As we moved into our campsite for the evening this chubby ground squirrel let it be known loud and clear this was his stump and not to be used for a place to put our camp stove.
And in case we weren’t listening ….this is My Stump!
Have a great weekend.
As we set out for a walk on a rainy Monday morning we decided to just carry a lightweight macro lens on the camera as the birds would be hunkered down as it was raining slowly and steadily.
For most of the walk it was one of those very calm and silent mornings only a walk in the rain can bring. However on the way back down the hill we heard the beautiful song of several Swainson’s Thrushes echoing in the distance. As we walked towards the trailhead the songs became closer and more frequent. Much to out surprise the Swainson’s Thrushes were out from the tall trees and perched singing in branches down low. It was nice to get a glimpse of these reclusive forest dwellers and to get a few photos but most of all hearing that amazing song.
How do they get it to echo like that?
In a shallow pool a small dragonfly decides to lay their eggs under the watchful eye of a small frog. We did not see the outcome but best of luck to that little dragonfly.
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.
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.
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.
Found this beautiful fuzzy little moth warming up in the morning sun up near timberline while hiking on a cool summer morning. All that fuzz must help keep her and perhaps her little ant friend warm through the night.
Two very little grasshopper nymphs enjoying a fine beginning to life atop a wildflower just starting to bud.
Hope you get to enjoy some time with your favorite buddy this weekend.
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.
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.
nature has no boss 
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