How far?

I had to do a quick errand in downtown Sebastopol this morning (30 September 2020).  As I walked, I started noticing burnt leaves scattered on the ground.  I'm guessing they drifted to Sebastopol a couple of days ago when the Glass Fire started, but perhaps folks who live there know more about the timing?  For the record, here's one example:

 

 

How far did this oak leaf travel?  What did the tree look like?  I'm so sorry, old friend.  Thank you for your gifts.

 

Thank you

  

Waxing gibbous Moon, photographed from Cotati in smoky skies on 28 September 2020.  Thank you to all of the first responders who are working so hard during this intense wildfire season, and to everyone who has been gathering and sharing information about the fires.  Your efforts to keep us safe and up-to-date are appreciated.

Sky light

 

 Late in the sunset from Cotati, 26 September 2020

 

Fishing line

  

Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) and a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) fishing along the Bodega Harbor shoreline on 23 September 2020.

 

 

Spangled up in blue

  

I haven't had a chance to share this moth yet, but it's a beauty, so here goes.  

Meet the Zigzag Furcula (Furcula scolopendrina)!

Check out these close-up views of the scales — a wonderful mix of pearly white, charcoal gray, glowing orange, and metallic blue:

 

 

 

 

 

This species is more typically associated with forests, but the caterpillars feed on willows, so perhaps it found some on or near Bodega Head.  Photographed 1 August 2020.

Waiting for summer fruit -- Part 2

A few nights ago I posted some photos of juvenile Cedar Waxwings in Bodega Bay — see "Waiting for summer fruit" on 18 September 2020.  Ruth wrote to say that there wasn't confirmed nesting data for Cedar Waxwings in Sonoma County.  Well, since this is a rare event, I'm including a couple more photos for the record:

 

 

(Eric thinks the young waxwings look like little dinosaurs.  Do you agree?)

 

 

 

 

(This bird starting actively begging when an adult flew in with food.)

 

 

Cedar Waxwings generally nest in more northern locations — e.g., from southeast Alaska through British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon, and extending down to northwestern California (Del Norte and Humboldt counties) — Sonoma County is south of the main breeding range for them along the West Coast.

 

Beach hoppers for brunch

  

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) feeding on amphipods (beach hoppers) at Salmon Creek Beach.