BUSY AS A BEAVER

I find the industry of beavers endlessly fascinating. The tree in this photo is a huge birch. I should think birch, being a harder wood, are much more difficult to gnaw through than cottonwoods or aspen. It almost looks like this project has been abandoned. I'll have to check back to see if anyone is still working on it.

Beaver work on a birch tree

©Kinsey Barnard

MY SECOND MOST FAVORITE MONTANA BIRD

Here in Northwest Montana we have an incredible variety of native birds spanning the gamut from tiny chickadees to bald eagles. Truly the area is a birders mecca.

I love so many of these birds but my second most favorite is the pileated woodpecker. This woodpecker is quite large for a woodpecker, nearly the size of a raven. They  are very colorful and, to my mind,  have almost a prehistoric, raptor look about them. They also have a very distinctive call which I greatly admire. I Googled pileated woodpeckers and nowhere did I find mentioned about their call which I found surprising. It's call is very unique and easy to recognize once you've heard it. I can't put into words what it sounds like. But, it's enchanting to my ear.

What made me think of it was I ran into a pileated woodpecker whilst walking along the Tobacco River last week. It was the call that alerted me to his presence. He was high up in a cottonwood tree right along the trail over looking the river industriously pecking away. I tried to photograph him but between me and the bird were too many branches. This was the best I could do.

Pileated Woodpecker

Over on the River Walk trail, where they have stations of education, there is this image of a pileated and a raccoon which I think is just great.

Pileated Woodpecker and Raccoon River Walk Sign

My most favorite Montana bird?  The loon.

©Kinsey Barnard

Clayton Lake Flathead National Forest Montana

I was just saying the other day in my article on Jardine, Montana how Koty and I spend not so much time in US national parks because of the dog rules. How we spend more time photographing outside of them than in. And, how this is really a blessing in disguise because we end up exploring and photographing places that not so many people get to see.

Clayton Lake is another one of those places right next to a national park, in this instance Glacier that has every bit the beauty as its neighbor. Clayton located in The Flathead National Forest  and is considered part of the Jewell Basin complex.

To get to the trailhead from Hungry Horse and Hwy 2 you’ll travel south along the Westside road of Hungry Horse Reservoir passing over Hungry Horse Dam to the end of the pavement (16 miles) and continue until reaching the Wheeler Creek road (FS #1633). Turn right and drive to the trailhead. The trail is rated as moderate but it’s not all that long so I rate it as easy. It’s only 2.3 miles to the lake.

CLAYTON LAKE TRAIL

Like most lake trails there is a bit of a grade but no steep drop offs and about half way up the view east toward the Great Bear Great Bear Wilderness is nothing short of spectacular. In the distance the Flathead Range rises up in your face. You can’t help but be awestruck by the incredible beauty of this panoramic view.

 

VIEW TO THE GREAT BEAR WILDERNESS

As you can probably tell from the photos Koty and I made our pilgrimage in the fall and I can’t image a better time of year. The fall colors were bursting out all over. Although we didn’t see any bears be forewarned the trail is loaded with bear berries and they didn’t get that name for nothing.

BEAR BERRIES

Speaking of bears I have some thoughts on that subject, what a surprise. I always carry a .375 revolver but my first line of defense is bear spray. They always say don’t hike alone. Well I’d do darned little hiking if I didn’t. The trick is to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Keep an eye out for fresh sign like scat. Be especially alert going around corners and hiking through thickets. Most problems occur when bears are surprised. They also say don’t hike with your dog because it my go off, encounter a bear and bring it back to you. I don’t ever go hiking without Koty but he is always on a leash. If you hike with your dog I recommend you do the same when hiking in bear country.

Considering the short distance of the trail I don’t think you can beat the beauty effort ratio. The lake is not particularly large but mountains surround it and for my money it is awesomely beautiful. There is a trail that goes around the lake but we didn’t make it because it gets pretty thick and bush whacking isn’t one of my favorite things to do. I did get some pretty fine images of the lake.

CLAYTON LAKE, MONTANA

CLAYTON LAKE, MONTANA

CLAYTON LAKE, MONTANA

Clayton Lake in the fall is a definite candidate for your “to do” list. In the fall, in addition to experiencing the awesome colors you will most likely have the whole place to yourself as we did. I’d categorize it as a definite picnic place.

And, of course, last but not least the gorgeous Lakota Sunrise at Clayton Lake.

©Kinsey Barnard

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Abstract Art in River Boulders

As I wander the vast western outdoors I have discovered whole worlds existing in places I once never thought to look. In nature there are literally layers of life, whole galaxies existing right under our noses if we just but look.

