Sun Scorpion Saturday

July 19, 2014July 19, 2014 Timothy Price38 Comments

Better known as a Camel Spider, the Sun Scorpion seems to be something between a spider and scorpion, but it’s neither. They are solpugids, of which there are 50 species in the southwestern US. This one was in the catio and about 1 1/2 inches long, but they commonly reach 6 inches in length and can supposedly run at speeds up to 10 mph. They eat insects, small lizards, beetles and scorpions that they catch and kill with their jaws, as they are non-venomous.

A blue damselfly landed close to me, and I noticed it was eating an ant when I got it in focus under my macro lens.

Grapes Gone Wild

July 18, 2014 Timothy Price22 Comments

The garden got about 3/4 inch of rain over the past few days, and with a good soaking from the irrigation, the grapes have gone wild (along with most of the plants on the property), and climbed into the apple tree, where they are dangling among the apples. I’m sure most self respecting winers would not allow their grapes to mix with their apples, but when we get a little water in our dry climate, grapes (and a whole lot of other stuff) happen!

DSCF0911 — Our irrigation gate with a note from the ditch rider

DSCF0915 — With all the rain, the irrigation water was the color of chocolate milk

DSCF0935 — Grape vines spilling out of the apple tree

DSCF0938 — Mama Manx practicing her “show kitty” stance by the edge of the flooded garden.

A Little Mermaid

July 17, 2014 Timothy Price13 Comments

Mermaid’s blooming.

Hummers

July 16, 2014 Timothy Price7 Comments

Adult and juvenile hummingbirds feeding on trumpet vine and taking breaks from buzzing around chasing each other.

Cat in the Grass / Snake in the Window

July 15, 2014 Timothy Price14 Comments

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have been enjoying the tall, wild grasses, while the garter snake has been coming back and hanging out on our window sill.

Day Lilies

July 14, 2014 Timothy Price27 Comments

The day lilies are blooming.

Outside Looking In

July 13, 2014 Timothy Price14 Comments

Laurie got close to the window in the bedroom to try and get better reception on her phone and discovered a cute little garter snake in the ivy outside the window looking in.

Death Car

July 12, 2014 Timothy Price17 Comments

The death car is a regular in the Dia de los Muertos Parade in November and there it was in Corrales’ 4th of July Parade. It’s quite distinctive and reminds me of the Adams Family. At least the driver is well prepared in case he ends up “coffin ready” on the streets of Albuquerque.