Day of Nature

Dave's family is visiting.  Our plans today included Cascade Springs.  We'd seen a Rufous at the feeders, but my camera hadn't been able to capture him.  While kids were lining up in the mudroom for a check before getting in the car, Dave took my camera out to try his luck.

I didn't ask any questions when he gave me my camera, so I was pleasantly surprised to see these pictures on the memory stick after our outing.

Eagle-eyed David didn't wait for the Rufous to come to the feeder.  He spied him in the branches and clicked away.

This sunflower was waiting for us as we pulled into a lookout.

Cascade Springs has beautiful wildflowers.

The morning was cool and the sun was behind clouds.

This is not optimum for photography, but it's great for hiking.

My granddaughter made sure I didn't miss any flowers.

We are in a drought, so the flowers were not as abundant as they have been in years past.

The thistle was exquisite.

Even the bees agreed.

One Hummingbird and One Geranium

Word on the street is that a Rufous is drinking at the feeders.  I didn't see him tonight, but my camera did capture this.

Extra Space

Ben has changed my sprinkler system on the balcony.

The hummingbirds don't seem to mind.

This change doesn't actually affect the birds.

However, it has significantly increased the amount of space available for people.

They still check us out.

Bees and Other Pretty Things on Garbage Day

The sad truth is that I'm not usually outside during daylight hours.

I saw flowers in bloom when I came home from my walk, so when the sun was up, I took my camera out.  Lots of bees -- the garden was humming.

I do not know what these are.  I did not plant them.  It's good I like purple, because I seem to have a lot.

Sometimes flowers are prettier with my eyes than they are than with my camera.

On the other hand, these were more fun to look at through my camera.

Daisies are not as simple as they might appear.

Ben has been worried about my baskets getting enough water in 100 degree heat.

I think they are doing fine.