Before you leave

On August 6, 2021August 5, 2021 By Mike and Christy1 Comment

It’s hard to fathom but the time for one of our closest summer friends to depart for their annual journey south is very near. Typically by mid-August the small in size yet large in personality Calliope Hummingbirds begin their fall migration. This summer we have been blessed to have a handful of Calliopes living in the forest nearby and have enjoyed seeing them buzzing about the forest and also visiting the feeders in our yard.

Today we feature a few photographs of the females. Quiet and strong in every way.

The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird in the United States. It weighs about one-third as much as the smallest North American warblers and about the same as a ping pong ball.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Calliope_Hummingbird/overview

This tiny hummingbird is the smallest long-distance migrant in the world. Calliope Hummingbirds travel around 5,000 miles each year in a big oval from the breeding to wintering grounds. They migrate north along the Pacific Coast in the spring, but return to the wintering grounds in Mexico via an inland route along the Rocky Mountains.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Calliope_Hummingbird/overview

We bid you adieu and look forward to seeing you soon. Perhaps we could visit you this winter?

Wising you a wonderful weekend.

The boys of summer

On August 4, 2021August 2, 2021 By Mike and Christy1 Comment

While it is certain some of the frogs who inhabit the local pond are female frogs just seem to say boys. Maybe it’s all Kermit’s fault but anyway here is just smattering of the photos of our amphibian friends we have collected so far this summer and who can resist one of these fine princes in disguise.

Our last frog count revealed at least a dozen, plus a few toads to boot, so stay tuned for more frog photos before summer gives way to fall.

12 toes

On August 2, 2021August 2, 2021 By Mike and Christy2 Comments

On a recent hike that took us through a long stretch of a recently burnt forest we heard the sound of a woodpecker pecking away in search of a meal. When we finally got close enough we were surprised and rewarded with a male American Three-toed Woodpecker drilling away.

The American Three-toed Woodpecker’s small stature is deceptive. One study of its musculature and skeleton revealed that this woodpecker can deliver especially powerful blows. It’s been suggested this is due to the evolutionary loss of the fourth toe—an unusual trait shared only by the Eurasian Three-toed and Black-backed Woodpeckers. With only three toes, these species may be able to lean farther away from the tree and thereby hit the tree harder than other woodpeckers, all of which have four toes.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Three-toed_Woodpecker/overview

While we were watching this guy drill away it became clear that there must be another individual out of sight on the other side of the tree given as we heard drumming even when this male was holding still and within a few minutes a female emerged from the hidden side of the tree.

American Three-toed Woodpeckers are much more numerous in disturbed forests than in mature green forest, so look for them in bark beetle outbreaks, recently burned areas (up through about 8 years after a wildfire), and other places with dead and dying trees.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Three-toed_Woodpecker/overview

There was only a short moment when both the female and male were visible in the viewfinder together but they do make a mine pair and 4 legs with three toes each well…that’s twelve toes.

Time With Chip

On July 30, 2021July 30, 2021 By Mike and Christy2 Comments

Spending a little time with Chip. This summer a Chipmunk family seems to have made a home nearby and we were happy to spend some time observing them feeding, playing and just hanging out doing what Chipmunks do.

Play was on the menu this afternoon under the shade of an old Douglas Fir.

After expending all the energy a quick snack of Service Berry was in order. Better save a few for winter.

We all know what follows a big meal. Yes, a little afternoon snooze. Who wouldn’t like that on s sultry summer afternoon.

Have a wonderful and happy weekend.

Twice as nice

On July 27, 2021July 25, 2021 By Mike and Christy5 Comments

It’s always nice when you get a look at a Tree Swallow taking a break form their wonderful aerobatic maneuvers and two swallows resting, well, it’s definitely twice as nice.

Another Small Bouquet

On July 26, 2021July 25, 2021 By Mike and Christy1 Comment

Wishing you a great week.

Rocky Mountain Penstemon, Firecracker Penstemon, Yellow Columbine and a lovely pinkish painted Brush.

Song Sparrow: Melospiza melodia

On July 23, 2021July 18, 2021 By Mike and Christy3 Comments

Given the enormous variety of regional differences it took a few looks and luckily photographs, to be certain this indeed was a Song Sparrow. And what a fine looking Song Sparrow it was.

For quite some time this birds perched upon a thorny branch of a small shrub. Moving back and forth and allowing us a nice long look during which were were able to inch ever closer.

After a few minutes this bird moved just a few yards away to a shrub containing leaves. While it was the same bird the image seemed to take on a different feeling. From pure blue sky and thorny shrub to a fresh field of green.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

Young and old

On July 22, 2021July 16, 2021 By Mike and Christy2 Comments

Just a couple of weeks ago the wild roses along the road were in full bloom and evening light made them oh so appealing. Yet just a few steps away were older rose bushes rose-hips still attached and full of cobwebs.