Monday, July 30, 2012

Random Photos For a Rainy Day...


I'm experiencing another rainy day in Alaska, 
so I thought I would post a few of my recent photos to brighten up
my day and maybe yours.

July set a record for one of the coldest months ever recorded in Anchorage!!
It's a year of records, this winter we set the record for the most snowfall ever recorded.
I hope we can set the warmest August ever, but I'm not sure that's written in the cards for us!!

The first photo is of one of my Meadow Rue Plants.  These plants are very winter hardy
perennials, so I'm very thankful to see them green up in the spring.
The bees love them, so these flowers are a favorite stop.

This bottom photo is of a spent peony. It never fails to rain
when the peonies bloom.   I took this photo at our local perennial
garden.  I love walking through the garden, but I never go without my 
bear spray.  There are always signs posted of black bear sightings, so
besides my camera the pepper bear spray always make the journey
with me.  I have yet to learn to take the bug spray!!!
The mosquitoes are probably worse 
than the bears!!



Right before another rainfall I spotted this butterfly take food
and shelter under this bell flower.  This flower grows
wild all through Alaska.  Butterflies have been scarce this summer, I hope 
to see more as we get closer to fall.


The bottom photo is of a male Gross Beak.  It's hard to see his crossed bill
because of the landscape behind him.  He was super busy
eating little chickweed flowers and seeds so he hardly stopped to notice me.
These birds are so beautiful in the winter when we have tons of snow 
on the ground and trees.
The females are a soft greenish yellow.
These birds are wonderful singers and the forests around my house
just come alive in the spring with their songs.



I'm posting a photo of some Bog Stars.  Flowers that like rain more than me!  :o)
These flowers love damp areas so this is a good year for them. 
I'm sure they are loving our weather.





Two weekends ago we had a 70 degree plus day (I know...yahoo!!!)  and I spotted
these little dime sized butterflies trying to get a 
drink by the side of a creek.
It's not the best photo, but if you look closely you can see their tongues (proboscis)
all trying to suck up moisture through their straw like tubes.



Even with all this rain our 
rhubarb is blooming and its going to seed.  I never realized how
pretty the flowers were until I got up close to them and
took this photo.

The seed heads were starting to form on this particular stem.  I love
their red colored edges.




And.....

even though it's been rainy my secret wild strawberry patch has
been busy producing fruit.  These little berries are so much better
than store bought strawberries.  They have a very short shelf
life so they have to be eaten right away!!!

They are a great treat for a rainy day!!!

Hope you day is full of sunshine!!!

:o)


Monday, July 16, 2012

One of My Favorite Birds!!!



I love Sandpipers,
 and Alaska is blessed with several different types.

I think the one I captured on film is a Lesser Yellowlegs.
This sandpiper gets it name from it's brightly colored legs.
It is an active feeder, often running through the shallow water to chase its prey.

They usually nest on the ground in open dry locations.
These birds mainly eat insects, small fish and crustaceans.

Soon they will migrate back to the Gulf coast of
 the United States or further south to South America.

I took this photo out at Potters Marsh.  I was searching for Sandhill
Cranes when I came across this cute little bird.

I still have not seen a crane, but this little sandpiper made
my day!!





Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Baby Gulls!!!


I went out to search for baby Mew Gulls today.
I found them out at Potter's Marsh, just 
a short drive out of town.
Don't you think they are adorable?



I caught this little one snuggling up to its mom.
You have to love those beautiful feet!!


They are all getting pretty independent, but are still sticking
close to mom.  They are also pretty good little swimmers at this stage.


The mother was busy rounding up her little chicks.  This particular mom
had at least two chicks.  There was a third chick that was off
wandering about that might have been hers as well.




Just like all babies, nap time is important!!




Off in the distance was a baby Arctic Tern,  it was busy
trying to swallow a fish dinner.

I wonder how many fish this baby eats in a day...
I'm sure he keeps his parents very busy!



Sunday, July 1, 2012

Quick Post To Let You Know I Still Exist!!!







I'm having one of those super busy summers, so my blogging 
has gone to the back burner!!!

I'm still taking photos of nature and wildflowers,
but lack the time to keep it up 
on a regular basis.



All these photos were taken on the Alaskan Kenai Peninsula.
A bed of tiny Twin Flowers, a Yellow Paintbrush,
and below a sweet little Wild Aster.



I hope all of you are enjoying your summer!!!

Take time to look at nature and make a wish or two!!!

Hugs to all!!!!

:o)