White-breasted Nuthatch at Twin Lakes, Sierra Nevada

We're going back to the beginning of the summer, as I have a big backlog of pictures from six weeks on the road. In early June, we were on our way home from Death Valley and Grand Canyon, and after some very hot days in the desert, we wanted to be someplace cooler. We ended up at Mammoth Lakes, and in the morning we wandered about the shores of Twin Lakes above the town. Several birds were out and about, including a little White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis).

It was fast moving, but I was lucky to get a few clear shots in. They are very acrobatic, walking upside-down, right-side up, and everything in between. It was presumably searching for some spring grubs and insects (we were at 9,000 feet, but there had been so little snow that spring had come early).

Twin Lakes are two only slightly separated glacial basins. There is a marvelous view of Crystal Crag and Twin Falls at the upper end of the lakes. Mammoth Mountain, a huge composite volcano is on the northern edge of the lake. It's a fascinating place to visit.