Sun Jun 18 21:39:42 MDT 2006
Photo - Spring: Parry's Primrose
I was a bit surprised these turned out. Apparently, and I wish I'd known this when we saw Parry's Primrose, if you even slightly touch the plant, it releases a quite foul odor. Of course, I didn't know. I didn't touch it. I can't describe the odor. Sorry.
Parry's Primrose (Primula parryi)
Taken: June, 2006: Long Lake Trail, Indian Peaks Wilderness, Colorado
Mon May 29 22:49:59 MDT 2006
Photo - Spring: Globe Flower and Marsh Marigold
Globe Flower (Trollius albiflorus)
Marsh Marigold (Psychrophila leptosepala)
The Globe Flowers, Marsh Marigold, and Glacier Lily (not pictured) were all over the banks lining the streams in IP Wilderness. It was a bit early to get up to Diamond Lake, still too much snow. The hike was not without its rewards, however. In particular, I enjoyed the Glacier Lilies but, of course, the photos came out blurry. Perhaps I need a lesson on using my camera... or maybe I need to revert to manual focus 35mm.
Taken: May, 2006: Diamond Lake Trail, Indian Peaks Wilderness, Colorado
Thu May 18 23:50:04 MDT 2006
Photo - Spring: Heartleaf Arnica
This is one of my favorite flowers for no good reason, other than I just think it's nice looking.
Heartleaf Arnica (Arnica cordifolia)
Taken: May, 2005: Eldorado Canyon State Park, Colorado
Sun May 7 22:54:10 MDT 2006
Photo - Spring: American Pasqueflower
South Dakota's state flower, American Pasqueflower - The last photo is of the Pasqueflower after it has gone to seed. I didn't recognize it as such when I took the photo, and had actually given up on identifying it.
American Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla patens)
Taken: May, 2006: Mesa Trail, Boulder, Colorado
Wed Apr 19 08:49:40 MDT 2006
Photo - Spring: Sand Lily
(blurry because I can't figure out my blasted camera).
Sand Lily (Leucocrinum montanum)
Taken: April, 2006: Mt. Sanitas Trail, Boulder, Colorado
Wed Apr 19 08:43:07 MDT 2006
Photo - Spring: Return of the Tent Caterpillar
The Western Tent Caterpillars are back. I caught them a little bit earlier this year than last, but the nets of silk around several of the shrubs in Chautauqua park are pretty obvious. There are debates about whether these caterpillars are problematic or simply a nuisance. When a particularly large number of caterpillars hatch, the resulting defiliation can be fatal to old and/or unhealthy trees. That said, it also allows more sunlight to reach the ground, where new trees might need additional light.
Western Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma californicum)
Taken: April, 2006: Chautauqua Park, Boulder, Colorado
Wed Nov 30 17:07:09 MST 2005
Photo - Spring: Indian Paintbrush
"The Paintbrush evoked the Native American legend of a young brave who tried to paint the sunset with his warpaints. Frustrated that he could not match the brilliance of nature, he ask for guidance from the Great Spirit. The Great Spirit gave him paintbrushes laden with the colors he so desired. With these, he painted his masterpiece and left the spent brushes in fields across the landscape. These brushes sprouted the flowers we now so wonderfully love!"
I'm not sure to whom I should attribute this quote, but it's written better than I could've written it.
Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata?)
Taken: June, 2005 - Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Colorado
Fri Nov 25 13:59:10 MST 2005
Photo - Spring: Tent Caterpillars
We were on a hike at Chautauqua Park in Boulder, CO and I saw these webs tangled around parts of shrubs. I had assumed they were spider webs. A week or two later, I was hiking in GGC State Park, and saw the webs were alive with these caterpillars. I think that Verne's sneaker might be made from Tent Caterpillar moltings, given that the colors match so closely, and this caterpillar seemed to recognize it as his cousin Carl.
Western Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma californicum)
Taken: May, 2005 - Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Colorado and Chautauqua, Boulder, Colorado
Tue Nov 22 09:36:48 MST 2005
Photo - Spring: Wild Irises
Wild Irises (Iris missouriensis)
Taken: May, 2005 - Chautauqua, Boulder, CO
