Familiar Birds In Different Places

A molting shore bird.Resting along La Jolla Beach as I walk by. Then I stop.

I take mental note of everything I see as she stretches and preens. Seemingly unconcerned.

She finally turns around after her morning routine. Hmm. What IS this?
I finally conclude after consulting Sibley - she must be a Spotted Sandpiper.
I usually see these in the mountains.
Am I right? What do you think she is?

A Godwit Went For A Walk

Once upon a time, a Godwit went for a walk.He came upon a friend and they walked together and looked for food awhile.

But he was kind of embarrassed about how his friend flashed everyone as he ate.

So he went his way and walked alone.

He was a good walker and could cover the ground well.

He liked his shadow following him too.

Sometimes it led.

It was a good day for walking together.

Hmm. The Desert Or Disneyland?

I love my husband. We like to do different things sometimes. That can be a wonderful thing.

(Al toughin' it out on our vacation in San Diego)Like when you have a 12 year old daughter who wants to go to Disneyland, and you never, ever do.To stand in line for 90 minutes to get a picture with Princess So and So.

I dropped them off at the train station and headed for the desert.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park actually.
No waiting for the Black-throated Sparrow.

Three hours of hiking Hell Hole Canyon brought me Hooded Orioles.
Lawrence's Goldfinches.
California Quail.
And a lovely Jack Rabbit.
And things you'd think you will never see in the desert.Al & Princess Belle. He thinks she liked him.

Everything But The Pigeon Sink

There was this awesome pier in Pacific Beach where we vacationed recently. Everyone was enjoying the ocean view and the cute surfers. But this is what got my attention. The Pigeon Sink.

These birds were quite polite, waiting for their turn to drink fresh water out of the faucet. Burying their bill deep inside for the last drop.

Even hopping in the sink to see if it needed any cleaning. Might be a bit of food somewhere you know.

Each bird fufilling their task of keeping watch, drinking, cleaning.

Then heading out for a nice stroll on Pigeon Beach.
Not a bad life for a Pigeon, eh?

Daddy!

Something really, really special is happening this weekend.

My Dad is coming to live with us.

(Here he is with Ruth, and me peeking)We have a great guest cabin all ready for him, which will give him his own space and privacy, yet he can be a part of whatever he wants. The circumstances that are bringing this about are sad, yet, the goodness that will come out of this is beyond comprehension in my mind.

(Dad & Jessica)
Our society has, for the most part, gotten so far away from multi-generational living.
I am excited for the opportunity. My sister, Lauren, Al and I have been working to get the cabin in top shape for him. It will be done Saturday. He'll be here Saturday night. My son Cyrus is helping bring him and the last of his furniture over.

I can hardly wait.
Welcome Home, Daddy.

Spring In The Desert

The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park actually.
Teddy Bear Cholla
I visited there recently. I hadn't had a chance to wander in the desert for many years. It was very refreshing.
Beavertail
Words can hardly describe the beauty.
Barrel Cactus
So I won't even try.
Ocotillo
Chuparosa