I've had the occasional bobcat visit my backyard before, but never a leisurely 20 minute stay, complete with the cat watching me as I took multiple photos from a safe vantage point behind a window.

I first sighted her (I think it was a her) as a quick vertical blur in my peripheral vision, followed by a flurry of feathers. She had leaped seven feet to snag a dove sitting at the top of a concrete wall. She carried the bird to an alcove and had a quick lunch, followed by a leisurely siesta on the backyard bricks. Then it was back to the hunt, poised on the top of the wall, watching the bird action until she dropped down on the other side to continue her journey. (Continue for more pics.)

The Desert Museum is hosting their first ever Desert Dessert Night from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 24.

The Museum partners with Tucson Originals restaurants and KOLD to bring a sweet (pun intended) cook-off using Sonoran Desert ingredients. Fifteen Tucson Original restaurant chefs will be concocting their original dessert offerings and the Museum will be open for a twilight viewing of the grounds. They will also offer specialty coffees and beverages for sale to enjoy with your after dinner delights.

Tickets are on sale now and expected to sell out. Click here to purchase your tickets and for more information.

“Not only is a rabies vaccine required by law, it protects your pet against a fatal disease that can infect your human family members, too,” said Dr. Jen Wilcox, the shelter veterinarian at Pima Animal Care Center. “And parvo is an extremely common – but preventable – virus that leads to the death of thousands of puppies in our community each year. We are very grateful for Banfield’s assistance in protecting our community’s pets.” 

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Toonz, a 7-year-old, male, domestic, short hair

Reference no: 766481 

If you’re searching for a steady companion, look no further than Toonz! This big handsome tabby enjoys attention, but he also appreciates his “me time.” Toonz just wants the peace of mind that comes from knowing he finally belongs. This poor kitty has been surrendered to a shelter three times in just the last few months. How could such a dapper darling go through so many homes? Toonz has a history of litter box avoidance. But with a stable, mellow environment and plenty of opportunities to succeed, Toonz will re-establish appropriate habits. Could you be the one to help him conquer litter box boot camp? In return, you’ll receive a lifetime of unconditional love from the world’s most appreciative feline. Meet terrific Toonz today at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona!

The world renowned Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is gearing up for the summer season. The Museum is recruiting young professionals and families a.k.a. "Desert Lab Rats" to join its crew in developing innovative summer programs. There will be two originative workshops from 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, at the Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road. Here’s your chance to bring attention to various local endangered species and help protect this beautiful desert we are fortunate enough to call home.

• Photo courtesy of Lead Local.
• The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum needs your creative mind.

Go here to apply for the morning and here for the afternoon workshop.