We rode to the top of Lake Mountain yesterday. Wildflowers were out all along the way.
A red-tailed bumblebee,
Bombus ternarius, fed on a mountain dandelion.
This less colorful bumblebee preferred the golden pea blooms.
Do you see something unusual on this iris? Steve did, enough to dismount and take a second look.
On closer inspection, you can observe this goldenrod crab spider
Misumena vatia, eating a wasp. Look closer still. Do you see the baby spider to the right? It's getting a survival lesson from mom. I hope it's taking notes. These spiders can be either yellow or white, changing color over a couple of weeks by secreting or excreting yellow pigment. They don't build webs, but hide and ambush their prey.
A rocky mountain parnassian perches on a dandelion.
This western swallowtail checks out the iris nectar.
Across Gull Lake, an elk was wading in the water. When we rode within about 500 yards, it splashed out of the water, leaving a visible wake, and disappeared into the aspen forest.
Back at the trailer, a trusting Daisy enjoys Boss's shade. Boss usually moves along when grazing, but with Daisy there, he didn't take a single step. He seemed to know she was there and stood protectively over her.
