First up is this not-so-great photo of a male House finch.  I included it because I have a little observation to include with it.  I saw this bird land twice on this cactus.  I was curious as to whether or not the cactus spines represented a threat to the bird. My guess is that they do, because in both landings the bird spent a considerable time fluttering above the spines determining exactly where to place its feet.  I’m not sure what it was seeking to eat on the cactus, but personally I don’t think I would accept the risk!

Here’s a photo of a male Costa’s hummingbird feeding on one of the bushes around the golf course where we were staying.  The bushes had very prolific blooms.

Another male Costa’s hummingbird defending “his” bush from intruders.

And two photos of presumably female Costa’s hummingbirds, the first feeding on what I knew from Texas to be a Bottle bush and the second standing guard duty.

Moving to the outskirts of the Palm Springs area, here is a Western Scrub jay, a magnificent bird.  Those of you who follow my blog may remember that we had one in our yard this past year!