M&M’s

On July 27, 2018July 6, 2018 By Mike and Christy8 Comments

Two of a kind the Monarch Butterfly and its beautiful host plant Milkweed. It is well understood that loss Milkweed results in decreased numbers of Monarch Butterflies. A recent study by Bret Elderd and Matthew Faldyn from Louisiana State University suggest climate change can alter the chemical composition of Milkweed making it poisonous to Monarchs. Climate change, habitat loss and other human activities. Sometimes I wonder when the tipping point will come, if it has no already. Not just for Monarchs but for all life on earth.

For more Monarch Butterfly research articles I might suggest science daily.

Rainy Day Red Tailed: Buteo jamaicensi

On July 26, 2018July 30, 2018 By Mike and Christy9 Comments

A Red Tailed Hawk sits patiently on a rainy summer afternoon waiting for the next opportunity.

just hanging out

On July 25, 2018July 12, 2018 By Mike and Christy7 Comments

A little Yellow Jacket just hanging out doing what Yellow Jackets do.

I wonder if looking at the world upside-down makes it feel right side up. Might have to go lay in grass and give it try.

A Subtle Symphony: prelude

On July 24, 2018July 24, 2018 By Mike and Christy28 Comments

There are landscapes you hear as well as see.

Playing you a subtle symphony.

A composition rich with harmony and a subtle quiet melody.

Near Box 62A

On July 23, 2018July 5, 2018 By Mike and Christy23 Comments

On the fence line near box 62A a Female Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) was taking a break from tending to her nest. Looks like she has been banded for study. Bluebirds populations while recovering are still threatened by loss of habitat and competition from introduced species such as the House Sparrow and European Starling both of which compete for nest boxes as well as natural nesting sites.

Storm on the ridge

On July 22, 2018July 5, 2018 By Mike and Christy10 Comments

Storm on the ridge

High up on Scarp Ridge near Lake Irwin, CO. I reckon it’s time to get down.

Dip a toe in

On July 21, 2018July 30, 2018 By Mike and Christy13 Comments

Go ahead…dip a toe in it’s summer.

Snake grass or Horsetail if you prefer

On July 20, 2018July 30, 2018 By Mike and Christy18 Comments

According to recent scientific and lay sources the family Equisetum is a “living fossil”. It is the only living genus of the entire class Equisetopsida a family of vascular plants that reproduce by spores rather than seeds.

These plant date back to the Devonian period which to my my reckoning is really, really old. I am no botanist or will not pretend to be so I have always enjoyed snake grass for its beauty but with each little drop of new understanding comes greater beauty and perhaps beauty is part of the design of universe to begin with.

Chipping Sparrow: Spizella passerina

On July 19, 2018July 20, 2018 By Mike and Christy8 Comments

It wouldn’t seem like summer without the sounds of the Chipping Sparrows echoing through the trees in our area. A beautiful little sparrow with their rufous crown. We see the Chipping Sparrow foraging on branches, jumping around on the ground and hopping about in the both pine and deciduous tress each summer.