mid August

     Birds are few and far between in the Park, now.  Kinglets are not singing, and Robins are no longer here.  Grackles are still walking around in the big parking lot.  A female Grackle nested in a large Dogwood bush in front of the restaurant / Gift shop building for the 2nd summer.  Her well-defended territory included a Pine tree and the sidewalk between the Registration building and the restaurant.  She would often fly out from the Pine and hassle the guests walking along the sidewalk.   "That bird attacked me, "  was a common complaint from guests walking into the Gift shop.
     My most recent kayaking adventure had me launching into Spaulding Bay and paddling south. I paddled along several coves, past the point, and into Bearpaw Bay.  It was a beautiful calm morning.  Birds were:  a family of Common Mergansers with 12 little merglings,  Spotted Sandpipers, an Eared Grebe in breeding plumage, and a family of Mountain Bluebirds at the edge of a quiet inlet.  A Bald Eagle flew over !   
     Yesterday was the Sunday of my work week, so I went hiking.  Garnet Canyon is between Grand Teton and Cloudveil Dome.  I met several groups of climbers on their way to climb The Grand and Middle Teton, as well.   Below photo is the trail along the edge of the canyon.

Middle Teton at the head of Garnet Canyon.

Western Asters and Yampah flowers along the trail.

Moon over Teewinot Peak.

Mountain Ash turning orange for the Fall.

Yellow Monkeyflowers along a small creek.