The Elusive Tarantula Hawk Continues to Elude Me, Sort Of

A rare ground sighting on a recent morning of a tarantula hawk; it was foraging among the leaves under cedar trees behind the outdoor shower. These photos do not convey the giant purpley golden-orangeness that this insect has in flight, its gangly legs all hanging down and its wings spread wide, as it desultorily yet mysteriously lazes its way through the air!