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| South Ridge Trailhead |
Seasons are shifting. Clouds fill the blue skies and cooler air has returned.
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| Seven Pines Trail |
In our previous southeastern home, skies like this would precede a rainstorm. As much as I hoped and expected to get wet on our recent Seven Pines Trail hike, not a drop fell. Predicting weather based on
the clouds here is futile.
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| Pygmy Nuthatch |
While migrating birds are filling up on their southward journeys, our resident birds like the Mountain Chickadee and Pygmy Nuthatch are in constant motion caching seeds from the abundant pine cones.
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| Merriam's chipmunk |
Chipmunks are busy as well. This little guy was at the top of the tallest Limber Pine tree on Tahquitz Peak (8,846feet) stuffing his cheeks with nuts to store in his hiding spot before Winter sets in.
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| Granite Spiny Lizard - male |
It's still warm enough for the lizards. Granite Spiny Lizards are the "big guys" on the mt. They can measure up to 11 inches. In fact, when I returned from Tahquitz Peak, I thought chipmunks were crossing my path but it turned out to be these lizards. This summer a researcher from Loma Linda University stated that he believes our venomous Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes get their extra potent venom from feasting on these lizards.
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| Red-shouldered Hawk, Juvenile |
All the critters need to keep an eye out for the quiet one with a sharp beak and curved, sharp talons!
For my insect curious friends, here's a new one for us. It is some type of stick bug. Very different from the ones we see in Georgia. It blends in with pine straw perfectly. Since it was on our house, we could spot it.
At the end of a cloud filled day, the sunsets are spectacular. Welcome Fall!!!
