Lichens

here in the NW corner of Montana

flowers are not blooming

but some lichen are looking magical!

these sticks are about 1/4 inch think

my eyes can not see these amazing details

they look more like yellow and green fuzz to me

the earthy sage greens

and

golds are thrilling

cup like saucers intriguing

wood with algae, lichen and perhaps the large leaves are liverworts?

 two hours south of here

I did see my first wildflowers of the year!

 jagged chickweed

all

our meadows 

are lakes at the moment

abundant with water birds

Spring 

is a magical time in the little details

~

if you know what any of the lichen or liverwort are

I would love for you to tell me. 

So much to learn!

~

*

Winter Morning

within the breath of winters frigid air
ice crystals grew among the lichens hairs

spruce needles adorned 

in icy charm

as the morning sun lit up the clouds

they circled like a crown at the tips of forest trees

bits of snow

sat like tiny icebergs

casting long shadows 

domes of snow

showing the beauty

 the grace of lines

 

looking up from the tiny world

a

grand view

~

*

When the Sun Shines

Lake McDonald is large

(over 10 miles long & 1 mile wide)

this year it's surface is near frozen

(rarely happens)

being frozen

made for easy walking on it's surface

of course I stayed near the shore

morning surprise

an ice crystal world

 

 

this time they were kissed with sunlight

 

 

such a pretty winter day

 

~

*

 

Snowflakes and Ice Crystals

gently resting

snowflakes

 

emerging

from the underground

 

winter garland

for the

Queen of the Fairies

behold 

forest treasures

crystals

lichen

and 

winter blue light

~

it has been a super cold winter

i believe we have had 6 deep cold spells with nights 

in the minus 17F to -28F

(-27C to -34C)

makes for clear blue skied mornings

(at times)

that freeze ones checks in mere moments

 

I think of it as a sincere winter

~

*

Whispers of Spring

 we were lucky to have a few blue sky days

starry nights

which means cold enough for ice crystals

to appear

winter blues and whites 

in sunlight

enchanting

it has been warm this week

in the 40'sF

snow is melting

sometimes it rains, instead of snows

yesterday i saw a Steller Jay bathing in the pond

the day before sand fleas - they only appear when it is warm

and

the day before a mosquito

these beautiful crystals 

don't whisper of spring

usually February 

does not whisper of Spring

but this year

we are finding whispers of spring already

~

*

Ice Crystal Morning

clouds parted during the night

stars shinned clear and bright

temperature dropped to -1F

and 

crystals grew

creating a magical winter wonderland to awaken to

the song 

of snow geese filled the world

as they flew overhead

the world appears enchanted

wings of crystalline ice

and 

wings in the sky

~

*

Autumn's Woodland Treasures

raindrops dress leaves

wasps nest fall from trees

frost and sunlight create magical light

this large hawk landed in my tree

colors, a seasonal delight

daily

i find squirrels treasures in the trees, 

so much fun!

~

*

Mushrooms on Wood and under Rocks

taking form from the world as they grow

sprouting from driftwood

a heavy rock does not discourage

 so pretty in she shadowy light

a family of wood dwelling creatures

when i find wood dwellers

it is usually on a dead tree

such busy busy squirrels

~
happy October to one and all!

*

Novica Give Away!

perched

upon a small limb

a nest made of lichen and gossamer spider webs

a tiny humming bird

lays two eggs

they are sat upon with care

day after day

tiny beaks 

peck and peck

two babies are born

the nest is made of gossamer spider webs

so that it can stretch as the babies grow

ingenious! 

~

Novica

affiliated with National Geographic

has generously offered 

one of my lucky blog guests

a $50 gift certificate

!!!

my niece chose a lovely embroidered bracelet for herself:

the winner can choose from anything on the:

 Novica website

so many choices:

Short Dresses, Batik Clothing, Peruvian Jewelry, 

earrings, Men's clothing, and so much more!

~
Novica's items are made from artisans all over the world
they come beautifully wrapped and awesome quality
how lucky that they like my blog readers!

*

winner will be announced:

July 28th, 2013

simply leave a comment

and you will be included in the draw

(or say: no thank you if you would not like to win but would still like to say something

 about the hummingbirds)

~

Thank you Novica!!

*