I went birding up to Forest Falls, the closest and easiest-to-get-to mountain area from home. The leaves were beginning to turn, and there were many clumps of blooming Rabbit Bush. The yellow flowers had attracted several types of insects, but especially these small bumble bees--I probably saw about 50 of them buzzing in the flowers. I believe they are Yellow-faced Bumble Bees, based on the yellow face and single yellow ring on the lower abdomen. It was wonderful seeing so many bees alive and well and so busy feeding that they didn't mind me and my camera. 10/4/19 Judith Sparhawk
I went for a hike in San Timoteo Canyon out of Redlands. I hadn't been there all summer, as it is always too hot. With slightly cooler temps, I headed out. Lots of dry plants gone to seed, a few flowers blooming. I ran across this single lady bug crawling around on this plant. He wasn't too cooperative, but I got a couple of shots before he flew away. 10/13/19 Judith Sparhawk
While birding in Madera Canyon in Arizona, I spotted this Fishhook Barrel Cactus in bloom. I went in for a close-up view, and discovered this grasshopper enjoying the flowers. He was about an inch long, and although I haven't been able to ID him as to species, at least he was cooperative enough to stay there for his portrait. What a heavenly place to dive into! 9/26/19 Judith Sparhawk
