Remains of the day

This is what we found this morning. Tracks the size of a medium dog, no claws.

A freshly killed jackrabbit which was dragged into the fenced yard (jacks have never been able to get through the fence on their own). They had just started feeding when something spooked them (probably our dog) and left before covering the kill.

Will be watching for them today in case they return...

Bobcats in the yard

This afternoon a mother bobcat brought her two kittens into our fenced yard for a romp.

She had caught a small animal, maybe a squirrel or baby rabbit, and they were tossing it and rolling and chasing around while she lounged in the shade under a juniper. They played just like domestic kittens with a dead mouse, although these "babies" were the size of a grown housecat.

Their mother was probably forty pounds, nearly as big as our black lab.

Every now and then, she would go outside of the fence and walk around, then come back to check on the kittens. After the kittens tired of their play, mom ate the catch of the day. They must not have been hungry.

Finally, after about an hour, the outing was over and they went on their way.

These were the first bobcats I have seen here in thirty-five years, though other neighbors have reported seeing them.

Cochineal

The prickly pear cacti hereabouts have wooly white deposits with dark bugs, about 1/8 inch in diameter. Yesterday as I pulled one out from its fuzzy nest, it began exuding a dark raspberry red liquid.

The bugs, when dried, have been used for centuries to make cochineal dye.

I would like to try this on my silks.

Snakes and monsoons

Sunday began with the discovery of a dinner plate-sized rattlesnake snuggled under a juniper in the front yard. Probably a western diamondback-- didn't see the tail but his wide "grin" gave him away. (The head of a bullsnake is hardly wider than the body.) This is their mating season, so not unusual to see them out and about, and a good reminder to watch where one steps.

Then a worship service and picnic in the mountains, followed by the return of our monsoon. A good rain and rainbow last evening, showers continuing off and on this morning... welcome relief from the dry heat and unseasonable drought.

Nice to sit at my desk by the open window listening to the sound of water in the desert.

Titmouse update

Turns out the titmouse couple had a nest in an old "decomissioned" birdhouse which was just sitting on a bench in the summerhouse. Guess we should hang it back up for next season.

This morning a 2 foot bullsnake disappeared under the doghouse as we were working on the porch roof.

All in balance, I hope.

Chimney mouse

Cats very interested in the fireplace last night.
We set a live trap-- this morning a little grey mouse got a free trip to the arroyo across the road.
Wonder if he has any buddies still in the chimney?

Trap reset.
Cats ignoring the fireplace.

Birding

Today, a cool dawn gave way to a sunny 90 degree August afternoon.
In the summerhouse a titmouse couple scolded me, and a curious hummingbird buzzed 'round.
Surely it is too late for them to be nesting-- what gives?

Peering up into the dark rafters for a nest, I met the half-open golden eyes of a small gray screech owl.
Ah. So it wasn't me they were after.
I'll leave them to it.