Al Larson Photography

Ah.., what beautiful scenes we have here in Idaho. Keep a wary eye upon the narrow twisting mountain roads but also be aware of the passng scenery. This flowering shrub, Syringa (Philadelphus lewisii), is Idaho’s state flower. It may be found throughout most of the state. Although this flower was generally accepted as the state flower since the early 1890s it was officially adopted by the state legislature in 1931. This photo was taken in mid-June 2005. Notice how the shape of the river below draws the viewer’s eye toward the flower. 

This four-petaled flower is white with a yellow center. It has a very pleasant aroma. It seems to thrive on rocky slopes above rivers and streams. Close to the city of Boise we find this plant along Highway 21 between Diversion Dam and Discovery State Park in early June. A week or two later it is found in profusion along the same highway on Mores Creek past mile marker #22.

The American Dipper prefers a home above or near running water. Here we have a dipper nest built between stringers on the underside of a bridge. This huge ball of acquatic vegetation is brought in a strand or two at a time. The nest is closed on top with an entrance hole on the side ( in this photo on the back side). It is common, here in southwestern Idaho, to find a dipper nest beneath most bridges spanning fast flowing mountain streams. Their nests are also found beneath stream-side logs and rocks.

After the eggs hatch, I find it fascinating to sit quietly nearby and watch the parent birds bring food to their nestlings. The adults seem quite tolerant to a human’s presence. However, a person should retreat should the birds show a reluctance to come in. I usually limit my visits near the nests to ten minutes or less.

This is one of many bluebird pictures I shot last summer. This is a female Mountain Bluebird. It was one of several very photogenic birds I encountered. She did not seem belligerent or overly excited at my being close to her nest. Situations like this are what keeps me involved with the task of maintaining a “Bluebird Trail.”