Out in the borderlands near me I find mariola (Parthenium incanum) on the gravelly slopes and plains of the Desert Grassland and Chihuahuan Desert. I love finding it mixed in with so other desert plant species. In the photos below you can see evidence of that kind of fun mixture…a plant geek’s delight!
Hey, if you’re out cruising the Sulphur Springs Valley in the winter you’re gonna find cranes out in fields or in the sky during the morning and in the afternoon, but listen, between eleven-ish and two-ish they’re back hanging out at their roosting spots. The White Water Draw near McNeil, Arizona is a favorite roosting and loafing spot for sandhill cranes and birders. And, no matter when or where you see them, sandhill cranes are pretty awesome!
The photos are mine.

