So Many Skippers so little time.

On August 21, 2020August 21, 2020 By Mike and Christy5 Comments

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This summer we have experienced Skippers both large and small.

Some perched nectering on flowers and others on grasses yet each a delight with their big round eyes. Which by the way are all the better to see they prying photographer attempting to sneak up and photograph or just a good look at this wonderful little guys.

Although most quickly flew away we were able to photograph or two along the way.

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Now a few weeks have past and the abundance of these little creatures has declined. Skipper season is short but definitely sweet.

A bit bit like summer don’t you think?

Happy Friday and have a great weekend.

Ahhhh….

On August 20, 2020August 7, 2020 By Mike and Christy7 Comments

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Ahhh….

You can indeed feel silence.

Wednesday Walk

On August 19, 2020August 7, 2020 By Mike and Christy4 Comments

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A quiet walk just a few Wednesday’s ago. Up in the alpine zone with flowers just a bit taller than a week or two ago. Lupine. painted brush, and daisies up high just below tree-line made for a memorable walk and one that now seems so long ago. Alpine_garden_08 copy Alpine_garden_11 copy Alpine_garden_09 copy Alpine_garden_10 copy

Lorquin’s Admiral

On August 18, 2020August 7, 2020 By Mike and ChristyLeave a comment

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Although we see a couple every summer the Lorquin’s Admiral not as abundant as many of the other butterflies we see. This individual was resting, wings spend, on a wonderful lichen covered tree. The red wings spots and bright red eye make this a unique sight and one we never tire of.

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Blurple

On August 17, 2020August 16, 2020 By Mike and Christy10 Comments

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Rocky Mountain Penstemon.

Are they Blue?

Are they Purple?

Oh Heck, let’s just call them Blurple. Seeing them growing wild in the fields or in the garden around they house always bring a smile to our faces.

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We are not sure there can be a more saturated color and the sculptural beauty just leaves one shaking their head.

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Blowing on the breeze as summer lingers on.

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And the bees dig them as well.

Happy Monday and have a great week ahead.

Shaking it off

On August 16, 2020 By Mike and ChristyLeave a comment

With the rain begining to come down softly a White Crowned Sparrow flew up and landed on a fence post next to us shook off the rain and then got back on his way.

A little reminder well received.

A songsters song

On August 15, 2020August 15, 2020 By Mike and Christy10 Comments

One of your favorite birds to hear is the Grey Catbird. Their song can go one and on and it is always fun to just sit for a bit and listen to them sing.

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On August 14, 2020August 7, 2020 By Mike and Christy17 Comments

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A nice bouquet of wildflower left uncut yet not unnoticed. Above: Richardsons Geranium.

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These Alpine Forget-me-nots were only a few inches tall yet still swaying tightly as the wind was blowing that afternoon.

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Some blooms were just starting others were wide open.

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Blue flower melding with a bright blue sky were also on tap.

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The Forget-me-nots not only came in blue but in white and grew no more than 2-3 inches tall.

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Happy Friday and wishing you a wonderful weekend.

White Crowned

On August 13, 2020August 7, 2020 By Mike and Christy5 Comments

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A White Crowned Sparrow enjoys a short break after a very successful hunting foray. The kids will eat well this morning.

Perennially

On August 12, 2020August 7, 2020 By Mike and Christy9 Comments

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Our annual tribute to a perennial favorite wildflower of ours Painted Brush or Indian Paintbrush if you will. The plant belongs to the genus Castilleja of which there are over 200 documents species in the Americas. With 24 species in the Rocky Mountain region and with of those species nine in our local area we are always noting the subtle differences in colors, texture and shapes among these beautiful plants.

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This years photos were taken on a hike up an alpine ridge with this beautiful orange-red variety being most prevalent that day.

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Until we meet again.

nature has no boss

Month: August 2020