We went for a walk today down by the river. I garnered four mosquito bites, but next time we will take some bug spray with us! It was fun to go for a walk again; our knees are recovering from the mistreatment of the other day.
Temperatures in the high 60’s and low 70’s makes for very nice walking.
![across-river1 A wide slow curve in the river, a favorite fishing spot for mergansers and other diving ducks.](http://mtnmacaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/across-river1.jpg)
A wide slow curve in the river, a favorite fishing spot for mergansers and other diving ducks.
This is a place where we’ve seen Mink playing along the edge.
![across-river2 The water level is dropping and not so much silt in the water. The melting snow must be just about done doing its thing.](http://mtnmacaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/across-river2.jpg)
The water level is dropping and not so much silt in the water. The melting snow must be just about done doing its thing.
We love all the green, and misty rain is very welcome.
![across-river3 Last years' Mullien stands tall.](http://mtnmacaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/across-river3.jpg)
Last years' Mullien stands tall.
There are tons of wildflowers in the grass, not readily visible from this distance however.
![downriver This is the view from the turnaround spot on our walk upriver, looking back.](http://mtnmacaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/downriver.jpg)
This is the view from the turnaround spot on our walk upriver, looking back.
Next to this grove of trees on the left side is a rock bar covered right now with over a foot of water. Later on it’s a fun place to walk around, while trying not to break an ankle on the rounded river rocks.
![upriver Same space on the walk, looking upriver.](http://mtnmacaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/upriver.jpg)
Same space on the walk, looking upriver.
There is an old abandoned cabin along our walk. Various birds use it for a nesting place.
![old-cabin The yellow flowers in the grasslands behind the cabin is a type of wild mustard.](http://mtnmacaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/old-cabin.jpg)
The yellow flowers in the grasslands behind the cabin is a type of wild mustard.
And it must taste good.
![deer Deer in mustard. I'm sure it must be an inspiration for a recipe somewhere.](http://mtnmacaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/deer.jpg)
Deer in mustard. I'm sure it must be an inspiration for a recipe somewhere.
There was a male Pheasant calling, or coughing which is more descriptive, in the tall grass behind the deer. If we could translate what he was saying, most likely it was something unkind directed at these four footed invaders of his space.
![playing-nighthawks Above the river was a flock of Nighthawks feeding and diving, and flirting with each other.](http://mtnmacaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/playing-nighthawks.jpg)
Above the river was a flock of Nighthawks feeding and diving, and flirting with each other.
How many cows can you see hiding in this picture? 42. They’re really good at this.
Actually, look for Nighthawks instead.
![nighthawk Long wings and a huge mouth, a great combination for bug eaters.](http://mtnmacaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/nighthawk.jpg)
Long wings and a huge mouth, a great combination for bug eaters.
![nighthawk2 They make flying look effortless.](http://mtnmacaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/nighthawk2.jpg)
They make flying look effortless.
![nighthawk3 Zoom!!!](http://mtnmacaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/nighthawk3.jpg)
Zoom!!!
![nighthawk4 More zoom, on the upswing.](http://mtnmacaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/nighthawk4.jpg)
More zoom, on the upswing.
![nighthawk5 Amazing fliers. These are one of the last spring migrants to arrive on their breeding grounds.](http://mtnmacaw.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/nighthawk5.jpg)
Amazing fliers. These are one of the last spring migrants to arrive on their breeding grounds.
So…. how many Nighthawks did you see? We saw over 40 in this flock, but only caught a picture of a very few of this loose flock.
We do have one very sad report to make. While we were gone over the weekend there was a tremendous thunderstorm, and there must have been some high winds associated with it. And it knocked down the Bald Eagle nest. That is one of the very unfortunate aspects of them building a nest in a large dead tree. It was a very sad and shocking thing to see, their nest gone and their babies gone for the year.
You have a much nicer walk than I do–lots and lots of great outdoors and wildlife to view!