This group of Columbian ground squirrels seemed to be posing for family photos. First there was one, then there were three and then there were four, although the fourth one was a little camera shy. And then there was one.
I don’t know what they were watching. Maybe my car, parked to the left and behind? The dogs were in it. And then to the right. Did they sense something I did not? They were pretty cute.
The girls and I spent another week in the mountains and most of our walks were in the meadows. Other trails are exposed and too hot for Sky and there is no water. But the meadows are lush, green, damp and there are some ponds and a stream for them to cool their feet. Lots of trails through the meadows too. They didn’t mind my slow movements as I photographed the flowers. Sky picked and ate huckleberries while Willow found sticks and tossed them in the water.
For years, we’ve been trying to get cleome (an ornamental flower) established in our garden. We were told that it’s a great favorite of honeybees. Finally, this year, it’s taken hold and sure enough, the honeybees are all over it. They are not alone, sharing it with native bumblebees and other insects. It is great fun to watch the bees on the delicate flowers. And so beautiful.
Willow and her friend, Gretta, and their Good Girl drivers got out for a very nice hike early this week. They started early and did not encounter too many people on the trails – a few through hikers and some day hikers along with a few dogs. Everyone was quite pleasant. The weather was mostly overcast for the first half of the hike which was a relief since it was all uphill. At the top, there was a breeze to keep the bugs away. The downhill part, with its relentless switchbacks, was dusty and dry. Willow and Gretta needed extra water. Fortunately Gretta’s drive brought two extra liters. Willow’s driver will know to bring more next time. Everyone was tickled when we finally reached the creeks near the lake and managed to cool off for the last two miles back to a car.
Recently, the girls and I spent eight days volunteering at Harts Pass. The weather was pretty good but the bugs were unbearable. Also, there were many visitors so I was busy most of the time. The bugs made it nearly impossible to do photography or to do much birding. We made the best of it and here are a few images from our time up there. The bird in the rocks appears to be the western Arctic subspecies of the Horned Lark. But I could be wrong. As for the grouse, she’s probably a Sooty but maybe a Dusky? The hoary marmots were a long ways away and after sunset so not the best quality images.
My Everyday Photos 