May has come to a close. It’s been an amazing Wildflower Month. The Lab and I have walked on Mt Helena (or the other South Hills trails) a minimum of three times every day since May 1- literally morning’ noon, and night, well evening. After six months of snow on the ground and the winter we had, it’s been a joy to bathe in the forest as the color has come back into the landscape.
It’s been a bit of a marathon. Overall Wildflower walking miles- 157.24 miles. Total time spent looking for flower or birds- 93 hours 18 minutes. That’s an average of about 3 hours every day. Total number of flowering plants ID’ed- 97. Total birds ID’ed- 42.
It’s been amazing, but I am ready to slow down a bit- like maybe only 2 hours each day for June and July- the Lad is 8 years old, and the temps are only going to go up for a while.
I need to make the most of the 90 days surrounding the Summer Solstice- Montana has a LOT more daylight this time of year, and we rarely have smoke from wildfires before mid-August. So, we get out and DO during these precious days. Thanks for following me on this journey.
Today’s highlight was experiencing the amazing variety that nature has to offer in Helena. I heard Peregrine Falcons calling to each other; and saw Ruby-crowned kinglets, Wood Pewees, Dusky Flycatchers, Evening Grossbeaks, House Wrens, Juncos, Calliope Hummingbirds, Goldfinches, Siskins, and at least 25 more species.
I saw Yucca, both yellow and blue violets, Iris’, Phacelia, Rockcress, Forget-me-nots, Blanket flower, and well more than 30 other flowering plants. And I did it all within 4 miles of home. Montana is a magical place- Helena doubly so. You can make every day an adventure if you try. May is over and I feel as though it has been properly seized.
Onward into June!
Nature, every day. 
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