Alpine habitat work

No monsoons yet this summer, but rain is in the forecast. Migration is a bit slow so far. Things going good, considering what the future holds. (It's not like we're going to get younger. LOL)

A willow tree by one of our ponds has a tendency for huge limbs to break from it and block the alley. My husband called me, while I was at the oasis watering yesterday, that it happened again. 

So early this morning he cut the parts blocking the alley while I loaded them into his pickup and a trailer. He's 82, to my 84, and probably in worse shape than I am. So he'd cut a branch or two, then sit while I did the loading. Same system we've had for 20 years, but getting harder.

We got it done. Alley is open. Luckily, after a nap, I was good to go again.

(Elm tree in foreground)

The city isn't accepting brush at this time so we have to find a place to dump it. I'd be happy to make another brush pile near the ponds but husband won't agree to it.

Birding starting to pick up

The past month, or more, has been poor birding and not much in the way of odes or butterflies either. Now a migrant or two is starting to show up so I anticipate more interesting times. Today got up to 109° so I watered for a couple of hours this morning, then finished this afternoon in short bursts. 

It seemed strange to see a young mule deer without an adult at the tank, but I assume it's OK.

No interesting birds. Maybe the best migrant was a Warbling Vireo.

That's about it. It seems like my son Lee will finally get moved down here this weekend, which is exciting for me. I'm not sure how much time he'll actually be able to spend here, but it's a start.

My health is about the same. No dental problems at the moment (fingers crossed), and just the normal aches and pains. I feel grateful that I'm not dealing with cancer, like so many people are, that I can't even think about complaining. My oldest son started radiation today for his cancer and my one brother's body has had just about all the radiation it can tolerate. My youngest brother will soon be starting his radiation. It all weighs heavy on me.

I enjoy and read all your comments but for some reason I'm still not able to respond to them.