Conboy NWR and more

The next day the skies cleared and we headed to Conboy NWR in the morning. It was already hot by the time we got there and I left my big camera in the car. At the Willard Springs Trail we heard Western Meadowlark calling and lots of insects buzzing. Dragonflies were thick along the creek.

The views of Mt. Adams are gorgeous. We could see smoke at the base of the mountain and figured the previous night's thunderstorm set a fire. A burn ban was in effect. Later the smoke stopped fortunately.

These mystery moths were seen on the Willard Springs Trail. We later learned they are Western Sheepmoth. Neat-o!

A Lyre-tipped Spreadwing at roadside stop. Also seen at this stop was a Bobcat! A snack was in hand, not the camera.

Later we moved on to Mill Pond for some shade and a cool place to spend the afternoon. Much fun was had geeking out over insects. A pair of kestrels were actively chasing off a hawk much of the time too.

An insect next to my chair was busy doing some excavation. Watch closely at 1:07. He/she hauls out a pebble the size of its head!!

Riveting, I know.

Some macro lens fun:::

Back at the Flying L Ranch we watched some back lit hummers at the many feeders they provide for them. Later at dusk we came back for the evening show of nighthawks and hummers.

Mysterious gumdrops on a tree trunk.

On the way home we stopped for some more time in the Mt. Adams wilderness.

Thanks to Jen for helping me figure out this giant feather is likely from a Wild Turkey.

It was a fun mini vacation!!