Author: Steve

First to bloom, the huisache.

 Then the retama.

(The retama is a relative of the desert palo verde tree.  It has chlorophyll in its trunk and branches so it can carry on photosynthesis even when it has dropped its leaves to conserve moisture during dry spells.)

And now the mesquite.

What is it with Texas trees all blooming yellow flowers?

Oh yeah, and the prickly pear.

By the back fence.

It blooms all summer.

Under each bloom there is a soft green olive that the critters love.

They don’t have to eat them whole.  Little birds, like orange-crowned warblers, can just stand next to them and eat all the little bites they want!

The end of the amaryllis bloom.

Its job is done.  The last flower finished today.  Now the amaryllis can play outside in the sun all summer, resting up for next spring!

A great Kiskadee on the back fence.

He’s at the northern edge of his range.