The Bay Area  has so many wonderful parks and natural places to visit that it’s sometimes hard to chose where we want to take a walk. We decided to stay close to home and try some  local places we haven’t been before or for a long time. Last night we walked to the top of Mt. Wanda, part of the John Muir Historical Site property. It turned out to be a good workout and with wonderful, unexpected views. On one side we could see past the Benicia Bridge

and on the other, Mt. Diablo.

Tonight we went out to the foothills of Mt. Diablo to Borges Ranch for a more leisurely loop around the hills. On the way out we saw our first Tarantula of the season.

While waiting for the now late rising beavers to show themselves last night, we took a walk down to Granger’s Wharf for a little early evening birding. What we witnessed instead was a stunning, sky show with breathtaking colors.

Yearling Beaver walking over the primary dam

I caught this yearling coming back home in the morning after working on the 2nd dam.

Yearling walking on the dam

At last nights beaver tour we had a very curious yearling come over to show off for our guests.

Peek-a-boo beaver

Our little wayward baby raccoon  made it back to his family apparently unharmed. I saw the 5 little ones running with Mom tonight. It was too dark for photos  but here are some from a few days ago.

Mom racoon and her kids

Last nights beaver visit was finally timed so I could see the newly formed 4th dam.

Beginning of 4th dam

It may seem an unusual way to start a dam but with the daily tidal influence it takes a lot of work to keep it stable.

4th dam-view from the railroad tracks

and then finally a yearling appeared to the delight of a group of new viewers.

Yearling Beaver at the dam

Baby Racoon-separated from mom

Yearling Beaver grooming at 2nd dam

Tonite Beavers took their sweet time coming out and headed out downstream to stop and do some grooming and mudding at the 3rd. dam. Three new Juvenile Green Herons were hanging out in the creek near the first dam.

Juv. Green Heron

young Muskrat

No, this isn’t a beaver, but one of the young Muskrats that frequent the beaver habitat.