The Carlton Complex Wildfires started nine months ago tomorrow. It was a devastating event – burning wildly and consuming trees, shrubs, hillsides, wildlife and homes for people and animals. Nine months later, I took a walk through Pipestone Canyon, a favorite area for walking and bicycling and birding. Like our hillside, it is beginning to recover but some areas burned so hot, there is no sign of life. I heard a Canyon Wren from the rocky cliffs above and heard raptors screeching at each other or maybe at me. I was surprised to encounter numerous Dusky Grouse. I wonder what they are eating? Wildflowers and grasses are thriving in some areas. Shrubs and trees that did not burn too hot are slowly recovering.
New grass growing on the hills above the canyon.
The canyon walls
Buttercups
Lomatium sp
Small balsamroot plants
This balsamroot is in an area that didn’t burn so hot.
Imagine the heat
Rolling rocks are a potential problem.
Home for someone
Dusky Grouse
Spring beauty
Growing out of a crack in a rock
Grass growing on top of a rock.
Moss cups
Currants
Aspen buds
Serviceberry bud
My Everyday Photos 