We were surprised when a pair of River Otters popped up over a river bank to check us out early one morning. Curious and inquisitive they had a quick look and then slipped back down the bank and out of sight.
Later on the family went out for a stroll along the riverbank and all marched in a line…well except for junior who had to make his own way.
Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
While drinking our morning coffee at our campsite we watched as this little Ermine pass by carrying a chipmunk as large as they were. Unfortunelty we had no camera in hand. A few minutes latter the Ermine scurried past us in the direction in which they just came from. Within a few minutes there returned again carrying a Chipmunk. Still no camera in hand. However when we saw the Ermine return again heading the same direction I grabbed my camera and was able to capture them caring their third successful catch back to their nest. It was a tough day to be a Chipmunk and a good day for the Ermine pups.
A wonderful looking Williamson’s Sapsucker rests in a dimly light forest in Yellowstone NP.
Not a common sighting for us so we sure felt lucky to see him that day and had to sped a little trying to correctly ID this guy.
For more info: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Williamsons_Sapsucker/id
A Black Headed Grosbeak working overtime on a wild dandelion patch in the mountains of Montana. Looks like he has a long day ahead of him.
Butterfly and Beetle both agree…Milkweed is the Plant for Me.
Denver, CO
Out in the grass as the sunlight started to fade a Says Phoebe enjoys their perch.
All About Birds says “these open-country birds have cinnamon-washed underparts and a rather gentle expression. They sally from low perches to snatch insects in midair or pounce on them on the ground. Say’s Phoebes often pump their tails while perched on a wire, fence post, or low bush. They breed farther north than any other flycatcher and are seemingly limited only by the lack of nest sites.”
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Says_Phoebe/id
It is always a treat to see a Says Phoebe.
Perched at the edge of a leaf and taking a break from their seemingly endless flight. Perhaps deciding which flower to visit next or just taking in the wonderful view. The wildflowers were thick along this on this stretch of trail so the choices were many for a butterfly that day.
Crested Butte, CO.
From Wikipedia:
The ten-lined June beetle (Polyphylla decemlineata), also known as the watermelon beetle, is a scarab beetle, living in the western United States and Canada. The adults are attracted to light and feed on foliage. They can make a hissing sound when touched or otherwise disturbed, which can resemble the hissing of a bat.
I stumbled upon this little moth taking a break on a yarrow plant while out in the garden on afternoon. This little moth was content and stayed put even as I moved in to get a nice close look. As I pulled out the camera to take this photo it sure felt like this little moth was looking back at me saying “hey it’s just me… a little moth”.
If anyone out there has the skills to identify this little guy please chime in as “Little Moth” although descriptive could surely be expanded upon.
Have a great weekend.
Earlier this summer we were lucky enough to have a few little Bushtits visiting the trees nearby. I miss those little guys and sure hope we are lucky enough to have them visit again next summer.
nature has no boss 
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