Quail nesting early

The Scaled Quail often don't leave their coveys and pair up until summer rains begin, but with an abundance of April rain they've paired up already.

I simply cannot resist taking photos of Pyrrhuloxias. They're not only gorgeous, they're everywhere.

Lark Sparrows only come through during migration, but are really pretty sparrows.

Woodpecker at work

This male Ladder-backed Woodpecker has been excavating for days making a nesting cavity in an old agave stalk.

You can see the chips flying as he discards them.

He paused a moment to pose for me, or to eye me suspiciously, whichever way you want to look at it.

Then it was back to work.

April showers

It's unusual for us to get much rain in April, but on the 15th we got enough that the arroyo ran a bit and I caught some water in my dirt tanks. Here I'm pumping it into one of my concrete tanks. However, as much as I patched on the tank, it still leaks. I'll work on it some more next winter. Meanwhile, I should have plenty of water to lavish on my oasis until summer rains begin. (Click to enlarge.) The close end is the deepest and now has about 8 feet of water in it. The far end has about 5 feet.

Below is a wildlife pond that got some much needed water diverted into it. The water will clear up in a few days.

Last but not least, is my huge tank that doesn't leak. It's brimful and 9 feet deep.

Trans-Pecos Rat Snake

I always enjoy seeing this snake species at my oasis. This one today was so long I couldn't get it all in the frame no matter how I tried.

Odd looking birds

Something must be blooming because this female Black-chinned Hummingbird sure has a lot of pollen on her forehead today.

My first yellow House Finch.