We saw each of these fuzzy little caterpillars on two consecutive hikes. It is just amazing the forms that life on this wonderful plant takes.
Tag: macro
It’s a Pleasure to Meet You
A Tri-Colored Bumble Bee getting acquainted with a Purple Coneflower. Although the introductions were awkward the date was a success.
Monument Plant: Frasera speciosa
This version of Green Gentain called Monument Plant or more specifically Frasera speciosa is one of our favorite wildflowers.
From it’s humble beginnings…
Monument plant grows into a beautiful, tall, cone shaped plant which produces innumerable intricate sculptural flowers each a work of art in their own right.
Frasera speciosa is also commonly called elkweed as it is good browsing material for both deer and elk but the little guys seem to find Monument Plant to their liking as well.
And to top it all off a couple of photographers find Green Gentian fascinating as well and never tire of photographing it when it appears in the open meadows and grasslands each spring.
stories told
While reality begs to differ
Some stories are better told in black and white
and who doesn’t like a good story.
M&M’s
Two of a kind the Monarch Butterfly and its beautiful host plant Milkweed. It is well understood that loss Milkweed results in decreased numbers of Monarch Butterflies. A recent study by Bret Elderd and Matthew Faldyn from Louisiana State University suggest climate change can alter the chemical composition of Milkweed making it poisonous to Monarchs. Climate change, habitat loss and other human activities. Sometimes I wonder when the tipping point will come, if it has no already. Not just for Monarchs but for all life on earth.
For more Monarch Butterfly research articles I might suggest science daily.
just hanging out
A little Yellow Jacket just hanging out doing what Yellow Jackets do.
I wonder if looking at the world upside-down makes it feel right side up. Might have to go lay in grass and give it try.
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.
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.
nature has no boss 
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