After losing my ancient oak to the Gold Spotted Oak Borer infestation, her children seem to be more beautiful than ever to me this season.
Oak Leaves in Snow
Yellow-Rumped Warbler Stopping By
This sweet one stopped by after the snow to shelter in the cedar for awhile. So nice to see!
Chickadee in the First Snow
The first snow of the season is always magical. And it’s the start of vegan chili season for me. Life is good.
After the Fire
In 2018 the mountain community of Idyllwild, California, experienced a devastating wildfire. In the burn zone, nothing remained. But two years later, life is returning. This 2-minute slideshow features some of the wildflowers that were blooming in June, 2020. Some of these beautiful flowers, the fire followers, bloom only for a few short years after wildfires.
In June, 2020, I was fortunate to spend some time with photographer friends, Jamie Guthrie and Bruce Edward Watts, exploring the burn area. Bruce is literally writing the books on mountain wildflowers and butterflies. What a wonderful day!
Young Bluebird
The mountain is bursting with new life! Teenage birds have left the safety of their nests and are learning how to fly and feed themselves. Their parents work tirelessly as they prepare their young ones for life on the mountain. Such a magical time of year. So grateful to witness the miracle that is taking place all around me.
Swallowtail Butterfly on Lupine
It was a lovely spring morning on the Idyllwild Nature Center trails. Lupine is one of my favorite wildflowers and there they were! And they were enjoying the attention of many of the mountain’s butterflies. So thrilled to get a photo of this beautiful creature, happily pollenating the Lupine in an age-old dance of life.
Violet Green Swallow
The swallows arrived awhile ago and they are pairing up for the season and checking out nest sites. They’ve been hanging out in the yard for about a week, and this morning and they seemed to like a cavity in the ancient oak next to my deck.
A View from My Window
In this time of pandemic, a number of websites are springing up to encourage those of us staying in our homes to share and connect with others around the world. These sites bring tremendous peace to me, giving evidence that we are all part of the collective of humanity. And that we are loving, compassionate, and kind beings who are open to beauty and connection.
This photo was my post to the “View from My Window” group on Facebook. Over a million members in less than a month. A coyote appeared and explored the yard. A blessing from the Wild Things.
Messages from Water
The snow formed thin sheets of thin lacy ice as it melted from the roof this morning. I was so happy to see this little heart. Love and Hugs to All the Wild Things, from Water.
Acorn Woodpecker Sheltering from the Storm
While humans are sheltering in place as we weather the coronavirus pandemic, the Wild Things are finding shelter from the storm in the safety of the cedar tree. Life goes on.