Mesquite Pod Love

Ground Squirrel

 Well look who's hungry! Mesquite trees are iconic for the Sonoran desert.  Next to the Saguaro cactus and Palo Verde tree, it is one of the most common trees found around our landscapes.  So I'd thought I'd write about one of the benefits of this tree for our wildlife and also answer a question for dog owners about the pods.

 Mesquite pods are enjoyed by all kinds of wildlife around our Sonoran desert.  The pods fall around mid July and are quite popular by the local rodents:)  Ground squirrels can be seen eating the pods.

Hispid Cotten Rat

 I was finally able to get a great shot of the Hispid Cotten Rat.  This little guy seemed a bit lethargic as I neared him:)

 Some of you are dog owners and if you see your dog eat these pods, don't panic.  They're okay to eat, but they'll make your dog's um...poo smell a bit:)  If they eat too many, they'll throw them up.  But like many dogs, they don't know when to stop eating, so just keep an eye out.  Many homeowners here just sweep under the trees before the pooches can get to them:) 

Squirrel!

As for humans?  Many will ground our local mesquite pods for a healthier flour.  It tastes pretty good.  Places like Native Seeds SEARCH will ground up the pods for a minimal cost.  The flour makes some great pancakes:)  Just another benefit of the mesquite tree.  More tomorrow....

Conspicuous

My best shot for the year of the Phoebe

You never know.  You never know.  I am finding that once I have that obligatory "snapped an excellent to alright shot" out of the way of a bird, I can relax a bit.  And then there are eyes.  They become sharper at spotting most of what would otherwise remain hidden from the public eye. Things that were hidden are now easier to find.  My birding skills are getting better and here is what I discovered on this particular day.......

Night Heron

I have wanted badly to spot a Night Heron and today I got that shot.  It took me minutes of scanning reeds before I found this little gem hiding.   What a beautiful bird!

Hispid Cotton Rat

And then there are the ears.  I hear something scrabbling in the reeds and think, "Warbler, Flycatcher, Sparrow?"  Nope. Just a rat.

Great Blue Heron rookery

And the rustle above your head, "Owl, Hawk?"  No!  A heron rookery!!!! And there they were....4 nests! FOUR!  It looked as if the parents were dropping fish into the nest and the young ones were feeding.

Most people walk by.  But not me:).

Your eyes will strain and your hands will get heavy from holding the binoculars or camera...

But if you're patient, you'll see this below!!!!  Look very very closely.  I'm not going to tell you what to look for.....be a birder.  Look closely.  Patiently.  And maybe you'll see it:)

 What?  You can't see it?  Look closer.  Hint.  My favorite kind of bird.  And another amazing capture without tips etc.  All I can say....exciting.  More tomorrow....

The Great Horned Owl nesting