Bug Whisperers

Not a mountain lion either.

Turns out this is a Tobacco Hornworm (Manduca sexta). Fred writes: "They use many plants in the Solanaceae family and are known to be a pest on tomato plants. Ours had been munching the Datura plant we found him on."

Fatal Metalmark

Fatal Metalmark seems a very scary name fpr a common butterfly. Likes seep willow, but is here on desert broom. Photos from Ned Harris from nature walk on 11/10/10. Thanks Ned (and Fred). 

What we missed

Not a mountain lion.

Sphinx moth caterpillar

Neon Skimmer on Fred's nice, white shirt. How did you do that, Fred?

These are just a few of the sights walkers enjoyed on Ned's nature walk 11/10/10. (All photos from Ned Harris.) You can join Ned and Friends of Ned (Jensine, Fred, Carol T) every Wednesday at 8.30am for a stroll through Sabino Canyon. More photos in tomorrow's post. Stay tuned.

Know your vines!

Canyon Grape

You'll find these grape vines in the riparian areas in the canyon. They do produce grapes (in the summer, generally), but the birds like them a lot, so there are hardly any left for making wine.

Hooker's (Primrose) still blooming!

Hooker's Evening Primrose

Yes, this beauty is still blooming. Look for them by the creek, especially by the bridges along the road. They are  tall (c. 2 feet) and many are in bush-like 'clumps'. Go early as they close up in the late morning. Feel free to make jokes about their name.

Remember this one?

Photo by Matt from 9/2007

Cross the Bear Canyon bridge, go left. Remains are on the left side.

Underwings and where to find them

Underwing Moth, Photo by Ned Harris 11/2/10

Ned says: Look for them on the underside of the big tree trunk you walk under in the riparian area when you are walking towards the Cooper's Hawk nest from the dam area.
Anne says: If you don't know where this is, head out on a Nature Walk with Ned (and Friends of Ned), every WEDNESDAY (November through end of April) 8.30 - 11.30am in Sabino Canyon. Meet in front of the visitor center. Bring water and a snack.

Raptors

Harris Hawk, photo by Ned Harris

Raptor free flight is back at the Desert Museum. Just in time for holiday guests. No, you can't have your guests be prey.