Open Back Sore

I bit the dust hard today whilst lugging an ice chest down to Candyrock.  How embarrassing.  I scored myself a nice raspberry for my trouble.  Oh, and I also birded Brushwood in the morning.  Tomorrow, I will be leaving on a jet plane.  Sultry and I are going to Lake James, North Carolina for ten days.  This will be my last hoorah before leaving for the Farallones on the 18th (which is also the date of the World's Last TPAD).

Me and Lola, nursing wound. 

This is one of a few Cooper's Hawk fledges that is currently hanging out at Brushwood.  

There Will Never Be A President Named Rick

I've been trying to keep my spirits high through the awful death cold that has gripped me.  I birded around the area a little bit today.  The good old pond had a nice variety of ducks.  Better than average anyway.  Mostly, though, I pumped my body full of as many vitamins as I could.  I'm taking this war on my health seriously.  Hopefully I will win.  

In honor of my glorious return to California. (Golden Gate Park, SF)

Red-winged Blackbird, Meacham Ranch Road pond.  MB says you can make lots of money from photos of these guys.

Drained

Of energy and cash.  I am only getting this TPAD in for fear that you all would lynch me if I didn't.  I spent all day at the races.  I rarely won a bet.  It looks as though I need to quit the gambling for a while.  I'm on a really bad streak these days.  At least I got to drink about ten dollar beers.  So economical.  Here was yesterday:

Nuttall's Woodpecker at Brushwood, with a nice stick running through his head.

Yet another Anna's Hummingbird.  This one was Near Forest Meadows.

The Next Day Is Always Tough

I spent most of yesterday saying things like: 


"Wow. How is it 1:30 already?"


"Oh my God.  My fucking head hurts so bad right now.  Get me some pills."


or my favorite:


"My hands are still shaking.  Let's go to the kegmobile and pour some beers."


Then I went to walk the dogs with my mom and I looked at a few birds.

Lark Sparrow.  Having a morning snack.

This is Lola.  She was thirsty.

If anyone is in the greater Angels Camp area and would like to participate in Packed Full Of Fun Day, part 3, IT IS TODAY.  Also, as a simultaneous activity, we will be conducting Operation Drink The Rest Of The Keg.  Call me.

You Remind Me Of Home

It's my birthday so I'll put up shitty photos if I want.  Yesterday was mostly spent battling the Deathsickness (with whiskey).  It was a success.  I feel pretty good today.  Now it's time to go get ready for the massive rage.  Free Coors Light at Horse and Barrel!  Hope to see all of you there.  Ima drink till I'm sick again!  Here are two birds that remind me of being here at home:

White-breasted Nuthatch.  Getting all inverted.

Oak Titmouse.  Hanging from an acorn.

Home For The Holiday

Hi all.  Yesterday I returned to the place of my birth.  Tomorrow is the 29th anniversary of me being born, so I thought it proper.  Here are a few nice ones from around my parents' estate in the foothills, Brushwood.  The Deathsickness still has a bit of a grip on me, but the end is in sight.  Hopefully by this time tomorrow, I'll be healthy and ready to Birthdayrage to the full extent of my capabilities.

In the US, cats kill 10 million billion birds every year.  And so to my horror, I return home to find that my mother has obtained three bird killing machines.  They are sisters.  From left to right: Inky, Pinky, and Stinky.

A Bewick's Wren at Brushwood.  Hopefully this little guy is safe from the merciless claws of Inky, Pinky, and Stinky.