fun fact: kingsnakes can actually prey on their venomous cousins.

 

  

An enormous white cactus flower (no ID yet)... these huge flowers had all the photographers lining up.

 

 
But frankly, I think this lovely echinopsis aurea flower was more photogenic.

 

 

The mourning doves nesting in the huge prickly pear have babies... see those odd little fluffballs burrowing against the parent's breast?

 

 
And speaking of nests, I'm not sure whether this is a nest in progress or not, but that's definitely an osprey perched on one of the branches. Apparently this isn't the first time an osprey has been sighted on this platform lately, so we'll see what develops. Taken at the Gilbert Riparian Preserve (my idea of a health club!) this morning.

 

 
And finally, this friendly goose kept me company while I was taking photos pondside at the preserve. An odd, beautiful, and very sweet creature.

Lots of nature to get out and enjoy at this time of year in Phoenix.

 

happy weekend!

 
Here's a cute little Harris' antelope squirrel who was scheming to share my snack at the DBG patio cafe yesterday.

Today, a busy Saturday ahead...

Happy weekend!