Terrible Air

Spectacle Pod

The air this morning was the worst that Dr. K and I have ever seen; we couldn't tell if it was smoke from a fire (we didn't smell burning wood), a temperature inversion or haze from overnight winds.  Whatever it was it was bad.  We followed our regular route seeing no other human nature enthusiasts out and about.  We did spot plenty of birds, the most notable of which were a male and female Ladder-backed Woodpeckers both of whom were sampling flowers atop a Faxon Yucca.

Spectacle Pod and Soaptree Yucca

Three amigos (house finches)

Faxon Yucca blooming

Wils

This & next:  male Ladder-backed Woodpecker on yucca

This & next: male (left) & female Ladder-backed Woodpeckers

Blooming Faxon Yucca sans woodpeckers