Glowing Yellow Eyes

I LOVE owls but I rarely see them. Since moving here, I have been looking for whitewash on branches and owl pellets under trees but still have not seen an owl until last night.

We heard a Western Screech Owl fledgling begging for food which sent us out into the night.

We were incredibly lucky for the owl perched on a distant pole flew over our head!

Yeah! What a fine looking Screech Owl!

A Hike in the Wilderness

After living here almost 3 years, we realize that a hike in the wilderness can never be taken for granted.

The San Jacinto Wilderness surrounding Idyllwild was one of the first designated wildernesses under the Wilderness Act in 1964. It is relatively small compared to other wildernesses.

In July 2013, approximately 28,000 acres were destroyed in the Mountain Fire. 

Trails in the burned area are closed to hikers for many reasons. Most importantly, the land is being given a chance for regrowth without the trampling of hikers. Plans are being made to restore trails in less impacted areas gradually.

From Tahquitz Peak, we can see that some of the most impacted mountains are starting to show new growth which is encouraging.However, it will take many years to fully rebuild the PCT on those steep slopes.

The reminder of the Mountain Fire of 2013 is always with us but the current wildfire in the San Gorgonio Wilderness in another part of the San Bernardino National Forest brings the memories into sharper focus.

 Each hike is special but our latest one was filled with extra gratitude.

As we hiked to the peak this past weekend, we found new wildflowers in bloom.

The Western Azalea and Paintbrush were two of my favorite.

It's always fun for me to "capture" some birds where ever I go. This Western Tanager, one of the most beautiful summer mountain birds, was busily filling his beak with insects while we watched.

The other most beautiful summer mountain bird is the Black-headed Grosbeak. Their songs are very similar but their call notes are unique.

I rarely see the Fox Sparrow and Green-tailed Towhee so to photograph both of these summer mountain residents was fantastic! Their songs are similar as well so it's best to find who the singer is before identifying these birds.

This female Western Bluebird had a 6 legged insect and a big green worm in her beak outside her nest cavity. Quite impressive!

The magnificent sunset was a perfect ending to this wilderness hike!

"How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains! To behold this alone is worth the pains of any excursion a thousand times over."
John Muir

Secretive Birds

Hard to believe that just a few weeks ago, there was snow and ice on the mountain. Now, it's extremely hot and dry. Temperature is relative though. While up in Idyllwild,it is in the 80's, down the mountain in the desert, it is over 110. It's good to see the birds adapting to the crazy weather and doing what they do every Spring and Summer.

Before moving to Idyllwild, we had numerous bird boxes in our yard. Since we don't have any in our current home, I have had to rely on the birds that accidentally show me where their nests are hidden. It takes a lot of patience and luck. With a little nesting material in her feathers, this Western Wood -Pewee led me to the nest she was building.

 I would never have found this nest if I hadn't watched the Western Bluebird zip into this tree cavity with a beak full of insects.

It's pretty impressive watching these bluebirds load up their beaks with numerous insects before returning to the nest.

Earlier this Spring, the Mountain Quail were singing loudly every morning. It was a good sign. They survived the Winter as well as other hazards. They are quite vulnerable in a forest full of predators. I've been hopefully awaiting the arrival of chicks for months.

 The wait is over. Four adorable little chicks scurried in the yard with their parents. Within hours of hatching these chicks are closely following their parents and foraging under their watchful eyes. Within a couple of minutes, they vanished back up the mountain into the cover of brush while the cooing adult was hurrying them along. They are incredibly cautious.With any sense of movement from inside the house, they scurry away from perceived danger. All photos are from inside a not so clear window.I'm lucky to see them though.

This week I also spotted some more quick learners -Mallard chicks. They are swimming hours after hatching with their parents. No waiting in a nest for food to be delivered.

 This Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in a nest was another surprise. If you are patient and pay attention, you might get lucky and discover some neat sightings. While we were looking for birds, we were totally amazed by the appearance of a Grey fox and her 3 cubs. Wow! Too quick for me! Some moments can only be captured in your memory.

Blooming Mountain Wildflowers

What can be more beautiful than a mountain "painted" in colors of purple, blue, yellow, white, red and orange wildflowers?

 Most of the wildflowers are found in small clusters which dot the landscape with color.

Showy Penstemon

California Rose

Phacelia distans

 Returning to Apple Canyon Road where the Mountain Fire of 2013 hopscotched the

road, I was happy to see that wildflowers were growing once again out of the previous ash.

I have quickly discovered that identifying birds is a lot easier than identifying plants. Common names are a whole lot easier to remember than the Latin scientific name. In trying to name this flower, I found the scientific name,Phacelia minor, with two common names, California Bluebell and Wild Canterbury Bell.Take your pick!

California Poppy

 A couple of friends knowing my love of capturing scenes in nature shared their surprise discovery with me.

 Not knowing quite what to expect, I was totally captivated by the beauty of a mountain slope covered in bright orange California Poppies and purple Lupine. I have never seen so many vibrant colors in one place!

An extra bonus was being able to observe the birds that made this meadow, a painter's dream, their home for the summer.

 Knowing these blooms would not be here much longer, we returned another day. This time our backpacks were loaded with colored pencils and drawing pads and our hearts filled with peace and gratitude.

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees."  
John Muir