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Wild Friends and More! June 2009 Mount Shasta, California |
Return to Sisson Meadow
While taking wildflower photographs in Sisson Meadow, I heard footsteps behind me.
It was the goose family, on their way to the pond!
They went for a swim:
A couple of goslings hung out on the island:
The mallard was there, too. He sunned himself as a crow bathed nearby:
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Meanwhile, a Chimney Swift kept watch atop a birdhouse next to the pond:
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Close to Home
While photographing wildflowers in our neighborhood, I encountered a wild turkey:
She began clucking, and two tiny chicks ran out of the underbrush to join her. They went up a driveway together, out of camera range.
Another day I saw a fox cross the road. I jumped out of the car and followed him into the woods. He was cautious but also curious, and allowed me to snap his picture. Because of the distance and poor lighting, it is rather fuzzy:
Also spotted:
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Western Scrub Jay |
Common Blue Damselfly |
In our yard, we are visited by squirrels, deer, and various birds. One day the Pileated Woodpeckers came to call:
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And call they did! There were two of them, joined by a third, calling and flapping from tree to tree. They have bright red crowns, are very large and VERY LOUD! (See a YouTube video of one in action.) To hear how loud they are, scroll down to the "Songs and Calls" section of this page.
The Pileated Woodpecker was the prototype for Woody Woodpecker.
Visit to Lake Shastina
Lake Shastina is a lovely lake surrounded by rolling desert hills about 20 miles north of Mount Shasta City. It has a totally different ecosystem from Mount Shasta City: pine trees and dry desert shrubs in sandy soil. It tends to be warmer there; snow only lasts for a day!
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The area is home to many deer and raccoons. On one visit, I noticed a large deer lying under someone's deck, just a few feet away. I thought it was a lawn ornament, until it moved!
On another visit, I met this fellow:
The lake offers a nice home for the Canada Geese:
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The area also has some magnificent wildflowers:
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Showy Milkweed |
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During the drive back, Mount Shasta was covered by clouds. It looked like a cupcake with frosting!
Thanks for stopping by!
