Excessive heat

A bluebird got away with a barkbutter ball.   A nuthatch got impatient waiting for a turn at the seeds.  Blue jays also raided the barkbutter balls.  A titmouse visited the seeds.  After lunch, the outdoor thermometer registered 103°.  The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning.  Clouds gave momentary respite from the heat before they dissipated.  Still, the air felt like it was coming from a blast furnace. 

An Argiope spider took up residence right outside the window.  I didn't check whether it was one of the two that were in the mountain mint.  It was a good bit larger.  A dark skipper fed on the mountain mint alongside the wasps.  A sizeable spider scampered on the surface tension of the pool water.  New flower buds appeared on the butterfly milkweed.