I have an on going love affair with water. I always seem to find interesting things to photograph when I am in the proximity of water. I suppose this is because water draws all living things in their quest for survival.

What I have discovered scrambling over boulders in rivers and creeks is that the boulders themselves have worlds etched in their skins. Centuries of water from above and below have chiseled fine designs that can only be seen by a magnified look.

Below are a few images I have taken of the surfaces of boulders. I think they are quite beautiful in an abstract kind of way.

RIVER ROCK

RIVER BOULDER

 BOULDER ART

BOULDER DESIGN

BOULDER WITH LICHEN

Nature plies Her artistry just about anywhere we care to cast our gaze. It's just that sometimes we don't realize what we are seeing until it is captured by a camera. More examples can be seen at DESIGNS AND PATTERNS IN NATURE

Observing nature holds never ending fascination for this viewer.

©Kinsey Barnard

Jardine, Montana - Ghost Town

This fall we headed down to Gardiner which is situated at the north entrance to Yellowstone. We got snowed out last year so I decided we would give it a go again this year. We waited until after Labor Day thinking the crowds would have thinned some. That may have been the case years ago but not anymore. Now there are so many Baby Boomers thinking to do the same thing the place was packed. We were lucky to get a slot for Clementine at the RV park.

Koty and I are manic hikers wherever we go. When we go to national parks we are constantly looking for someplace to hike outside the park because Koty is not welcome.  We are quite fond of Canadian parks. Canada welcomes dogs on a leash.

One of the first things we do when we get somewhere is look for hiking nearby but outside the park. Fortunately, Yellowstone is surrounded by national forest. I spied a dead end road that went up the mountain behind above the RV park. The map showed a town called Jardine.

It's a dirt and gravel road about six miles in but well worth the drive. On the drive in we came across this little landscape I thought was quite picturesque.

 Old Pumphouse

I don't know exactly was this is or what it was used for  but I'm guessing it might have been some kind of pump house.

We kept on until we got to Jardine. I didn't realize it when we started out that Jardine is a listed ghost town in Montana.  Although, there are quite a few very live inhabitants. It looks like some folks who work down in Gardiner live up here away from the tourist hub bub.

Jardine Gold Mine

The mine is fenced off so you can't really get close to it. The above photo was the best I could do.

Jardine Mine Office

The old mine office seemed to still be used but it was closed and no one was around.

But, we were looking for hiking not ghost towns so we went to the end of the road and hit the jackpot. We found the Eagle Creek trailhead which is a popular outfitter entry into the Gallatin National Forest. If you head up Eagle Creek Trail you'll see a bridge .......

Eagle Creek Bridge

If you cross that bridge and turn right you'll find a bunch of old buildings you can explore and check out.

I really like exploring out buildings that are not part of a park where you can just poke around on your own.

Now, I did say we came here for the hiking but there was an impediment to my going very far. I had sprained my ankle back in Bozeman and I was just gimping along. First we started up the Eagle Creek trail but it got so muddy we had to turn back cuz I wasn't about to slog through mud on a bad foot. There is another trail on the other side of the bridge that heads into the mountains and was just fine. It too clearly gets a lot of horse and mule traffic. Actually, I like trails that packers use because they are nice and packed.

We also discovered a gated compound that looked like it was mostly inhabited by Native Americans. I thought this tent, with the skull gracing the entry, was kind of interesting. I have no idea what it is used for. Maybe some one lives in it. A pack of dogs came running at us as we approached. I took this photo and we skedaddled.

The point of this story is that if you find yourself in Gardiner, Montana and would like to do something a little off the beaten path I would recommend a trip up to Jardine. It's a great place to to hike, explore and experience little Montana history.

Eagle Creek

Be sure and check out The Liberated Photographer.com


©Kinsey Barnard

Friends

I've been doing some image housekeeping and up dating. An arduous task to be sure but it does allow me to revisit some of my favorite images.

Today I came across this image of two big horn ewes greeting one another on the side of a cliff in Jasper National Park. It never ceases to amaze me how like us animals are. They so often demonstrate, what I think can only be described as, emotions. Animals, both wild and domestic, can often be seen nurturing one another, expressing joy through playfulness and great senses of humor.

If the purpose of an image is to bring forth emotions this one does it for me. I call it "Friends". I'm not uploading the image directly to the blog. Please click on the link. I want you to be able to see it in the highest resolution possible and this is the only way I know to make that happen.


For me, the photo just smacks of the importance and sweetness of friendship, especially between us girls. And, friendships are oh so very important especially in the world in which we find ourselves today. Where would we be without our friends?

