Pismo Beach Butterfly Walk

We went to see the migration of the Monarch butterflies today out at Pismo Beach State Park. We didn't see as many as we expected. But, there were quite a few in particular spots.

The sign showing the count so far this year is estimated at 21,000. Which is down from last year at this time. Laurie and I wondered how they counted all the little guys/gals.

We didn't stay very long as it was still fairly cool when we were there. I did however capture a few images in case you don't get a chance to make it out there. Hope you enjoy!

Flying Surprise!

Surprise! Laurie and I walk out to the shop and open the door and what do you suppose we see? A little Kestral that got lost trying to find a winter nesting spot.

She almost hit Laurie in the head several times on her flight to escape. In the mean time Chewey (our dog) is "on the hunt" and almost caught the little girl before we helped her find her way out.

Of course I had to get a few images before she flew the coop, as it were.

Wikipedia says:

The name kestrel, (from French crécerelle, derivative from crécelle i.e. Ratchet) is given to several different members of the falcon genus, Falco. Kestrels are most easily distinguished by their typical hunting behaviour which is to hover at a height of around 10–20 metres (33–66 ft) over open country and swoop down on prey, usually small mammals, lizards or large insects. Other falcons are more adapted to active hunting on the wing. In addition, kestrels are notable for usually having much brown in their plumage.

Morro Bay

Chewey

Playing Marbles

You ever wonder what marbles do when they're alone?

Sign of the times

Amazing to me how much we leave behind. Trash everywhere! Maybe it was just the mood I was in but it seems to me we are so interested in WHAT we are doing and yet don't give hoot about HOW we are doing it. I can't imagine this person assumes that someone will follow behind them to clean up. Yes, I did throw this away after I photographed it.

Parenthood

Harmony

Harmony is a small town south of Cambria. It was once built around a dairy and some shops and a school house. Now it is a quint little village of markets and art stores. Laurie and I descended on this part of the coast this weekend with our cameras. This is what I came away with. I tried not to leave anything there, but I'm sure I did. I always do.

A day at the Sweet Springs

A little friend

Looking toward the Rock

Mission Rose

A day at the well

Sunrise

Quarterback for the ages

Congratulations Matt!

Reptile Surprise

Today I was photographing my wife's lampworking accomplishments with Chewey our dog in the garage. He started barking and made my heart jump. He had cornered this king snake under the saw. After a few minutes of catching him/her we deposited him/her outside in the wood pile.

Of course after a few clicks of my shutter. ;)

Sea of red Lips

Honey Surprise

Morro Bay Power Plant

Sacramento