First the all important pre-soak.
The wash includes a bit of agitation to help the dirt come loose.
The spin cycle or in this case high speed shake.
Feathers clean and looking sharp this American Robin is ready for another day.
Tag: zen
First Leaves
Along the creek with buds just breaking out a trees first leaves of spring were not leaves at all.
It appeared that sap was flowing and attracting Comma Butterflies (Polygonia comma) of either the Eastern, Satyr or Hoary varieties to these willows just a few weeks ago. In addition to sap the leafless Pussy Willows further up the road were providing an early spring meal of pollen and nectar for the pollinators as well.
The namesake comma, or little c,is visible on both of these guys above.
… and the star of the show and a beautiful lift leaf on any plant.
And after a meal full of nectar a well balanced butterfly diet should include a little mineral as well. This Comma is engaging in a behavior known as puddling which I have observed over and over again but first read about on Piotr Naskrecki’s blog the Smaller Majority in an article entitles What Butterflies Like.
Anyway those first leaves of spring were not leaves at all.
Acorn Woodpecker
It is always fun to see species not common to where you live when you travel. Wonderful colors on this acorn woodpecker which was photographed along the coast in northern CA.
Looking Sharp
Sharp Beak…Check
Sharp Claws…Check
Sharp Fence Post…Check
Sharp Song…Check,Check.
A Western Meadowlark perches on a somewhat overcast day adding a bit of color to an early spring day.
Woodland Ground Beetle: Carabus sylvosus
Carabus Sylvosus a Woodland Ground Beetle looking back at me as I uncovered them while cleaning the yard last week. Given that these beetles are nocturnal foragers I am sure it were not too pleased with my removing their cover from the daylight while cleaning up some yard debris.
Beetles are always fascinating to observe from the purple on their shell, the anatomy of their from limbs and what looks like special antennae in front that act as additional legs in some way.
Ground Beetles comprise a family of beetles with over 40,000 species so next time you are out in the forest turn over a rock or mess about in the leaf litter and chances are you might find one looking back at you.
Pasque morning
This is the time of year for the magnificent Pasqueflowers to bloom and brighten the hillsides, forests and meadows near town.
These flowers are part of the genus Pulsitilla family which contains numerous species spread across the globe and are the state flower of South Dakota. We noticed two distinct species while on a recent walk with both growing along the sunny hillsides and one growing just about everywhere in both sun and shade.
Hope we can get back out before they are done blooming and wishing you all a Pasque morning.
American White Pelican: Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
An American White Pelican enjoying a wonderful spring sunset high in the Rocky Mountains. The grass is just greening up around the edges of the lake but the Pelicans have arrived on their way to the boreal forests where many breed. A sure sign summer is on it’s way.
White faced Ibis
One of the joys of spring is getting to see a few White Faced Ibis up close.
This one seems to enjoying the afternoon sun along the river bank. Perhaps foraging or perhaps just enjoying the afternoon sun. Either way it was a treat for us to soak in the color of their wonderful plumage.
Yellow Rumped
A female yellow rumped warbler enjoying the beginnings of this years deciduous forest. Once these trees completely leaf out getting photos of birds in the forest is another story altogether but for now I will enjoy the view while it lasts.
Yellow Rumped
A female yellow rumped warbler enjoying the beginnings of this years deciduous forest. Once these trees completely leaf out getting photos of birds in the forest is another story altogether but for now I will enjoy the view while it lasts.
nature has no boss 
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