Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Flora and Fauna in the Desert

We have had a very 'wet' winter in the desert this year. It is hard to say whether we will have a banner year for desert wildflowers, though. For really good bloom, you need a bit of rain in the fall, too.

I took some photos of the flora and fauna that we observed last weekend at Cottonwood Cove.

These are DYC's (darn yellow compositae). I don't know their real name, but I think that everywhere you go in the world has some version of DYC!

These pretty little white flowers were so bright and cheerful. Not much to look at in the way of foliage, but lovely flowers!

The desert prickly pears were in peak bloom in some elevations. I think the pink ones look like peonies - if you ignore the prickly part!

The fauna we came across were not really hardy desert species!

Begging carp at the dock. The water was so clear we could see the 40 or 50 fish come running (well, swimming) when they saw someone that they thought might have food to throw for them! They were sadly disappointed...

This little goat was picnicking with a family on the beach - along with the family horse and six dogs. Also, not native species, but fun to watch, playing with the dogs!

9 comments:

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

beautiful pictures! The goat was a surprise! C

Kate/High Altitude Gardening said...

Taking a goat on vacation?? I love that idea! He looks like he's having a fun day at the beach.

Your photos are terrific. I think I need to plan a road trip to southern utah to do the same darn thing. They got tons of moisture this winter, too.

Lynne said...

Great pics! The white flower is stunning and I love cactus blooms! How can something so prickly, and well, *ugly* have such a beautiful bloom? They are always a surprise, but a welcome one.

I can't imagine taking a goat on a picnic, but hey! Too funny!

Gaynell said...

Do you suppose taht a goat on a picnic is considered "green" as he can clean up afterwards???

Iron Needles said...

Love the cacti. We see a lot of yellow ones. So paper-y!

Compositae? Haha!

Allie said...

Gorgeous pics! I think I need a goat. Wonder how hard it would be to find goat-friendly hotel rooms.

Anil P said...

That goat, I might've expected to see it back here. Very similar to the species we see out here.

The pretty white flowers are like origami creations. Splendid.

Martha said...

Those flowers are so beautiful -- I've never seen that delicate white one before and I love its little pointy petals.

That's a good one -- a goat on the beach. They must live nearby, right? I mean, how would you get six dogs and a horse and a goat to the beach otherwise. I need to get out more!

Lynne said...

My hubby is in your fair city now for a few days at NAB. He won't see much of your weather, but I hope it's nice just the same!