Mantid Sunday

On September 13, 2020August 21, 2020 By Mike and Christy6 Comments

We typically see only a few Preying Mantis each summer either while out hiking or in our garden. Last week, while out on a hike, we saw numerous Mantids and each one matched the specific grasses they resided in. The Mantid above was in grasses that were a mix of green and brown and the Mantid was green and brown.

While the Mantid above resided in fresh green grass.

This Mantids above were right at home in a field of brown.

We even got a look at one Mantid hanging upside down.

Photographed in Denver, CO

Prickly Poppies

On September 12, 2020August 21, 2020 By Mike and Christy3 Comments

Prickly Poppies are a wonderful wildflower to have around. On our daily walks we can rest assured we will find some in bloom. Once found, we can stop for a moment and enjoy the show as beetles, bees and ants do their work pollinating these delicate flowers. Even now, as fall approaches and most of the other wildflowers have lost their blooms, a few Prickly Poppies are still going strong.

They a treat for they eyes, like little whipped cream sundaes with a cherries on top.

Those little prickles protect such delicate yet tough flowers.

I am looking forward to see how long they continue blooming into the fall.

https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/argemone_pleiacantha.shtml

Denver, CO

Little Bear 2020

On September 11, 2020August 29, 2020 By Mike and Christy2 Comments

A little Black Bears wanders down from the hills and has their eyes set on the abundant bushes of quickly ripening choke cherries.

Happy Friday and have a wonderful weekend.

Dressed in White

On September 10, 2020August 29, 2020 By Mike and Christy5 Comments

The coneflowers are one of the later bloomers in our area and provide a snack for some of the other late season visitors. In this case it’s a cabbage white butterfly getting a sip of nectar on late summer afternoon.

Old Green Eyes

On September 9, 2020August 29, 2020 By Mike and Christy8 Comments

A peculiar looking green-eyed bee/wasp enjoys a bit of time on the coneflowers.

A Thousand Miles Away

On September 8, 2020September 8, 2020 By Mike and Christy7 Comments

Smoke form wildfires, most burning over a thousand miles away, allowed us to look directly into the sun well before evening came our way. A not so subtle reminder the ecosystem we inhabit is indeed connected. All living things inhabiting the only planet we have.

Passing Storm

On September 7, 2020August 20, 2020 By Mike and Christy8 Comments

With the rain came a quietness that only rain can bring. Looking out into the big Pacific Ocean off the NW coast of Vancouver Island.

Clark’s Nutcracker

On September 6, 2020August 20, 2020 By Mike and Christy6 Comments

A Clark’s Nutcracker enjoying an early fall day along the Lewis River Channel in Yellowstone National Park.

At the feet of giants

On September 5, 2020August 20, 2020 By Mike and Christy10 Comments

Floating down the Snake River at the feet of giants with their heads up in the clouds. The Teton range is a majestic sight even on an overcast September day.

Bugs

On September 4, 2020August 26, 2020 By Mike and Christy13 Comments

A metallic Blue Beatle munching away on the last green leaves of the season. When the flowers fade away, the birds have all flown south, the mammals are few and far between the insects are just a bit easier to see.

Grasshopper resting on a nice patch of Yarrow.

We found this to be a peculiar looking fly perched upon one of our favorite late summer wildflowers…Pearly Everlasting.

Yes, I hear you, bugs as a title is perhaps a bit derogatory and in no way a fitting title for the above insects but this guy below…?

I am not quite where what this fellow is but the word bug does seem apropos.