Thanks!

He does look like that, doesn’t he? Or maybe just a bit embarrassed.

I hadn’t heard that, or heard of that either. Thanks for pointing it out. I’ll be listening now.

The famous Anna’s tail feathers, unique in bird-dom, that produce that loud chirp while diving during the mating display.

It almost looks as if the bird is smiling and savoring that last bite.

Cool slide show with video!

One of my favorites!

I’m really glad I’m in such a great place to have it done.

I recognize that dish 😋

Oh how I hate tooth problems. Had an upper molar extraction in 2011 that was no fun due to hook shaped root that had abscessed.

You have my sympathy on that, and also all the schedule re-boot! At least you are in a good metro area to get things done and to ponder the on yonder as well as being in a great place this time of year.

Looks like a slider, but lacks face stripes... Could not find a good image match. Perhaps some kind of crossbreed?

Best I can do is dragonfly, probably some kind of meadowhawk... Upon closer scrutiny and lots of digging through inaturalist (wonderful site!) I think it might be a variegated meadowhawk.

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/68138-Sympetrum-corruptum/browse_photos?place_id=95816

Amazing mimics...

My Ornithology prof. said when he was doing a bird survey as a student, he noted the various songs one living nearby would sing so he could be on the lookout for them. He could not make out what one particularly screechy one was until he passed a sign swinging in the wind! :-)

Thanks for the counsel and concern, Dotie. I really think I’ll be fine though and it’s just a matter of time. My ribs are hardly bothering me at all today.

So sorry about your tooth Rachael, toothaches are no fun. I'm glad you're able to get it pulled next week - hope all goes well with the extraction/bone graft.