Cactus Coreid Bug

On October 4, 2017October 4, 2017 By Mike and Christy5 Comments

This guy was found crawling about on a group prickly pear cactus where we take a daily walk. It always leaves me in amazement that so many animals have evolved to look so much like their environment.

And what a lovely environment it is.

Green Tailed Towhee

On October 3, 2017September 26, 2017 By Mike and Christy16 Comments

The Green Tailed Towhee spends most of its time in dense low thickets, where it forages on the ground. Like other towhees, it scratches in the leaf-litter with both feet as it searches for food. It is somewhat secretive and difficult to see so we were thrilled to get a quick glimpse at this bird when it quickly flew from a berry thicket and landed on this tree for a few seconds.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Green-tailed_Towhee/id
http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/green-tailed-towhee

Only time will tell.

On October 2, 2017September 14, 2017 By Mike and Christy19 Comments

Time speaks slowly but in a language all can understand that beneath the skin of a landscape now covered with humans lies one of ancient seas and dunes.

Moose should have told you.

On October 1, 2017September 12, 2017 By Mike and Christy34 Comments

Moose should have told you.

The park is closed.

Thanks Red Breasted Nuthatch

On September 30, 2017September 30, 2017 By Mike and Christy13 Comments

Making a quick appearance with a nasal honk-honk-honk a Red Breasted Nuthatch inspects a tree searching for a meal.

Aphids Beware

On September 29, 2017September 12, 2017 By Mike and Christy20 Comments

A few weeks ago one of the plants in our garden seemed to become infested with aphids of all sizes and shapes seemingly overnight. Also hidden within the plant and well camouflaged was a wonderful Aphid eating spider.

Once their prey was sighted the spider quickly moved in and made quick work of an medium sized green Aphid.

Given the number of Aphids present this guy will have quite a feast.

We also noticed numerous lady bugs and damselflies feasting away on the smaller aphids as well. Natural pest control at work.

Great Horned Owl

On September 28, 2017September 12, 2017 By Mike and Christy4 Comments

It had been far too long since we had seen a Great Horned Owl. A few weeks ago this beautiful owl sat in the sunset and allowed us spend time watching them.

Sharp Tailed Grouse

On September 26, 2017September 11, 2017 By Mike and Christy8 Comments

A female Sharp Tailed Grouse enjoys a sunny morning in Eastern Idaho.

On the Mullen

On September 25, 2017September 18, 2017 By Mike and Christy12 Comments

A female Downey Head Woodpecker found the Mullen plant to her liking this morning as she spent quite a bit of time hunting and then pecking away for a meal.