I have many acquaintances but I don't have a lot of friends. Those I do have, and you know who you are, are as true blue as the great Montana sky.  Friends, by my definition, are those people with whom I have spent quality time over the years. And, even though we have annoyed and even angered one another from time to time we love each other anyway.  Every time I look at this image I think of each of you and know that I am truly blessed.

My wish and hope that all my readers have friends just like mine.

Now, take a look at the image and see if it doesn't make you think of your FRIENDS and what it means to have one and be one.


©Kinsey Barnard

Mule Deer, Whitetail, Hawk, Eagle & Tanager Images

The mule deer are still sticking around. It's still snowing in the high country. They are starting to look a little natty as they shed their winter coats. Soon they will be a beautiful tan color.

Mule Deer

The whitetail are also here and soon should be starting to drop their little babies. The photo below is of a what is going to be a very nice whitetail buck. His antlers are now only little velvet nubbins but from the size of those nubbins he's going to be a beauty. What a curse. The more beautiful they are the more determined people are to kill them. Please spare me the rhetoric about the necessity of management. I understand the need. I also understand few go out looking for deer without antlers, no bragging rights you see.

Whitetail Deer

When this buck saw me he took off with his flag flying. I just love whitetail tails when they run.  The deer have been incredibly frisky, flying around my meadow with reckless abandon weaving in and out between the apple trees. I watch for at least twenty minutes almost everyday. They are so happy and high spirited. Such incredible joi de vivre. That they share their joy with me is so very special.

Whitetail Deer

Down along the Tobacco we saw this red-tailed hawk take off. Big dude this one was.

Red-Tailed Hawk

Last year I noticed some eagles hanging around the river down by Pidgeon Bridge. I guess they decided it had home potential because they have built a nest high in an old cottonwood along the river. In the photo you can just make out the nappy little head of a baby bald eagle. It's in front of the eagles chest on the right.

Bald Eagle

Also, spotted a Tanager. I often mistake this bird for an Oriole they have similar coloring.

Western Tanager

They are quite pretty birds.

Western Tanager

Well, that's just a little of what Nature had in store for me the past couple of days, a never ending kaleidoscope of indescribable beauty.

©Kinsey Barnard Photography

Wandering the Rexford Bench

The weather has not been kind. It has been cold, rainy, windy with even a little snow thrown in every now and again. For the past several years spring has gotten colder and colder. Watch out for that global warming, you may freeze to death. I can't even think about that boondoggle without seeing red.

Anyway, Koty and I took a little wander down along the Rexford Bench. The Reford Bench has a trail that goes along the bluff overlooking Lake Koocanusa.

Koty & I Walking the Bench

This little trail is usually a good place to spy some of the different types of wildflowers.

Oregon Grape

No offense to anyone but I am going to dispense with a lot of the verbiage because I can tell by some of the questions I get and the amount of time people spend on the site they are really just scanning the photos. Writing is hard work.

Blue Clematis

Not Yet Identified

Forget Me Nots

I took this next photo just because I thought it was interesting. I believe the foliage is some type of wild holly? The leaf is clearly diseased and one half has perished. Still I think it makes for a fascinating still life study.

Holly Leaf

Another kind of leaf.

Another plant that always fascinates, particualrly in death, is the dandelion gone to seed.

Dandelion

I continue to be fascinated by the beautiful designs I keep finding in boulders. My all time favorite boulder, as well as, my favorite photograph period is "Kootenai Spirits".

Boulder

Another Boulder

And so, it was a pleasant afternoon spent walking alomg the bench observing the plant life and seeing yet another face of the Koocanusa.

Lake Koocanusa

©Kinsey Barnard Photography

Ring-necked Duck and Chipping Sparrow

I ran into a little duck sailing on the house pond. I can't seem to identify it. At first I thought it was a goldeneye but this little guys eyes were a beautiful, bright green.  I think it might be a ring-necked duck. It clearly has a ring around it's neck and a fluffy top like this one. If it is then it isn't a guy it's a girl.

Ring-necked Duck?

I'm going with female, ring-necked duck. If anyone has a different idea please feel free to chime in.

Here she is doing a back peddle.

What was particularly interesting about this little gal was she didn't seem a bit perturbed by my presence. Normally, the ducks skeedaddle the minute they become aware of me. I'm thinking it's a response much like the deer, leading one away from the nest.  Anyway, she was a cutie pie.

I also observed a little bird that I do not recollect ever seeing here before. It was a Chipping Sparrow. For once the illustration in my bird identification was exactly like what I saw.

It was a tiny little thing feeding on dandelions in the lawn. What drew my attention to it was the chestnut cap. Had I seen that before I would have remembered.

It's always fun to add a new species to my list of observed wildlife.

