We have had the opportunity to visit with these small guys up close this summer and they are a joy to have around.
From the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, “This is the smallest bird in the United States, yet this tiny hummingbird breeds in meadows and open forests high in chilly Northwestern mountains, and travels more than 5,000 miles each year to pine-oak forests in Mexico and back again.”
3 inches of spunkiness and color that is hard to forget.
Perhaps the most colorful of the summer visitors to our local tree-tops is the Western Tanager. Although the male sports conspicuous bright colors we hear him much more often than we see him. However, once or twice per day, we are treated to an occasional streak of color passing through the tress and every now and again a nice long view of these colorful birds of the summer forest.
This Merlin was sitting quietly on a post along the road near Walden Colorado. We stopped for a few quick photos and were quickly on our way leaving him to enjoy their afternoon.
Walden, CO.
A male Calliope Hummingbird measuring in at a mere 3 inches visiting a Sitka Columbine.
Two of summers treats rolled into a single meal .
Well not a tomato but a wonderful plump and healthy looking male American Robin giving me the left profile.
Straight on head shot.
And to cap it off the right profile.
Yes a common bird but just consider how much pleasure a common bird gives. A wonderful sight to see, song to listen to and those debates on how a Robin hunts their worms…they are listening, no they are looking.
Hats of to the American Robin.
Never hurts to ruffle a few feathers.
A Snowy Egret ruffling a few feathers in the evening light at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
A male Cassin’s Finch enjoying an afternoon break on a small wild rose-bush. These guys have a wonderful song distinct from other small finches and a pleasure to the ear.
P.S. Happy summer or winter to everyone out there.
A Raven soars below as we walk above.
Freedom to roam is freedom indeed.
A female Cassin’s Finch finds ample shelter under a large spruce on a recent rain-soaked afternoon.
A quick look up and …hey the sky looks lighter to the west.
Nothing like the sound and the all to uncommon sight of a male Audobons Warbler on a cool overcast afternoon. All to often this bird spends most of its time up high in the canopy of the spruce trees in our area so it was nice to see him down low that afternoon.
nature has no boss 
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