Every time I go for a hike, I keep alert for the presence of snakes, especially rattlesnakes. This past week, I spotted this poisonous Western Rattlesnake but instead of finding it on a trail, it was in our driveway!
It is not uncommon to hear the howl of coyotes in the distance but they are elusive so you don't see them very often. This one appeared at our back fence during the record breaking heatwave.
The Green Tailed Towee lives at a high altitude. I have only seen it a couple of times when we hiked up to Tahquitz Look Out tower. I was lucky this day because it is usually hidden from sight.
On a recent hike, we came upon the rare Lemon Lily that blooms in the San Bernardino Mountains between 4,000 and 9,000 feet during July and August. We saw only 2 of these flowers on the trail.
Although Smokey the Bear messages reminding us to prevent forest fires prevail, it is uncommon to see Smokey in person. We finally got to see him!
Each year, a pair of Bald Eagles arrive at Lake Hemet to breed.
Birders celebrate their arrival! Note the huge binoculars!
Near our house, there is a sign warning us that the Idyllbeast may cross the road at any time.
We finally got a glimpse of him. It's been a great week for unusual sightings!
