Tag: hiking

Broad Tailed Hummingbird

On By Mike and Christy3 Comments

Given my poor skills at identifying Hummingbirds, especially the females, please correct me if I am wrong again this time.

While we were out hiking last weekend this Broad tailed Hummingbird landed on a branch right in front of us on a very windy afternoon. I can’t imagine being a bird that weighs mere ounces buzzing about on a day with the wind as strong as that day but she was sure putting in a great effort. After a short rest she was off with that familiar hummingbird buzz and buzzed away on a breezy day.

Sagebrush Buttercups: Ranunculus glaberrimus

On By Mike and Christy1 Comment

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Just down the road, where the sun hits just right, is a small patch of earth warmed by the sun where the snow has melted and the Sagebrush Buttercups are already springing to life.

Growing low to the ground with their buttery shiny-waxy petals these wonderful little flowers are a challenge to photograph yet fun nonetheless. They are a bit poisonous to the touch so take care if handling them as they can cause blistering.

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While a few were blooming most we still just on their way.

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A wonderful sign that spring is indeed on it’s way despite the recent snows.

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Afternoon Stroll

On By Mike and Christy16 Comments

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A stroll up the trail on a November afternoon. Will it be warm will it be cold, sunny or cloudy? Probably all of the above.

The trail was covered with a light layer of snow yet the creek flowed freely.

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Mountain Ash berries glowing a brilliant orange seem to scream “hey birds…what are you waiting for.”

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Temperatures warmed along the way as icicles glued to moss began to thaw.

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…and what started a cloudy day become much less so on a slow and quiet afternoon stroll.

One last look

On By Mike and Christy6 Comments

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This year Chippy was a constant companion around the yard. Darting back and forth and to and fro collecting morsels to munch on and them finding the perfect perch to munch them on. We don’t see much of this guy as the temperatures cool and the flakes begin to fly so one last look was in order.

The Boys Club

On By Mike and Christy7 Comments

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I could be mistaken but along the trail  and just down the hill  was a sign that read “Boys Only”  and perhaps that was so as a Mule Deer Buck and young Bighorn Ram hung out together under the comfort of large shade tree on a warm fall afternoon. This is the first time we have encountered both a Bighorn Sheep and Mule Deer together through the viewfinder. An unusual and interesting encounter.