They say, "Live in the moment". I live for the moments. It is the special moments I have with my camera and nature that fill my spirit.  It doesn't have to be a rare bird (although they are special and I'm always looking for one), nor a new insect or place (although that brings another level of happiness), but  the moment I imagine some secret bonding with another lifeform. This month I had two moments, one with a red fox and one with a striped racer snake. And I almost had a moment with a skunk.

Red Foxes are not native to southern California. They were introduced by humans for fox hunts and for farming for the fur trade. Escapees, accidental or released, have since populated some areas. The Palos Verdes Peninsula is one place they can be found. I have seen them there before, but not often. This time I was on my way to Cabrillo Beach to go birding with a friend. On the way in, my friend spotted one. I pulled the car over. There really isn't parking there. We got out to grab our cameras and were being very quiet. After a quick first shot, we noticed it was a family with two young kits. My friend warned me not to scare them. But, soon we realized they were very accustomed to humans and even sat just feet away to groom. I would love to have stayed with them longer, but other cars were coming. 

My snake moment came at the end of the month. I went with an Urban Sketching group up to Mount Wilson. While they sketched the observatory, I had a little wander. I was following a whiptail lizard when the Striped Racer darted for it. I think my presence helped the lizard escape. The snake just sat there for a moment. I think it was saying "Harumph". I was able to get down to eye-level with it and snap a picture.

After years of smelling a skunk pass my bedroom window at night, I had never seen it. I caught him on my trail cam occasionally, but never saw him in person. One morning I did. I grabbed my camera, even though I didn't have the right lens on. Before I could focus, he ran directly at me. I ran backwards faster. Fortunately he charged me head on and didn't turn tail, but I still wish I got a better photo. It could have been a moment.

Live in the moment, and live for the moments. I hope this brought you a moment to smile.

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Local Stuff:    https://kimssight.zenfolio.com/new_aug-2023

Mount Wilson:    kimssight.zenfolio.com/mt_wilson_aug-2023