Last week, the first significant rainfall in months arrived and more is on the way. The rain soaked the earth, filled the dry creek beds and brought life to ephemeral puddles.
Raindrops transformed the Manzanita bark to shiny red; bright green moss and lichens burst with color.
Puddles became bird baths and watering holes to all kinds of wildlife.
Dormant larvae come to life when the conditions are just right. I was surprised when these miniscule little grey flecks swirled together in a mass and began hopping in their newly formed pad in this puddle filled depression.
I was excited to see this American Kestrel on a line after the rain. He perched motionlessly waiting for something delicious to appear.
After many poor imitations of a squeaky mouse, he finally looked my way for a second so I could capture his beautiful profile.
Living in the dry West during a drought has given me an even greater appreciation for the rain and snow!
The grey clouds have returned today. The prediction is for rain and snow to fall for the next few days. Hopefully, the next entry's colors will be full of white!
