Believe me - I'm not traveling out West just to send pictures of birds, but

[Mira]

here are a few.
What I'm seeing and chronicling can't be shown in just a photo or two. And I'm having a photo feast of a time. Arrived in Sedona today where I could get on line for more than a few minutes, after camping in a camper in the desert.
At the front end we crossed the country with 3 drivers in a non-stop 25 hours.

A black Arizona bird in the most tender green wearing her Opera gown

A morning dove in her rocking chair wondering who the fool was taking so many pictures of her

A Quail of sorts in New Mexico after just getting her crown polished


I am overflowing with photos from historically registered places. Brazillions.
It will be a challenge.

I see the spring contest is on. I liked one I took this morning (visualize a better crop)

and this one, at an old gold mine (closed since 1934) where 18 men were hung from that tree for stealing gold

[intheflow]

1. Great shots!

Of the birds, I like the first one best. Very striking bird against the white reeds! But my favorite is the hanging tree. Amazing history! Where was this?

[Mira]

2. Thanks - glad you like it. Arizona.

The gold mine is on the historic Register, I'm pretty sure,
and I'll be going over the photos and take you guys on a walk about of some of the finest totally decayed places in America sometime soon.
They did not clean it up since 1934 or so, everything is rusting and has fallen apart.
Description and entrance:

[Callalily]

3. I simply adore your

"hanging tree". Whenever I find humorous signs, etc. I too MUST document them.

The black bird is striking against white - looks regal. I love the knarliness (is this a word ;) )and texture of the tree again the smooth feathered mourning dove.

Sounds like you're having a good time. Please keep the pictures coming.

[Celebration]

4. Great desert shots!!

I need that today--nonstop rain for three days. The desert looks beautiful through your camera and very inviting.

[bluedigger]

5. Sounds as if you are having a great trip, Mira!

Now about that hanging tree...Maybe I'm misjudging the scale, but it looks as if they must have been very short men!

[Blues Heron]

6. Beautiful shots!

I like them all - looks like you're having a great trip. I love Arizona - only been twice though - barely scratched the surface, but DH's grandparents live there now, so plenty of opportunities to visit!

I believe the black bird is a Grackle of some kind - that amazing eye is a dead giveaway! That's a great bird portrait!

[semillama]

7. Great shots -isn't Arizona the most photogenic place?

Your birds, btw, are:

1. Great-tailed Grackle
2. Eurasian Collared-Dove
3. Scaled Quail

Good work!

[Mira]

8. Thank you very much - I probably won't remember this - but it makes me feel a little

official in having taken the photos :)
I got a few birds today - will post them because one is making me really happy.