Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Signs of Summer





Warmer winds blew over the weekend, tipping the season into summer. Some biological signs that mark the transition are the emergence of rattlesnakes, blooming desert willows, flower buds on saguaros, an explosion of crickets, and nighthawks cruising the washes and streetlights at dusk. At home, I take note of the first official swim of the season in our solar-heated pool, which has warmed to a balmy 76 degrees. A favorite flame-flowered cactus blooms in the backyard. I now put away the down comforter brought out for cooler nights back in November.

3 comments:

Jackijo said...

The pictures are so beautiful. Where did you take that picture of the snake?

Katherine Darrow said...

The Arizona Black Rattlesnake was one we saw on a hike in Poland Creek Canyon on Easter Sunday. He was resting next to the trail. Poland Creek is 25 miles out on the road from Bumblebee Exit towards Crown King. A helluva drive, but a beautiful hike!

Katherine Darrow said...

The Arizona Black Rattlesnake was one we saw on a hike in Poland Creek Canyon on Easter Sunday. He was resting next to the trail. Poland Creek is 25 miles out on the road from Bumblebee Exit towards Crown King. A helluva drive, but a beautiful hike!