Cold Front Blows In

The trail down from the upper foothills

The cold front that blew in overnight brought chilling winds and early morning rain; because of the precipitation I didn't leave for my daily trek until about 9:30, several hours later than usual.  And--not realizing how cold the wind was--I under-dressed, though not drastically so.  Nevertheless I felt cold for much of the hike.

The images here tell the tale of the weather conditions, which were gloomy; fortunately, however, I didn't get rained on.  There was only one pickup truck in the Sunset Area parking lot when I arrived this morning, and only about four vehicles when I returned.

When I got back home I happened to look out one of the living room windows that faces the front of our property and saw a pile of dove feathers.  What I didn't notice at first was the murderer, who stood with part of his catch clutched in its talons.  I captured some images of the killer--an immature Cooper's Hawk--who literally stayed for hours eating its prey.

Road around Tortugas Mountain

Bosom buddies (you know what I mean)

Beginning to bushwhack

View from here to the Organ Mountains

This and the next:  flank of Tortugas and the Organ Mountains

Floofed up Cactus Wren

The site of last night's banquet

Egg rock

Another long-distance view of the mountains

This and the next 3:  immature Cooper's Hawk with dove kill