THE STORMS OF WINTER

 

Snow lingered in the higher country into the Spring Equinox.

Snow on the ground at the ranch is a rarity. It happened twice this Winter within a couple of weeks.

Plum blossoms.

Peach blossoms.

Heavy snow brought down many limbs from oaks unaccustomed to the burden.

Kelsey Creek is flowing more strongly now than it has in several years.

Cole Creek has overtopped its banks. Schools of endangered hitch have become stranded in the bottom lands and hay fields.

FALL EQUINOX INTO WINTER

Mount Konocti's many moods provide the ranch's backdrop.

The Valley Oak grove was more colorful than in any Fall in memory.

Winter light.

POND SCOUTS

 

Male California quail.

Adding the wildlife pond to the ranch has brought forth diurnal and nocturnal explorers. If not for the trail camera, many would go undetected. Quail numbers are up, possibly due to the new year-round water source.

Young opossum

Scrub jay, a super abundant species.

Black tailed jackrabbit. Far fewer have been seen during the past year, likely due to the recent outbreak of rabbit hemorrhagic disease sweeping the Southwest.

Western gray squirrel.

Gray fox.

Female acorn woodpecker. The colony in the Valley Oak grove have expanded their granary to include the siding on the ranch house.

Raccoon.