Yosemite Moments

An Acorn Woodpecker in the drizzle, backed by the splendor of Yosemite Falls. A pregnant doe leads another deer through one of Yosemite's meadows.

A relaxed resident passes the time on a grey day.

This is what I've come to expect of Yosemite in June.

This Hermit Warbler was a brand new bird for me. It sat high in the tree singing "I'm a Hermit blah blah blah."

A White-headed Woodpecker returns home.

Black-headed Grosbeaks are wonderful, inquisitive birds. They sound like Robins turned up to 10.

This is the best look I've ever had of a Dipper. Turbo powered birds!

The obligatory Half Dome shot.

A Visit to Arrowhead Marsh

An American Avocet, resplendent in its breeding finery, chatters loudly as it flies over the marsh.

It doesn't take long to find the reason for the reason behind the adult chasing down every Crow and Turkey Vulture in the area.

Two chicks old enough to browse the shallows and feed on their own. They run back to the female to warm up under her wings when the late afternoon chill sets in.

Overhead threats safely averted, the male takes a break.

A Great Egret on its way out into the farthest reaches of the marsh.

Meanwhile, Ground Squirrels gather what I assume is nesting material, and scamper underground with their bounty.

An Anna's Hummingbird strikes a pose...

and then scratches an itch.

A Barn Swallow rests for a moment as the sun begins to set on the marsh.