Go ahead…dip a toe in it’s summer.
Tag: ecology
Snake grass or Horsetail if you prefer
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
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.
More often than not a hike through the forest in July is accompanied by their song echoing through the woods. A song we thoroughly enjoy.
So here’s to the Chipping Sparrow a widespread, modest and wonderful summer companion.
Lorquin’s Admiral: Limenitis lorquini
A wonderful butterfly to enjoy on a summers afternoon. The Lorquin’s Admiral is busy these days and a common companion along the trails nearby.
Pine Siskins: Spinus pinus
On a rainy afternoon we watched a flock of Pine Siskins hanging out along a ranch fence line in the light drizzle.
When they show up in large flocks to backyard feeders or your local forest it may not be apparent but Pine Siskins are a Common Bird in Steep Decline. Pesticides, loss of habitat and predation from domestic cats, red squirrels, hawks, jays, and crows are all contributing factors to the decline of this species.
Since we typically hear them buzzing in the tree tops of pine forests seeing them lined up individually along the barbed wire on a quiet rainy day gave us a chance to know each on as a individual so to speak and it was nice to get to know them.
A wonderful little forest bird.
Double Snake
Getting a glimpse of a snake, or a root, or anything remotely snake like, from along the edge of the trail always makes one do that quick double take. This time it was in fact a Common Garter snake nestled down in a small patch of snake grass (or horsetail if you prefer) that elicited the snake-double take. Although the Garter snake is one of the most common and widespread reptiles in our area and by no means are we snake-lovers it is always nice to see one slither away as we walk the trails. I wonder if their numbers have decreased with the decline of amphibians as this was reported to be their main food source or they have shifted dietary habits?
Just Right
Something about this dandelion must have been just right. Cement Creek near Crested Butte, CO.
Got my eye on you
In a shallow pool a small dragonfly decides to lay their eggs under the watchful eye of a small frog. We did not see the outcome but best of luck to that little dragonfly.
Return of Bombus
Just a few quick photos of a wonderful bumble bee Bombus ternarius the tri-colored bee. This time buzzing about on a not so dandy wildflower but the tri-colored bee is sure a marvel and any chance we can get to enjoy seeing our favorite bee close up is worth it.
Mighty Mink
While out at a local lake on our kayaks we were treated to a very unexpected sight…a mink hunting crawfish. This guy/gal was working the shoreline and caught at least two crawfish while we watched from out in the lake on our kayaks. We had no idea mink lived along the shores of this lake and have never seen one before. Another reminder that those little moments sure can make your day.
nature has no boss 
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