While waiting for the rest of my party to arrive, I strolled out into the nice xeriscaping they added in front of the rental car center at Sky Harbor airport in Phoenix. I know that may not sound like much, but it was quite nice, and wait till you see who I found there.
First, there were a few Eurasian collared doves, which we’ve seen a few times, most recently in Albania.
Then, I caught a glimpse of a verdin, which we saw when I was in Sedona.
But the star of the show was this stunning and hungry Costa’s hummingbird (Calypte costae), my first ever, who kept coming back to this flowering bush for more helpings of nectar.
Even better, it only retreated a little ways to a taller bush, where I managed to get this slightly better picture. For the full effect, however, do yourself a favor and check out the photo gallery on AllAboutBirds. You won’t regret it.
Finally, your blossom of the day is this saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea).
See? I told you it was nicer than it sounded.
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 