This heron was fishing, and fishing, and fishing. A Species of Concern and year-round resident of western and south-central Montana.
From Montana FWP Field Guide: Disturbance by humans and loss of protected colony sites (trees or islands) are major threats. Chemical contaminants continue to be a problem related to egg-shell thinning and direct mortality of young and adults. http://fieldguide.mt.gov/detail_ABNGA04010.aspx
Great Blue Heron reflection – intent on getting some dinner
The Sagebrush Buttercup is one of the earliest blooming flowers in the Bitterroot Mountains. It is widespread and abundant in Montana, particularly in the western half of the state. Reference: http://fieldguide.mt.gov/detail_PDRAN0L0Z0.aspx
My earliest sightings over the years – just means when I was able to get out for a hike in the area where they bloom.
2009 -03-03
2010-03-25 – but fishing was so good, I just didn’t hike much earlier in the month of March 2010. I took more fish photos than flower photos.
2011-03-15
2012-03-16
2013-03-17
Lucky me, I was xc skiing today AND had my pack with my camera and tripod with me. When I went around a corner into a draw, I could see across the draw (with a creek in the bottom) to the other side. There were a couple of groups of Mule Deer grazing between rock outcrops and, after watching for awhile, I spotted a mountain lion coming down the slope in-between a couple of groups of deer. It was aware of the deer, but never went after them. It made its way all the way down to the creek and at that point I lost sight of it. My lens was maxed at 300mm so no closeups but I am thrilled to have seen the lion today much less get a few photos.
Mule Deer – Odocoileus hemionus – http://fieldguide.mt.gov/detail_AMALC02010.aspx
Mountain Lion – Puma concolor – http://fieldguide.mt.gov/detail_AMAJH04010.aspx
Bald Eagle – Haliaeetus leucocephalus – photos of immature eagles. The bird in flight photos were taken east of Victor Crossing in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana USA on December 27, 2012. The snags they perch in are also beautiful.
The bird in the Cottonwood snag were taken east of Hamilton, Montana USA in the Bitterroot Valley on February 16, 2013.
Artist of the Week #30 – Women Artist group HAS BEEN CHOSEN – hey, it’s me! I am so honored. This group has about 600 members (artists) from around the world and they are amazing! See more at this link: Women Artist Group on Fine Art America - if you are an artist, you might be interested in joining. Click the link to see more.
Group Administrator
Sharon Mick
Prescott, AZ, United States
I (Merle) was chosen December 21, 2012 by Becky Kim. She said:
“I choose Merle Ann Loman. my favorite image is ‘Montana Mustang’. I find dignity along with beauty on this beautiful capture. Her art of photographs are genuine and pure. They are well expressed with her life style. I am sure people will enjoy with her creations. Thanks, Becky”
Becky, thank you so very much.
Becky Kim – on Fine Art America. Click the link to see her amazing paintings!
Now, the way it works, I get to choose the next Women Artist Group’s Artist of the Week. How exciting…and difficult. But, it will be a joy.
Sunrise near Bear Creek in the Bitterroot Valley, December 9, 2012. Icy morning, gorgeous day ahead.
Purchase prints online at my RedBubble site.
Click the slideshow to visit the online album where you can buy them on SmugMug.
You can buy the featured photo online here. Convenient, shipped directly to you.
Update posted Dec 6: two new pages Artist’s biography & statement and Publication & membership lists – done. Tell me what you think!
Posted Dec 3rd.
Over the past few years I have had photos published in Rural Montana Magazine, Montana Natural History Center’s Master Naturalist magazine, NBC Montana’s Weather Alert Calendar and a few private publications. I have been on the cover of a few now as well. Please visit again in a few days to see my new page with the chronological list and links to the publications.
Here is one example:
A small collection of my fox photos: Click on a photo to see print sizes available and to buy. Satisfaction guaranteed.
See more of my Red Fox – Vulpes vulpes photos at this link
Merle Ann Loman on Fine Art America (FAA) – beautiful site, easy to use, great service when ordering photo prints
This year a photo of mine has the honor of being on the cover of the engagement calendar. They are also using some more of my photos in the content of both the wall calendar and the engagement calendar.
The slideshow is of my photos selected for the 2013 NBC Montana FIRST ALERT Weather Calendars. There are TWO Montana Weather Calendar versions. The wall calendar (12 x 12) same format as last year, and the newest publication is a week-at-a-glance style Engagement Calendar (6 x 9 booklet style with wire-o binding). The Engagement Calendar has a photo for each week of the year as well as four seasonal climatology sections. Visit the http://www.weather-calendar.com to take a look at both calendars and to purchase them.
Buy these photos at http://smu.gs/QlGE6L
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