Two or three day heat wave here
Coyote Getting out for an early morning walk before it gets too hot, I run into a coyote not that far from the house, and he takes off pretty fast, can only get this shot of him (or her) loping away.
I think this is an oriole!!!! Didn't stick around once he spotted me, unfortunately - 2nd photo blurry shot of bird streaking away
Oriole? In lower orchard
Red-tail hawk almost directly overhead. This is one of the nesting pair which live near the lower orchards
Almost stepped on this lizard, you can see why
Violet-green swallow, male, wing and tail stretch after preening Found some happy swallows, so not all is lost.
A neighbor has some nest boxes, so this male and female must have successfully started their nest for the summer, and are taking a break preening and stretching in nearby apple tree.
A neighbor has some nest boxes, so this male and female must have successfully started their nest for the summer, and are taking a break preening and stretching in nearby apple tree.
Happy, preening female violet-green swallow, relaxing on tree near mate
This quail let me photograph him making his whooping call - sort of a cross between a contralto whoop and a wow.
Found another oak titmouse nest in an old tree trunk, these birds truly seem to be thriving
Just look at all the bugs they catch, not only cute, but a great bird!
This western bluebird's colors were just so intense
May have found this Acorn Woodpecker nest - or it's just a big hole they've dug looking for insects - will keep a watch on it, now that I know where it is.
STAY COOL!