Natural History Wanderings

 Paul in Globe, AZ reports:

March 22 astragalus varietals are blooming in the Pinal Mountain foothills since last week; wood sorrel along the six-shooter canyon trail and also freckled milkvetch (pictured). gooddings verbena was blooming along the forest service road above the ice house canyon picnic area. spring birds are singing on their territories in the pinals, too: painted redstarts were back last week – vocal along the trail, along with huttons vireo, bridled titmouse and acorn woodpecker.

Verbena by Paul Wollterbeek

Astagalus by Paul Wollterbeek