Chalcedon Checkerspot

After late Breakfast, paddled back to the Creek....sighted Checkerspot Butterfly halfway out the Swath...first time I've seen Chalcedon, ever, and book says it is California's most common Butterfly....pics..sighted Tanager perched over the Creek...pics...several about, and Grosbeaks too....continued around through the Woods following the Near Side of the flooded Diversion Channel, which blocks walking out to the Merced...(with dry feet)...continued all the way to Ozone Beach...Two Male Mallards sleeping...pics...then sighted Male Merganser floating along the Snag Log...pics...watched Merganser awhile snoozing on the Log, and then paddling about, then swimming across the River with a purpose--make friends with the Mallards...Mallards were a bit rude, and picked up and floated above the submerged Grasses, browsing...Merganser preened and went to sleep...pic sequence of Mallards and Merganser....cloudy hazy not too sunny warm...at Lunch: lots of tourists about, one on the Boulder...diverted downstream to the View of Half Dome Ponderosa...sat on Roots, somewhat out of the way of several photogs set up...Mallard flyby.... Redwings, Sandpiper, Robins, about....Song Sparrow pic was in the Woods...report of Lazuli Bunting along Crane Creek, and Trout in the Creek....Flowers blooming in the Big Meadow Fire burned over areas...

Oil Spill: link to Nat. Geo's report for today--note their link to ten most likely animals to be affected...and try not to get lost in all the other links...like I do!

And a knockdown post up by Urban Hawks--eyasses--baby hawks, one of several post ups...