Close Encounter

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On a recent hike through open grasslands with a few conifers mixed in we had a close encounter with this Northern Harrier who must of been defending a nearby nest. They were making plenty of noise and circling around above us as we walked the trail below. Occasionally they would dive bomb us flying straight overhead but never actually trying to make contact with us. We just pushed on through their territory walking a bit faster with each dive bombing pass yet pausing to watch this beautiful birds pass so close. Once we had ventured out of their space peace was had for all.

Blue and green

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A blue dragonfly perched and overlooking the greenest of summers green.

Welcome to August. The month that seems ruled by dragonflies and where the birds have ceased their songs. In August the the summer sun still sines bright and burns hot yet the green slowly slips to brown. The dog days of summer some say yet the wildflowers still bloom, insects buzz about and plenty of time left to enjoy bounty that summer brings. Still time to hike, swim or just laze around and enjoy the summer sun. Overall August is not so bad.

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel

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Cute like a Chipmunk only bigger. The Golden Mantled Group Squirrel is a resident of mountain and coniferous forest regions across the western United State and Canada.

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We spent some time observing this guy/gal while on a recent hike. They were busy scurrying about and not too concerned about us hanging out watching them. They moved about nimbly in the rocky terrain where we found them that afternoon.

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Before we left they collected a nice big piece of moss presumably for their den.

So, if you see a giant chipmunk running around it is probably a Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel.

Female Yellowthroat

We spotted this Female Common Yellowthroat quickly moving in and out of the bushes while on a morning walk. While we most often see the males perched out in the open singing we very rarely have seen the female out in the open like this. She only stayed for a minute or two then flew off into a marshy area several hundred yards away.