See more below.
Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fall. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
American Goldfinch - Spinus tristis
Lots of Goldfinches here (west of Victor, MT USA) this fall.
See more below.
See more below.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Western Larch - Larix occidentalis, Fall in the Bitterroot Mountains
Click on the photos to "buy" online.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
"Chokecherries for dinner" by amontanaview | Redbubble
"Chokecherries for dinner" by amontanaview | Redbubble: 
American Robin – Turdus migratorius. Robins were feeding on our Chokecherries (Chokecherry – Prunus virginiana, in the rose family) in early September. Taken west of Victor, Montana USA. The Grosbeaks began feeding on this bush and even though the robins are a smaller bird, they took over this bush. It was fun to watch the frenzy as the hopped, flapped, chased and then gobbled the berries, large seeds and all. My first time catching a robin catching a berry.
Canon EOS 7D, 1/160s, f/4.0, ISO: 320, 500 mm, manual setting, tripod
Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens
The largest thrush in North America. The male has deep grayish to dark-brown upperparts with blackish head, white crescents above and below eye, rich reddish underparts with white throat streaked with black and white undertail-coverts. The bill is yellow. The female is similar but paler overall. Juveniles have a spotted breast. This species is common year-round over all of Montana.
American Robin – Turdus migratorius. Robins were feeding on our Chokecherries (Chokecherry – Prunus virginiana, in the rose family) in early September. Taken west of Victor, Montana USA. The Grosbeaks began feeding on this bush and even though the robins are a smaller bird, they took over this bush. It was fun to watch the frenzy as the hopped, flapped, chased and then gobbled the berries, large seeds and all. My first time catching a robin catching a berry.
Canon EOS 7D, 1/160s, f/4.0, ISO: 320, 500 mm, manual setting, tripod
Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens
The largest thrush in North America. The male has deep grayish to dark-brown upperparts with blackish head, white crescents above and below eye, rich reddish underparts with white throat streaked with black and white undertail-coverts. The bill is yellow. The female is similar but paler overall. Juveniles have a spotted breast. This species is common year-round over all of Montana.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
"Sparring match - training to be the big buck" by amontanaview | RedBubble
"Sparring match - training to be the big buck" by amontanaview | RedBubble: 
Two white-tailed (Odocoileus virginianus) bucks are practicing their skills. 
The photo was taken at the National Bison Range (Moise, Montana, USA) near Mission Creek. They could care less that I was there with my camera. I even changed lenses. See the whole series of photos on my White-tailed Bucks Sparring album at SmugMug.
In early December, they are beginning their second rut of the season. Rut is the mating season of ruminant animals such as deer.
These young bucks were jousting back and forth by engaging one another’s antlers. As usual with young bucks and early in the rut, the match did not escalate into a full blown fight. They were just trying to figure out how tough they were and which one would dominate. I heard them grunt quietly once in awhile, but mostly I could hear the antlers “clank” or “rattle” as they touched or “clanked” their antlers together and wrestled. They engaged for a while, then backed off and pretended to ignore one another. Then they would come back together for another go at it. The whole series went on for about half and hour. Then they both meandered over a small ridge into the thick juniper cover
Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS, Canon EOS 7D, 1/400s, f/5.6, ISO: 250, 300mm, Manual setting
MCN :: C1XYE-Q7GLT-BPEXP
The photo was taken at the National Bison Range (Moise, Montana, USA) near Mission Creek. They could care less that I was there with my camera. I even changed lenses. See the whole series of photos on my White-tailed Bucks Sparring album at SmugMug.
In early December, they are beginning their second rut of the season. Rut is the mating season of ruminant animals such as deer.
These young bucks were jousting back and forth by engaging one another’s antlers. As usual with young bucks and early in the rut, the match did not escalate into a full blown fight. They were just trying to figure out how tough they were and which one would dominate. I heard them grunt quietly once in awhile, but mostly I could hear the antlers “clank” or “rattle” as they touched or “clanked” their antlers together and wrestled. They engaged for a while, then backed off and pretended to ignore one another. Then they would come back together for another go at it. The whole series went on for about half and hour. Then they both meandered over a small ridge into the thick juniper cover
Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS, Canon EOS 7D, 1/400s, f/5.6, ISO: 250, 300mm, Manual setting
MCN :: C1XYE-Q7GLT-BPEXP
Friday, December 9, 2011
"Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis" by amontanaview | RedBubble
"Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis" by amontanaview | RedBubble: 
Red-tailed hawk photo taken at the National Bison Range, Mission Creek, near Moise, Montana USA. MCN :: CAU4Y-VLMF4-B1MEW
Plumage is extremely variable, ranging from very light forms to very dark forms. The “typical” color phase is dark brown above and white below, with a band of dark speckling across the belly (belly band), and a rusty-red tail (paler underneath). Flying birds are white with brown barring underneath, dark brown edges around the wings, and dark brown shoulder patches.
The immature Red-tailed Hawks of all color phases and races look similar to the adults, except they have brown barred tails and more brown streaking over the rest of their bodies.
Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens
Canon EOS 7D, 1/6400s, f/4.0, ISO: 320, 500mm, Manual setting
MCN :: CAU4Y-VLMF4-B1MEWPlumage is extremely variable, ranging from very light forms to very dark forms. The “typical” color phase is dark brown above and white below, with a band of dark speckling across the belly (belly band), and a rusty-red tail (paler underneath). Flying birds are white with brown barring underneath, dark brown edges around the wings, and dark brown shoulder patches.
The immature Red-tailed Hawks of all color phases and races look similar to the adults, except they have brown barred tails and more brown streaking over the rest of their bodies.
Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens
Canon EOS 7D, 1/6400s, f/4.0, ISO: 320, 500mm, Manual setting
Sunday, November 13, 2011
"Young bull moose in the Bitterroot River" by amontanaview | RedBubble
"Young bull moose in the Bitterroot River" by amontanaview | RedBubble: 
Bull moose on the middle Bitterroot River in Montana (USA) just before sunrise.
Featured in my 2012 Montana Nature Calendar
I have often thought I should see a moose at my friend John’s river bank because there is a marsh near by. September 26, I was walking south on the bank taking photos when a kingfisher (bird) called from behind me. I love kingfishers so I turned around to try to get a photo. I was surprised to see this reasonably sized bull moose wading across the river on John’s property! I was afraid to get any closer so this photo isn’t bad considering the distance and low light. In full size, his eye is very visible. There is a little bit of a mist coming off the water and around his legs. Some might not think a moose is beautiful, but I do.
He grunted all the way across the river and off into the brush on the other side. I could hear him grunting with every step even when I couldn’t see him. I laughed quietly. It didn’t seem like he even knew I was there. After the fact, I wish I would have tried to get closer – probably a good decision that I didn’t. I don’t run very fast any more.
Bull moose on the middle Bitterroot River in Montana (USA) just before sunrise.
Featured in my 2012 Montana Nature Calendar
I have often thought I should see a moose at my friend John’s river bank because there is a marsh near by. September 26, I was walking south on the bank taking photos when a kingfisher (bird) called from behind me. I love kingfishers so I turned around to try to get a photo. I was surprised to see this reasonably sized bull moose wading across the river on John’s property! I was afraid to get any closer so this photo isn’t bad considering the distance and low light. In full size, his eye is very visible. There is a little bit of a mist coming off the water and around his legs. Some might not think a moose is beautiful, but I do.
He grunted all the way across the river and off into the brush on the other side. I could hear him grunting with every step even when I couldn’t see him. I laughed quietly. It didn’t seem like he even knew I was there. After the fact, I wish I would have tried to get closer – probably a good decision that I didn’t. I don’t run very fast any more.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
"Montana Nature Calendar" Calendars by amontanaview | RedBubble
Visit Montana all year long with your Montana Nature Calendar "Montana Nature Calendar" Calendars by amontanaview | RedBubble: 
"Vesper basking in lamp light" by amontanaview | RedBubble
"Vesper basking in lamp light" by amontanaview | RedBubble: 
Vesper, my daughter's Maine Coon cat, is right at home on our Norwegian sweaters draped over a chair. As if he isn't warm enough, he snuggles in the luscious warm wool. It makes me want to take a nap...
I love the sepia tones (naturally from Vesper, the couch and evening lamplight) in contrast with the colorful Freesia flowers in the background.
Taken on a cold, fall evening west of Victor, Montana USA in our home. We had a roaring fire going in our wood stove as we were getting out winter clothes and doing the seasonal closet switch and cleaning. Of course Vesper was keeping a close eye on us and his favorite garments.
Vesper, my daughter's Maine Coon cat, is right at home on our Norwegian sweaters draped over a chair. As if he isn't warm enough, he snuggles in the luscious warm wool. It makes me want to take a nap...
I love the sepia tones (naturally from Vesper, the couch and evening lamplight) in contrast with the colorful Freesia flowers in the background.
Taken on a cold, fall evening west of Victor, Montana USA in our home. We had a roaring fire going in our wood stove as we were getting out winter clothes and doing the seasonal closet switch and cleaning. Of course Vesper was keeping a close eye on us and his favorite garments.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
"Me or the trout..." by amontanaview | RedBubble
Freda is fishing with us on the Bitterroot River north of Florence, Montana USA. She is actually very polite to the trout that we catch and release, but you can see how interested she is in the fish.
"Me or the trout..." by amontanaview | RedBubble:
"Me or the trout..." by amontanaview | RedBubble:
Friday, October 7, 2011
Monday, September 6, 2010
Fall is in the air
Taking photos is what this blog is about. It is a bit of a slow time, flowers are going to seed, the elk and deer are higher in the mountains, birds are staging for migration to winter range. Here are a couple of photos that make me think of fall.
