purple buds on my pine tree

It's surprising to me to see this color on a pine tree.  

Nailed it

Found this at the bottom of a dry stream. The bone is straight and flat.  Could it be from a bird? 

wild flowers

Painted Lady

The honest to goodness truth is that this butterfly's official name is "PAINTED LADY".  I snapped this photo myself one afternoon out in my yard.  This beauty is the most widespread butterfly in the world.  Every few years it has a mass migration from Mexico. 

A new family is growing for the Red Tail Hawk couple.

The Red Tail Hawk couple have taken to their nest again.  The happy couple have been taking turns sitting on their eggs since February 29th.  By my calculations the babies will hatch on April 16th.  I'm looking forward to finding out if my prediction comes true.  Red Tail Hawks mate for life.  I'll keep you posted on their progress this spring. 

UPDATE:  March 29th.  The parents are doing a terrific job of keeping the eggs warm. 

They sit like mallard ducks on top of the nest. 

UPDATE:  April 9th.  I blew it on my prediction.  The eggs hatched today.  I can see two white fuzzy heads with their beaks wide open begging for food.  Mom is tearing up some meat and feeding them. 

Orange blossom special

See the orange blossoms on my orange tree?  It smells so good. 

circling the feeder

a male and female

Santiago Peak in the background