Exploring the Refuge and Roswell

After 3 days of work, we have 3 days of free time for exploration.

I started with our hilltop home where we're surrounded by wildflowers.

Not in my wildflower guide, but identical to the common yellow bladderpod.
Is it a soil thing or a different species?

Nama hispidum, or Sand-bells,

 Frances Williams always said this was her prayer. 

Bluecurls

Nice curls on this one. 

Abandoned eggs

I found a bone fragment up on the hill, not being a bone-ologist I have no idea how old or what animal.

Redwinged Blackbird fill the utility lines every evening

reminds me a a musical staff. 

Sunset behind Capitan Mountain, sun inching slowly toward summer solstice. 

Burrowing Owl in the prairie dog town on old Bitter Lake Road

Love the wink!

Didn't notice the second owl until I enlarged the photos on the computer, maybe a family in the making. 

Roswell was founded in 1869 when Van Smith constructed a saloon/hotel and store where the Pecos River and the Rio Hondo converged. He named the post office Roswell, his father's first name. 

One of the early settlers was John Chisum, who had his South Springs Ranch near Roswell. His brand was the most famous in the west consisting of splitting the ears of his cattle so 1/3 stood upright and the other 2/3 "jingled" 

Exploring the city we located Pioneer Park on Main Street. 

Sculpture of John Chisum, Cattle King of the Pecos.

Detail is so amazing

I can almost feel the hot breath on my face. 

Chisum was also involved in the Lincoln County War as he was friends with Tunstall and McSween. 

Chaves County Court House as seen from Pioneer Park. 

We have 3 months to explore and enjoy Roswell and Bitter Lake NWR.