Desert Hiking

Tuesday we went on our first desert hike of the season. We hiked about 4.5 to 5 miles at Usery Mountain Regional Park. It was good to again see plants we enjoy so much, including ocotillo



cholla



prickly pear cactus (a smaller variety of the cactus grows many places, but these large plants here are more impressive)



and the green barked Palo Verde.



But the biggest thrill was seeing these Harris's Hawks sitting on an ocotillo



and a saguaro



This single hawk was guarding his breakfast, a young rabbit he had recently killed.



The other three were just watching. We were amazed when we passed this same spot nearly an hour and a half later and found the hawks still there. They obviously weren't too worried about humans. When we got back to the RV, I learned Harris's hawks often hunt in small groups. I wonder if they share the kill, as well. It was really special to get such a good look at them.