An American Robin Fledgling still a bit fuzzy, along with the photo, sits quietly on the branch of a Douglas fir. Perhaps from a second brood or second clutch this guy had better grow up fast as the seasons are changing and the bugs are slowing down.
A single note seemed to ring as we walked through the forest that day. The grasses a brownish gold signaling the change of seasons. The sky threatening in the distance yet pure blue overhead. It all seemed a bit monotone yet still a pleasure to hear.
As September rolls in and summer ever so slowly fades away one last look at the flowers that graced the fields near to home feels in order.
From Blanket flower to Black-eyed Susan blowing in the breeze the summers bounty will be remembered fondly.
Welcome to September and may it treat you well.
Western Moss-heather is a beautiful plant that grows high up in the alpine environment in northwestern United States, Alaska and Canada. We happened across a nice patch flowering a few weeks ago.
Beautiful little bells hanging from redish stems with the plants growing about 4-5 inches tall at most.
Some patches almost seems to be growing directly out of the rocks along this wind whipped slope.
A flower we don’t encounter every summer on our hikes but one we will always remember.
On a cloudy day a hike into the misty mountains yields much needed nature therapy. At first there is resistance but once the feet hit the trail and the rain jacket put on it all seems to feel just right.
A lone merganser chick hitching a ride on the Mom-Merganser ferry.
A few weeks ago we we lucky enough to take a hike along a ridge above tree-line once again filled with alpine wildflower. Most growing only inches tall yet the display of color was stunning.
Carefully stepping from rock to rock to avoid smashing these fragile flowers that somehow thrive in a cold and windy environment.
Where sunflowers and lupine grown only inches tall.
While other flower grew as if they were the earth itself.
Happy Friday and wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Sometimes a landscape can provide relief for the hot and quiet dog days of summer. Especially if cool mountain air is included.
A Milbert’s Tortoiseshell Butterfly sips sweet nectar on an August afternoon. While many of the butterflies we see are present in great numbers through the summer there are some we only see a handful of and then only for a few weeks at the most. The Milbert’s is one of them.
Another not so frequent observation is the Red Admiral.
The Pink-Edged Sulphur is always one of the most skittish and elusive of butterflies for us to photograph each summer. They seem to have that sixth sense and fly away even before we can get within range.
Another butterfly we only see a handful of each summer is not a butterfly at all but a moth. The Police-car Moth to be exact.
A Pine Siskin give a look that just screams What? while devouring some thistle.
nature has no boss 
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