After checking out of my room, I wanted to get an early start and visit the Tucson Botanical Gardens. The gardens are located on 5.5 acres on the site of the historic Porter property, but was originally founded in 1964 by horticulurist Harrison G. Yocum as stated on the garden’s website.

I had a long day planned and wanted to arrive at the gardens by their 8:30 a.m. open time. I was so happy that the weather was sunny and clear. However, it was pretty cool. I dressed in layers in case the weather warmed up in its true desert-style fashion. I was really excited to explore the grounds and once I entered, downloaded the garden map to use throughout my visit.

There were many varieties of cactus, succulents, flowers, insects, and wildlife. I explored every section of the gardens admiring the beauty throughout. It was so cool. I didn’t want to miss anything, although I gave myself a pretty generous time limit. Moments like these are so relaxing and getting there early provided me with a little bit of time before more people started to arrive.
My “focus” was on the gardens overall. What images would I like to see if I was planning on visiting for the first time? The light was harsh, but that would not negate from capturing some images. I was happy that it was clear and comfy outside.

Some of the “well, that was interesting” moments consisted of:

• Watching a Bewick’s Wren, that was hiding in what may have been a yucca plant, take aim towards a butterfly for it’s next meal. I watched the wren snatch the butterfly by its wing and go into some shrub. It then looked at me as though it was daring me to say something. I kept minding my business all while taking pics. The poor butterfly though.

• Coming across a pomegranate tree with the delicious fruit all over it. All of a sudden, I was craving pomegranate juice. With the way prices are these days, I wonder how much money I could save picking my own off a tree.

• Watching a gorgeous Monarch butterfly with the sun highlighting its wings. It was as if I wasn’t there by the way it was flying so close. But, then some other garden visitors took notice of my existence. They wanted to tell me how lovely the butterfly was. I agreed while not taking my eyes off the butterfly. Learned that lesson before. Will save that for another blog post. LOL.

• Flying around getting nectar from some beautiful flowers in the garden was a Broad-billed hummingbird.

• As I stood on a path looking around, I happened to notice some movement on a tree branch. This little bird appeared to be having such a great time flying around, landing, flying and then perching on the same branch. Once it was still, I took notice that it was a bird called a Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps).
  

I really enjoyed my visit at here at the gardens. It was a great beginning to my day. Now, it was time to get back on the road. I had 280 miles (4 hr 12 mins) to drive to reach my accommodations for tonight.