My photo activities were cut short this month by dropping my camera to the ground. This was not the first time! As a result, my favorite lens was out of commission for a few weeks.  That has been very painful. So fewer birding outings and more time with my macro lens in the back yard. I guess it all works out, and being October and all, I have lots of spider photos. I also took time to write a separate blog post all about my Green Lynx Spiders. lick here to see it:  http://kimssight.zenfolio.com/blog/2016/10/missing-lynx

Warblers were migrating, and we had some vagrants come through. Blackpoll warbler, Black-and-white warbler, Nashville warbler, and Black-throated Gray Warbler were highlights.  I found insects and spiders in my yard and caught a grasshopper molting. I think I get double bonus points for birds eating insects: a Snowy Egret eating a common green darner and a Black-and-white Warbler eating a long-jawed spider.

My butterfly count was interesting. At first attempt, a tree went down over the main jeep trail so instead we did a short walk-about and saw a Fatal Metalmark - a first for us in the area. We met again a few weeks later and completed the survey. The butterflies were fewer, as expected for the time of year, so we enjoyed the clouds and beautiful scenery.  We saw some mule deer that seemed uninterested in our presence. 

I went with a friend on an overnight camping trip near Temecula at Dripping Springs Campground. Our primary purpose was to do some nature/art journaling and just relax. Mission accomplished.

Watch the slideshows or click on the links to look through at your own pace.

Enjoy the show! I always appreciate corrections to ID's.

Local stuff:  http://kimssight.zenfolio.com/new_oct_2016

Irvine Ranch Conservancy monthly butterfly count: http://kimssight.zenfolio.com/irc_oct_2016

Dripping Springs Campground: http://kimssight.zenfolio.com/dripping_springs_camp_oct_2016