Calliope Hummingbird: Selasphorus calliope


We have had the opportunity to visit with these small guys up close this summer and they are a joy to have around.

From the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, “This is the smallest bird in the United States, yet this tiny hummingbird breeds in meadows and open forests high in chilly Northwestern mountains, and travels more than 5,000 miles each year to pine-oak forests in Mexico and back again.”

3 inches of spunkiness and color that is hard to forget.

Mighty Mink

Mighty_mink_1

While out at a local lake on our kayaks we were treated to a very unexpected sight…a mink hunting crawfish. This guy/gal was working the shoreline and caught at least two crawfish while we watched from out in the lake on our kayaks. We had no idea mink lived along the shores of this lake and have never seen one before. Another reminder that those little moments sure can make your day.

Western Tanager

Perhaps the most colorful of the summer visitors to our local tree-tops is the Western Tanager. Although the male sports conspicuous bright colors we hear him much more often than we see him. However, once or twice per day, we are treated to an occasional streak of color passing through the tress and every now and again a nice long view of these colorful birds of the summer forest.