Mild temperatures, overcast, almost silent. No other hikers. Few bird species, but ravens and magpies were in uncommon abundance. The double-digit raven convention at the canyon rim allowed a few magpies, but crows, Steller's jays, and a late-season turkey vulture all encountered the bouncers.
As always in late season, creek crossings were easy. I took a side canyon above my favorite ponderosa pine about 3 miles in to my lunch eyrie. A hairy woodpecker arrived at the top of the pine, and a yellow-shafted flicker flew by followed by a red-shafted one.
At least a dozen homestead orchard trees are dropping fruit now, mostly apple and at least one pear.
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