 Photo by Keith L. GravesWe had been told the wildflower show in California Gulch and Warsaw Canyon was one of the best ever seen, so Saturday 3.24.01 we decided to do a birding trip there to see for ourselves. We entered Ruby Rd. east of Arivaca and this picture gave us the first inkling that there would indeed be beautiful flowers to see. |
 Photo by Keith L. GravesWe saw many hillsides covered with a blue blanket of Lupine. This one was interspersed with beautiful butter yellow poppies. We took this picture off Ruby Rd. at Oro Blanco Wash. |
 Photo by Keith L. GravesWhile stopped to admire and photograph more wildflowers, we actually did a little birding. We heard a Lucy's Warbler and the insistent calling of a Bewick's Wren. When we located the Wren, we noted that it was carrying nest material. It's nest site was easily found as the bird was busily hurrying in and out of it with twigs. This little wren was also found in the Oro Blanco Wash area. |
 Photo by MegThis beautiful Penstemon was found in Lower Warsaw Canyon. A Black-chinned Hummingbird was enjoying the flower but was apparently camera shy. He was well out of camera range before I clicked this picture. |
 Photo by MegAlso in Lower Warsaw Canyon we found many beautiful Desert Chickory. These were offset by small blue flowers I believe to be Desert Bell (the picture isn't definitive here). If any flower experts can help me out, comments are appreciated. We usually only worry about identifying birds and didn't have a flower book at hand in the field. |
 Photo by Keith L. GravesLower Warsaw Canyon gave us the greatest show of varying Poppies. They came in three eyepopping colors. Butter yellow with orange centers, all dark orange and white with yellow centers. Quite a beautiful site. |
 Photo by MegMore poppies in Lower Warsaw Canyon, this time with some little blue flowers for contrast. |
 Photo by MegThe dark blue of the Larkspur added to the many shades of color that we found in Lower Warsaw Canyon. |
 Photo by MegWe finally decided we needed to concentrate only on birding so we went to a favorite spot in Lower California Gulch. Here I was lucky enough to catch this lady Vermilion Flycatcher and her mate below. |
 Photo by MegThe beautiful male Vermilion Flycatcher was not an easy bird to "catch", but I finally did get an ok photo. |
 Photo by MegWe stopped on Ruby Road at Alamo Canyon to get a picture of some the rocks of the Atascosa Mountains. Even they were gold, brown and green adding more color to this beautiful day. |
 Photo by MegNot as colorful but certainly spectacular were all the cactus, some like this Yucca, were just beginning to bloom. Many showing us signs that soon the extravaganza will change to glowing cactus blossoms. What a shame that we may have to take this trip again! |