Little Lakes Valley

Went for a quick hike up through Little Lakes Valley this morning.  Such a beautiful area…

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Paintbrush

Heart Lake

Golden Mantle

My Son, the Dragon…

Had my son outside breathing fire for a few photos this evening…

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Kiss of Fire

Iron Cross

Breath of Fire

Breath of Fire

Sustained breath

Kiss of Fire

American Kestrel Release

We had the distinct pleasure of releasing a gorgeous young female American Kestrel this morning.  She was with us for about a month, learning to hunt and fly, and feed on her own, and she’s going to do just fine out in the wild…

Getting ready to step out

 

Perfect flight to a perfect perch

I also got a shot of our Evening Grosbeak.  He, too, will be released fairly soon…

Evening Grosbeak

Thanks for taking the time to look!

Incredibly Rare Rodent

Aplodontia rufa, commonly known as Mountain Beaver, only occurs in the northwestern Pacific Coast of Oregon and Washington, and in a very narrow belt in the northeastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.  We got one that was hit by a car into the center the other day.

These animals are very rare.  In fact, as far as we can tell, this is the first one registered in any rehabilitation center in the state of California.  They are a “living fossil” with traits and characteristics that place them as one of the oldest living rodent species in existence.  Really interesting creatures.  Checkout this Wikipedia article for more information on this fascinating creature…

So far, I’ve only managed to get one decent photo of this guy, but I will be bringing my camera to work again tomorrow in search of a few more…

Aplodontia rufa californica--Sierra Nevada Mountain Beaver

Thanks for stopping by!!

Tyee Lakes Trail

I took the kids and the dog for a day hike up to the first of the Tyee Lakes.  It’s one of my favorite day hikes in the Bishop area, and I try to get up there right around my birthday every year.  This year I’m a week early.  Anyhow…some photos…

Just about half way...

Zayne and Roach

Roach is Spike’s dog.  He is 50/50 Timber Wolf and Malamute.

Roach, looking like he belongs there...

 

Tyee Falls

This is a seasonal falls, meaning it is typically dried up by the end of August.  I guess the late thaw and moderate temperatures have kept it flowing longer than normal.  Can’t complain about that!

Thanks for looking!