Updates

I feel I need to update you on several things I've mentioned in previous posts.  First of all, Chuck, the biologist, confirmed that yesterday, Emma and I, had indeed encountered a "nice sized" Western Diamondback Rattlesnake!  Nice to know that I was correct in my identification, I guess.  :)

Then there is the matter of the mysterious evaporation of my anti-freeze/coolant in the motorhome.  Thanks to fellow volunteer John, today we discovered a leak after warming up the engine.  He thinks it is a faulty hose connection, and will help me with a relatively easy fix in the next few days.  He is very knowledgeable about engines, and I'm just thankful this happened here rather than when I'm traveling down the road!  It's great to have friends.  :)

It turns out that all my applications for volunteering in Oregon this summer have ended in disaster.  There is one more place I'm waiting to hear from, but I'm thinking it looks like I just may have this summer free to just wander.  After my wandering last fall, I think I can deal with that.  :)  Maybe it's time to just relax from all my volunteering.  I'll have to watch my finances, but I'm game to give it a try.

Tonight, I'll be recording the first episode of Deadliest Catch for this season.  I've been hooked on this program for about five years.  I just can't imagine living through the hardships and challenges of working on a crab catching ship in the waters of the Bering Sea, around Alaska.  My stomach wouldn't last five minutes after leaving the docks!  :) 

You know I love birds, but I am particularly enamored by trying to photograph hummingbirds.  This evening, I think I captured a decent progression of a female black-chinned hummer approaching my feeder.  I hope you will enjoy it too... (double click on each photo to enlarge it if you like)

Thanks for stopping by....talk to you later,  Judy

An OMG! moment

Although rain was in the forecast for today, I awoke to clear skies and rising temperatures.  It turned out to be a gorgeous day in the neighborhood.  :)  In the morning, I worked on the tasks on my list, and got most of them accomplished.  That included a drive to the Lago Vista post office to send off a package and the rebate form for my new cell phone.  While in town, I stopped at the CVS store and purchased a few items that were not on my list.  Among them was 18 bite sized pieces of Lindt Lindor Truffles (extra dark).  Mmmm...they are very tasty.  :)

Afterwards, it was back to the rig to take care of some phone calls and emails that I'll talk about next time.  Then it was time to join Emma outside to enjoy in the late afternoon ensconced in my rocker with my feet propped up on my refurbished camp stool.  It's such a comfortable way to relax on a day off, and enjoy my birds.

Of course, there were numerous black-chinned hummingbirds visiting the feeder.  I even had a ruby-throated hummer show up today, but he was too fast for me to get a photo.

There's no need to provide a bird bath....they all just use Emma's water bowl.

Emma was casually relaxing in the shade with her front legs crossed as I contentedly rocked away.  Suddenly, she quickly took off for her water dish and began sniffing around as the hackles rose on her back.  In an instant she began a guttural barking, and I heard a distinct rattling sound.  I literally flew out of my seat to grab her tie out lead!  I knew what that rattle meant.  As I ushered her inside the rig, I picked up my camera and went back outside...

and this is what I found! (remember, you can click on any photo to enlarge)  I think it's a Western diamondback rattlesnake.  I've sent the picture to Chuck, the refuge biologist, for verification.  I used my long telephoto lens for this shot because I didn't want to get too close.  I'm surprised it didn't turn out all blurry since my heart was really pounding.  I don't dislike snakes, but this was a little too close for comfort for me.  :(  My guess is that this snake was about four feet long and about 2-3" in diameter.  That rattle sure unnerved me!  Ah well, just another day on a wildlife refuge.

Thanks for stopping by....talk to you later,  Judy