This bird was confusing at first because of the lack of spots on the breast. But the eye-strip and the yellow legs coupled with the brown back and crouched walk were the clues needed and the bird book confirmed with a photo of the immature. So this is a few weeks old and photographed in Yellowstone National Park.
First Bird Week 2026 - the Common Loon /
Whlie the name of the Loon is Common, this photo is not. Nearly all of the considerable amount of fish an adult loon eats is done while under the water. I had not seen one with a fish before and was very fortunate to get his shot of him surfacing with dinner intact. The loon is seen in summer across the very northern tier of the US and across all of Canada. One of my favorite things is to find a pond or stream where they are calling in the evening. This photo was shot in Acadia National Park.
First Bird Week 2026 - the graceful Trumpeter Swan (3 photos) /
The Trumpeter Swan is the largest swan seen in North America and is more common most of the year in the far north and usually western US and Canada. However in recent years they have made a recovery in the eastern provinces of Canada. Once hunted nearly to extinction they are now a thriving species and can be seen in large numbers wintering along the Atlantic coast particularly in North Carolina. First photo was near Anchorage the next two in Wyoming.
Welcome to the First Bird Week of 2026 /
Yes, Bird Week! I can hear the roar of crowds across the land, the applause of people in Paris, Rome, Rio, Prague, New Delhi, Anchorage, Haifa, Nairobi, Lima and so many more cities across the globe as the long wait is over. Yes, seven full days of Bird Week 2026 #1 as the celebrations continue.
We begin this week with the secretive Hermit Thrush. It prefers the understory of northern forests, this one was photographed in Alaska. The song is in a minor key and a bit mournful but beautiful and distinctive. It is a winter visitor to the southern US forests.
Sunday Scripture: photo is from Yellowstone National Park /
“Whatchoo Talkin’ ‘Bout, Willis?!” /
Yeah, I’m old but this moose reminded my of that line from Different Strokes. Why? We will leave that to the psychoanalysis.
Thermals /
The endlessly fascinating and diverse hot pools in Yellowstone National Park. If we could get the salmon from yesterday’s post here, they would leap fully cooked on to your plate.
Salmon /
Salmon attempting to climb the rapids along the Russian River in Alaska. Quite a sight to watch.
Remembering /
Today would have been Cindy’s 76th birthday. Here she is on her second birthday with her mom and dad. She is missed.
Air Time, the Sequel /
Why not three more after all he was working hard. Plus the entrance statue.
Air Time /
Jill and I went to Aspire, a large free and private park that includes four separate paved mountain bike tracks and watched this fellow on the 3rd level course work on his skills.
Sunday Post: photo is from Twin Lakes, Alaska /
Lake Moraine /
This picture perfect lake is one of the jewels in Banff National Park in Canada.
Breathtaking Bridge /
This was once a railroad trestle but is now a highway bridge. The road to Wrangle-St. Elias National Park in Alaska, the McCarthy Road, is 59 miles of tough: gravel, ruts, holes, mud, and often very dusty. Part way to your goal, you come across the Kuskulana Bridge and find a short, smooth passage over a spectacular river valley. You cannot stop on the bridge but you can park on either end and walk across 240 feet over the gorge. Built for the Northwestern Railway, this track, now road, was once used to haul copper ore from the Kennecott Mines.
Welcome to 2026 and the wide open canvas it presents. Fill it well. /
As the year closes.... /
may you relive the best moments and take heart in the ability to sustain those that were less joyous.
Fort Union Trading Post /
While it has “fort” in the name and it is built for defense, it was not intended as a fort nor ever used as one. It was a trading post and one that the Indians used and trusted. In fact several tribes that were enemies to each other would camp out side the post and live peacefully while there. There was a window where you could bring your furs, for example, to trade and a store to buy goods. If you were a chief you were invited inside to a special room. The home in the middle of the post was very much like a home “back east” and well equipped. Rules here were strictly enforced. The post is so close to Montana that the parking lot is in that state but you walk all the way to North Dakota to see the trading post. Exhausting.!
Trading window
Ceremonial Trading Room
Prayers /
The American Indians in the area of the Devil’s Tower have the month of June to worship here and honor their ancestors in traditional ways. One of those is the hanging of “prayer clothes” in the trees that surround the base of the tower.
Sunday Scripture: Photo of Mary Evelyn /
May you find joy as the new year begins.
And One More Nativity /
This one is from Peru. It was purchased by Jill when she led the Cedar Springs choir on a South American trip. It has llamas instead of a donkey, which is in keeping with their culture. I think it is interesting and very appropriate how the nativities from around the world adapt Jesus to their understanding and situation but always keep him the center of it all.
