This morning it is raining in Southern Nevada, making it cold and dreary, though I know it’s necessary. I mean, I love the rain, don’t get me wrong. But are Mondays necessary?
Regardless — precipitation this time of year is particularly important. The soil has more of a chance of absorbing and even retaining the moisture. There’s less evaporation. Also, the rain is more persistent and slower, resulting in far less flash flooding and runoff.
When I’m out and about in nature, I see things blooming already — mostly bright-green buds on desert shrubs and trees. I saw a Gambel’s quail perched in a tree recently, seemingly about to consume these buds. Quail primarily eat seeds, but leaves, grass and berries are also part of their diet.
It’s understandable if they are after buds this time of year, as many trees are barren, and from what I’ve seen at various habitats and locations over the past several weeks, most desert mistletoe berries, for instance, have already been consumed.
the prickly pressed 