Thursday, May 3, 2012

Palo Verdes - Random Hearts

Hi there!  Here are some blooming Palo Verdes, the green-barked trees that flower profusely this time of year, lining roads and coloring hillsides with cheerful yellow:



Blue Palo Verde




The white banner petal on this flower caught my eye with its subtle upside down heart-shape:

Foothills Palo Verde




In a carpet of fallen blossoms under a tree, I noticed an ant hill with a small heart-shaped hole, and just as I moved in to get a closer look, a red ant appeared carrying a tiny heart!

Ant carrying a heart

See more hearts (or share your own) at Clytie's Random Hearts
at

29 comments:

  1. DarlaMay 3, 2012 at 7:58 AM

    Delightful collection of blooming Palo Verde, Diane. These blooms, lasting weeks, have been such a treat--a wonderful surprise during my first spring in AZ. And, wow, that is an amazing capture of the ant with the heart in the heart anthill surrounded by the fallen blossoms...just...wow...

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  2. Tina´s PicStoryMay 3, 2012 at 8:12 AM

    this heart is sooo awesome! :)

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  3. JeannelleMay 3, 2012 at 8:18 AM

    I enjoy your photos!

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  4. ClytieMay 3, 2012 at 8:18 AM

    What wonderful hearts - I love the ant carrying the tiny little heart out of it's heart home - surrounded by the gorgeous yellow blossoms!

    What really made me smile was that this is the second ant home heart I've seen today! Check out TexWisGirl's link today!!! :=}

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  5. RohrerbotMay 3, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    I was driving through town yesterday just enjoying the yellow blooms. Absolutely gorgeous right now down our streets. Yellow is a popular color here in Tucson....especially with the prickly pear blooming:)

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  6. Betsy Banks AdamsMay 3, 2012 at 9:04 AM

    Oh the gorgeous yellows of spring, Diane. Love your Palo Verdes... The color reminds me of the Aspens in Colorado in Fall.

    Great hearts also.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  7. AdrianoMay 3, 2012 at 9:16 AM

    I like this flowers Palos Verdes!
    Beautiful Diane!
    Have a beautiful weekend my Friend!
    Greatings from Brazil.

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  8. MagpieMay 3, 2012 at 9:19 AM

    The palo verdes are beautiful this time of year...yellow snow. I love the hearts!! What a lucky catch with the ant carrying around a heart...to bring to his queen perhaps. :)

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  9. angryparsnipMay 3, 2012 at 9:22 AM

    The trees are just so full of blooms the most I have ever seen in the last few years.
    Considering we didn't get all the winter rains we should have the last two years I am amazed.

    cheers, parsnip

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  10. TeresaMay 3, 2012 at 10:31 AM

    I can never get enough time gazing on the palo verdes this time of year...and those hearts, oh my, they are all over in the desert aren't they? Amazing that you caught that little ant, he's probably delivering that big heart to his sweetie.

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  11. Carole May 3, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    Haven't the palo verdes been spectacular this year?! I can't seem to take enough photos of them. Love the ant hole surrounded by fallen flowers!

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  12. LoreeMay 3, 2012 at 1:18 PM

    Wonderful - and such vibrant colours. I will never think of desserts as desolate places again.

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  13. Icy BCMay 3, 2012 at 1:35 PM

    Wow..great eyes in catching those heart shapes! What beautiful yellow flowers!

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  14. LauraMay 3, 2012 at 4:18 PM

    I guess the ants are full of heart this week!!! Gorgeous photos Diane!

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  15. AnonymousMay 3, 2012 at 4:37 PM

    You found a lot of love out there, Diane! And lots of what I call yellow snow (the good kind.)

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  16. Spare Parts and PicsMay 3, 2012 at 6:53 PM

    Well, I think I may have to move to AZ... this is just too beautiful!

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  17. RamakrishnanMay 3, 2012 at 7:24 PM

    Spectacular pics & Amazing discoveries !

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  18. StephanieMay 3, 2012 at 7:38 PM

    Wow that's a wonderful road to drive on! Those yellow flowers are amazing. Yes very cheerful and make the place look so golden.

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  19. LindyMay 3, 2012 at 11:13 PM

    Oh my goodness, I had almost forgotten how gorgeous it is when the palo verde are in bloom. Your first image, in particular, is very striking when enlarged. Makes one feel like they are right there.

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  20. PJ van ZylMay 4, 2012 at 12:11 AM

    I love the way you show us the beauty of the desert

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  21. ThérèseMay 4, 2012 at 7:09 AM

    The close up on the Palo Verde is really something!

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  22. Beth NiquetteMay 4, 2012 at 8:32 AM

    Oh, my goodness! An ant carrying a heart. LOL I have NO idea how you were able to spot that one.

    I have to tell you, the closeup on that amazing blossom just fills my eyes. Exquisite.

    Happy Guest Heart Thursday!

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  23. rainfield61May 4, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    There are flowers every where.

    Beautiful.

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  24. Annie JeffriesMay 4, 2012 at 11:49 PM

    That final picture is really remarkable.

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  25. Betty ManousosMay 5, 2012 at 2:25 AM

    great find!

    those flower shots are absolutely stunning!

    hope you're having a great weekend, dear diane!

    xx

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  26. sigaMay 5, 2012 at 1:00 PM

    Diane, after such photos I almost want to move there! Just beautiful...

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  27. betchaiMay 5, 2012 at 9:26 PM

    so very beautiful, you inspire me to hunt for palo verdes tomorrow.

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  28. JanieMay 11, 2012 at 6:38 PM

    So much yellow color in the desert is surprising and beautiful.

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  29. My OfferingMay 11, 2012 at 7:29 PM

    I love desert plants and flowers! This ant you found holding a teeny tiny heart is priceless.

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