The hum and buzz of Nature in the mountains

 Can't believe we're in the middle of June and been at Star Mt. a month already. Trying to appreciate every single day. It all goes so fast here in the mountains with a short summer and fall season. 

Our buddies the cattle. They are hanging out in the Star Mt. common ground waiting to be allowed in and visit all of us with homes. That is why we all have 3 acre fences - they're nice...at a distance.

First columbine of the season. The Colorado state flower dontcha know. One of my absolute favorites, a tad early but all the wildflowers seem to be headed that way this summer. All has to do with the winter snowfall, which was less than average.

Hanging baskets up! Now to keep the small creatures off who think it's snack food and water with a filter only. Our untreated well water does more harm than good. And no worries, we have a whole filtration system for drinking water and of course our magic spring water just down the road.

The elk are suddenly quite scarce and if seen they're solo or only a few. BABIES are happening we are sure. We have to keep eyes pealed for the next couple of weeks as after that they all group back up with babies and disappear to higher and more isolated ground.

The hummingbirds are amassing. This is one of 4 feeders on our deck. There is much boiling and mixing of sugar water - every day. We have a two day road trip next week and hoping they will not run out as crazy as that sounds. Each feeder holds a quart - that's a lot of sugar water...

While we've seen many of the creatures that are around every year some are missing so far. Flap, our kinda resident doe is yet to be seen. She would be 13 which is ancient for a wild deer.  Hoping she's still with us. And no fox either which is odd. A weasel popped out this morning with its cute Disney face and killer instinct. Watch out chippies and ground squirrels. We have a sizable marmot population this year which is not the best. They dig and rip up stuff. Just trying to live with and around all the wildlife. In the end we are the visitors here...