Two contrasts in photography, in more ways than one.  The Pyrrhuloxia appeared from nowhere and landed withing easy photographic distance out in the open. 

The Curve-billed thrasher was deeply hidden in the shadows beneath a cactus and although I spent a considerable length of time waiting for it to come out into the sunlight, it just wouldn't leave its little island sanctuary. 

Female Pyrrhuloxia...

Curve-billed thrasher...

(Click on the thrasher for more revealing detail!)