keebler elves and random shots from mount diablo foothills

It can’t always be eagles, falcons and coyote sightings. Well, that would be ok with me, but it just doesn’t usually work that way. As I am drawn to a land because of my connection with a certain creature, my relationship with that land deepens and every moment yields a new discovery.

Perhaps one of the biggest discoveries to date … I stumbled upon what I believe to be THE original Keebler elf tree (sans elves):

the original keebler elf tree? - valley oak / Diablo Foothills CA

flower / Diablo Foothills CA

lark sparrow / Diablo Foothills CA

gopher jaw on rock with lichen / Diablo Foothills CA

Ok, maybe one falcon …

american kestrel 01 / Diablo Foothills CA

american kestrel 02 / Diablo Foothills CA

Leaving the other night, just as I had put away my camera thinking my equipment was too dark-challenged, a great-horned owl appeared on the top of the cliff and started to hoot, each time bending over and forward while fanning and lifting its tail up 45 degrees. It’s mate replied nearby, and I was left to return to the land of people feeling very grateful.

great-horned owl silhouette on cliff-top / Diablo Foothills CA