I could be mistaken but along the trail and just down the hill was a sign that read “Boys Only” and perhaps that was so as a Mule Deer Buck and young Bighorn Ram hung out together under the comfort of large shade tree on a warm fall afternoon. This is the first time we have encountered both a Bighorn Sheep and Mule Deer together through the viewfinder. An unusual and interesting encounter.
Purple wildflowers in may shades filled the meadows all summer long. From the Bergamot or Bee Balm: Monarda fistulosa L. to the purple flowers in grass filled meadows.
The Lupine in the alpine meadows offer a bit of pollen to the bees.
And the Rocky Mountain Columbine. 
All purple of a different shade and a wonderful way to remember a summer filled with flowers.
So just a bit more purple before all thought of summer fades.
Happy weekend to all.
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.
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.
High up in the hills the flowers have all flowered and transition fills the air. What a wonderful time.
Sitting on a fence post looking for his next victim is a Loggerhead Shrike. “These birds sit on low, exposed perches and scan for rodents, lizards, birds, and insects. They eat smaller prey (such as ground beetles) right away, but they are famous for impaling larger items on thorns or barbed wire to be eaten later. The species often hovers. When flying it uses bursts of very rapid wingbeats.”
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Loggerhead_Shrike/id
This time the victim was a large Grasshopper.
Which the Shrike Caught and them impailed on this barbed wire fence.
The Shrike let the Grasshopper be for a minute but quickly went to town on his meal.
Laramie, WY.
This summers bounty of Indian Paint Brush was like getting that big box of crayons you always wanted as a child. So many colors, so much fun to be had.
And the best thing about getting the big box is that there are plenty of crayons to share.
Happy Friday and wishing you a wonderful weekend.
A bit of summers bounty made monochrome. From Arnica to Camus to Cows Parsnip and more. Enjoy.
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.
nature has no boss 
You must be logged in to post a comment.