Thursday, June 4, 2009

Skywatch Friday: Wildfire in the Santa Ritas

Smoke from the Melendez Fire in the Santa Rita Mountains 6-1-09

Wildfire Sky 6-1-09

The lightening caused Melendez Fire has burned close to 6,000 acres in the Santa Rita Mountains behind Sycamore Canyon since last Friday. I could smell the smoke in the air Sunday morning as we prepared for Alex's wedding. It is not threatening any structures and the forest service has decided to let it burn.
I took these photos Monday from the east rim of Sycamore Canyon in the new Estate Lots section Sycamore Canyon with the Nikon D80 and the 18 to 70 mm lens.


Visit more amazing skies at Sywatch Friday!

14 comments:

Quiet Paths said...

It's odd to see that smoke against the clear blue. Hope it doesn't go too far but I know about wildfires -- to well. Great shots.

Max said...

You should look for buff-bellied flycatchers next year in the wildfire site. They are Sky Island post-burn specialists and their numbers have declined with fire suppression.

Gaelyn said...

Glad to hear there's no threat of burning structures and that it's not too close to you. That time of year for lightning strikes which are actually being alowed to burn by the FS, in most cases.

DeniseinVA said...

Hope the wildfires don't do too much dmaage. Great photos, on first glance the wisps of smoke look like clouds.

bobbie said...

Another pair of beautiful pictures, though I'm sorry about the fires. But perhaps Max's prediction will be true and you will find new birds next year.

Carol said...

It will be interesting to see if you do have a different set of birds there next year...nature is great at adapting.

www.wildlifearoundus.blogspot.com

Shelley said...

I'm glad to hear the wildlife isn't threatening any homes. Enjoyed the photos!

Anonymous said...

So nice to hear that it's safe for this fire to follow its natural course. It does make for a nice skywatch, as well.

Anonymous said...

Lovely photograph of the happy couple Kathie.
Talking of happy couples - Happy Wedding Anniversary.

Ruth said...

Interesting pictures. Most fires would have sooty, dark smoke. Fire does have its place in nature.

Celeste said...

Fire is always a little scary but in this instance, entirely natural. It will be fascinating to see new life emerge after the fire is done.

Anonymous said...

Nice sky watch photos.

Our Flower Pot

Larry said...

Nice photos-I wonder how they decide on whether they're going to let a fire go or not.

Dawn Fine said...

Sorry about the fires..I hope that not many nesting animals were injured..and homeowners were ok..
Very nice photos!

Dont know if I mentioned..but when in Arizona in jan or feb..plan on a Birders who Blog, Tweet and Chirp get together..
Sheri Williamson is interested..not sure where we will all meet yet..
but maybe you have some ideas..I am thinking that Sierra vista area will be more central to the birder bloggers in the area.
would like your thoughts..