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.