The snow level last night was only a couple of hundred feet above me. We continue to have rainy cool weather.

In the "other world" the markets are in turmoil again and commodities are getting creamed. After a huge rally gold and the shares are really getting clobbered. Anyone who doesn't have any exposure to gold this may be a good time to look into it.

Those who have been buying the government propaganda that the recession is over and happy days are here again are in for a rude awakening I fear.

Dow finished the day down nearly four hundred points. Ouch!

©Kinsey Barnard Photography

Morro Bay Harbor - Giant Cedars Montana

I've decided to try my hand at a remodeling project. I've never tried one around here and it's turning out to be much more than I had bargained for.  In the "other world" I just called a decorator and told them "Make it so!" Where I live now one is pretty much on their own. You can hire the work done but the rest is up to you. And since Home Depot and Lowes are 75 miles away a small bathroom project is turning into a major undertaking. It also doesn't help much that I'm not very domesticated.

All this to say I haven't been getting out much with the old magic box. I have been doing a little housekeeping as regards my image files. It's a chore I dread but really needs to be done. I am coming up with some very nice stuff that has never seen the light of day, that's always exciting.

This first image is of Morro Bay Harbor in California. In the winter of 2008 I was asked to speak at my alma mater, Cal Poly-SLO, so I decided to make a winter of it. In good old Clementine, I photographed the west coast from southern Washington to Avila Beach. We took nearly six months to do it and it was one of the best photographic experiences of my life. Photographing the coast in winter is simply the best. It's cold. It's gray. It's wet. It's blustery. It's simply wonderful! The ocean is at it's most dramatic and until you get down to the Bay Area you pretty much have the place to yourself.

I stayed in Morro Bay for about a week and it was a photographer's dream. This first image is of the harbor at Morro Bay. It was taken as the sun was setting. The lighting was just right to give the boats interest and the colors great depth.


Morro Bay Harbor by Kinsey Barnard

Back in Montana, in the summer of 2008, we took a trip over to Bonner's Ferry, Sandpoint and environs. We made sort of a loop trip traveling over on Hwy 2 and returning via 200 along the Clark Fork River and up 56 back to 2 along the Bull River. Along 56 you will find the Ross Creek Nature Trail and the Giant Cedars and believe me they are giant! If you like cedars you need to see these. They are magnificent! In the photo you can see the little nature trail which meanders along a babbling brook.


Giant Cedars Montana by Kinsey Barnard

Personally, I am a little dippy about cedars. I just think they are such elegant trees. A week or so ago I was over in the West Kootenai and shot this photo of a cedar branch. I think it captures just how unique is the foliage. It looks like a delicate lace to me.


Cedar Frond by Kinsey Barnard

Isn't Mother Nature grand?!

©Kinsey Barnard Phtography

Whitefish, Montana-Clementine Pre-Flight

The weather is finally warming up and I am starting to get the wander lust. I usually take Clementine on an outing to the Flathead just to test out all the systems cuz if anything is amiss I have to take her to the Flathead anyway. Clem certainly was raring to go, she got over 20 miles to the gallon, I love that Mercedes diesel!

When we take our check trip I always stay one night at an RV park in Whitefish. From it you can walk right into town in about fifteen, twenty minutes. For those who may not know Whitefish it is a quaint little western town that you will most likely visit if you go to Glacier National Park.

It's amazing how much snow is still on the mountains. The photo below is of what's left on Big Mountain, the local ski area. I apologize for the poles. I'm told Going to the Sun Road won't be open for another six weeks.

Big Mountain

The walk into town can be quite nice if you take Baker and walk along the Whitefish River. You can tell by the landscape that winter has been loathe to give up it's grip.

Whitefish River

 When the willows come out of hibernation they turn yellow and it looks more like fall than spring.

Whitefish River

Back at the RV park I'm having some problems getting water in the bathroom basin. Cannot for the life of me figure out what the problem is. Finally thought to take the strainer off and it was chock full of sand and grit. At first I couldn't imagine how that could have happened but then it dawned on me. I had used one of my irrigation hoses to flush the anti-freeze. I hadn't thought to flush the hose. I draw my irrigation water from one of my ponds oops!

Along the River Walk

Early next morning we took another wander down the river walk and I found this scene.


Whitefish River-Whitefish Montana by Kinsey Barnard

I was really hoping to find some wildflowers to photograph but the only flowers I found were in a window box on Central Avenue, the main drag.


Petunia-2 by Kinsey Barnard

Ok, I admit it I went a little wild with these petunia images but it was fun and I think they look kind of cool! :)


Petunia-1 by Kinsey Barnard


©Kinsey Barnard Photography