WAIT A MINUTE

The beloved common pigeon has become a problem in the high desert towns and cities.  They collect in large numbers, breed prolifically, scare away the smaller song birds and leave behind an inordinate amount of droppings and disease.  But wait, this is not the high desert, elevation is only 700 foot and yet here they are, scavenging around the camper.  Adaptive fellows these pigeons.  I don't know if it's a sign of trouble in the avian world or just a few of the adventurous ones that left the high desert to visit the low country with thoughts of expanding their horizons.  

Cresting a hill, a couple of miles from our camp, I noticed a power line, the BIG type.  In a wash, under the lines I stood in the absolute quiet of afternoon and could actually hear the power surging through, or around, the wires.  A snapping, sort of like the sound frying bacon makes, was coming from over my head.  Not at all a comforting feeling.  I now know why people don't like to live anywhere near these powerful power lines.

The name "Wait-A-Minute" bush comes from the claws on the bush.  You'll need, at least a minute, should you get hung-up on one of these hooked devils.

CATCLAW ACACIA or Wait-A-Minute Bush

The only tree/bush I've seen within miles, except for the ever-present creosote bush.

Never a dull sunset in Arizona.