AZ's got blue eyes

Photo by Ned Harris 8/3/2012

Those little blue flowers with a white center you've been seeing in the canyon are Arizona Blue Eyes (Evolvulus arizonicus). Yes, they are in the Morning Glory Family (Convolvulaceae).

On the lookout

Photo by Ned Harris 8/3/2012

Greater Roadrunner

Copper in the sand

Photos by Ned Harris 8/3/2012

Go out early to catch a glimpse of these beauties. Flowers close by mid-morning.There are a number of plants in the sand by the dam and the dam bridge. I like the name Copper Purslane (Portulaca suffrutescens) best, but they are also - and better - known as Shrubby Purslane. (Portulaca = carries milk; suffrutescens = somewhat shrubby)
A great online resource for flowers is Southeastern Arizona Wildflowers (aka Firefly forest).
A great online resource for botanical Latin is the Botanary of Dave's Garden.

Coachwhip

Photo by Ned Harris 8/3/2012

Another snake spotted by Carol! This time, one in the non-venomous category. Coachwhips can be black, pinkish, or a combination of the two. A great resource for photos and descriptions of reptiles and amphibians in Arizona is reptilesofaz.org. Click it. 

Mini-toads

All Photos by Ned Harris 8/3/2012

This one's Grumpy

Click for larger view

If you've been anywhere near the water in the canyon, you've certainly encountered hoards of mini-toads in various stages of development. Some with tails, some without. I think these (being held gently by an unnamed naturalist) are all Red-spotted toads. As with all posts, though, I welcome corrections!
No toads were eaten or otherwise harmed for this post.

Tiny

Photo by Ned Harris 8/3/2012

Considering that this Desert Marigold flower is about the size of a quarter (and that there's another 'bug' on it), the Tiny Checkerspot butterfly is aptly named. They are plentiful in the canyon now, but don't seem to stop long enough for anyone but Ned "Quick Draw Mc" Harris.

Like the Washington Monument

Photo by Ned Harris 8/3/2012

Ned says:

[This is a] Filigree Skimmer obelisking. Sometimes dragonflies use obelisking to cool down. It is a handstand-like position used to prevent overheating on sunny days.