Smoky Skies

This morning started a bit later than usual. The valley is completely filled with smoke and the Scratchgravels are just gray hills with nothing behind them except gauzy bluish haze. We started at the 10 Mile Creek Trail and saw a lot of Eastern Kingbirds, a couple of unidentifiable Flycatchers, a Belted Kingfisher, Spotted Sandpiper, Osprey, several sparrows- likely Vesper Sparrows and Meadowlarks. While we worked around the house, we saw Turkey Vultures, Goldfinches, House Finches, Siskin, Black-Capped and Mountain Chickadees, Red Breasted Nuthatches, a Red Crossbill and House Sparrows. Later in the heat of the day, we went back and Obi went for a short swim. Barn and Tree Swallows, Yellow Warblers, Mallards, Magpies, Robins, Ravens and Crows.  In the evening, we took Obi to the Ponds. We picked up Solitary Sandpipers as new species for the year and Coots, Red Winged Blackbirds, Brewers Blackbirds, Kildeer, Common Goldeneyes, Ruddy Ducks, Ringbilled and California Gulls, Eurasian Collared and Mourning Doves, Rock Pigeons, and Pied-billed Grebes. Our daily total stands at- 37 identified and a couple of head scratchers. We also saw a lovely Fox.