Springtime in the Haley Hills is fully present and exquisitely radiant. The few rains of recent weeks have finally coaxed the red-orange blooms of the Ocotillo, and the Saguaro flowers are just about ready to open. The Palo Verde are as beautifully golden as the little flowers on the Red Barrel Cactus. Buzzards are riding the thermals, and I'm still seeing quite a few hawks out and about. Officer Dan Urquidez of Arizona Game & Fish was out there not long ago at the very back west ridge and spotted a mule deer doe and her fawn. That's a first in my books. I've seen Javelina hoof prints and heard strange rustling sounds in the brush at night, but never seen any deer. But that may very well explain the recent mountain lion sightings.
The nice weather also brings out the ORV riders in full force. Today I had a not too pleasant encounter with two of them. To make a long story short, though they acknowledged the signs, they admitted to ignoring them. Reason? Because as long as they've lived out here, they've always ridden out there. I politely explained that the law states that ORVs must stay on "existing roads" with violations subject to fine. They did not believe me. Therefore, I've requested additional signage from Arizona Game and Fish to that effect. Confronted with the reality of getting a ticket and having to pay a $200+ fine might be just the incentive they need to avoid the area. Maybe not, but it's worth a try. Meanwhile I will continue to do my part in monitoring the situation, and trying to get the BLM to speed up their efforts, which so far, have only amounted to words. We need some action out here and soon.
Got a few more videos posted at YouTube. The "Hackberry Tree of Life" has provided us with some remarkable footage of several different species of moths and butterflies, in addition to some beautiful little ladybugs. Enjoy at http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=waywardmuse.
For the Haley Hills,
Judy
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