"Blue Clematis bud" by amontanaview | RedBubble

"Blue Clematis bud" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Taken near Bear Creek in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana USA.
Clematis is a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). This species is a woody vine that blooms early in the spring. It is one of my favorite spring flowers. It grows in moist, shady areas that seem enchanted to me.

"Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly" by amontanaview | RedBubble

"Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Photo was taken in July near Gash Creek in the Bitterroot Mountains, Montana USA.
Canon EOS 40D 1/400s, f/6.3, ISO:400

Every year I see these butterflies at this elevation on this native plant .The plant is Spreading Dogbane.

"Young bull elk" by amontanaview | RedBubble

"Young bull elk" by amontanaview | RedBubble:


Young bull elk. Taken south of Sweathouse Creek west of Victor, Montana USA in early April. He was with a small group of cow elk just hanging out. I wonder what he is thinking or looking at…
He is part of a large herd (about 100 elk) that roam this area. Sometimes they are all together, this time of year, they break into smaller groups. Soon the cows will be finding a quiet place to calve, then they will get together in larger “nursery” groups again.

Canon EOS 7D 1/1250s, f/4.0, ISO: 250, 500 mm
Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens

"Birds of a feather eat together" by amontanaview | RedBubble

"Birds of a feather eat together" by amontanaview | RedBubble:


Cinnamon Teal – Anas cyanoptera is a small dabbling duck, male and female are shown here. This photo was taken north Stevensville, Montana USA at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge in early April. This duck is a summer/breeding resident of Montana preferring wetlands and ponds to the moving water of rivers.

"South Fork Westslope Cutthroat Trout" by amontanaview | RedBubble

"South Fork Westslope Cutthroat Trout" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

The photo was taken in the world-class westslope cutthroat trout fishery in the South Fork of the Flathead River, Montana, USA. The Westslope cutthroat trout is one of two subspecies of native cutthroat found in the state. According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the population of westslope cutthroat trout in the South Fork is the strongest and most vibrant in Montana, and perhaps in the entire West. Protecting their habitat is important for their survival. This photo was taken in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Canon EOS 7D, 1/100s, f/5.6, ISO:400
SIGMA 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Aspherical DF Macro SLD Autofocus Lens

"Great Blue "awk!" Heron" by amontanaview | RedBubble

"Great Blue "awk!" Heron" by amontanaview | RedBubble:

Taken north of Stevensville, Montana USA at Lee Metcalf NWR. Great Blue Heron on a log. It was alone and calling out…as you can see. Look close and the tongue is out. Hilarious. The log is sitting in water of a slow moving stream on the refuge. It is spring, early April, and I suspect it is looking for a mate (and food).

Canon EOS 7D, zachlazzari@gmail.com
1/500s, f/4.5, ISO 200 500mm. Camera was held over my arm – no time to set up the tripod.