Turtle!

Western Ornate Box Turtle on our front stoop

Yesterday our area got between 1.2 and 1.4 inches of rain.  There was minor street flooding, but nothing serious.  The heavy rain often brings out critters you don't see everyday, like the turtle Becca spotted on our front stoop this morning before our hike.  When I went out to photograph it the turtle withdrew into its shell.  But when I walked away it got moving pretty fast--in the direction of our driveway.  I had to be especially cautious pulling the car out because I was paranoid about driving over the beautiful box turtle.  I was equally cautious coming into our driveway after a steamy hike west of Tortugas Mountain.

A soulful face

This and the next two photos:  Ash-throated Flycatcher

Just west of Tortugas Mountain

Cresting the high foothills trail

How deep is this arroyo?

Water through this small arroyo ran fast last night

Trail heading west

Heading east up the mountain

Roadrunner with a small lizard in its beak