Yesterday was an interesting day. Aside from a plumbing problem (that is not yet resolved) we had some visitors of note: Desert Kingsnake, Sonoran Gopher Snake, Coyote, and Tarantula. Our guests hiked in Sabino Canyon and came across a Gila Monster. These are not everyday sightings, like the Desert Cottontails of which I see four at this very moment, along with a dozen or more Gambels Quail, Mourning Doves, and White Winged Doves, and a pair of Anna's Hummingbirds. (The rabbits are now chasing each other. They are fun to watch.)
I mentioned the Gila Monster sighting partly because I have a Gila Monster photo in this month's "Wild West" Magazine. It is a wonderful article on the myth's and history of the Gila Monster. (The cover article is on Pat Garrett). The Gila Monster is on the endangered species list. It is illegal to kill or capture one. While many people who live in Tucson have never seen one, we are fortunate to have them here on our property. Christine saw a Gila Monster last week while escorting some writer friends through Saguaro National Park. That doesn't mean we seen them often. They spend 90% of their time underground. So when we do see one, it is exciting.
Here are a few photos:
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| Gila Monster in Sabino Canyon |
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| Gila Monster in the Galliuro Mountains |
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| Gila Monster in Saguaro National Park |
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| My First Gila Monster -- at The Azure Gate |
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