An American Dipper looks to take a morning dip along the shore of a local lake. Seeing him as we paddled around the shore was a bit unusual as I can’t recall actually seeing a Dipper along a lake shore. We previously have only seen them in rivers and streams both of which are considered more typical Dipper habitat. It was good to see this guy working the lakeshore and a nice way to start the day.
The understated beauty of Pearly Everlasting is something in and of itself. A beautiful wildflower that attracts several species of butterflies most notable the Painted Lady. Simple yet elegant, rustic yet refined, perhaps everything a wild wildflower should be.
Fall is here and it is time to fatten up. This little Chipmunk was spending their afternoon scurrying about finding and then quickly scarfing down small little nibbles along side of the trail. Yellowstone National Park.
Pipisissewa is a beautiful and distinct wildflower found on the forest floor not to mention a fun name to say. With its long stem and single umbrella shaped flower it is hard to miss while hiking through the woods and native to much of cool temperate forest across the northern hemisphere. A member of the wintergreen family Pipsissewa has green leaves year-round, it receives a significant portion of its nutrition from fungi in the soil.
Pipsissewa, as much fun to observe as it is to say and wonderful companion on any forested walk.
Two of a kind…..Not the best hand to hold in a poker game but I will take this pair any day.
Above a beautiful purple Sticky Geranium brightens the trail…
…while below is its relative the Richardsons Geranium.
Two of a kind and a fine pair to encounter on a walk through the woods.
This American Toad was spending the morning laying low just waiting to bugs to fly by and become their morning meal. If you look close I think you can see the evidence of a successful catch.
When you find yourself taking a walk through the park and hear the orchestra playing you just have to sit down and enjoy the show.
Harebells, or Bleubells if you prefer, have been a constant and happy companion of our hikes this summer. From sunny meadows to forested trails to hikes above tree line these flowers were always with us.
Harebells were Plant of the week on the USDA website and the linked articles contains some interesting facts describing the plants, it habitats and propagation methods.
A fairly ubiquitous flower yet one that really stands out.
The summer sun has melted the snow up high reducing the flow in this streamed to no more than a trickle. Even so, this stream bed was a place where butterflies met perhaps to get a drink of water or maybe a taste of the minerals on the rocks lining the stream bed.
While crossing the steam we took a long break to watch the butterflies do their thing. From Fritillaries, to Admirals and Skippers the stream bed was the place to be that day for butterflies and humans alike.
Paddling along on a warm summers day. Too late for the morning light yet too early for sunset.
The sun high overhead as Cormorants rest…
a tree reflects…
the Heron ponders the day.
Paddling along with the sun high overhead we gaze into the distance and enjoy summers light on a beautiful summer day.
nature has no boss 
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