I just want to note that our Lesser Goldfinches have returned in their full yellow glory! They started showing up at the thistle feeder on Thursday 6/24. They are so sweet to listen to. Also, I have confirmed the 2 baby Roadrunners today. They were with Mom and they have been hanging around the yard all day. So far, I don't think they have found the chicken nests and eggs. Although, I did find a chicken egg (soft shell, dried up) laying in the drive-way. I found one there last week too. Not sure who took it there.

I have also seen a couple squirrels running about. They live in the garage and under the house. We have tried for years to get them out but it just doesn't seem to work. We have a humane trap we use. When we catch one, we take it to our other property about a half-mile away and release them there. We can't be sure if they find their way back or if we just missed getting them all. Anyway, we will keep on relocating them when possible.

The weather has been very mild for us. In recent weeks the temps have been in the 80s mostly. We have had periods of 90s but then it cools down. Makes for really cool nights and good sleeping. Our monsoon season should begin in July and that will be a big help for the drought and the extreme fire danger. We have had 6-8 wildfires in the area over the last few weeks. Several in the bosque area along the river. Last week there was one on the other side of the river from us, about a mile away! Thank goodness, they got control of it quickly. It did do damage to a protected habitat area for the endagered Willow Flycatcher. The area was not allowed to be cleared of underbrush for fear of disturbing the birds, so it was the area that caught fire. Now they have lost their habitat anyway. Blame the Feds for this!

That's it for now. Keep your eyes and ears open for our feathered friends.

Well, here's what's new. Our Western Mockingbird finally arrived last weekend. He spends time in our Mulberry tree eating berries and insects. I love hearing him sing out his repertoire. I've also seen a few more Mourning Doves around so I guess the babies are out of the nest. The Roadrunners have been very actively seeking living things for their babies. The bird alarms are heard most of the day now. Oh, I need to report that Rooster Cogburn has gone to that big barnyard in the sky. We had to have him put down because he just wasn't improving and we were spending way too much time just keeping him on life support. He has received a proper burial on the property. We miss him. Meanwhile, the hens are brooding again. They are so sneaky about it. By the time we find out and find the nest, it is already full of eggs! Gotta get a handle on this! Anyway, the Hummers are busy chasing each other and I guess there are babies somewhere, too. One month or so to the invasion of the Rufous! That's all I have to report this time.