Three big birds on one little rock made seemingly made for two. A full house indeed yet still a good place to pull up out of the current and just watch the water pass on by. American White Pelicans along the Madison River.
White Crowned Sparrow
An adult White Crowned Sparrow looks to have found an interesting meal.
Orobanche uniflora
I can’t say it better than it is stated in this NY Times article “There’s simply no way to talk about the beauty of Orobanche uniflora without raising a lot of eyebrows.”
Commonly called Naked Broomrape or sometimes Flowered Cancer Root this wonderful flower with unflattering common names was a new one to us when we came across it in meadow on a recent hike.
It is a short leafless plant unable to photosynthsize thus gaining it’s nutrients by parasitism. Often using sedum, saxifrages and asters as a host plant. Typically growing only up to 3 inches tall we found this cluster buried deep in the grass.
It is a beautiful little flower and very unique to say the least.
West Elks
Looking out into the West Elk WIlderness in central Colorado.
It’s a Pleasure to Meet You
A Tri-Colored Bumble Bee getting acquainted with a Purple Coneflower. Although the introductions were awkward the date was a success.
Across open spaces
A day spent winding your way through open spaces is indeed a day well spent. From morning encounters with resting Elk to views of the mountains beyond.
The mid-day sun shines bright but a gentle breeze blows to cool things down.
As mid-day passes to afternoon the clouds begin to build and signal it’s time to go down.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend and perhaps some time in your favorite space.
Close Encounter
On a recent hike through open grasslands with a few conifers mixed in we had a close encounter with this Northern Harrier who must of been defending a nearby nest. They were making plenty of noise and circling around above us as we walked the trail below. Occasionally they would dive bomb us flying straight overhead but never actually trying to make contact with us. We just pushed on through their territory walking a bit faster with each dive bombing pass yet pausing to watch this beautiful birds pass so close. Once we had ventured out of their space peace was had for all.
