Daily Walks 4

A different kind of fungus. This one is much smaller, about an inch in diameter.

A little fairy circle of fungus. Makes me think of Alice in Wonderland!

That's another big 'un. My baby buck is there for scale.

Fungus growing on a dead log.

A close up (not great) of a plant that many know as Irish Bells, or Miner's Lettuce, or Indian Lettuce.
It was known as Miner's lettuce because it was one of the first edible plants that appear in the spring and contains some vitamin C. It fights off scurvy, and them 49'ers were living on moldy hard tack and beans. I can actually eat this and make a spring tansy (?) or tonic/salad out of the greens. They always make me feel better. Seems to like the shady places near the creek and the oaks. At least that's where I find it growing. : - )

Saw this hummer down by the oaks. He's obviously not worried about me. LOL!

In the field by the Pines looking towards Mt. San Jacinto.

My sister the Hawk flew in for a visit.

Someone is parked up on top of the hill out back. LOL! Must have used the 4 wheel drive.

Another photo of sister Hawk. I just love that predatory gleam in her eye.

This little house finch was hiding in the poplar tree when I got back up by the house.

On Feb. 15, I headed out with my camera to see what else was out there. I found this bicolored red winged black bird hiding from me in the tree.

A nice view of the elderberry on the slope up the creek from our house. I like the rocks in the photo too.

Not sure what kind of bird this is, never saw one like him before, but maybe I wasn't looking.

Branches from an oak tree, reaching for the sky.

That hummer is still on guard out by the oaks.

I was hoping to get these next couple of photos to show you. These woodpeckers are really hard to see. Aren't they?

View #2.

View #3. I think this is the male waiting to hear if his mate needs more twigs. He's got a great perch there outside his nest.

View #4, better view of him. Sunlight helps so I can see the markings better. : - )

Finally figured out the telephoto thing. It was giving me trouble for awhile.
#5.

Finally a face shot!

Full face this time. : - )
#7 in this series.

The pussy willows along the creek are leafing out nicely. That white you see in the back of the branches isn't clouds but snow topped mountain peaks.

Lizard on log. Innit he cute?

Under Grandfather Oak. The ground is covered with Indian lettuce, and my best four footed pal is right there in the middle of it. Good old Spirit, he always knows how to make me smile. : - )

A feather I found on the ground.
I have to go for a short break, be back soon.
WIB!
SW

A patch of buffalo/coyote gourds.

Wild cucumbers? I think they have pretty white flowers and vine up the oaks. They have a spiney gourd like covering and inside is like a loofa.

You can see better in this photo how it vines around the pussy willow.

This was back when the creek still had water in it. Sigh. It's dry again, now.

Looking straight up at the Root Oak, I can see an old crows nest.

Same nest using the telephoto on my camera.

Another view of Mt. San Jacinto through the pines.

Okay, what did the girl mushroom say to the boy mushroom?
Gee, you're a fungi! LOL!
I know it's a kids jokes, but I don't remember jokes, and this photo called it to mind.
Did you see the little guy looking at the pair. Kind of reminds me of the older kids not letting the little kids play. : - )

Well gee, with this photo taken on Feb. 16, I'm only 2 months behind now. Where did the time go? This is a photo of the neighbors palm tree and part of our little range of hills, looking west from the farm pond.

Must have had a bunny hop, and they didn't invite ME! LOL!

Grandmother Oak.

The oak/creek hummer is back (pun intended) on duty.

Dappled sunshine, Indian Lettuce, and the texture of the wood, make this a pretty photo.