Sabino Canyon: Hiking, Birds, and Another Tucson Sunset

I've been trying to make the most of being in Tucson for the holidays, which has meant lots of hiking. Earlier this week, I did an afternoon hike in Sabino Canyon that ended with another beautiful Tucson sunset.

Although it's technically winter now, there are still signs of "fall" foliage in the canyon, especially the Fremont cottonwoods (Populus fremontii) in the riparian areas. They light up the landscape beautifully.

The first wildlife sighting of the day was actually right near the parking lot and visitor center. A lovely roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) darted right across the patio area, pausing occasionally to take in all the people getting themselves ready for their hikes.

There hasn't been much rain here recently, so Sabino was almost completely dry, including both the creek and the dam. In one of the few patches of water, though, was a black-throated sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata).

Right on the side of one of the paths was a tarantula (Aphonopelma) of some sort; although large for a spider, it was on the small side for a tarantula (under two inches including legs, if memory serves).

And then the sun began to set, painting both the canyon and clouds in gorgeous hues.