The bitterroots are in full bloom, but there are still plenty of buds yet to open.
Woke up before the sun, thanks to a dog that is smart enough to open doors and turn on lights, but cannot tell the difference between weekDAYS and weekENDS. Took the pups for a long walk down to the river, and visited a lone buffalo pastured nearby. There are others in the pasture but this young cow was the only one we could see. We didn't get too close, but she didn't seem disturbed at all by our presence. Watched us for a short while before resuming her grazing.
Lots of birds out this morning; Meadowlarks were singing everywhere, a Pheasant called here and there, Magpies, Chickadees, Robins, Finches, a Nuthatch or two, a pair of Cinnamon Teals on the creek, Red-wing Blackbirds calling and displaying among the cattails, a Sapsucker tapping on the tree above us, and a Great Blue Heron in a backwater pool just downstream. It's so peaceful this time of the morning - no loud music, roaring engines, kids trying to run us over with mini-bikes and four-wheelers on the "walking" path, just us and old Ma Nature. Ok, maybe my dog knew exactly what she was doing when she woke me up early this morning - thanks Kiz!
The Sandhill Cranes are back! Saw them in an open field behind my house as we headed back home. This photo is from the first time I spotted them on April 18, and at that time they were starting their courtship. They jumped up and down and bowed at each other. They may be a young pair because their "dance" didn't seem to elaborate as some are. I saw them three days in a row and haven't seen them since. Seeing them today I wondered if they'd had a chick but saw no evidence of one - of course that doesn't mean it isn't there... Today they seemed to be having a feast - there isn't much in the way of grains in that field right now, but there are lots of ground squirrels, which they will eat, along with insects and reptiles. Whatever it was, they were gobbling it up! 
This afternoon the bird feeders are quite active with the usual visitors; Goldfinches,, House Finches, Pine Siskins, Starlings, a Blackbird or two, a Magpie and the little Downy Woodpecker. But today the Red Crossbills are back! Saw them about this time last year. Also hear some Waxwings in the neighboring trees but as of yet haven't seen them at the feeders. The Lazuli Buntings have not been back since I first saw them a few weeks ago.
Dinner tonight was a salad with the first harvest of FRESH lettuce and green onions from my garden - YUM!! It's so nice to be able to just step out the back door and pick what you want for dinner! Can't wait until the tomatoes and cukes are ready!!
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