The cactus in the desert surrounding Mesquite, Nv bloom in the Spring. For just a few weeks in the spring we are treated to a colorful display as the desert cactus reveals it's colorful blooms.
The roadrunner is a desert survivor. He adapts to the brutal heat by day and extreme cold at night. When spring arrives in the desert, the roadrunner knows it is time to mate and raise his family while the desert is teeming with life, providing him with a bountiful food supply for his mate and their young.
He hunts for food to offer morsels to a female to entice her to mate. He dances around her while she begs for food. After a short breeding session, he rewards her with the food.
The couple then collect the small sticks and brush to build their nest. The female is the builder, constructing their nest in a small tree or cactus.
She will lay up to a dozen white eggs over a 3 day period.
Another generation of roadrunners will be born, to repeat their parents courtship when the desert cactus blooms a year later.
photos compliments of Rob Lenthe @ RoboTours
Mesquite Nevada Real Estate Agent ~ ~
Virginia, I enjoyed the treasures of your desert and the adaptable roadrunner. Think we might know a few people with similar characteristics.
Margaret - Much like a RE agent, the roadrunner has to deal with highs and lows and ups and downs....
Sally - Did you know there is only one episode where Wiley Coyote actually catches the Roadrunner?
Virginia, those are wonderful pictures that you shared. I think that was the first REAL roadrunner I've ever seen besides the cartoon...
I appreciate your warm welcome on my outside blog. We are all having a tough time but at least it is up with some broken areas that need fixing. Some of the bloggers are still not up so please hold some good thoughts for everyone. Thanks again for showing your compassion.
Nannete - Poor Wiley - The coyote is one of the only predators that worries a roadrunner, but the coyote has to catch him first! A roadrunner can run up to 17 miles per hour and fits right through the desert terrain.
Gena - Actually, me, too! I hope the Tomato gets you up to speed soon.
Kathy - I drove to St George today and stopped on the way home to take a bunch of pictures - I couldn't get too close, I am afraid of snakes! Unlike the roadrunner who is fast enough to outmaneuver a rattlesnake and eat it, I would be the one to be bitten!
Lola -Thanks, the desert starts a whole new cycle every spring.
JL - I didn't take that picture, I have only seen the roadrunner on cartoons!
Patricia - Thanks, I got a bunch more yesterday - It is wierd to see the dry desert with bright flowers popping out kind of randomly.
Virginia,
Thanks for sharing your Roadrunner pics! The desert has a beauty all its own, doesn't it?
Mike in Tucson
Virginia,
Your photos are great!
Jeanne Robinson
Gary - They are so comical - I think that is why they made a great cartoon.
Mike - It really does, and the bright flowers are so amazing - the contrast.
Jeanne - Where you been? Nice to see you commenting on my post. Thanks.
virginia,
very interesting. i learn something new every day. thanks
I love the story of the roadrunner! They are so adorable!! The desert blooms initially caught my eye. I could not believe it when I saw my first desert blooms, they are so amazing!!
Renee - They still amaze me, it is such a bright bloom in the brown desert.
Bo - OUCH!
I used to work on the bottom floor of an office complex that came with its own roadrunner. It decided that my window was a great place to perch... that bird was my buddy for a couple years.
Chuck - I didn't know that they were that friendly. We used to have baby raccoons that liked to sun on our front picture window ledge. They were so cute till they grew up and started fighting with our cats!
Virginia, awesome photo of the nest and the babies!
Duane - I used to be scared of the desert and everything in it :) After living here for 3 years, I now love it!