I spontaneously took a drive to Oak Glen, up the mountainside from Yucaipa today. Having been there for the first time last fall when the trees were red and orange, I was curious what springtime would be like. Well, it was gorgeous! Green, lush, baby apples on the trees, birds and insects in abundance. As pretty as it was today, though, there’s nothing quite like the brilliant colors and crisp, cool air of autumn… for me anyway!
While needing some time to sort through all my new pictures, I decided to show you some of the wildlife I spotted at the Wildlands Conservancy today. Lucky for me, the rattlesnake (5 rattles that I could see) was spotted by someone else first, and was being picked up and transported to a safe location by the ranger. Whew! It was really hot (89 degrees) so I didn’t hike the entire nature trail, but regardless, I saw some adorable baby coots with fluffy, orange head feathers, a beautiful dragonfly, a turquoise lizard with royal blue underbelly, robin with a tasty snack in its beak, ladybug next to something I can’t quite make out, and a rooster that’s not really considered wildlife, but he’s not something you see everyday (especially if you live in the city)… Enjoy, more photos coming soon! ~SueBee (photos by SueBee)
SueBee and Kat 
Good critter spotting.
I was being extra observant after the rattlesnake!
NOT a fan of rattlers. Once saw one inside slithering around on the floor in the gate area of the Phoenix airport. Luckily it was soon after retrieved/removed. No idea how it got that far – makes me think someone had to bring it to that point.
Anyway, great critter shots, and I really like that rooster!
~Lindy
Thanks! I’d be surely shocked to see a rattler in an airport!
Brave! Hot or not, I think I would’ve turned back for the car as soon as I saw a rattlesnake.
I was a tad hesitant on the trails but figured the one was a fluke; they prefer hiding out when it’s hot!