A new one.

On September 11, 2019September 14, 2019 By Mike and Christy10 Comments

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It is always fun to see a new one. Here are two views of a new and interesting looking insect which we think to be a bee but could well be a fly. It smaller than a honey bee, has long antennae, a hairy body like a bee and interesting orange wings. This was the only one like this we have encountered and is not shown in the guide to local bees making me think it may be a bee-fly mimic.

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Yes, it is indeed fun to encounter a new species of any kind to reinforce just how wonderful the diversity of life on our planet.

Thanks for everyones help in identification of this insect. Looks to be a Hornet-Moth.

Morning Dipper

On September 10, 2019August 30, 2019 By Mike and Christy4 Comments

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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.

Pearly Everlasting: Anaphalis margaritacea

On September 9, 2019September 9, 2019 By Mike and Christy10 Comments

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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.

Just Nibbles

On September 7, 2019 By Mike and Christy5 Comments

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.

On the forest floor

On September 6, 2019September 6, 2019 By Mike and Christy17 Comments

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After a mile or two of a hike that began in tall grassland and meadows we suddenly entered a stretch of trail that wound it’s way through a luxuriant forest filled with treasures of all kind. From beautiful Woodland Pinedrops to what seemed an unending variety of ground covers, the landscape was transformed. From dry to wet, from brown to green, you never know what you’ll find on the forest floor.

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Unusual fungi and tiny white bells.

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Life took many forms and all play a part in the ecosystem of the forest floor.

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Wishing you a wonderful weekend and some time to explore.

Pipsissewa:Chimaphila umbellata

On September 5, 2019September 4, 2019 By Mike and Christy6 Comments

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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.

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Pipsissewa, as much fun to observe as it is to say and wonderful companion on any forested walk.

Little Hunters

On September 4, 2019September 4, 2019 By Mike and Christy7 Comments

One sunny afternoon we noticed these little (less than an inch in length) Bluet Damselflies hovering and sometimes landing on the tiny flowers of a goldenrod plant. After taking a closer look and a few photos we discover why. They were hunting even smaller flies that were pollinating the flowers. The hunting forays appeared to be quite successful as they nabbed numerous meals on this one little stem.

Little hunters with a big appetite.