Wednesday's Walk

While we do not have any weather issues to match those of Texas, the winds have shifted once again and our air quality leaves much to be desired.

At over 107,000 acres, the Chetco fire in southern Oregon is rated the #1 forest fire concern in the US, with the town of Brookings under the threat of immediate evacuation. Sunday and Monday the smoke was so heavy and thick that after just a few minutes outside, my eyes began to burn. It's best I think for us to take a virtual walk outside.

Here's our sunrise Tuesday morning.

I am seeing more and more bird action as the sunflowers mature. It will be interesting to see if the American Goldfinches hang around a bit longer with this bounty available to them.

And we still have daisies...

...and Butter and Eggs.

This shot was one second away from showcasing a female Tanager eating at this cluster of blackberries - birders are like fishermen - always focused on the one that got away!

Moth Mullein (Verbascum blattaria). 

Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)

Sow Thistle (Sonchus olerasceus)

I was not able to ID this - it looks like a dandelion, but the stems are long and narrow and the flower much smaller.

The Red Elderberry blooms and blooms, but I never see the ripe red berries...

...and here's why!  

The Black-headed Grosbeaks eat all the berries while they are still green. 

Late August is a mix of signs of early autumn... 

...and summer's exuberance. 

Look at our sun as it set Sunday evening.