October is a wonderful month. There are insects flying, birds migrating, warm days and cool nights great for being outdoors. I still had a female Bordered Mantis in my yard. I enjoy catching behavior and found her with a male mating with her while she enjoyed a snack of a bee. Freeloader flies came to steal some of her meal. I also found Leaf-footed bugs in my yard, both adult and nymphs. I think they are very cool looking with their leaf-looking hind legs. 

Some of my favorite birds were the Plumbeous Vireo singing up a storm, a Mountain Plover apparently vacationing at the beach, a partially leucistic (partial loss of pigmentation resulting in white patchy coloration) California Thrasher, and of course every bird that posed for my camera. I try not to take too many squirrel pictures even though they are cute and everywhere. However, there was a Fox Squirrel which amazed me with the way it balanced perfectly on its toes on the edge of a trash can.

It is hard to find time for everything and I did make a little time for art. I am still experimenting with different styles and media.

There were butterflies on my butterfly survey. Always a good sign. Most of them were quite tattered. Only the Pygmy Blues looked fresh. We found some interesting ants, mostly dry vegetation, and more fresh mountain lion scat with what appeared to be mule deer hair, bone, and hoof in it. As long as there is going to be a mountain lion in the area, I am glad that it is well fed.

Interesting trip to Joshua Tree. It was supposed to be for a Charcoal drawing class with my friends. We made a brief stop at Big Morongo where we spotted a family of deer. Next stop Pioneertown for Lunch and a Roadrunner. Next was Keys View in Joshua Tree for the view. Rain was coming, and hundreds of Pigeons roosted for the night at the gas station by the entrance to the park. Overnight there was a major hail storm and rain. When we woke up the next day the roads were blocked by mud, and power was out in much of the surrounding area. Art class was canceled, so we turned around and drove home. I am sure glad we decided to stay in a motel instead of camping!

At the end of the month I went to Kentucky with my husband for a knot tying conference (his passion). It rained and even though I usually don't drink, I did taste the bourbon. No photos.
 

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

Local stuff:    https://kimssight.zenfolio.com/new_oct-2018 
 

Irvine Ranch butterfly survey:    https://kimssight.zenfolio.com/irc_oct_2018

Big Morongo/Pioneertown/Joshua Tree:    https://kimssight.zenfolio.com/joshua_tree_oct_2018