Bullock's Oriole

Young male Bullock's Oriole

Swallows

Cliff Swallows

A Violet-Green Swallow (right) joins them for a rest.

Vole

Sparrow, Towhees & A Hole


Sparrow, Towhees & A Vole



Sitting at the computer, staring out the window as the sun rises, I get my first good look at a vole.

Beneath the bird feeder, he pops out to forage seed. Never more than his head.

In these parts, every step -- woods, lawn, field -- is smushy from their underground burrows. Every square inch. But they're never seen.

Until NOW!

June Clouds

A megacumulus forming over the Sierra, 70 miles away. It must be 40 or 50 thousand feet high.



A variety at different altitudes.

Yellow Goat's Beard, Yellow Salsify

22° Halo

It lasted for many hours.

Douglas' Iris