BW III Crazy Cool /  by Dave Hileman

First we have another spelling lesson, this is a Pyrrhuluxia, not to be confused with Tuesday's Phainopepla, which, of course, none of YOU did. This is a cousin to our familiar Cardinal. The "Cardinalis Sinuous" is a bit slimmer, taller crest, obvious color distinction and is not very common even in its habitat. I was thrilled to see this one in the Organ Pipe National Monument. 

BW III: Crazy Hair /  by Dave Hileman

Actually it is not hair but a feathered crest. This bird could also qualify for the "crazy eyes" as the primary color is bright red. Are you ready for the name? Phainopepla. It is about the size of a cardinal but in the flycatcher family. There are white wing patches on the adult but you only see that in flight. This one was hanging out near the Mission from last Thursday's post. 

BW III: Crazy Eyes /  by Dave Hileman

Yesterday I shared a photo of the male Bushtit, today the female Bushtit. Do you notice the distinction? Read the title! The male has a dark eye the female a yellow eye with a tiny dark iris. I was told once that the birders call this "crazy-eye." 

Welcome to Bird Week III, with a twist! /  by Dave Hileman

First, I know I did not give you enough time to take the week off work so you could really study each of these and, of course, the sudden surprise did lesson the anticipation. Yet, this week we are not only featuring birds but these are National Park Birds as well as new to my life-list (actually only a small portion of the 34 new birds added on this trip). See, the excitement mounted so quickly that knowing all this in advance might have been just too much. So we are off with the Bushtit. This little guy was found in the Sand to Snow National Monument in California and also at Joshua Tree National Park. It is a very tiny bird. 

"All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you." Psalm 145:10 NLT

Mission /  by Dave Hileman

This is the Tumacacori Mission in southern Arizona, just a few minutes north of the boarder with Mexico. "Mission San Cayetano del Tumacácori was established by Jesuits in 1691 in a location near a Sobaipuri settlement on the east side of the Santa Cruz River. Services were held in a small adobe structure built by the inhabitants of the village. The mission was abandoned for a time. In 1752, the village was reestablished and in 1753 the church of the Mission San José de Tumacácori began construction at the present site on the west side of the Santa Cruz River. This first church structure was erected for use by the mission in 1757. 

The main church seen from the plaza of the visitor center.

The main church seen from the plaza of the visitor center.

Cool /  by Dave Hileman

This stream is glacier run off so the water is both an interesting color and very cold. This is in Glacier National Park. A rocky wonderland. 

Enter In... /  by Dave Hileman

...the Cathedral Rock at Yosemite. Not too difficult to guess why this name was given to this immense rock cliff. Stain glass is applied in the fall.

A Well Watered Tree /  by Dave Hileman

At Mirror Lake in Yosemite.

"The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring." Isaiah 58:11 NLT

Climbing El Capitan (Three Photos /  by Dave Hileman

There were several people ascending El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. I was not one of them. Proof is that I am here typing this on Friday. These two were interesting to watch as they prepared for the climb that day. Most of the climbers spend nights on the cliff. I have a photo of one of those tents I will get to next week. With a story!

Red Shirt is below, with his companion above in the crease.

Red Shirt is below, with his companion above in the crease.

Detail of red shirt, I would not be looking down.

Detail of red shirt, I would not be looking down.

For reference, these two are near the dark slash mid-mountain on the sun  side. 

For reference, these two are near the dark slash mid-mountain on the sun  side. 

Memorial Done Right (Two Photos) /  by Dave Hileman

George Rodgers Clark (not the Lewis and guy) saved much of the western lands for the emerging United States by his clever and brave plan to retake the fort at Vincennes in Indiana. Worth the visit to see the memorial built in the depression and the excellent murals inside. 

North Carolina Museum of Art /  by Dave Hileman

This is a hidden courtyard at the NCMoA with a beautiful pool and several sculptures. When the sun is setting it is an even more beautiful place. We enjoy walking here there are several miles of paths and trails and always something to see. 

Dogwood too! /  by Dave Hileman

This is not a view of Yosemite that would first come to mind as a significant draw for tourists, yet, many people were coming for the day and the two things I overheard the most (yes, that my qualify as nosy) were the waterfalls and the dogwoods. And many were here to seek out the prettiest blossoms. I loved this bloom against the texture of the old growth tree. 

Kit /  by Dave Hileman

Brand new baby fox under one of the boardwalks at Muir Woods National Monument north of San Francisco. Nice place but very crowded because it is close to SF. People "uber" out to the park and then find they have no cell coverage so they try and use the pay phone to call for a ride back to the city. People were constantly seeking help on how to use such an archaic devise so the rangers printed instructions on the phone. Survival skills may be short supply in the Bay area. 

Spillway /  by Dave Hileman

Flowing over the crest of Mirror Lake in Yosemite National Park the abundant snow fall and spring rains erased the decade long California drought.

"You sent abundant rain, O God,
to refresh the weary land." Psalm 68 NLT