We were seated and enjoying some lunch near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center when my nephew said there was a 'red bird over there'. I took no notice really, thinking he must have spotted a House Finch or some such bird I could see just as easily back home. But I decided to be respectful of William's birding so I looked up to see.... WTF...? It was a Red Crossbill, seated atop a pine.
I took a few zillion photos of the bird species I don't see as often as I see too often and told William what a fantastic score the 'red bird' was. Then I proceeded to (I hope) regail every poor soul within earshot about the wonders of Crossbills. Poor things... the people, not the birds.
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| I never photograph House Sparrows (I'm such a bigot) but I did so this once. |
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| Juniper Titmouse, so like the titmouses in my back yard, but a different species |
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| William photographed this obliging Red-breasted Nuthatch |
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| Do not believe I've ever seen a Dark-eyed Junco in this color palate before |
Hoppy little White-breasted Nuthatch
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| Far off Clark's Nutcracker |
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| Cassin's Finch |
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| Shiny as heck Raven |
On one of the park roads there was this 'watch out for Mountain Lions' signs. AS IF! I'd have wet myself - from over enthusiasm - had we spotted a lion.
Here is the end of William and my wonderful cross country journey. We couldn't believe how fast two weeks shot past. We drove to Las Vegas tonight and holed up in the Luxor Hotel. William tried his hand at some gambling while his cranky Aunt stayed in and hit the sack. And tomorrow we drive home to my house in Fair Oaks, California. Wow. Twelve States, three National Parks, and umpteen events crossed off the bucket list. What a satisfying fortnight spree!
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