Al Larson Photography

This fine fellow and his mate took up residence in nestbox #150 on my Prairie Bluebird Trail, Prairie, ID. This nestbox is located on the extreme south end of the cultivated area just befor dropping down into the S. Fk. of the Boise River Canyon. Nearly every year six eggs are successfully hatched and nestlings fledge from this spot.

Nesting success on this trail was down a little from previous years due to weather conditions at a critical time. One hundred ninety-one Mountain Bluebirds, one hundred twenty-one Western Bluebirds, six Mountain Chickadees, several broods of House Wrens and many broods of Tree Swallows fledged this year on this trail. Only three boxes were not used by any species.

First, let me apologise if I offend anyone by posting a photo of a snake. Snakes have received a bad rap down through the ages as being evil. Actually most of them encountered in Idaho are quite harmless to humans. The one we should be cautious of is the rattlesnake who’s bite is often fatal.

The one pictured here is the Common Garter Snake. As the name implies, it is quite common. It is usually found in areas not far from water. This one was soaking up the warmth from a roadway on a cool October day. It is not uncommon to find snakes of many species absorbing warmth from  bare ground when the air temperature is rather chilly. This is why we find so many road kills. Sometimes it is hard to avoid running over a snake lying motionless in the road. Mindless drivers oft times deliberately swerve to make contact with these harmless creatures.

It’s that time of year again when Autumn colors burst forth in all their beauty. This year, however, has been an exception. It seems as though most of the deciduous leaves dried  at the first frost and withered away. After several periods of rain some trees and shrubs that had not yet lost their foliage began to turn to typical Fall colors.

This small cluster of shrubs situated on a barren dry hillside prompted me to break out the camera and fire away. It was several hundred yards away so I cranked up the zoom to about 370 mm. It almost looks like a large bouquet of flowers

This past Saturday I went out into the Owyhee mountains to finish maintanance on my “Bluebird Trail.” The weather was chilly and there was still a touch of snow in the shade and north slopes. Although there has been a couple weeks of freezing temperature at nights there weren’t many scenes of fall color. Toward the end of day I happened upon this small grove of aspens. The leaves were just starting to turn. I often stop by this grove during the summer. I have a nestbox located nearby and it is a nice place to stop and have lunch.  I often wonder about the person/s who may have lived in this rustic old cabin. What secrets lie in the history of this place?

Summer has been put to rest and we begin the Autumn season. Most of the flowers have blossomed and withered away. An early frost has taken its toll on the tender annuals. When one thinks that the show is over up pops this beautiful fall crocus. The spring growth of this lovely plant withers away and it lies dormant during the summer. Then when fall approaches we are suddenly treated with this  colorful display.

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