TAKING A BREAK

This heron stood there for awhile, taking a break from fishing for food.

PAINTED LADY

One of my favorite butterflies in this area - Painted Lady.   I haven't seen them locally here in town yet, but this one was up at Heaps Peak Arboretum the other day.  When we first moved here last October they were flitting all over certain bushes close by where we live. 

PRETTY BLOOM

Stood out from the others around it - I think she is meant to be a star. 

SITTING AT MY KITCHEN TABLE

I photograph these little guys all the time.  I have to take the photos through the window because when I go out and sit on the deck they disappear.  I have the feeders hanging off the overhang of the roof and they perch in the tree right across from the deck.  Sometimes the photos look grainy because of taking them through the window.

Yesterday I was trying to get a sketch done but had to keep stopping to photograph this guy.

SWALLOWTAIL AT HEAPS PEAK ARBORETUM

Often, when we are driving up the mountain we will stop along the way at this arboretum.  I didn't want to do the walk through as it was getting late and we wanted to go eat - but I had Mike stop the car so I could   check out the area closest to the highway.  I was happy to see the swallowtail and get some pics.  I photographed many poses but will just post these two.

 This area is a great place to stop at and see the local flowers, trees, bugs, birds and butterflies. 

A FAVORITE BIRD AND A FAVORITE QUOTE

Goldfinches are so sweet.

This quote is so inviting.

She sat in the tree as if to invite me to fly with her.

 And in that moment I felt I could.

We have a lot of hummingbirds visiting the yard lately.   The weather is cooling down so nice at night and I think by September we will really be feeling fall weather.  I've noticed some trees already changing colors on the leaves.  Not a lot yet, but enough to get excited about the fall colors coming.

We've been taking several drives up the highway recently because the sky is so pretty with the monsoonal type clouds. 

I keep meaning to look at Farmers Almanac to see what is predicted for this fall and winter - since I'm thinking of it I'll go do it now.

Two days ago we had quite a storm - thunder, heavy rain - and just when I thought it was over - it continued for quite a while longer. 

It might not be helping the drought but the trees up here in the mountains look green and fresh and the lake is beautiful.  

How's your weather?

How are your birds - any new ones in your yard.

THIS LITTLE WOODPECKER WAS PHOTOGRAPHED IN WINTER

MOUNTAIN CHICK-A-DEE

In my yard, the mountain chickadee use to be one of the most skittish birds - darting away the minute they saw any activity from me.  Now I can get really close and they even let me step up to a different feeder no more than 2 feet away and put seeds in it while they patiently sit and wait on the other feeder.  This one came real close and just ignored me while it was drinking.

I can see they are now taking me for granted and hardly notice my presence!  Time for a divorce I'm thinking.

WILD BOBCAT

Looking anything but wild - looks just like a domestic cat strolling up the road but a lot bigger.

I was sitting on my bed working on the laptop when I look out the window and see him.  Luckily he was walking very slow - I had to find my camera then I had to run upstairs because by that time I didn't have a view of him from down below.  I quickly shot these photos and didn't have time to get them exactly as I would have liked but i sure enjoyed watching him walk up in the neighbors yard across the street and disappear.  One time my neighbor told me there was a bobcat in her yard so I guess this is normal up here.  First time I've seen one in person other than in a zoo.

I WAS MESMERIZED

Walking the lake yesterday I passed a bush with the tiniest - really tiny - little wildflowers.  I started taking photos of it and when I saw them later  I thought how can something so so tiny be so beautiful and look so bold and  proud of itself when we humans would just walk by not noticing it because of how small the plant is.  The blooms were the size of my thumbnail.  I'm not sure what they are but I'll research it later.

I took many images of the same bush and I know I didn't need this many images but I was mesmerized by its' beauty.  I won't post them all.

LAURA - more of the GRAND FAIRIES etc in our "FIELD"

Our front field we had in Alta Loma - I should have called it the Field of Dreams - this is where the kids could become fairies, princesses and athletes - The only time I miss my house is when I see the family all gathered together in photos and having fun.

My oldest granddaughter Holly - who belongs to my oldest son Joel - she is now 9 but about 5 in this photo.  Laura - I'll put more up of Hannah with the kids tomorrow.  You probably took a lot of photos that day also - but i may have some you haven't seen.

This was about a year and a half or so before we sold and moved.  We lived here for 28 years.  A perfect Gathering Place for a large family.

 Holden, Mackenzie and Holly

Hunter and Mackenzie - Holden in background.

It was getting chilly so some of the princesses put their jammies on.

Hannah jumping in the air.

who can kick the farthest - to their Uncle Sam.

INSTEAD OF BIRDS - FAIRIES AND PRINCESSES AND OH ...A LEPRACHAUN.

I took these about four years ago in my front yard when we had several of the grandkids visiting.  I remember I posted a few of them but found so many more in the folder that I never posted.  I will eventually put them up here because  after all they are of the elemental kingdom and fantasy kingdom.  (I like the way Tessa does the borders on her photos so I tried it)

A COUPLE YELLOW HEADED AMAZON PARROTS

BUT, what the heck happened to the one's face.  I didn't ask the shop owner but I suspect that he could be molting or they did get some type of skin disease that could cause it.  I think he's kind of cute. 

THE MOST IRRITATING BIRD

But I'm sure he thinks he's being sweet to sing to the dog, lol.

BEAUTIFUL - ENJOY

BLACK HEADED GROSBEAK AND FEMALE BULLOCK'S ORIOLE

I have some photos I want to post later - in case anyone wants to join in and sketch them - Lorraine or Laura?

But for now I'm just posting this photo I like of female oriole joining a grosbeak on the tree.

My son and his family were here for a few days and now have left so today will include a walk at the lake and some art time when I get back.