It was a fifty-fifty day.
We skied in clouds that threatened but never brought snow. Drove through sunny skies when were expecting snow and just when we thought the we would miss out on the storms the clouds rolled in fast yet blue sky remained above.
A beautiful way to end the day with the sagebrush glowing and winds blowing in a fresh layer of snow.
We could hear his gurgling call off in the distance as we approach on our XC skis. Perched high above on a dead tree covered in colorful lichen both his vocalizations as well as the colorful branch provided just the right amount of warmth to take the chill of a blustery winter ski.
Yellowstone, NP.
A little Brown Tree Creeper using their wonderful tweezer-like beak similar to a skilled surgeon using a fine surgical instrument extracting a little nibble from the bark an old spruce tree.
While I see the trails all over the place in the snow I seldom see Voles out in the open and for good reason given how many different predators prey on them. This day I kept seeing this Vole darting in and out of a tunnel grabbing what appeared to be a quick bite to eat. They seldom stayed for more than a few seconds but is was great to get a good look and a few (albeit a bit fuzzy) photos of these small mammals.
Just imagine spending the day eating one blade at a time. Slim pickings when all the grass is beneath the snow and winter just keeps going on.
Yellowstone National Park 2018.
As the old saying goes…it takes two to tango. Last week it was the male Hooded Mergansers performing on the pond for a somewhat non receptive female.This week the female appears at least a wee bit interested in the growing selection of males as they swim around the pond head bobbing to get her attention.
A young Mule Deer with ears up and at the ready. There were people loading their gear just up the road at a trailhead and this deer was alert and ready to move if need be.
A winter blue casts down upon the meadows and mountains which make me feel most at home.
A place of many moods which are always open and on display.
Looking just a bit more Grey and having an more orange bill than the White Crowned Sparrows I typically see. This guy enjoys his perch in the warmth of the afternoon sun.
Old trees gone but not forgotten. Home to many and a valuable habitat to keep upon the landscape.
nature has no boss 
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