SNAP*Shot: Canada Jay–Mutually Captivated

Living anywhere in North America, you will see birds in the Corvidae family: Crows, Ravens, Magpies, Nutcrackers, and Jays. They are bold, tend to be very noisy, and are the most intelligent birds in the world. Their intelligence actually surpasses that of many mammals. Research has shown that Corvids are capable of recalling specific past events, planning for the future, using cooperative problem-solving, and creating novel tools to solve problems. Maybe we should elect a few crows to Congress!

We know Jays in the USA because most are blue, but Canada Jays (Perisoreus canadensis) wear no blue and are slightly smaller, about the size of a robin. Living in spruce/pine/fir forests, they blend in nicely. They are quieter than their cousins, but much more curious. Never hesitating to get close to humans, they may land on your head or hand. I had a unique experience hiking in the mountains near home at an elevation of 9,200 feet. Hi there!

This is so fun!

SNAP*Shot: Mule Deer

Living in the mountain west the deer we see most often are Mule Deer ((Odocoileus hemionus). Indigenous across the western US, they can be identified by their oversized ears resembling those of a mule, their black-tipped tail, and distinctive dark forehead. Lovingly called Muleys, outside of the mating season (rut), they tend to be calm and not particularly bothered by our presence. However, kept my distance from this big boy. I’ve seen Mule Deer all over Montana and Wyoming the last seven years, but this Muley is massive, the biggest I’ve ever seen. The largest males (bucks) can weight 460 pounds, and I think this boy is there!

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SNAP*Shot: 25 Miles in Dawn’s Early Light

We are getting an early start today, which in winter means leaving by 7:30am. This is the last 260 miles of my drive home from a holiday visit to family and friends in California. Little did I know that today’s first 25 miles along ID-33 East would be so glorious. East Butte at left, Middle Butte right, are two of three volcanic domes that grace the landscape as we journey through the Snake River Plain of southern Idaho. Come on along as we take a quick look at this unique area.

best sunrise 1

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SNAP*Shot: Vibrant, Unique Western Larch

When autumn arrives, it is time to head north to savor the unique and beautiful Western larch, called tamaracks in western Montana. Our first stop in Swan Valley is a marvelous view of Swan Peak, the second highest peak in the 99-mile Swan Range. Swan Peak stands at 9,289 feet, with the highest peak only 67 feet taller.  Swan Valley ranges from 2,000 to about 2,500 feet giving us a spectacular 6,000+ foot rise to mountain tops. This time of year the mountains gleam with the tamaracks’ autumn gold. Let’s explore the grandeur of these glowing yellow trees of the North.

Western Larch, tamaracks

So much more to see . . .