The vegetation is finally greening up in the valleys so the moose have come down from the high country. On this morning, Andy and I saw two moose on the hill opposite Horseshoe Park (in RMNP) and two more at Sheep Lakes. They were all males (bulls) and were more interested in eating and drinking than in all the visitors with cameras. That is, until they spotted a coyote. One coyote isn't a big deal, and after assessing the situation, they went back to their business. After about 15 minutes, 2 more coyotes came racing out of the woods. They were having a heyday chasing each other and had a joyful reunion with the third. That is when the moose become concerned. Soon, the coyotes began harassing the moose and the moose began charging the coyotes. What a sight! It didn't last long (since the moose were clearly healthy) but it didn't stop the coyotes from yipping and singing with glee. Soon, the moose retreated to the cooler woods and the coyotes went their separate way. Amazing!
May 20th is a big day. 32 years ago Andy and I said our vows in front of our family and friends. Then, 4 years ago my father died on May 20th. It is hard not to feel both joy and sadness on this day. Of course, seeing something special seems fitting. So, when we heard a commotion of Steller's jays, Clark's nutcrackers and common ravens, we knew someone must be in the neighborhood. It didn't take long for us to find a great horned owl trying to get some peace! The raven was particularly adamant that the owl leave the area. We know there are fledgling Clarks nutcrackers and Steller's jays in the neighborhood and suspect there are some baby ravens, too. Here are a few pictures of the event.
After a long, cold winter it is so much fun to see the migratory birds return to the Estes Valley. Here are some of my favorites from the spring! Note that the Great blue heron and the American white pelican photos are from Boulder County but I did see both species in Estes Park, too. The bald eagle is a year-round resident as long as Lake Estes is unfrozen.
Spring has arrived late this year so we were wondering when the first bears would venture out in search of food. Thank heavens we have a trail camera and can spy on them! Now we know it is time to bring in the bird feeders and secure our trash. This boar (it is probably a male) looks like he made it through the winter just fine!
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