Join me for a walkabout after this lovely and spirit-invigorating mountain rain!

  

 

   
 
Blackbirds are among the first to emerge from the protection of cover to capitalize on the abundance of forage encouraged by the soft morning rains. 		 

 

 

     
  Precious life-giving drops of water cling to the tips of thirsty cedar leaves as the tree's canopy absorbs its bounty beneath the darkened skies of the spring storm.   Dandelion - its  mane of sunny frills often scorned by folks fretting over lawns, actually offers an important source of early spring sustenance for both critter and human folk.  

 

 

    Spring run-off barrels through Summerhawk, reshaping the landscape in this annual rite of redistribution. This year's extraordinarily robust snowfall and lingering cool temperatures brought about by an Omega-Block jet stream, prolong and manage the run-off process, staying the handiwork of otherwise raging streams.  

 

 

     
 
After recent years of limited rain-fall, the dewy forest - finally peaceful and relaxed - evokes a sense of rare and magical harmony.		   Indian Paintbrush, a native wildflower, leads us home -  brilliant beacons on the forest floor.  

 

 

   
 
Cactus begins to bloom offering outstanding pollen resources for bees, birds and other vital forest and meadow pollinators. 		 

 

 

     
 
Life takes advantage of the unique resources provided by this fallen log. Spring in the forest brings life full circle as the old is reclaimed and made new.		  
This long-dead cedar still stands. It's hollowed center makes a comfortable home for birds. It's reaching limbs - a convenient lookout station in a land where species compete for limited resources.		  

 

 

   
 
The sage in this meadow is vibrant and aromatic after the hours-long, gentle mountain rain. Large areas of sagebrush - home to many species in the west - are endangered. Threats include encroachment of pinion forests and human-led habitat destruction.		  

 

 

 

 
 		 A well-worn game trail leads through a small grassy meadow at the forest's edge.  These important corridors used by everyone from deer and elk to rabbits, fox, lion and coyote make predictable and therefore aid the cycle of survival of prey/predator species.

Note: The dark shape to the right of the distant trail is just a funky-looking stump and the reason why, toward evening - when such shapes can be still harder to discern, folks may misinterpret it as a bear or other critter and bonk their noggins on a limb or get lost in the woods in an effort to hurry away. If you see something weird in the woods, freeze and observe it until you can tell if it's a potential and genuine threat or only a threatening-looking stump.

Because critters have such well-developed senses of smell, these trails act as bulletin boards; and though we cannot interpret the goings-on, trails are important communication corridors that demonstrate which animals have passed through, how long ago, what condition they were in, whether they were alone, and all sorts of other important information.

Further, the trails provide important depository avenues of nutrients through the contributions of fertilizer in the form of waste left by those that travel the corridors. In  that waste, seeds are carried and laid down to sprout which helps ensure on-going re-vegetation.
 

  
  For people who find themselves lost in the forest, game trails provide a route home. If followed in a generally consistent direction they will eventually lead to water, which, if followed down-hill, will eventually lead to human civilization. Along the way, shelter can also often be found.

Most species will choose a path of least relative resistance, which is why - when a tree falls across a trail - a new adjacent trail is quickly forged. People following trails frequented by mountain goats or sheep, however, may find themselves faced with unique challenges!

 

 

 

   
 


The valley -- relatively unconcerned with my quiet presence and altogether pre-occupied with the regeneration of new life, calms my spirit and renews my deep appreciation for the cycle of life and the fragile, exquisite  balance of nature's design.

 

 

 

 

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