Solar Power
It looks like solar power is on the way to Palm Creek as I saw these trucks around the park this week. I saw three houses getting prepped for the panels. These photos are from 1312 and 1268.
It doesn’t take long for installation as when I drove by today, the panels look complete. I didn’t get to talk to anyone about the process so can’t provide any more info at this point.
The park model at Site 1017 also dons a new solar hat to soak up the sun’s energy.
I’d like to get closer photos of the panels for you BUT…………………..…ain’t no way I’m going up on anybody’s roof. This will have to do.
While I was straining to get a good view of this roof, I also noticed this devoted mama dove nestled in the big cactus. Now that’s dedicated. OUCH!
Speaking of soaking up the sunshine:
Have you all seen the little tree lizards that proliferate in the plants and trees around here? They’re cute as can be and skitter around the bricks and trees like they’re on speed. They’re a very beneficial visitor as they eat massive amounts of bugs and spiders so be sure to make them feel welcome. I got a couple close ups of this guy on our palm tree so thought I’d share it along with a little info about them.
TREE LIZARDS
A small, up to 2½ inch (56 mm), black, dark brown, tan, or gray lizard, often with a rusty area at the base of the tail. The ground color of this slim-bodied lizard is broken with a dusky pattern of blotches and/or crossbars. There are two bands of enlarged scales down the middle of the back, separated by a strip of smaller scales. Adult males have bright blue or blue-green belly patches that have a metallic sheen. The color of the throat varies from yellow to green or blue-green. The throat of females can be white, orange, or yellow.
Range
This species occurs from southwestern Wyoming to southern Sinaloa and northern Coahila, Mexico, and from the Colorado River east to central Texas. It is found from sea level to 9000 feet (2770 m).
Habitat
This arboreal lizard most commonly lives in riparian zones in mesquite, alder and cottonwood, but it also is found on non-riparian oak, pine, and juniper. The tree lizard is also found on some non-native trees such as eucalyptus and tamarisk, and in some treeless areas; it is often very abundant on granite boulder piles. Color and pattern serve it well in avoiding detection by would-be predators.
Life History
The tree lizard eats insects and spiders. It reproduces 1 to 6 times per year, laying 2 to 13 eggs per clutch from March through August.
Comments
MORE CACTUS BLOSSOMS
Every day brings new surprises when you drive around the park with camera in hand. I invited Connie Morin to tour with me this morning and here are some awesome discoveries from this morning’s safari:
I haven’t met Lewis and Estelle Freeman (site 166) but if you know them, please direct them here to the blog so they can enjoy their plant in bloom.
And…………………..look at this beautiful display at site 192.
We were so awestruck by this pincushion cactus, that we knocked on the door to chat with the owners…..Frenchy and Joan. They planted this cactus when it was just a small round ball about 9 years ago. Fantastic!
Frenchy and Joan don’t have a computer but next time you chat with them, let them know you saw them on the blog.
This is the second time this plant at Bob and Lucy Cadwell’s has burst into bloom this season.
Last week I posted the cactus at Marlene Thurlow’s house because it had one pretty blossom. Here’s what it looked like this morning!
