After a rather disappointing day on 10 August, I decided the following day to drive SE of the city and see what I could find. Some of the small sloughs had dried up or were quickly shrinking. The area near the blind at Frank Lake was also drying up. However, I was happy to see Barn Swallows who nested there (the male is seen in this photo), though I don't like the way they dive-bomb! Also saw Eared Grebes, Coots, and various shorebirds including American Avocets. Happened to notice a Mule Deer making its way through a huge patch of Foxtails that were swaying to and fro in the wind. Was also glad to see a couple of Maximilian Sunflower plants at Frank Lake - all the rest looked like they had been dug up recently. To stop them spreading - or for someone's garden?? I've looked forward to seeing these flowers for quite a few years, so was happy to see that at least a few of them remain.

"Glistening cobalt blue above and tawny below, Barn Swallows dart gracefully over fields, barnyards, and open water in search of flying insect prey. Look for the long, deeply forked tail that streams out behind this agile flyer and sets it apart from all other North American swallows. Barn Swallows often cruise low, flying just a few inches above the ground or water. True to their name, they build their cup-shaped mud nests almost exclusively on human-made structures." From AllAboutBirds.

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/barn_swallow/id