[obol] Harney County Notes

[Wayne & Patty Bowers]

Just looked out the office window - a pair of antelope are feeding on the
grassy slope just above our new fence. The buck looks like a nice one from
here. Also had a mockingbird for a couple days this past week (8/3-4), and a
pair of black-headed grosbeaks have put in an appearance individually over
the last few days. At least a dozen sage thrashers, several orioles, and
western kingbirds are still feasting on the chokecherries and other berries
on our trees and shrubs. I also saw a cheeky male rufous hummingbird
harrassing a poor little mountain chickadee who only wanted to get a bath
and a drink. It just happens that his bathing chamber is close to the feeder
the hummer has claimed. And, when I took the hummer feeder out the other
day, a little rufous hummer landed on it and started feeding before I could
get it hung up. It was only inches away from me. What fun - these wildlife
viewings!

Didn't sleep well last night. A particularly nasty thunderstorm started two
small fires between us and the BLM horse corrals - less than 2 miles away.
And, the northwest wind was very brisk. Fortunately, the fire crews got on
them quickly and they are out, but could be some sneaky smokes up behind and
to the west of us. Have to be extra vigilant during these dry times!

Patty
5 miles west of Hines