Close Encounter

On August 8, 2019August 8, 2019 By Mike and Christy12 Comments

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On a recent hike through open grasslands with a few conifers mixed in we had a close encounter with this Northern Harrier who must of been defending a nearby nest. They were making plenty of noise and circling around above us as we walked the trail below. Occasionally they would dive bomb us flying straight overhead but never actually trying to make contact with us. We just pushed on through their territory walking a bit faster with each dive bombing pass yet pausing to watch this beautiful birds pass so close. Once we had ventured out of their space peace was had for all.

Columbine

On August 7, 2019August 7, 2019 By Mike and Christy6 Comments

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In a dark forest with just enough light a delicate Columbine dances.

From sage to treetop

On August 6, 2019August 5, 2019 By Mike and ChristyLeave a comment

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On a recent hike across sage-lands dotted with forest the Sparrows were distant yet constant companions.
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Todays Flavor: Orange

On August 5, 2019August 5, 2019 By Mike and Christy14 Comments

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Painted Brush also called Indian Paint Brush has been blooming thick this summer in mountain meadows and sage-lands alike. It is one of our favorite wildflowers and comes in so many colors it begs the question of which we like best. Todays flavor is orange but that is certainly subject to change.

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An even bigger question is do you order a single scoop, a double scoop or….
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just sit down at the edge of the meadow and and enjoy the whole carton.
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An unmistakable song

On July 31, 2019July 31, 2019 By Mike and Christy3 Comments

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Along the trail the House Wrens song was unmistakable. Moving quickly in the underbrush but appearing just long enough for a quick photo. A house wren is always a great companion while on the trail and that song is unmistakable.

Linum Lewisii: Blue Flax

On July 30, 2019July 30, 2019 By Mike and Christy6 Comments

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Blue Flax floats, or so it seems, and shines like the summer sun warming the fields in the morning light.

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel

On July 29, 2019July 29, 2019 By Mike and Christy9 Comments

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Cute like a Chipmunk only bigger. The Golden Mantled Group Squirrel is a resident of mountain and coniferous forest regions across the western United State and Canada.

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We spent some time observing this guy/gal while on a recent hike. They were busy scurrying about and not too concerned about us hanging out watching them. They moved about nimbly in the rocky terrain where we found them that afternoon.

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Before we left they collected a nice big piece of moss presumably for their den.

So, if you see a giant chipmunk running around it is probably a Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel.

The Yellow-headed butterfly

On July 23, 2019July 23, 2019 By Mike and Christy3 Comments

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We see this butterfly at least once per summer and usually on the same week in mid-July. I am having a difficult time correctly identifying the species. Looks a bit like a form of white or a form of a sulphur. It is beautiful regardless the specific species and we always enjoy finding and observing one on our mid-summer hikes.

Whispers in green

On July 17, 2019July 16, 2019 By Mike and Christy3 Comments

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Yellow whispers in a big old sea of green.

That is what this Yellow Columbine felt like on a recent hike into the forests nearby. A rainier than typical spring and early summer has the forest looking green as green can be and even a large patch of Columbine growing strong could only mustard a whisper in that sea of green yet sometimes a whispers is all you need.

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