He checked out the block, pecked it a couple times, and strode imperiously up and down the platform, giving the hubby a fantastic photo op! Still, the Raven was blacker than black, and no matter how I tweaked the photos he looks like a hole in the universe. We like the photos anyway. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy them, too. Although it is certainly crowding the edges of our cameras limited ability, James got a couple photos of our more usual visitors – the White Crowned Sparrows and House Finch.









This weekend we were thrilled to have another surprising visitor. I have been able to hear the Scaled Quail – also called Cottontops – as they call out in the mornings from the tops of yucca or mesquite, but they have stayed at the very edges of sight. Returning home from work one early morning we happened to see them briefly, a small flock of three, as they each crested and then ran away over a small mound of dirt near the front gate. With the rising sun behind them, the tuft of white feathers on the top of their heads glowed bright over their grey silhouettes and clearly showed how they got their nickname. Elusive as they have been, giving us only a bare glimpse now and then, it was exciting to see them come right up to the feeder, just a few yards from the front door!

Of course, James got some photos.







He sneaked closer and closer – trying both through the window and the door, and was finally tempted to slip out the door and try and get even better pictures. This was a bit too much for our little guests, and they dashed off down the driveway.






The hubby followed them out. Then while he faced one way, photographing the retreating Quail, a Black-Tailed Jack emerged from the woodpile behind him. Ignoring the man and the quail, the Jack casually hop walked towards him, stopping to nibble grasses and scratch his ears. I willed James to turn around, and he must have heard me (chuckle) because he turned and saw the Jack. That camera kept right on clicking and got some of the best photos we have yet of a Jack rabbit. The Jack kept coming towards James until he was on the drive, and then ran off up the drive, as if he had much more important appointments to keep!







Time for me to run, too! Good birding!