See more of my photos at Merle's RedBubble site.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Fall colors, fall fishing and more on the Bitterroot River in Montana
Reflections of the sky and fall leaves. Photo: Merle Ann Loman
Click Fall colors, fall fishing and more on the Bitterroot River in Montana for the article on Examiner.com
Fall is a great time to fish the Bitterroot River with the pleasant daytime temperatures cooling from hot summer days of August to the pleasant 70 degree range. The nights drop to 30 or 40 degrees and bring on the gorgeous colors of fall.
Seasonal changes from summer to fall also bring explosions of mayfly hatches such as trico, blue-winged olive, fall drake, and mahogany dun as well as the October caddis.You can expect to see surface feeding fish that will test the resolve of even the most accomplished anglers.
Erosion from spring run-off, or high water events, is a process where new habitat is created or perhaps eliminated. Logs that have been eroded from the banks and deposited somewhere along the channel form the classic Bitterroot holding water. They provide the necessary cover for daily survival and the shade to stay hidden in the heat of a summer day. The Bitterroot is home to a thriving beaver population which can aid in the creation of more new log buckets for the fish. In September, the leaves are on the trees and dropping on the water providing cover but the colors are changing from green to yellows, coppers, reds, and more.
A beautiful brown trout from the Bitterroot River. Photo: Merle Ann Loman
Many tributaries of the Bitterroot River headwaters originate in wilderness areas giving the main river a supply of pristine water up until late July. The West Fork, its main tributary has a dam which releases cold, clean water during the critical times of summer and early fall. The fisheries are a beneficiary of these enhanced flows as is the rancher who can grow his hay crop. Finding a balance between the needs of a fishery and human activities has been an ongoing contentious issue as demands for these cold water releases are increasing. Fortunately, the Bitterroot River fish have an in-stream flow reservation of water. The trout have been given a little consideration.
Deer crossing the Bitterroot. Photo: Merle Ann Loman
Despite increased recreational pressure which not only includes fishing but also boating, tubing, and swimming, the Bitterroot River seems to be thriving and still produces good numbers of westslope cutthroat, some brown and rainbow trout as well as the cuttbow, a hybrid between cutthroat and rainbow trout. Catch and release sections have been a big help as is the in-stream flow reservations. The Bitterroot River in Montana is a favorite fall fishing choice for beauty and a variety of fishing.
For more info:
Wapiti Waters Fly Fishing Montana - Bitterroot webpage
Wapiti Waters Fly Fishing Montana - Seasonal hatch information
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks - Bitterroot webpage
West Fly Entomology
Wapiti Waters Fly Fishing Montana - Seasonal hatch information
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks - Bitterroot webpage
West Fly Entomology
Related Articles:
Fall colors are coming to the Bitterroot Valley in Montana
More photos:
Merle's SmugMug photo site: Bitterroot River in the fall
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
As fall comes to the Bitterroot, see colors in plant and animals - Sept 2009
September 21 is the first day of fall and though this month has been warmer than usual, the nights are cooling off. As a result, Mother Nature begins to paint her fall canvas. The angle of the sun and the clouds make the light dance across the valley, often creating rainbows.
The yellows, rusts and tans are seen in the fields, grasses, cottonwoods and aspen; the green is still there in evergreen trees and foliage near streams and wetter draws; and the reds are beginning to show in the ninebark, currants, and chokecherry leaves and fruit. There is even blue in the elderberry fruit.
Color is displayed in plants and in animals as you will see in the slideshow below. See the lush green ferns that provide cover for the white-tailed deer. Later the ferns will turn a copper color and do an even better job of hiding the deer. Various dragonflies perch on golden grasses and vibrant pine trees. Deciduous trees show a variety of colors as the leaves change and fruits ripen in presentation as food for critters such as Ruffed Grouse and bear looking to fatten up for hibernation.
Exotic species – not native to Montana - contribute, too. The pheasant hen’s feathers match the color of the drying fields. A turkey hen’s throat glows as a beam of sunlight lights it up.
This is September 2009 and its own unique year and weather pattern. Visits again as more photos and descriptions throughout this Montana fall are posted.
Take a virtual walk through the Bitterroot Valley through these slideshows and watch the colors change even more in October and November.
To see all the photos in a new window click Merle's SmugMug photos - Bitterroot Fall Sept 2009
References:
Montana Field Guide by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Montana Plant Life.org
Monday, January 12, 2009
Chick-a-dee-dee...and other backyard birds
Click on the name of the bird (hotlink) to go to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website "All About Birds." Their bird guides are extensive. You can even play the sounds of the birds. Very cool.
Click on any photo to see larger view.
Everyone loves the Chickadee. I actually have the pleasure of living on Chickadee Lane and it is one of my favorite birds. We have many on our riparian property.
The top-left photo is a Red-breasted Nuthatch looking for some lunch.
The two lower photos are Evening Grosbeaks, sometimes called "Gros-pigs."
Click on any photo to see larger view.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Downey Woodpecker
I am trying to get better at bird photos. The little buggers just won't hold still very long. Here is one of my better attempts at Downey Woodpeckers. This one is a female, no red at the nape of the neck.
More bird photos will be posted soon.
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