Sparkly Morning
The snow is melting this morning and sparkles are everywhere, even in the melting of icicles.
Flicker Sheltering in Place
As many of us are sheltering in place these days, this handsome Flicker is no exception. He’s found a safe place to weather out the snowstorm.
Heartfelt Squirrel Connection
It was just one of those unexpected magical moments. A heartfelt connection with a squirrel friend.
Sign of Spring – Mama Bluebird
It’s always a thrill to when the first bluebirds of the year arrive in the yard. A sure sign that the mountain is awakening and the joyous season of rebirth and renewal is on its way.
New gear: The Sony 10RX Mark 4. Absolutely love it.
Thanksgiving Snow
There’s a stillness in nature that I only experience when it snows. Witnessing the Earth move water to where it’s needed fills me with gratitude. A perfect Thanksgiving snow.
The Living Desert
So the first big storm of the winter was about to hit Idyllwild and I decided to head down the hill to The Living Desert for the day. What fun!!!
Hibiscus 
Tree-climbing coyote 
Buckwheat 
Egret
Dinner with a Hummer
I so love these joyful little creatures! Tonight was dinner on the deck with the usual suspects – the jay and woodpecker families working toward emancipating their teenagers, a young flicker out on his own, nuthatches working the trees upside down, and the hummer. His territory was in the light and his head feathers turned from green to flashes of ruby red as he moved about. Magical summer evening in Idyllwild.
Acorn Woodpecker Teen
Love how devoted bird parents are to their teens! This mom (bottom) is delivering a tasty morsel to her teenager. Soon he will be eating on his own and taking his place in the colony. (You can tell the difference between adult males and females by looking at the feathers on their heads. Females have a band of black feathers between the white and red feathers.)
Young Bluebird
Welcome to your new home on the mountain, Little One!
Mom and Dad have just guided this Little One from the safety of the nest to his home in the great outdoors. It took him a little while to get accustomed to the brightness of his world, and he spent quite a while with his eyes closed. He finally hopped to a space in the shade and was finally able to take it all in. Welcome!