Sipping Sweet Nectar

On July 29, 2018July 14, 2018 By Mike and Christy6 Comments

This little butterfly made a short visit to these small plants for just a quick sip of nectar. That tongue was digging deep but perfectly designed to do the job. Amazing.

just hanging out

On July 25, 2018July 12, 2018 By Mike and Christy7 Comments

A little Yellow Jacket just hanging out doing what Yellow Jackets do.

I wonder if looking at the world upside-down makes it feel right side up. Might have to go lay in grass and give it try.

A Subtle Symphony: prelude

On July 24, 2018July 24, 2018 By Mike and Christy28 Comments

There are landscapes you hear as well as see.

Playing you a subtle symphony.

A composition rich with harmony and a subtle quiet melody.

Snake grass or Horsetail if you prefer

On July 20, 2018July 30, 2018 By Mike and Christy18 Comments

According to recent scientific and lay sources the family Equisetum is a “living fossil”. It is the only living genus of the entire class Equisetopsida a family of vascular plants that reproduce by spores rather than seeds.

These plant date back to the Devonian period which to my my reckoning is really, really old. I am no botanist or will not pretend to be so I have always enjoyed snake grass for its beauty but with each little drop of new understanding comes greater beauty and perhaps beauty is part of the design of universe to begin with.

Just Right

On July 15, 2018July 1, 2018 By Mike and Christy4 Comments

Something about this dandelion must have been just right. Cement Creek near Crested Butte, CO.

Return of Bombus

On July 9, 2018July 1, 2018 By Mike and Christy7 Comments

Just a few quick photos of a wonderful bumble bee Bombus ternarius the tri-colored bee. This time buzzing about on a not so dandy wildflower but the tri-colored bee is sure a marvel and any chance we can get to enjoy seeing our favorite bee close up is worth it.

On a blade of grass

On July 5, 2018June 30, 2018 By Mike and Christy11 Comments

Looking closely at a blade of grass there is more than meets the eye.

Yes, there is always more than meets the eye and it’s sure fun trying to meet it.

Choke Cherry: Prunus virginiana

On July 4, 2018June 30, 2018 By Mike and Christy14 Comments

While the last blossoms of the Choke Cherry shrubs, which line the road near our home, have faded away their sweet smell still lingers in my head. Most of June was filled with that sweet smell as different bushes bloomed at different times of the month and thus we were treated to a wonderful progression of fragrance and sights.

The astringent fruits and even the leaves and branches of the Choke Cherry are considered an important food plant for wildlife. Both large and small mammals as well as birds utilize Choke Cherry for food. In addition to food Choke Cherry provides wildlife habitat and protection for watershed in the areas in which it grows.

Human uses include Chokecherry Jams, wine as well a medicinal uses by native cultures. New growth on the leaves can be toxic to humans and cattle especially those leaves injured by frost or draught. So do not eat the leaves.

While the fruits are quite useful it is always the blossoms that take the cake for me and somehow posting on Choke Cherry seems a fitting thing to do on the forth of July.

References:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
United States Department of Agriculture.

Where spring came late

On July 3, 2018June 30, 2018 By Mike and Christy12 Comments

There are those places where it is said there are only three seasons, July, August and winter. While perhaps not always that way, this year, spring arrived late to this high mountain valley and when it arrived it was a welcome sight indeed.