This male Downy Woodpeckerkept us company during what was perhaps, but probably not, the final snow of the long winter season last week. He will show up every now and again over the summer months but his visits become less frequent as the insects spring to life and the feeding is good.
Yesterday these two Barn Swallows were hanging out on a fence near a lake where we took an afternoon walk. Nice to see them back in town and their colors are sure vibrant right now. Soon after these photos were shot they took off and were buzzing around the lake hunting for bugs which is always an amazing sight to observe.
Last Sunday the wind was blowing hard but that did not deter these little Tree Swallows from spending their day looking for a suitable summer residence and it sure seemed like box 29 was high on their list of desirable homes.
The competition was high and words of caution we flying as freely as these swallows glide through the skies.
A quick resting spot on the roof was in order and acceptable to both shoppers at box 29.
Given that a bit of cold and snow has put a hold the greening up process around here this week it just felt necessary to somehow put a bit of green in this whole sheltering at home procedure. Thus a dose of green provided by pouring over old photographs of thermal features in Yellowstone National Park from bygone days was just what the doctor ordered.
Not quite spring but blue skies and green bacterial mats provided just what we needed to help get this weekend off to a wonderful start.
A wonderful weekend to all.
A little good company makes staying close to home just a bit easier and two of our closest companions these days are the Mountain Chickadee above and the Red-breasted Nuthatch below.
With snow now melted, just barely we might add, the forest floor is beginning to reveal itself again. Oregon Grape or Mahonia aquifolium grows abundantly in our forests and the newly exposed leaves presented themselves each as a unique artwork this day.
The spiny leaves and colors becoming something between painting and sculpture with each cluster of leaves seeming to harbor a bit of all the season of the year. Spring and fall combined with touches of summer and winter yet each cluster just emerging from beneath a blanket of white.
Yes. spring will make it’s way.
A Pink Sided Dark-eyed Junco is a wonderful companion to have keep us company while we work our way through these days of sheltering at home.
With a disgusted look on their face an American Robin wonders where spring has gone. Standing on a pond that was liquid as liquid can be only a few days prior and the forecast ahead points to another chilly couple of days. Really?
Spring can be so fickle yet this guy will tough it out.
Was it the hike itself, the early morning sunlight or the small window we were hiking to in the rock wall? All seemed like windows in which to experience the wonderful nature therapy offered up in Bryce Canyon on a sunny spring morning several years ago.
While watching a nice herd of mule deer one young Doe stood out and she was all ears and eyes.
nature has no boss 
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