Cool and crystal-clear. I watch a small insect zigzag back and forth in a shaft of sunlight. Waxwings whistle in the ...

Cool and crystal-clear. I watch a small insect zigzag back and forth in a shaft of sunlight. Waxwings whistle in the treetops. Valley sounds are nearly inaudible; the buzzing of a hornet is enough to drown out a distant motor.