American Bittern

On September 5, 2017September 2, 2017 By Mike and Christy14 Comments

Nothing here…just a clump of grass.

An American Bittern doing their best to remain unknown as the morning sun rises just a little higher.

http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-bittern

Mantid Monday

On September 4, 2017September 4, 2017 By Mike and Christy21 Comments

We typically see only a few Preying Mantis each summer either while out hiking or in our garden. Last week, while out on a hike, we saw numerous Mantids and each one matched the specific grasses they resided in. The Mantid above was in grasses that were a mix of green and brown and the Mantid was green and brown.

While the Mantid above resided in fresh green grass.

This Mantids above were right at home in a field of brown.

We even got a look at one Mantid hanging upside down.

Photographed in Denver, CO

Baldy

On September 2, 2017August 27, 2017 By Mike and Christy9 Comments

Perched high on a tree that’s seen its better days a Bald Eagle sits looking for a meal to swim by in the river below.

Grand Teton National Park, WY.

Thread Waisted Wasp

On September 1, 2017August 30, 2017 By Mike and Christy8 Comments

I watched this Thread Waisted Wasp (Ammophilia Proceia) buzzing around in the Golden Rod. That Thin connection between the thorax and the abdomen is really something to wonder over. Does it allow the abdomen to move freely and lay eggs or perhaps sting others independent of the rest of the body?

Need to get an Entomology book and brush up on the fundamentals.

Denver, CO.

American Avocet

On August 31, 2017August 31, 2017 By Mike and Christy2 Comments

The colors of spring have faded but this American Avocet looks none the worse for wear in non breeding plumage. They may be black and white but still looking stunning with those beautiful blue legs.

Always Curious

On August 30, 2017August 30, 2017 By Mike and Christy27 Comments

We were surprised when a pair of River Otters popped up over a river bank to check us out early one morning. Curious and inquisitive they had a quick look and then slipped back down the bank and out of sight.

Later on the family went out for a stroll along the riverbank and all marched in a line…well except for junior who had to make his own way.

Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Mighty Might

On August 29, 2017August 28, 2017 By Mike and Christy32 Comments

While drinking our morning coffee at our campsite we watched as this little Ermine pass by carrying a chipmunk as large as they were. Unfortunelty we had no camera in hand. A few minutes latter the Ermine scurried past us in the direction in which they just came from. Within a few minutes there returned again carrying a Chipmunk. Still no camera in hand. However when we saw the Ermine return again heading the same direction I grabbed my camera and was able to capture them caring their third successful catch back to their nest. It was a tough day to be a Chipmunk and a good day for the Ermine pups.